Interesting article relating to my Wii post.
My money still rides with the Wii, unless Microsoft finds some way to double their title base.

On another note, I tried to look up some Third Eye Blind tab to learn on my guitar.
Turns out the MPA has threatened to sue guitarzone concerning copy right infringement.
HAA! You have got to be kidding me. This is simply absurd.

Here's why (if it isn't already painfully obvious):

1. Tabs are created by people listening to songs and interpreting what they hear. This process is highly artistic and personal. For one, I don't think I've ever run across a 100% correct tab. In fact, most have several versions trying to improve on mistakes in others. The idea that these tabs are infringing on copy-right laws implies that something was copied, verbatim. Painters don't go pissing and moaning to when people inspired by the Mona Lisa try to imitate her "knowing" smile on canvas. Why should the music industry care what some 8th grader attempts to imitate on a guitar? What a bunch of control freaks!
   
   
2. Isn't imitation the highest form of flattery anyway? People don't play songs on the radio to claim as their own. Most are simply trying to honor their favorite artists by playing the songs they love, so that other people can enjoy the music for themselves. Most fail miserably on top of this! Even if they played with perfect pitch and rhythm, I wouldn't call this infringement. I'd call it advertisement. If anything, the MPA should be paying these people for the free publicity they provide!
   
   
3. REAL music experts will say that tempo and rhythm are just as important to a song as the melody and guitar structure. Has the MPA ever actually seen a tab? They are horrible at conveying rhythm or tempo! Most I've seen recommend to "listen to the song to get the strumming pattern." How can you sue somebody for copying something when more than half the original information is not even conveyed. And its not like tabs use the music without citing the original song. Think about it.... how else would you even search for one without the original artist and song name?
   
   
   The truth about the music industry is that they screwed up bad. They had the chance to embrace new internet based music technology, and they dropped the ball. Instead of trying to connect artists with their audiences-- which IS their job-- they spent all their time bitching and moaning about how unfair sharing music was. iTunes showed it was possible to turn a profit with .mp3 downloads; the rest of the music industry missed the boat. My advise to the music industry: quit trying to blame your customers for your stupidity. Embrace the current trends in the industry, or relegate yourself to the ranks of obsolete organizations.