eMusic subscription changes = price rise

I've been a big fan of eMusic since I joined the service. It has a lot going for it - 25 free mp3s for trialling the service, and then a range of subscription plans that keep the cost of music low as you buy high quality DRM free digital files. The main criticism levelled against the service is that the catalogue doesn't include tracks from the biggest labels, but since I'm an 80s indie fan at heart, picking up DRM-free tracks from labels like 4AD and Beggars Banquet to replace my old vinyl copies is good business as far as I'm concerned.

One problem though, with a subscription model, is how to put the prices up. eMusic have opted to do it by squeezing the download limits rather than raising the subscription price.

Existing subscribers were warned up front, and offered the chance to upgrade their accounts to get the old download limits for the old price before the changes came into effect. And if you are wanting to sign up as a new member, you'd better get in there today or tomorrow, before the download squeeze comes and acts as an effective raise of the price per track.