Sony Raises Price of Whitney Houston's Music 30 Minutes After Death

[Sam I Am]

I've always preferred the Playstation to the other consoles...

I think I've officially bought my last Sony product...

===========================================

Whitney Houston, the celebrated pop music icon, died on Saturday at the age of 48. While many around the world mourned, Sony Music immediately raised the price of Houston's greatest hits album, "Ultimate Collection," on iTunes and Amazon.

Sony Music raised the price of Houston's songs just 30 minutes after her death, reports The Guardian. The retail price was raised from about $8 (£4.99) to about $13 (£7.99), which automatically raised the price of digital sales on platforms such as iTunes.

Apple and Sony originally declined to comment, but Sony later answered to the outcries from fans around the world including those in Australia and Great Britain.

"Whitney Houston product was mistakenly mispriced on the U.K. iTunes store on Sunday," Sony said in a statement according to the New York Times. "When discovered, the mistake was immediately corrected. We apologize for any offense caused."

Complete Story (http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/298680/20120214/whitney-houston-songs-sony-raises-price-30.htm)

[CowboyMcCoy]

If i want to hear Whitney Houston, I go to youtube.

[BrAinPaiNt]

If i want to hear Whitney Houston, I go to youtube.

Although she had a great voice. I did not care to hear it when she was on top of the charts and I don't care to hear it now just because she died.

[Sam I Am]

Although she had a great voice. I did not care to hear it when she was on top of the charts and I don't care to hear it now just because she died.

We generally have the same taste in music, but I must say. She has several songs that I really dig. Her voice was amazing. Very good stuff.

[Cajuncowboy]

Woo-Hoo! Go capitalism! :laugh2:



Eh, it's crappy but it's their property so...

[WoodysGirl]

I already had a couple of her CDs, including any Best of material they're trying to hawk now. No plans to purchase anymore.

[bbgun]

You'd expect that kind of ghoulish opportunism from eBay sellers, not a major record company.

[Sam I Am]

You'd expect that kind of ghoulish opportunism from eBay sellers, not a major record company.

Exactly. Companies that own this stuff risk reprisal. ...as Sony is about is about to get..

Sony, goodnite. Your party is over.

[Future]

I would have done the same thing...they saw how well Michael Jackson stuff sold after his death and want to capitalize. They're simply taking advantage of the fact that people who haven't even thought about her for probably 10 years will now buy a bunch of stuff because, now that she's dead, her merch. becomes a facet of pop culture. The people have every right to be taken advantage of in this case.

[Future]

just some food for thought...

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s147/mvalvan1/whiteny.jpg

[MC KAos]

just some food for thought...

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s147/mvalvan1/whiteny.jpg

i hate when people post these kinds of things. i think its an insult to assume that the seals or anyone in the military risks their lives to protect us for the sake of fame and attention.

[Future]

i hate when people post these kinds of things. i think its an insult to assume that the seals or anyone in the military risks their lives to protect us for the sake of fame and attention.
That's not even close to what that says imo...

[TheCount]

That's not even close to what that says imo...

It's not what it says but that doesn't make those things anymore ridiculous. There's one circling facebook that compares her death to wrong children in Africa. I'm sure plenty of people have "liked" it and then "liked" a funny cat video right after.

[rkell87]

gee I wonder why people ever started pirating music in the first place.....:rolleyes:

[MC KAos]

gee I wonder why people ever started pirating music in the first place.....:rolleyes:

what? does everyone not pay for music anymore?:D

[kmp77]

Music industry says......piracy bad!!
Music industry says......capitalizing on our artists death...GOOD!

[Hoofbite]

i hate when people post these kinds of things. i think its an insult to assume that the seals or anyone in the military risks their lives to protect us for the sake of fame and attention.

I hate when people post it period.

What do people expect, that we know the name of every last person who has died an honorable way?

Somewhere in the world right now theres a half-clothed child with a distended stomach starving and on the brink of death.

It's unfortunate but should we just refuse to morn those who we adore (right or wrong or for whatever reason) because there are greater travesties in the world at the present time?

I'm not even a big fan of Whitney's to be honest but I'm also not so self-righteous that I feel the need to tell someone else how to feel because they are UNAWARE of the passing of other people whom they had no attachment to.

I've seen other pictures with similar captions of starving children. It's sad to see but how about instead of cutting someone down in an attempt to gain some sort of attention we acknowledge the situation for what it is and if we feel so inclined, try to provide a little support.

Or, how about instead of trying to cut someone down to gain sympathy we honor the man for the service he provided and be thankful he was willing to provide it.

I'd be pretty insulted and embarrassed if I were a family member of that soldier and someone used my deceased loved one to "paint a picture of humanity".

I sure as hell hope that someone who cared for him didn't make that or post it.

[CliffnMesquite]

My sister was a big fan and has a ton ofher CD's. Remind me to mark them up for the next yard sale.:)

[ninja]

It is called supply and demand. Demand goes up, price goes up. What's the major malfunction with that?

I got no problem with what Sony did.

I do have disgust for all those people trying to feign concern over her Whitney's death. Most of those people pretending to care didn't give a rat's rear end about her while she was living and now, all of the sudden, care. Yeah, right.

Does her death make her music sacred in your opinion? Shall we enshrine it in the Smithsonian? Worship her music?:rolleyes:

She was a drunken, dope addict with minimal musical talent who was not a very good person based on what I've heard about her. Take away her looks (which time and drug use did) and you are left with very little.

Me and many others, will keep buying Sony products. You and your fellow boycotters, will surely tire of Whitney's music in short time.

[Sam I Am]

Music industry says......piracy bad!!
Music industry says......capitalizing on our artists death...GOOD!

:laugh2:

[Joe Rod]

Although she had a great voice. I did not care to hear it when she was on top of the charts and I don't care to hear it now just because she died.

This. I did not go on a Michael Jackson spree when he passed away either. I appreciate the people that have an emotional attachment to musicians and actors, but I have very seldom if ever been able to get on that boat.

Good Music = $ from my wallet and the end of the relationship from my perspective. No revisits for an untimely passing.

Sad that she died, but Joe no emo.

[Cajuncowboy]

Music industry says......piracy bad!!
Music industry says......capitalizing on our artists death...GOOD!

The difference here is ownership. Not that hard to figure out.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Ever heard of iTunes?

[pjtoadie]

I hate when people post it period.

What do people expect, that we know the name of every last person who has died an honorable way?

Somewhere in the world right now theres a half-clothed child with a distended stomach starving and on the brink of death.

It's unfortunate but should we just refuse to morn those who we adore (right or wrong or for whatever reason) because there are greater travesties in the world at the present time?

I'm not even a big fan of Whitney's to be honest but I'm also not so self-righteous that I feel the need to tell someone else how to feel because they are UNAWARE of the passing of other people whom they had no attachment to.

I've seen other pictures with similar captions of starving children. It's sad to see but how about instead of cutting someone down in an attempt to gain some sort of attention we acknowledge the situation for what it is and if we feel so inclined, try to provide a little support.

Or, how about instead of trying to cut someone down to gain sympathy we honor the man for the service he provided and be thankful he was willing to provide it.

I'd be pretty insulted and embarrassed if I were a family member of that soldier and someone used my deceased loved one to "paint a picture of humanity".

I sure as hell hope that someone who cared for him didn't make that or post it.




:bow:

[trickblue]

It is called supply and demand. Demand goes up, price goes up. What's the major malfunction with that?

I got no problem with what Sony did.

You hit the nail on the head... it may not be ethical, but it happens every day. Try getting a hotel room when people are fleeing natural disasters. The little town I used to live in went up from $59 to $159 during one hurricane... same with gas. About the only industry that can't do this is the utility industry.

btw... Houston's music is worth what people are willing to spend on it. Apparently it's worth about $13 to hundreds of thousands of fans...

[Faerluna]

I hate when people post it period.

What do people expect, that we know the name of every last person who has died an honorable way?

Somewhere in the world right now theres a half-clothed child with a distended stomach starving and on the brink of death.

It's unfortunate but should we just refuse to morn those who we adore (right or wrong or for whatever reason) because there are greater travesties in the world at the present time?

I'm not even a big fan of Whitney's to be honest but I'm also not so self-righteous that I feel the need to tell someone else how to feel because they are UNAWARE of the passing of other people whom they had no attachment to.

I've seen other pictures with similar captions of starving children. It's sad to see but how about instead of cutting someone down in an attempt to gain some sort of attention we acknowledge the situation for what it is and if we feel so inclined, try to provide a little support.

Or, how about instead of trying to cut someone down to gain sympathy we honor the man for the service he provided and be thankful he was willing to provide it.

I'd be pretty insulted and embarrassed if I were a family member of that soldier and someone used my deceased loved one to "paint a picture of humanity".

I sure as hell hope that someone who cared for him didn't make that or post it.

It's like you're in my head, thinking my thoughts!

[Sam I Am]

It is called supply and demand. Demand goes up, price goes up. What's the major malfunction with that?

I got no problem with what Sony did.


You hit the nail on the head... it may not be ethical, but it happens every day. Try getting a hotel room when people are fleeing natural disasters. The little town I used to live in went up from $59 to $159 during one hurricane... same with gas. About the only industry that can't do this is the utility industry.

btw... Houston's music is worth what people are willing to spend on it. Apparently it's worth about $13 to hundreds of thousands of fans...

Digital music has an unlimited supply as you both well know. Since both supply and demand are tied to each other in the "supply and demand" economic model. That model cannot be applied here.

It was straight up classless and of extremely low character. It's equivalent to price gouging which is illegal in this country.

[Faerluna]

Sony: Whoops! Our bad!

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4132604/Sony-sorry-for-Whitney-Houston-music-price-hike.html

[bbgun]

It is called supply and demand. Demand goes up, price goes up. What's the major malfunction with that?

I got no problem with what Sony did.

We're talking about digital files here. It's not like they're sitting in a finite number of vinyl records which will eventually run out. On the contrary, they can replicate the digital files 'til the end of time. Yes, demand is there, but the "supply" is endless.

[trickblue]

Digital music has an unlimited supply as you both well know. Since both supply and demand are tied to each other in the "supply and demand" economic model. That model cannot be applied here.

It was straight up classless and of extremely low character. It's equivalent to price gouging which is illegal in this country.

Sure it can... the reason being is that the death of Houston creates demand for her music, the exclusive (legal) supplier, Sony capitalized on that demand. Supply doesn't always present itself in physical numbers. Sometimes it's the "I'll sell it to you for the right price" type of supply. The difference here is that downloading her music was not a priority of survival but rather a luxury. As I said, anything is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Not saying it is morally right, but it happens...

Price gouging would normally be associated with natural disasters, and is. The ability to obtain goods, food, water, shelter, clothing, and medicine needed to survive in no way includes downloading Miss Houston's music.

[Cajuncowboy]

Sony: Whoops! Our bad!

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4132604/Sony-sorry-for-Whitney-Houston-music-price-hike.html

And so they caved.
Idiots.

[CowboyMcCoy]

i hate when people post these kinds of things. i think its an insult to assume that the seals or anyone in the military risks their lives to protect us for the sake of fame and attention.

Fame and attention is one thing; remembrance is another.

[CowboyMcCoy]

You hit the nail on the head... it may not be ethical, but it happens every day. Try getting a hotel room when people are fleeing natural disasters. The little town I used to live in went up from $59 to $159 during one hurricane... same with gas. About the only industry that can't do this is the utility industry.

btw... Houston's music is worth what people are willing to spend on it. Apparently it's worth about $13 to hundreds of thousands of fans...

Gas hikes went up to 3.50 and up when Katrina happened. The oil companies made so much, they never stopped charging us.

[vta]

Kind of like roses on Valentines Day.

[BraveHeartFan]

Stay classy Sony.

[CowboyMcCoy]

Stay classy Sony.

Haha, I miss seeing (well, at least your COF player) you on my xbox bro. Maybe I'll hook it up soon.

[Rynie]

Every Sony product I've ever owned in my life has quit working. I boycotted Sony a LONG time ago. That's just messed up.

[ninja]

Digital music has an unlimited supply as you both well know. Since both supply and demand are tied to each other in the "supply and demand" economic model. That model cannot be applied here.

It was straight up classless and of extremely low character. It's equivalent to price gouging which is illegal in this country.

The supply and demand model applies to everything! Nothing is exempt. The supply was the same before and after her death. Therefore supply was constant. Demand changed. Same supply + increased demand = higher price.

"...classless and of extremely low character" describes Whitney Houston to a T from what I've heard.

We're talking about digital files here. It's not like they're sitting in a finite number of vinyl records which will eventually run out. On the contrary, they can replicate the digital files 'til the end of time. Yes, demand is there, but the "supply" is endless.

Supply in this case is a digital file (a bunch of ones and zeros, but still an entity) stored somewhere and shipped somewhere. The shipping of the digital file is part of the supply process. And the supplier has the ability to "limit" supply if they so choose by limiting the downloads to a certain number of electronic sales. That they could do it is important. Not that they don't or would be stupid to limit it.

[theogt]

It's not what it says but that doesn't make those things anymore ridiculous. There's one circling facebook that compares her death to wrong children in Africa. I'm sure plenty of people have "liked" it and then "liked" a funny cat video right after.But the cat was sitting in a box!!!! A box!!!! So cute.

[bbgun]

Supply in this case is a digital file (a bunch of ones and zeros, but still an entity) stored somewhere and shipped somewhere. The shipping of the digital file is part of the supply process. And the supplier has the ability to "limit" supply if they so choose by limiting the downloads to a certain number of electronic sales. That they could do it is important. Not that they don't or would be stupid to limit it.

Supply was limitless, so there was no good reason to arbitrarily raise prices other than naked greed. Due to increased interest in her music following her death, Sony would have made a ****load of money even if they had kept prices the same, but like vultures, they exploited her fans for every last penny.

[vta]

But the cat was sitting in a box!!!! A box!!!! So cute.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/15731_1237501133599_1111366134_30771618_2660960_n. jpg

[Jammer]

Supply was limitless, so there was no good reason to arbitrarily raise prices other than naked greed. Due to increased interest in her music following her death, Sony would have made a ****load of money even if they had kept prices the same, but like vultures, they exploited her fans for every last penny.

If they were fans wouldn't they have already had her music? Why would they wait until she died? She did die young, but not unexpectedly given her lifestyle.

I never bought her music and I won't now. I applaud Sony. They're in it to make money. I don't even think what they did was unethical.

[BraveHeartFan]

Haha, I miss seeing (well, at least your COF player) you on my xbox bro. Maybe I'll hook it up soon.


Absolutely. Make sure to hit me up with a FR when you do. I think quite a bit of my friends list got purged a while back when I was deleting out folks who I hadn't played in forever with.

DBraveHeartFan

Just hit me up and we'll play some more games man. I'm on pretty much every night anyway. lol

[CowboyWay]

www.thepiratebay.com
Same low price as always.


I worked with a guy who's wife was a big wig at Marriot. As soon as Sept 11th happened, and many people were stranded because flights were cancelled, they raised their hotel rates 40% immedietely.

[Sam I Am]

The supply and demand model applies to everything! Nothing is exempt. The supply was the same before and after her death. Therefore supply was constant. Demand changed. Same supply + increased demand = higher price.

"...classless and of extremely low character" describes Whitney Houston to a T from what I've heard.



Supply in this case is a digital file (a bunch of ones and zeros, but still an entity) stored somewhere and shipped somewhere. The shipping of the digital file is part of the supply process. And the supplier has the ability to "limit" supply if they so choose by limiting the downloads to a certain number of electronic sales. That they could do it is important. Not that they don't or would be stupid to limit it.

I don't think you understand the supply and demand economic model. Demand effects supply, therefore prices rise because there is less supply for higher demand. When you have unlimited supply, demand can never affect supply therefore the supply and demand economic model does not apply.

The economic model here was price gouging. Sony knew album sales would skyrocket and they wanted to raise their margins to take full advantage of it. They are greedy ****s plan and simple.

[phillycard]

She was a drunken, dope addict with minimal musical talent who was not a very good person based on what I've heard about her. Take away her looks (which time and drug use did) and you are left with very little.

Me and many others, will keep buying Sony products. You and your fellow boycotters, will surely tire of Whitney's music in short time.

Mimimal musical talent....ooookay. You don't have to like her music or her, I'm not the biggest fan either, but to throw that description at her is just ridiculous.

[CowboyWay]

Mimimal musical talent....ooookay. You don't have to like her music or her, I'm not the biggest fan either, but to throw that description at her is just ridiculous.

Have to agree. I'm not much of a fan of hers, but to question her talent seems crazy. The woman had a mean set of pipes. No denying it.