Overdrive and MP3s: Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

Yoy and double yoy! My major Midwest library got the word today: iTunes and Overdrive just don't play nicely together. iTune's auto synch function must be disabled to successfully download MP3s onto an iPod.

Now I face a stark decision: do I manually synch my iPod from this day forward, or do I give up on my library's creamy MP3 goodness? It's the most important decision in my lifetime... with the possible exception of Obama v. McCain. OK, maybe not that important. But I gotta play around with it for a while so I can explain it clearly to customers.

Thing #22: MOLDI

So, is MOLDI the worst acronym in the history of the universe or what!? I cringe every time I say to a customer, "let's visit the MOLDI Web site..."

Whew! I feel so much better now.

There are some problems with MOLDI. It's not the content - we have lots of content, although many publishers have exclusive deals with competing services and we'll never see their material.

Mainly, the problem is that the site is sooo Windows - it takes 10 screens to get to the download now button. The help pages are even more difficult; don't believe me? I dare you to read the entire Help - Troubleshooting - Adobe PDF eBooks page without flinching.

What I believe our customers want is a Geico experience: so easy even a caveman can do it. I understand OverDrive is working to improve the user experience. Good for them!

Of course those MP3 audiobook files are coming soon and, coupled with the promised Media Console for the Mac, many more customers will have access to our eServices. If we communicate the news appropriately, our digital checkouts could rise pretty dramatically. It's all about having the right tools and the right technology!

I gaze skyward and yearn for that glorious day when all files are DRM-free and play on all devices. And yes, I am familiar with the phrase "when hell freezes over".