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The controversial Russian music download site AllofMP3.com has closed its doors. The music service, which sold songs for much less than other online services (thanks to a weird loophole in Russian law) has been the [target of U.S. ire][3] for some time.
AllofMP3 claimed it was the second largest online music retailer, trailing only Apple's iTunes service.
But before the RIAA execs start dancing in the streets and users shed tears in half consumed pints, consider the old adage: if it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck... it's probably AllofMP3 at the new domain [MP3Sparks.com][2].
If you're wondering why the site would just transfer its entire catalogue to a new domain consider that, as the [BBC reports][1], "during talks on Russian membership of the World Trade Organization in 2006, Susan Schwab, the US Trade Representative, said that the site must be closed before entry."
Russia wants to be part of the WTO, AllofMP3 is a stumbling block, hence get rid of AllofMP3 and the problem is solved. After all, that is what the U.S. asked for right?
That may or may not be the real reason for the move and somehow I think U.S. officials will probably be back with some more specific demands before Russia gets its WTO membership. But at least users of the site can rest assured that their favorite music service isn't gone yet.
[1]: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6264266.stm
[2]: http://mp3sparks.com/
[3]: http://blog.wired.com/monkeybites/2006/12/allofmp3com_fig.html "AllofMP3.com Fights Back"
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