Home Last.fm Sale Fallout: User Response

Last.fm Sale Fallout: User Response

All too often when we report about a major acquisition or merger, there is a part of the story that is ignored: how the users respond to the news. Reactions usually run the gamut from expressions of congratulations, to expressions of fear, to expressions of rage. The case of Last.fm‘s purchase for $280 million by CBS is no exception.

Though the user reaction was mostly positive in this case, it was tempered with a wariness that the acquisition might lead to changes in the Last.fm service. From the Last.fm user forums, came this comment:

“Why do I have the feeling it’s downhill all the way from now on 🙁 Time to pull all my stats and find someone to write this kind of site again”

-mrhAWK

The complaints from those skeptical of the sale generally fell into two categories: those worried about privacy and those fearful that CBS would commercialize the site and stuff it full of DRM. On the privacy fears, Last.fm promised that their “approach to privacy won’t change” as a result of being sold to CBS.

A common theme among those expressing doubts or anger about the sale was that CBS would turn a lovely independent site into a 24 hour commercial for CBS properties. From the forum again:

“Please don’t let it happen. Please don’t start pushing the CBS brand or signed artists or anything else ‘corporate’. Please, just remain unbiased and agnostic.”

-g675

The fears are, perhaps, not unfounded. When CBS launched CBS Records last year, their only other foray into music except radio, they said they planned to push music from the label’s artists in CBS-produced television shows. And CBS CEO Les Moonves said Last.fm would be used to “to attract younger viewers and listeners across our businesses.”

For some users, that kind of language brings to mind images of ads for CBS TV shows plastered all over the site and preferential treatment given to CBS Records artists. Luckily for Last.fm users, CBS Records only has four artists.

Then there were the users who were upset, but misinformed. “You cannot argue [that] CBS/Viacom is a good company when it is evident they do not appreciate free media (constant suits against Google/YouTube),” said one. Actually, CBS and Viacom are separate companies (though the same parent controls majority stakes in each), and CBS has a content partnership with YouTube.

Conclusion

So what can we learn from this? I found it interesting that the comments were far more positive on Last.fm’s blog than on their forum. In the forum there was little presence from Last.fm staff (and even less from Last.fm’s founders), whereas on their blog the comments immediately followed a post (obviously) in which Last.fm founder Richard Jones assured people that things would stay the same. Takeaway? Users have vivid imaginations, so keep them in the loop.

I think it’s also important to respond to comments, both negative and positive, in a tactful and level headed manner. On the Last.fm blog, when one user expressed fears that CBS might push ads into the music streams on Last.fm’s Internet radio service in order to squeeze more money out of the site, Richard Jones responded quickly: “Regarding the ads in the stream – we have no plans to do this.” But on the forums, when a user predicted that Last.fm would turn into a marketing vehicle for CBS, a website employee responded sarcastically: “I’m glad you’re familiar with such intimate details of our business plan in order to make your decision…” That comment wasn’t well received by the poster of the original concern. Takeaway? Shouting matches with your users are never a good idea.

How do you think the sale of Last.fm to CBS will affect Last.fm’s users?

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech industry for major developments, new product launches, AI breakthroughs, video game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to staff writers or freelance contributors with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.