Who inherits your iTunes library?

[mjzee]

Many of us will accumulate vast libraries of digital books and music over the course of our lifetimes. But when we die, our collections of words and music may expire with us.

Someone who owned 10,000 hardcover books and the same number of vinyl records could bequeath them to descendants, but legal experts say passing on iTunes and Kindle libraries would be much more complicated.

And one’s heirs stand to lose huge sums of money. “I find it hard to imagine a situation where a family would be OK with losing a collection of 10,000 books and songs,” says Evan Carroll, co-author of “Your Digital Afterlife.” “Legally dividing one account among several heirs would also be extremely difficult.”

Part of the problem is that with digital content, one doesn’t have the same rights as with print books and CDs. Customers own a license to use the digital files—but they don’t actually own them.

More here:

WSJ

[StarThrower]

Exactly! That's why I don't spend money on digital files. But it may be more of a blessing to those left behind not to have to deal with the hassle of inheriting several tons of books and recordings they know nothing about.

I'll probably leave my collection to the public library, as no one in my family has any interest in my jazz and classical recordings.

[A Lark Ascending]

Who inherits all the nice meals you've eaten in your life?

Think of your music, in whatever form you choose to consume it, as something to enjoy, not as property.

[AllenLowe]

but no one wants those meals in regurgitated form - well, maybe my dog would eat 'em.

but that's the problem, somewhat; and why I am glad I have a lot of real things with the music in them and on them. Though I intend to be buried with everything so no one else can have them.

[A Lark Ascending]

I doubt if anyone would want my collection. It always gets strange looks when people come round.

[JSngry]

I doubt if anyone would want my collection. It always gets strange looks when people come round.

The chop it up, saute it with some garlic and olive oil, and then bon apetit!

Good eats!

[A Lark Ascending]

I doubt if anyone would want my collection. It always gets strange looks when people come round.

The chop it up, saute it with some garlic and olive oil, and then bon apetit!

Good eats!

Well, when I'm gone, they are quite welcome to do that (though some of it is pretty undigestible).

But while I'm around, I'll listen to it.

[sidewinder]

Couldn't give a damn what happens to my I-Tune library. As for the LPs, it's good to know that they will live on and continue to spread the gospel. Apart from the Pathe Marconi and Applause pressings that is..

[Neal Pomea]

Reminds me to give my wife instructions for logging into the control panel of my website and account information for the server company. That website I certainly WOULD like someone to continue after me.

As for my lps and cds, I doubt anyone would want them.

[AllenLowe]

my wife has plans to stuff me and put me in the front yard with my arm in a waving position.

[medjuck]

I have a plug -in (probably not the technical term) hard disc that I transfer my iTunes library to every couple of months. My family would inherit it but I'm not sure any of them would care except as a momento of my playing music that sometimes drove them nuts.

[Neal Pomea]

my wife has plans to stuff me and put me in the front yard with my arm in a waving position.

[David Ayers]

Well I guess anyone I know who wants a copy of my mp3s had better take a copy now while I am still alive, before the vultures move in...

[John L]

I doubt if anyone would want my collection. It always gets strange looks when people come round.

Exactly. I only feel a bit badly that the collection that I put together will no longer be appreciated. My CDs and LPs will be sold in bulk at cut rate and most of the rest will probably be thrown away.

As for inheritance rights, I don't see any problem at all. The prevention of transfer cannot be enforced and, as opposed to CDs and LPs, there is no problem in determining WHO gets it. Exact copies can be made for everyone.

[BillF]

Do you own your digital content?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2012/sep/03/do-you-own-your-digital-content