All is not lost, however. So long as you have in your possession recordable audio disc with which to “back up” your DRM-infused media, you can retain the freedom to do as you please with your files. Naturally, burning digital copies for safekeeping will degrade the audio quality of your songs somewhat, but that’s not much of an issue. You were likely satisfied enough to purchase subpar recordings from Wal-Mart’s online storefront to begin with, so what’s a little less bitrate for your buck anyway?
Boing Boing co-editor and staunch anti-DRM machine Cory Doctorow too exhibited no reservation in poking fun about the news as it broke late this week. He wrote, “Hey suckers! Did you buy DRM music from Wal-Mart instead of downloading MP3s for free from the P2P networks? Well, they're repaying your honesty by taking away your music. ... Boy, the entertainment industry sure makes a good case for ripping them off, huh? Buy your media and risk having it confiscated by a DRM-server shutdown. Take it for free and keep it forever.”