After disappearing in early July, the original AllOfMP3 site was replaced by MP3Sparks.com, which was a cosmetic makeover of the old site and allowed customers to use their same login credentials. The original AllOfMP3 site has now returned, but only provides blog entries. One of these, dated August 31, 2007, (AllofMP3 execs are communicating from the future, it seems) announces "
The service will be resumed in the foreseeable future. We are doing our best at the moment to ensure that all our users can use their accounts, top up balance and order music." An identical post was made back on July 24, but the main features of the site still remain inaccessible.
Another blog post again claims that the AllOfMP3 business model is legal. The company also continues to claim that it sets aside a portion of its revenues for artists. However, the artists don't actually receive any money since the IFPI and RIAA have consistently refused to accept the royalty payments, apparently on the belief that such a move would be endorsing AllOfMP3's business practices and the compulsory license under which it claims to offer its music. For AllOfMP3, the original site name remains a potent brand known by consumers around the world. MP3sparks, though operating in the same manner, is not well-known, and the new site may have seen a significant decrease in traffic (and revenues).
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