Ads on the Zune? Yes, please. [Opinion] +
There’s been quite an uproar at the mere mention of Microsoft testing ads on the Zune Social. I don’t think the uproar is caused by this test, though. It’s at the thought that, if ads are going on the Social now, then what’s next? My Zune?
While I don’t see Microsoft ever forcing ads on your Zune, what if they gave you content in exchange for you watching ads on your Zune?
Example: you can go the the Zune Marketplace right now and buy an episode of The Office. Or, you can go to Hulu right now and watch an episode of The Office with some commercials.
Now, what if you could put that episode of The Office, the way it looked on Hulu with small commercial breaks, on your Zune for free? As in, you didn’t have to buy the episode with Microsoft Points. Instead, you “pay for” the episode by watching commercials interspersed throughout the show on your Zune, just like you do on TV.
Don’t get me wrong. I love my DVR just as much as the next guy. But I also know I like The Office. A lot. And I like the prospect of having The Office on my Zune for free even more.
If I could download episodes of The Office (or any other TV show, for that matter) from the Marketplace for zero Microsoft Points, and in return I had to watch commercials during the shows on my Zune, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Right now. Sign me up.
Let’s keep thinking here. What about the Zune Pass? What if you could get a free Zune Pass, and in return, every 10 songs, or 20 songs, or whatever, you listened to a 30 second audio ad.
I realize this could cause some problems. You should only have to listen to ads if you’re listening to tracks obtained via the Zune Pass (because you don’t really own those tracks; it’s more like you’re just renting them) but I’m sure it could be done. A 30 second ad plays after so many Zune Pass tracks have played.
If I could get a free Zune Pass and download as much music as I wanted, and in return I had to listen to a 30 second audio ad after every 10 songs, I’d do it. No questions asked.
Now, it’s your turn. I want to know what you think. Click here to leave a comment.
