Is Apple's Ping Network Shutting Out Indie Bands?

I have yet to download the latest version of iTunes, but that hasn't kept me from hearing the buzz (and controversy) surrounding Apple's new Ping.

It's described as a "Social Network for Music" that is built into iTunes. Apple is hyping it this way:

"True fans know it all: What their favorite artists are playing - and when and where they're playing it. Set your inner groupie free by following your favorite artists on Ping."

That's why a lot of independent musicians were excited by the prospect of creating their own profile on Ping and using it as a way to engage with more fans on the hugely popular iTunes platform.

But excitement quickly turned to frustration as indie artists could find no way to create a profile (as they can a band page on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc).

So, is Apple slamming the door on indie artists and bands?

Hopefully not. Apple is reportedly working with CD Baby, Tunecore, and other indie music aggregators to allow artists of all kinds to create profiles on the site.

The prevailing logic behind it is to make sure that the artist or band itself is creating the profile -- instead of a fan or imposter claiming to be the band.

Makes sense -- but it was short-sighted on Apple's part to overlook this aspect before launching Ping with so much hype.

It also demonstrates the company's overbearing need for control -- and raises a lot of questions about their being in bed with major labels instead of championing the indie underdog (which was a big part of their brand identity as the "cool company" going up against Microsoft).

I hope Apple wakes up and finds a quick way to make Ping artist profiles available to independent musicians. I'm a big Apple fan, and I hope they continue to give me good reasons to stay one!

What do YOU think about Ping? Please leave a comment below.

-Bob

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Here are some related Ping links across the web:

Apple's official Ping page

Apple's Ping has major label bias

TuneCore: Apple Does Not Hate Indie Bands

Hey, iTunes Ping: What About the Bands?

Why Apple's Ping Stumble May Help Google Music

Ping: Apple should leave social to Facebook, Twitter