Remember a few months back, when I first showed up around here, and I posted a long rant about how iTunes should add a subscription service to its offerings?

At the time, I encountered a lot of resistance from people who felt it was imperative that they “own” their music and not run the risk of “losing it” if they can’t afford the monthly “rent.” All I ever advocated was that an “all your ears can eat” service be offered on iTunes in ADDITION to a “pay-per-download” model.

Now it seems that Mr. Jobs has finally heard my plea. There are all kinds of reports in the tech press today that negotiations are now afoot for just such an eventuality. Now, what I’m reading is that Apple wants to add some nominal fee — like $20 per — to the price of its iPods and iPhones; if that’s a one-time charge, it seems ludicrous to me — it should be that much per month, in perpetuity, for whoever wants to pay it. I for one would gladly shell out $20/month, if it means that for the cost of 2 CDs, I can listen to as many new releases as I want to. There are lots of things I’d like to hear, but not so much that I want to buy outright. This way, if I hear something and it knocks me out, I’ve always got the option of buying a copy for my own collection.

I sure hope the negotiations bear fruit. –PS