CD-Wow for instance was the third largest online CD retailer in Great Britain in 2005 after Amazon and Play. The companies that produce the media sure love globalisation when it means that they can produce their goods in a country like China for a fraction of the costs that it would cost them in a European country or in America.

The High-Court has now ordered Hong Kong-based CD-Wow to pay £37m plus interest to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).

As soon as the “consumer” wants his share of globalisation by also buying directly in a country where he can buy his media cheaper the companies and lobbyists begin to cry out loud and pressure politicians to save the domestic market.

Back to CD-Wow: “The High Court in London ruled in March that the site’s owners, Music Trading Online, were “in substantial breach” of a 2004 agreement to stop importing CDs. It is vital that all retailers compete on a level playing field. Illegal imports threaten that level playing field and threaten British jobs.â€?

Everton from Connected Internet puts it this way: “Basically, what they are saying that it is ok for companies to artificially keep music prices high, and that anyone who finds a way to offer a cheaper price to consumers will be put out of business.”

Does this only sound like a price-fixing agreement to me or do you feel the same ? It basically means that consumers have to pay higher prices for CDs and other media because we (the companies) agreed on it.