Ultimate Chart (a/o May 20th):
Grooveshark first brushed it off as a simple 'error,' but this was no accident. In fact, Facebook has now confirmed to Digital Music News that the Grooveshark app has been deliberately banned based on infringement concerns. "We have removed the Grooveshark app due to a copyright infringement complaint we received," a Facebook spokesperson told us, on the record.
The source of that complaint was not disclosed, though the dots are pretty easy to connect on this one. And that could become a disastrous problem: early indicators show a significant drop in Grooveshark's traffic, not to mention confused users and a vanished app.
But this goes beyond an off'd app: Facebook has also taken the extreme step of completely disabling its login authorizations on the main Grooveshark site and web-based app. So here's what happens if you try to log into Grooveshark using your Facebook ID.
The combined effect is clearly damaging, and Grooveshark appears to be scrambling. Instead of Facebook authorizations, Grooveshark is now asking users to simply log in using email addresses. Which means an inconvenience at best, and a lost user at worst. And, significant lost ground to a Facebook-friendly competitor whose name starts with 'S...'
We attempted to contact Grooveshark executives this morning, but have yet to receive any response. However, a blog entry over the weekend sounds like the company was simply blindsided. "We believe they were disabled in error and we are in communication with Facebook to try to understand exactly what’s going on, so we hope to see a resolution to these problems soon," the befuddled post stated.
There has not been an update since. But, there has been an early drop in Grooveshark traffic. According to stats from Alexa, Grooveshark's rankings just hit their lowest levels in a year, though a 'plunge' would be hyperbole. And some of that drop could be attributable to normal, day-by-day fluctuations, though an educated guess is that this cut-off will be extremely detrimental.
The effect on the Facebook app, however, is nakedly obvious.
Michael A-Lyric Tuesday, May 08, 2012
I discovered 15-20 tracks I co-wrote on Grooveshark. Highly dodgy from a copyright point of view.
M
bweazel Friday, May 25, 2012
Then if you don't want people to be able to hear your art, be a sissy, e-mail Grooveshark, and tell them to remove your art from their webpage, I'm sure they'd be happy to comply. Stop calling them dodgy just because you're a lazy ass. You cry babies make my head hurt.
@teamquentin Tuesday, May 08, 2012
good on 'em
@MusicX Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Groovesharks continued quest for survival. When will they finally give in and pay...
Vail, CO Tuesday, May 08, 2012
This is a BIG disaster.
(1) losing the app just means you can't stream into Timeline, okay.
(2) losing Facebook auth? Cutting off a MAJOR percentage of users.
FarePlay Thursday, May 10, 2012
Keep us posted as to the "influence" that Spotify had on the removal of Groveshark.
The darkness that surrounds Spotify is palpable.
Will Buckley, founder, FarePlay
YeaRight Thursday, May 10, 2012
Don't you think it's a little more likely that Facebook just jumped at a chance to boot Grooveshark. FB has 100's of laywers and bankers pouring over their business right now. Seems likely that Grooveshark came up as an "easily mitigated risk."
Spotify doesn't give a damn about Grooveshark. Nor should they. Spotify is focused on being a better spotify. Just like Rdio is focused on being a better Rdio.
truth Tuesday, May 08, 2012
thieves.
Universal may not need to finish them off here you have Facebook doing the job.
lmnop Tuesday, May 08, 2012
I know, let's sue Digital Music News. Grooveshark please just get ONE adult in ONE chair.
@mpinc Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Serves you right, suckers
@steelhanf13 Wednesday, May 09, 2012
bye bye grooveshark
@fluxresearch Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Doh!
Joe D Wednesday, May 09, 2012
This was predictable.
Grooveshark is in self destruct mode under its current management.
I told you so.
@rokenbk97 Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Looks like the sharks are beginning to assemble.
@wampusmm Thursday, May 10, 2012
No, music isn't "like air." Sorry.
@digisingle Friday, May 11, 2012
Is this the end of Grooveshark?
@pimienta Friday, May 11, 2012
¿Por qué quieren matar las cosas bonitas del internet?
@InaDTweets Friday, May 11, 2012
It was about time.
nothanksfb Saturday, May 12, 2012
What does a login API have to do with copyright infringement? Is copyright infringement one of the terms they have in the API? Or can anyone just show them the money to shut down the login API for anyone else?
bweazel Friday, May 25, 2012
No, facebook is nothing more than a corporate pimp now. If they help the majors mess with Grooveshark, the majors would be less likely to mess with facebook. Simple trade off. A bunch of mobster thugs is what they are. I'm not too worried though, before long, artists won't even need a record lable anymore. Webpages like Grooveshark will take over that role before long.
Its back up Monday, May 14, 2012
Fron Grooveshark
SOmeguy Monday, May 14, 2012
Woaw. Well i see that the audience here is quite in favor of the majors. Well here i come because this page lacked something like this :
go suck balls guys, f*ck the majors and their outrageously discriminating, harsh ( for 99.95% of artists )& outdated economic system. As usual here, the wealthiest want to keep domination over something they don't have control on anymore.
And they won't.
Money to the artists. not to the pimps !
bweazel Friday, May 25, 2012
Hear, hear. You all want my money? Come do a live show! If I like you, I would definitely pay high dollar to come see that. And do you know where I would most likely hear from you? That's right, Grooveshark. *gasp*
When will you sissies stop thinking of bits that can be copied infinitely as your property? It's not, I am part of your supply chain now, I pay for the internet just like the next peson does, so my continued payments to that supply chain helps you get your music out in the modern world
You have no physical products anymore, yet you still expect everyone to pay the overhead costs like you still do have a physical product to sell. You should be praising technology, not following an obsolete business model off of a cliff. Oh well. If you're any good, you'll notice that those artists usually don't complain about piracy, they couldn't care less. Because they make their money by doing live shows. It's you no talent sissies, one hit wonders, and the record labels that are the only ones complaining.
In short, I've already given you money, so shut up. You don't deserve much more than you're getting with the type of music coming out today. The world will be the judge of how good you are. Stop fighting change, embrace it. It is perfectly legal to share content, especially if you're not trying to make a profit off of it.
bweazel Friday, May 25, 2012
LOL, you people crack me up. Grooveshark isn't going anywhere. Best damn music site on the internet. When will you copyright whores just give up and stop charging ridiculous prices for your content? You are a dying breed. Give it 5-10 more years, this will be an entirely different industry, and companies like Grooveshark are leading the way. I would rather give them money, than you all any day of the week
Carry on, Grooveshark. You're doing well ;)
surferbo612 Monday, July 09, 2012
So true I love using grooveshark way more than itunes or Youtube because I don't want to have a video running in the backround while I am doing my work and iTunes is blah. I also love how you can sign into grooveshark anywhere and all your songs are accessible. It's a very easy site to use I love how almost any song imaginable is availbe too I don't know why everyone is so butt hurt about them I think grooveshark is paving the way for the future. Besides it's not like its being used to download the music we are simply listening to it online. People reupload their music to youtube all the time shouldn't that also be considered copyright infringement?
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