In an effort to convince the iPod to open its doors to other content providers apart from the online music store, RealNetwork had made an online petition to convince Apple to allow a “more-than-one- source” supplier of music apart from the iTunes Music Store.

Dear Apple, Your company has long stood for innovation and open competition. Wasn’t it Apple that ran the famous Super Bowl ad encouraging consumers like us to stand up for our right to make our own choices? We’re asking that you do the same now and support the right of your own customers to make their own choices about where they buy music for the iPod. We want Freedom of Music Choice! Don’t lock us in to purchasing digital music from one source. That’s bad for competition. It will stifle innovation. And it will slow the adoption of digital music devices like the iPod. Do the right thing. Stand with us for Freedom of Music Choice! Sincerely, The Undersigned

Of course, the campaign backfired into this.

Personally, I think the reason why the iPod works is because of the seamless integration you get with the iPod + iTunes + iTunes online store. It makes you feel … exclusive.