It was always a bad idea, but Microsoft’s action show how those foolish enough to buy DRM-protected products were doomed by the technology curve from the start:
“You will need to obtain a license key for each of your songs downloaded from MSN Music on any new computer, and you must do so before August 31, 2008. If you attempt to transfer your songs to additional computers after August 31, 2008, those songs will not successfully play.”
It’s bad enough to know that your technology will soon become outdated, although at least you can continue to use it. But DRM all but guarantees that eventually you’ll lose even your ability to use what you’ve bought.