In a follow-up to my last post about how to handle digital music, today while troubleshooting why a download of an iTunes movie rental didn’t work I stumbled onto the iTunes terms and conditions.  I previously stated I thought you were entitled to 3 downloads of an item, which I had heard second hand.  Here’s the truth:

Products may only be downloaded once; after being downloaded, they cannot be replaced if lost for any reason. Once a Product is purchased or rented (as applicable) and you receive the Product, it is your responsibility not to lose, destroy, or damage the Product, and iTunes shall be without liability to you in the event of any loss, destruction, or damage to Products which is not due to the negligence of iTunes.

Given this I don’t think I’ll make any more music purchases from iTunes in the near future.  I just don’t think that’s reasonable.  Digital media is too easily lost and the only reason I can fathom for this restriction is to make extra money when people have to repurchase.