On September 1st. Apple launched iTunes 10 and with it a social network for music, called Ping.

 I downloaded the new version of iTunes as soon as it was available and dutifully registered my account with Ping.

Less than a week later I am about to remove all of my data from Ping and stop using it.

The reason is simple. It's not a social network, it's purely and simply a device for Apple to sell more songs in iTunes. A device that uses Apple's customers as unpaid sales people, spamming their friends and contacts with "Buy now" links, every time they buy or like a song or album.

There is no direct communication between friends, there is no discussion.

I know that it is in it's early days and knowing Apple, it will develop and grow, but for the foreseeable future, my account will remain dormant and empty.

I must apologise to the few people I have linked with through Ping, though I suspect that most don't care and the rest feel the same way as I do.

Note: The image with this post is taken from the Apple website. If they want me to remove it, I'm sure they will let me know.