Is using iTunes Genius safe and wise?

As far as I understand iTunes is sending the name of the tune - not the other info. Apple claims it is not 'harvesting' any sensitive information. I think there are many in your situation and I have not heard of any problems. I use Genius and the resulting PL's have saved me tons of time.

The first time you submit info it will take some time. It depends upon the size of your library. Be patient. Other updates will not take as long.

MJ

I think admitting that you've pirated music on an Apple forum would be far more likely to be dangerous than using iTunes Genius.

I don't think you need to worry about the RIAA or copyright holders because the information is anonymous according to the privacy agreement and I am not sure what information would be of use to a copyright holder except that x song is in a person's music library. FWIW the RIAA has dropped lawsuits as a means of enforcing copyright through fear and is utilizing other measures -- but that's neither here nor there.

As to functionality, Genius does what it says it does and with aberrations here and there does it remarkably well in terms of creating a playlist of songs that are similar. It seems to differentiate quite well between different "moods" even by the same artist -- e.g. if one uses a slower song by a rock group, there will be similarly slower songs by other rock groups versus starting with a harder driving song.

Of course that's also the limitation since I generally prefer to listen to my music in a more serendiptious manner as opposed to having all the same kinds of songs. I suppose if I were creating a playlist for a dinner party or a restaurant, it might be useful but I prefer the lists I create through my smart playlist because I enjoy a playlist that contains Lady Gaga, Bessie Smith, U2, Vernon Dahlbert etc. to a playlist of all similar stuff.

It was interesting as a novelty when I first downloaded it and I will occasionally use it when I need to get a quick playlist for my workout playlist since I like specific types of music in specific order.

The feature which suggests music one might like is odd since it generally suggests stuff that is already in my library.

Conclusion -- why not download it as it can be useful and fun and there is no downside. As the previous poster wrote, it can take a long time to upload and download the data the first time if you have a large library -- but that's not a problem -- just something to be aware of when you wonder whether it is actually working.

Call it a guilty conscience if you want, but I am one of the iTunes Genius uninitiated. Not all my music has been paid for so I've been a little suspicious of it.

Wow, you do have a guilty conscience. How would the Genius know where your music came from?

Matt