Related link: http://news.com.com/2100-1027-5173115.html

c|net has run a headline story entitled “Apple falling short of iTunes goal”.
Its sub heading states “Apple Computer said Monday that it has sold 50 million songs through its iTunes Music Store–a substantial number but far below its goal of distributing 100 million songs by April”.
This statement as well as the article’s title conveniently ignore the fact that their a key difference between ’selling’ and ‘distributing’, and also that the Pepsi/Apple promotion is designed to distribute 100 million songs. Steve Jobs specifically pointed out that the Pepsi deal was part of reaching the 100 million goal when he announced both in October.
Though the article later clarifies “Apple said the 50 million figure excludes the undisclosed number songs downloaded through a Pepsi giveaway, which itself was designed to account for 100 million songs.” this statement hardly excuses the rest of the article or its title.
c|net also attempts to tarnish the promotion by saying that “It has been reported that the specially marked Pepsi bottles that contain iTunes codes have been slow to reach store shelves in some areas. Customers have also found a way to determine which bottles are winners, by tilting the bottles at a particular angle.”

Congratulations to Apple for the most (if not only) viable online music store, despite sales figures and goals.