Band Tries USB Gimmick, Misses Really Exciting Part Of Its Own Offer
from the the-media-doesn't-matter dept
The BBC is covering the news that Keane will be releasing its latest single on a 512 MB USB key. The device will include an MP3 version of the song and a video for the song. The article points to a few other bands that have distributed music on USB devices, noting that none have been that successful. That's not too surprising, as there's little advantage to selling music this way. It's nice and gimmicky, but it's expensive for the seller, since the USB devices aren't nearly as cheap on their own as a CD. That means they often have to charge more for it. At the same time, consumers don't get that much additional benefit. Most of the people who would find this interesting probably already have a USB key and get little benefit out of another one. What may be a lot more interesting and is brushed over in the article is the fact that the record label is also trying to get feedback from those who buy the USB device by opening up a content only to those who buy it. I've never understood why bands and record labels haven't done this more often: why not set up a club or a contest or the ability to buy tickets to a private concert or any other kind of special treatment to anyone who actually buys the music, whether on CD or USB key. So, while this is an interesting experiment, the focus may be on the wrong part (the different media) rather than the more exciting part (a specific benefit to buying it this way in the form of a contest).Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
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2/10 for planning and though
zero sum for custumers
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Better Idea:
You get to go to the concert, listen to the music, and then take it home with you for a modest fee. (And many individuals with a USB key would be willing to pay a few bucks to get audio and/or video recordings of a concert they went to.)
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Re: Better Idea:
i guess as long as you dont mind the flash drive being formatted when you insert it, then it could work
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As for the USB format release, I think you're right. It's only advantage is that its gimmicky.
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This has been done
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Re: This has been done
You should spend less time commenting and more time reading and comprehending what is written:
"I've never understood why bands and record labels haven't done this more often: You quoted it "haven't done this more often" The article says it has been done, just not often. Sorry but your stupid, it's been done, I know more than you, bull, really bothers me. Please try to understand what you read, or actually read what you comment on.
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i need a USB key
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For band: I agree that bands could do a much better job at self-promotion. The days of record labels actually offering any kind of real benefit are over. I'd say they will all be out of business in another 4-6 years, unless they come up with a new and radcially different way of doing business and offering more benefit to their musicians as well as the customer.
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Rip-off
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I don't even like Keane, but this is a really awesome thing to do.
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No Purchase Necessary to Enter
is the law.
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Re:
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Youre right. However, they could go the route of exclusive "membership" deals to tickets, videos, etc and avoid the "contest" end of it. Although... a contest is still a good idea but it would just have to be for everyone though...
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Re:
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Contest
Anyways. My 2 cents.
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