I approve

[lostcarpark]

This isprobably old news, but I read Radioheead are releasing their new album as MP3 downloads and giving the fans the choice of whether they want to pay for it or not. Someone commented that "they are the first band to put their money where their mouth is". This is nonsense, of course, as lots of independant artists have been doing more or that for years, but it's good to see a big name follow suit.

In the SF world, Charlie Stross did something similar with Accelerando and it didn't do him any harm at all. He possibly should have figured out some sort of tracking system so he could see how many downloads converted into book sales, though.

Personally, this makes me much more likely to buy the album, though I probably won't go for the €58 deluxe edition.

Comments

[ang-grrr.livejournal.com]

On Radcliffe and Maconie (sans Radcliffe) last night it was suggested that this is the way forward. Download for the normal sales and then a special box set (which Radiohead are releasing at £40) for the die-hard fans and collectors.

[lostcarpark.livejournal.com]

Yes, but I suspect Radiohead are in the minority who see the light, with too many wanting DRM and tight control over downloads.