November 14, 2003
And Money Wins Again
Posted by nerdling | November 14, 2003 05:36 PM
From punknews.org:
Yesterday, MP3.com announced that it has been (partially) acquired by CNET Networks Inc. According to the release: "all content will be deleted from our servers and all previously submitted tapes, CD-ROMs and other media in our possession will be destroyed. We recommend that you make alternative content hosting arrangements as soon as practicable."
This may prove to be bad news for the many, many independent and unsigned bands out there who counted on MP3.com to get their music heard. It's not clear what the new services to be provided will be, and whether they will be pay-only or not.
Not to get on my high horse or anything, but why is it that these companies think that shafting small-time artists is a really great way to make money? The rumor is that MP3.com will become a "membership" service, meaning that bands will have to pay for the ability to offer songs through the database. May the venture flop and cause the people at CNET to fall on their collective fat, white, managerial asses!
