File sharing key to bootstrapping distribution

Filed in archive Bootstrapper Resources on October 4, 2007

For bootstrap entrepreneurs, the same file sharing that has created controversy for large media corporations may aid in distribution of intellectual property which otherwise might be cost prohibitive for your startup.

Here are some examples:

• E-books-Even authors like Seth Godin with access to mainstream publishers have discovered the promotional benefit of free releases in this format. He claims free downloads dramatically aided distribution of his book The Bootstrapper's Bible and believes you can profit in other ways by giving away a book.
• Photo Sharing-While some sites like Photos.com charge subscriptions for their wares others like MorgueFile, operated by brothers Kevin and Michael Connors have built a massive inventory of free downloadable photos monetized with ads and allowing photographers around the world top create their own sites and work.
• Video Sharing-A host of sites offer easy distribution of videos via embedding of a simple to copy code allowing post on hundreds or thousands of sites either for messages promoting a business or to spread original video content. (This post gives a list of such sites at the bottom.)
• Music Files- Ottawa singer/songwriter Brad Turcotte is the only member of the one man band Brad Sucks claims offering free downloads of his music has not discouraged licensing deals for his songs or sales of CD's to fans.
• A model for the new distribution-Not long ago I wrote a post for my n10ah independent music website outlining a possible business model that would allow file sharers to be part of a new more equitable distribution system for both music and other digital content in the near future.