Independent music producers wanted

Filed in archive bootstrap music on August 7, 2006

We're going to have another go at the idea of an independent digital music distribution network.

This idea was first rolled out a little while ago here on bootstrapme.com and on a parallel blog called IndieTune.

Though the name is likely to undergo a change soon, the idea is still very much alive and we've had some contacts, including a query from a music producer in Europe who is interested in participating in the concept.

Two areas of the idea that have evolved a bit in the past few weeks are the variety of formats we hope to incorporate into our network and the basic model we hope to follow in creating it.

First, we're hoping to be as liberal as we can on the issue of format, accepting anything from CD's to e-mailed digital files even files transferred through instant messenger.

You name it. If you've got an idea for transmitting music from producer to listener we'll try to find a way to work with you.

Second, in keeping with the goal of allowing virtually any format, we are going to be changing the basic business model of the company from a retail to a service operation.

The service model will also allow creators to keep more of the money earned by their creations. While a retail model would use a 200 % mark-up for music sold through the network, the service model will simply charge 24 % of the total cost of the music purchased.

The individual creator will be responsible for any necessary collection of sales tax, cost of shipping or transmitting the music ordered to the customer and any return or refund issues. There may be reason to believe that the digital age will push music from a more retail oriented to a more service oriented business in any case.

At first, progress on the network and our first music available will be announced here on bootstrapme.com since we're hoping the progress of this bootstrap venture will also prove informative to readers. If you've got a suggestion, please contact me.

Eventually we will transfer the service to a website of its own as revenue from the operation grows.

Also, if you have a new killer app that might work for our new site, which will involve at first payment through PayPal then later through credit card, and would like to discuss a collaboration perhaps on an income percentage basis or an exchange of services in which we would promote your app as our main operating tool, again please get in touch.