It’s interesting as you begin to have deeper discussions with those who understand copyright and open source distribution. At the tlt2006 conference conversations I had with Rick, Rob, Alec and even David Porter all speak to the concept of sharing ideas and products. While this is not a new discussion, it has spilled over into another aspect of my life.
My daughter is attending Humber College as a music student. She has been in the recording studio as well. She’s applying for a music grant with Factor. I’ll be helping her soon to set up a website to promote her music. A recent posting from the Freakanomics blog pointed out Jane Siberry’s distribution model. Bascially you determine how much you’re willing to pay. Here’s her statistics:
% Accepting gift from Jane: 17%
% Paid by determining price: 37%
% Paying Later:46%
Avg Price Per Track: $1.14
% Paid Below Suggested: 8%
% Paid At Suggested: 79%
% Paid Above Suggested: 14%
This type of free or user detemined payment model is certainly a new phenomenom that most of us have trouble completing understanding. It appears it may work. Basically if you have a product or other marketable skill, the long tail concept should work in your favour at some point.
I’d be interested in your thoughts on this one.
Here are Meredith’s songs in case you’re interested.
Great stuff Dean. Meredith is obviously incredibly talented. I am sure you are very proud. Thanks for sharing.
As for the new distribution model, I think it falls somewhere between the ideas of “gift economy” and “attention economy” (there’s stuff out there on both). Basically, in an economy of abundance (rather than the scarcity model of goods that we are used to ), people can gain attention and prestige through giving away their talents. In other words, in a world where there is so much free software, music, media, etc., the only way to gain attention in this all is to break from the usual “sell product for money” model, and gain recognition (initially) from giving things away. If things are of worth, and they hit the right places, there is the potential for viral distribution … and then, the potential profit.
You may want to check out Raymond’s Essay (http://www.firstmonday.org/issues/issue3_10/raymond/index.html) for some more on this.
Cheers.
I think the idea of the long tail is especially important for those with a product or service that is not going to be an important social phenomenon. A recording artist is a perfect example – most recording artists are not going to have Bryan Adams or Shania Twain levels of success (obviously I’m getting old enough that I don’t know any current popular examples). But I read an article once about Doug Bennett of Doug and the Slugs, the basic gist of which was that not everyone needs to be or can be a superstar, but there is a lot of comfort being one of the middle level performers who may not be world famous, but can make a decent living as a creative artist. The internet can provide a distribution medium that facilitates the mid-level performer connecting with a potential audience.
And Dean, for taking a thoughtful post about the long tail and open/more freely shared content, then turning into a brag about your daughter, you are now my hero! After hearing Meredith sing, I can hear why you are justifiably proud. I think Naomi will be auditioning for Canadian Idol in 2019 – any tips?