IODA PROMONET support for bloggers

Music bloggers have developed a code where they post a track from an album they review, usually without permission, but on the grounds that (a) the track is available for download for a limited period only, (b) links are provided to stores where you can buy the album, and (c) if rights owners object, the track will be removed. Distributor IODA is aiming to work with the grain of this bloggers' practice by making it easier to blog their labels' music with consent. I've registered as a blogger on IODA's PROMONET. I haven't found a lot of music I want to blog about, but first impressions are pretty good. Here's an example from a recent Tom Zé album. PROMONET gives me all the code for the column on the left, which I just had to cut and paste. As a registered member, it also enables me to listen to 30-second samples of all the tracks on the album. Of course it's not quite as liberal as Creative Commons licensing for these tracks, and IODA retains some control by virtue of the tracks being hosted on their server. But you can't really begrudge them that, since they are bearing the bandwidth costs and understandably would like to be able to monitor volumes of downloads and conversion to sales. And the downloads are unprotected MP3s.

Download "Cara-cuá - Revolta Nagô-Oió 1830" (mp3) from "Danç-Êh-Sá" by Tom Zé Tratore Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at eMusic Buy at Rhapsody Buy at Napster Stream from Rhapsody More On This Album

Comments

[Cubik]

Have just heard about your book and will be buying it (and recommending it to friends and colleagues in and out of the blogging world).
I've tried using IODA but like you have not found much to post on. That may have sinced since I was last there though.
While I post tracks for an unlimited time (unless the artist or label requests its removal)I am also trying to be more proactive in working with artists and labels when posting tunes.
In Feb. 07 I introduced a new policy where I email the artist and/or label at the time of posting advising that the tune is on the blog. This allows them to be aware of it at the time of posting rather than having to trawl through HypeMachine or Elbo.ws every day.
The reaction from artits and labels has been about 95% positive with some requesting a clip be posted, or a lower bitrate. In most cases though, as I generally post on smaller (nichey) labels and artists, I have support from them as they are aware that it can be to their benefit to have a blog with decent traffic to be writring about them.
I have also started to try and post links for purchase of US and UK downloads, CDs and vinyl. Yes, it can be time consuming but I reckon that this can only help my own (and other bloggers) standing in the music community.

Cheers,
C

[Cubik]

Here is the post announcing my policy change in Feb 07:
http://cubikmusik.typepad.com/cubikmusik/2007/02/some_changes.html