This was sent to me for my feedback. I thought I would simply post it and
let you guys kick it around. I really liked it. We have had chats with a
couple of the labels about this, but we still think that it is more likely
to come from an intermediary who licenses content from all the labels. The
thing I liked least was the inclusion of the server. I think that should be
part of a broader offering that includes the hoster in 3rd party revenue.
Anyway.......................
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Proposed service to ISPs, Web hosts, other MSPs:
End user gets access to music service purchased on a monthly or annual basis
with, or as a premium to, the existing fees paid to the host/access entity.
All proposed pricing includes 30 day free trial. Discount prices on bundled
packages. Discount sub-accounts for extra family members at same location.
The MSP pays $2,000 for a fully loaded music server (50GB linux box) with
all music content, database and software preloaded and configured. The MSP
gets a branded jukebox player, branded web site, weekly kiosk updates and
email newsletter. All software licensing, content aggregating, record label
contracts, data collecting and publishing royalty distribution is handled by
us. The MSP marks up the cost of the service (or perhaps provides it free
for some term as part of subscriber acquisition/retention campaign) and gets
10% on all merchandising (CDs, audio hardware/software, ticket sales
merchandised through the service). Web hosting companies can host the music
service for its business customers to provide their end users. All end users
remain proprietary to the MSP.
Following prices are for comment only, and are suggested end user pricing.
They don't reflect all costs and don't take into account consumer price
sensitivity, so they will most certainly be subject to a great deal of
change. Prices are quoted in US$ and in annualized terms, but could be
presented as
monthly fees as well. Music service consists of a graduated scale of items,
in a similar fashion to the content bundles provided by cable/wireless
television to its customers:
A. Basic programmed playlist streaming music service, $12/year
Includes MSP branded jukebox and web site for personalized radio
service. End user can choose music styles and rate music so system
anticipates user's music tastes to tailor playlist to the user's specific
listening habits. User can find out what is playing at any time and
optionally purchase the recording (CD). Service available for dial up or
broadband customers. Audio quality can vary depending on needs of MSP,
availability of broadband, etc.
B. Basic on-demand subscription streaming service, $60/year
Includes above service, plus on-demand access to big collection of
music. Collection includes individual tracks from major and minor record
labels, in a similar fashion to existing CD clubs (BMG, Columbia House,
etc). Mix of older catalog and current releases. User is limited to a
certain number of custom playlists during the month. Playlists are saved in
user preferences on personal jukebox and web site. Upgrades for more
playlists available for incremental additional fee.
C. Premium services
1. Hot hits on-demand and pre-release listening party. Bigger selection
of up to the minute releases. CDs and radio singles are available for
listening before radio or retail availability. Add $50/year
2. Advanced community-based functions (sharing playlists and other
interactive community-based music recommendation activities. Add $12/year
3. Superstar channels. Add $50/year for each
Includes access to new songs each month, radio show hosted by
band/artist, broader access to material from band/artist. Possible preferred
seating for concerts and exclusive parties/events. Features available will
vary substantially by artist.
Choose from (these artists are not providing this service, for
illustration purposes only):
a). David Bowie
b). Prince
d). U2
e). Tom Jones
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I love this conceptually. You guys?
Regards
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Elliot Noss mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
TUCOWS Inc. http://www.tucows.com
96 Mowat Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M6K 3M1
phone: (416) 538-5494
fax: (416) 531-5584
