The meat and potatoes of this article: "Muxtape is relaunching as a service exclusively for bands, offering an extremely powerful platform with unheard-of simplicity for artists to thrive on the internet."
So, in essence, it is no longer really Muxtape, but an entirely different idea that is just a nod towards what it started out as. This may not be all bad for Muxtape, but it definitely goes to show two things:
1. The major labels/RIAA are far too stiff and don't seem to understand how to work with websites for their own profit. If they had worked out a fair deal, this could have undoubtedly be incredibly profitable for both Muxtape and the labels.
2. Attempting to do something like this will take either a bigger backer (more money), or for the RIAA to suddenly gain an understanding of the internet's true potential.
Regardless, it is a bit disappointing that Muxtape is no longer Muxtape -- however, there are imitators out there working to provide a similar concept, and one of those might just succeed. This has just been a jumping-off point for a lot of people...even if this one doesn't succeed, it's made its mark.
The odds of Muxtape being profitable is pretty darn slim. Subscription or advertising fees would not recoup the costs, licensing, and development of the site.
The RIAA acted in its best interest when presented with a chance for new opportunities; it would rather ensure its existing sales channels is well protected instead of risking on unknowns.
I agree. The RIAA's interest is to keep the old business model alive. Their experience is that if their copyright cannot be contained within a physical object, the lose control of it.
So, in essence, it is no longer really Muxtape, but an entirely different idea that is just a nod towards what it started out as. This may not be all bad for Muxtape, but it definitely goes to show two things:
1. The major labels/RIAA are far too stiff and don't seem to understand how to work with websites for their own profit. If they had worked out a fair deal, this could have undoubtedly be incredibly profitable for both Muxtape and the labels.
2. Attempting to do something like this will take either a bigger backer (more money), or for the RIAA to suddenly gain an understanding of the internet's true potential.
Regardless, it is a bit disappointing that Muxtape is no longer Muxtape -- however, there are imitators out there working to provide a similar concept, and one of those might just succeed. This has just been a jumping-off point for a lot of people...even if this one doesn't succeed, it's made its mark.