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Popcuts (YC S08): Buying Music Has Never Been So Profitable

20 points by drm237 18y ago

patio11 18y ago
I get worried when I see this described as "profitable". There is no way that you can describe "I spent $20 and made $6" as profitable in an honest fashion. Trying to do so just makes it sound less like "innovative method at getting new artists some exposure" and more like "pyramid scheme".
- mk 18y ago
  I think this is an acceptable use of the word. This particular account may not have turned a profit, but it might over time. And even if it doesn't this is certainly more revenue than you would receive with iTunes.
  - patio11 18y ago
    This particular account may not have turned a profit, but it might over time. Setting aside the top earner on the service (because they're a record label), the second highest earner has earned $29 by buying $70 worth of songs. Third highest: $28 for $64. 4th highest: $24 for $66. I have absolutely no doubt that with access to their database and a quick query you'd find out exactly what you find out in any MLM: the overwhelming majority of the people lose money. And I have a profound, abiding disrespect for something which is a business model when it is profitable and a consumption expense when it is not -- its not like Mary Kay recruits people with promises of access to wonderful new cosmetics.
    - jibiki 18y ago
      Yeah. I think maybe it might seem less seedy if you earned karma instead of cash.
    - exaakax 18y ago
      somehow, you make money out of spending money. Of course the revenue is smaller than the expense, otherwise it wouldn't make sense.
    - seekely 18y ago
      Reading over Popcuts' site, they don't proclaim anything about your ability to make a profit or start a new living by buying music off their site. In their about section, they specifically angle it as getting something back for having 'good' taste in music. And they seem to be delivering on their pitch, as the top earner you cited is getting a 41% discount on the music they purchased. Their music prices are also aligned with both iTunes and Amazon, so I would hope nobody feels ripped off or deceived for purchasing market rate music with the chance of getting something in return.
exaakax 18y ago
it's profitable in the sense that buying music enables you to get more music...
hendler 18y ago
I saw these guys present to the MIT e-club. Choice of the word profitable: it's profit sharing (for some percentage). There is a definite incentivization. When one uses a credit card with "cash back" or to get airline miles there's not a huge difference. A novel idea - think it just needs some simplification. Maybe it'd also be good to focus on a niche, or user generated content.
thristian 18y ago
This site sounds pretty interesting, but every other "buy DRM-free music" site I've seen has crippling geographic restrictions (crippling to me at least, I'm in Australia). I can't find statements one way or the other on the site - does anybody know what the deal is?

20 points by drm237 18y ago

I get worried when I see this described as "profitable". There is no way that you can describe "I spent $20 and made $6" as profitable in an honest fashion. Trying to do so just makes it sound less like "innovative method at getting new artists some exposure" and more like "pyramid scheme".

mk 18y ago
I think this is an acceptable use of the word. This particular account may not have turned a profit, but it might over time. And even if it doesn't this is certainly more revenue than you would receive with iTunes.
- patio11 18y ago
  This particular account may not have turned a profit, but it might over time. Setting aside the top earner on the service (because they're a record label), the second highest earner has earned $29 by buying $70 worth of songs. Third highest: $28 for $64. 4th highest: $24 for $66. I have absolutely no doubt that with access to their database and a quick query you'd find out exactly what you find out in any MLM: the overwhelming majority of the people lose money. And I have a profound, abiding disrespect for something which is a business model when it is profitable and a consumption expense when it is not -- its not like Mary Kay recruits people with promises of access to wonderful new cosmetics.
  - jibiki 18y ago
    Yeah. I think maybe it might seem less seedy if you earned karma instead of cash.
  - exaakax 18y ago
    somehow, you make money out of spending money. Of course the revenue is smaller than the expense, otherwise it wouldn't make sense.
  - seekely 18y ago
    Reading over Popcuts' site, they don't proclaim anything about your ability to make a profit or start a new living by buying music off their site. In their about section, they specifically angle it as getting something back for having 'good' taste in music. And they seem to be delivering on their pitch, as the top earner you cited is getting a 41% discount on the music they purchased. Their music prices are also aligned with both iTunes and Amazon, so I would hope nobody feels ripped off or deceived for purchasing market rate music with the chance of getting something in return.

exaakax 18y ago

it's profitable in the sense that buying music enables you to get more music...

hendler 18y ago

I saw these guys present to the MIT e-club. Choice of the word profitable: it's profit sharing (for some percentage). There is a definite incentivization. When one uses a credit card with "cash back" or to get airline miles there's not a huge difference. A novel idea - think it just needs some simplification. Maybe it'd also be good to focus on a niche, or user generated content.

thristian 18y ago

This site sounds pretty interesting, but every other "buy DRM-free music" site I've seen has crippling geographic restrictions (crippling to me at least, I'm in Australia). I can't find statements one way or the other on the site - does anybody know what the deal is?