Like most jokes, the line "People still use MySpace?" is funny because it's true. With Facebook and Twitter out there, MySpace just is not the bastion for narcissists with digital cameras it once was. One thing it has maintained is its presence as a valuable tool for bands, regardless of their scope or popularity. So, naturally, it looks like bands will be the ones that will get the short end of the stick if this new report is true.
According to TechCrunch, the Rupert Murdoch-owned company will "almost certainly" be looking to move away from free streaming of their music and instead move to a paid model. The move seems to be in response to their dwindling visitor numbers and the cut in ad revenue that comes with.
What makes, or maybe the correct verbiage is made, MySpace Music an important stop for bands was the fact that anyone, from your neighbor in his basement to Lil Wayne, could stream tracks to fans for free, making it a wonderful tool for listening to new music. If this change takes place, it may very well be the nail in MySpace's coffin. [Hypebot]
"We've got a problem. Not enough people are coming to our site."
"What if we started charging them for it?"
"BRILLIANT! That will fix everything!"
November 14, 2009 at 3:47 a.m.
EZ
To clarify, this doesn't read like people won't be able to listen to band profiles without paying. This is strictly for Myspace Music - the playlist-type, imeem-ish service they, apparently, launched last year. The TechCrunch article mentions that MM can no longer afford the royalties they're paying to the big four, and Myspace doesn't pay royalties when bands put their own stuff on there. That's all free.
Rupert Murdoch is a freakin' idiot