Another Model for Online Tunes

RateOurBand.com is the brainchild of John-Scott Dixon, one of the most effective and forward-thinking Web marketers I know. That's not the only reason this site is worth a look, though.

In crafting their business model, Dixon and his team have actually considered Web customer behavior and the empirically-proven effect on music sales of evangelism born of online file sharing. Unlike most traditional players in the downloadable music arena, RateOurBand.com has found a way to provide up and coming musicians (or wannabees) with exposure to the Web's community of music fans and to provide the Web advertisers that want to reach them with a way to keep potential customers coming back to their sites without taking away the ability for users to get free music online.

Sure, some of the bands aren't ready for prime time, but you will some undiscovered gems, and you're sure to find some tracks worth a listen to to add to your iPod. Find them on or on your favorite shopping sites like TommyHilfiger.com. (Look for the New Music area on the home page.)

Got a band? You can start getting exposure for your music by visiting www.rateourband.com.

This is an excellent example of using observations about how customers really behave to drive a business model. By the way, the tunes are free, and you don't have to worry about the FBI knocking at your door if you download them.