noirExtreme

New content distribution business models emerge and these 2 look similar:

• Weedshare —The system rewards people who share DRM protected files (Weed Files). Files can be shared using any method such as download, peer-to-peer, CD/DVD or even email. Any file can be listened to 3 times for free then the user has to pay to continue playing it. Once purchased the use of the file is unlimited on up to three PCs. The most interesting part is this one: all users are encouraged to share files further and if someone purchases the file from them, they get 20% of the sales price.
• Bitmunk —Here the process is a little more complex. Files are not necessarily DRM protected but they are ditributed on the Bitmunk p2p network and are digitally watermarked to be able to trace back to the person who leaked the file should they appear on another network. A buyer selects a seller for a piece of content based on the price using Bitmunk's p2p software. The buyer can download the files but they will receive the digital key to unlock the content only once their payment has been received and verified by Bitmunk.

Both models are interesting because they reverse the current logic in the industry: "instead of punishing people for sharing illegally, reward them for sharing legally".

As this interesting debate between Bill Roselblatt of DRM Watch and the CEO/President of Digital Bazaar, Manu Sporny shows, these business models have a long way to go to prove that they really work.