Earlier today, I talked with a publisher who offers free audio and ebook downloads with purchases of hardcover copies of the book. This mirrors the music industry where vinyl collectors receive free downloads with purchase of the record. Interesting move on that publisher’s part.

Then this afternoon, I read about musicians partnering with corporations as venture capitalists to fund their recording projects, in order to build a bigger platform to attract big labels who can take them even higher (and help pay back that vc loan). With this backing, the artists make better videos, do longer tours, and make more stuff. Then they get signed and blow out even more material. It’s still a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll, though, as stated in the article, “Selling out is the new DIY.”

As all people with ideas, talent, and passion work hard to connect with an audience, it’s great that all that work is not done just to turn artists into rock stars and make publishers filthy rich. We, the content seekers, the readers, the music fans, the film buffs, we all get more stuff in the process. And that’s a great thing.

This has always been built into our business at 8cr, too. With this here blog, ChangeThis.com, Jack Covert Selects, inBubbleWrap, and 8crTV, we hope to give you lots of good stuff, too. Enjoy, and thanks for hanging out with us.