BBC Makes (small) Bold Step in P2P Open Distribution

The BBC is doing something pretty exciting, on a very small scale.

They have decided to release a new show called “R&D TV” wide across the internet AND they’re releasing it under a Creative Commons license!

As the accompanying Read Me file (complete with the old-school ASCII BBC logo) says, “you can watch, rip, redistribute and remix all the contents of this package.” As long as you don’t try making money from the videos, you’re set.

That would be exciting all on its own but BBC is taking things even futher:

To make it easier for people to play around with the contents, they’re also packaged in what’s termed an asset bundle, which includes separate files for each of the segments, as well as some metadata.

The idea is that providing more ways for people to view and interact with a show might actually be a way to create more fans.  Crazy, right?  Of course not.  In fact, it is the first completely legit attempt I have seen from a major broadcaster to fully leverage the power of P2P file-sharing and the remix culture of the modern age.

If the show turns out to be a success, look for more offerings from the Beeb under CC licenses and more fun for everyone out their in viewer-land.

LINK

Nine Inch Nails and “Fun” in the Same Post

Nine Inch Nails, and Trent Reznor in particular, has been a pretty outspoken advocate of ditching the “major labels” and embracing digital distribution and all of its opportunities and challenges.

TechDirt has a great update of the some the band’s schemes, including hiding tickets around LA and posting coordinates on their website.  Of this, TechDirt says:

“While it may be a little silly, it is yet another way for Reznor to build up a really loyal fanbase. He’s making being a fan fun.”

I think that’s a brilliant observation.  They’re making being a fan fun.  Think about that.  How often are things about being a fan not fun?  Standing in line in the rain is not fun.  Having to deal with TicketMaster is definitely NOT fun.  By making “fun” a key part of being a fan, Nine Inch Nails is showing just how they’ve remained relevant for so long in such a volatile market.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Burn: Nine Inch Nails Dumps Record Labels, Going Direct to Fans
• Nine Inch Nails Make $1.6 Million With Online Album Sales
• Nine Inch Nails For Free