Difference between revisions of "Bandcamp"
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== Features == | == Features == | ||
| − | + | ===Multi-format Downloads=== | |
Bandcamp requires that the artist upload their music in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lossless_compression lossless formats]. This way they can provide the option of multiple [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lossy_data_compression lossy formats] (e.g. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MP3 MP3], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Audio_Coding AAC]) to the downloader. The effect of providing a myriad of formats for download is that people with varying preferences will have the opportunity to make a purchase. | Bandcamp requires that the artist upload their music in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lossless_compression lossless formats]. This way they can provide the option of multiple [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lossy_data_compression lossy formats] (e.g. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MP3 MP3], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Audio_Coding AAC]) to the downloader. The effect of providing a myriad of formats for download is that people with varying preferences will have the opportunity to make a purchase. | ||
| − | + | ===Flexible Pricing=== | |
One of the defining features of the Bandcamp service is the "Name-your-price" downloads, which allows the artist to give away music for free, set a fixed price or allow the buyer to choose their own price. | One of the defining features of the Bandcamp service is the "Name-your-price" downloads, which allows the artist to give away music for free, set a fixed price or allow the buyer to choose their own price. | ||
| − | + | ===Creative Commons=== | |
Bandcamp allows each artist to choose whichever licensing options suit their preferences best, and these include [[Creative Commons]] licenses. In 2009 they increased the number of [http://blog.bandcamp.com/2009/01/19/on-the-expansion-of-creativity-in-the-commons/ licensing options] to the amount available today. | Bandcamp allows each artist to choose whichever licensing options suit their preferences best, and these include [[Creative Commons]] licenses. In 2009 they increased the number of [http://blog.bandcamp.com/2009/01/19/on-the-expansion-of-creativity-in-the-commons/ licensing options] to the amount available today. | ||
== Ethical Aspects == | == Ethical Aspects == | ||
| + | [[File:Bclicenses.jpeg|thumb|alt="Available Bandcamp licenses"|Available licensing options presented by Bandcamp when uploading music]] | ||
| + | Bandcamp assists artists in getting exposure that they would've otherwise had to obtain by creating their own pages or hosting somewhere else. Creating a streamlined service by which someone can buy and sell media, as well as listen to it, assists in making those things more accessible. While Bandcamp is not the only company that offers these types of services, Bandcamp and its peers are contributing to a music consumption culture free of filtering. | ||
| + | |||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[8tracks]] | * [[8tracks]] | ||
Revision as of 20:53, 12 October 2012
Bandcamp is an online music store that allows independent artists to sell, or freely distribute, their work directly to their fans. The basic service of Bandcamp is free, and the site takes a revenue share from artist sales. The site offers a convenient means for artists to sell their music quickly and free of record label intervention. When an artist creates an account they receive a micro-site on a subdomain of bandcamp.com where they can upload their music and personalize their page. As of 2012 there are 646,978 albums uploaded to the site.[1]
Contents
Features
Multi-format Downloads
Bandcamp requires that the artist upload their music in lossless formats. This way they can provide the option of multiple lossy formats (e.g. MP3, AAC) to the downloader. The effect of providing a myriad of formats for download is that people with varying preferences will have the opportunity to make a purchase.
Flexible Pricing
One of the defining features of the Bandcamp service is the "Name-your-price" downloads, which allows the artist to give away music for free, set a fixed price or allow the buyer to choose their own price.
Creative Commons
Bandcamp allows each artist to choose whichever licensing options suit their preferences best, and these include Creative Commons licenses. In 2009 they increased the number of licensing options to the amount available today.
Ethical Aspects
Bandcamp assists artists in getting exposure that they would've otherwise had to obtain by creating their own pages or hosting somewhere else. Creating a streamlined service by which someone can buy and sell media, as well as listen to it, assists in making those things more accessible. While Bandcamp is not the only company that offers these types of services, Bandcamp and its peers are contributing to a music consumption culture free of filtering.
