New NIN Album, 100% free! Options

[lagos]

How cool is this?
Nin just released a new album, and can download the whole thing for free, legally through them!

http://dl.nin.com/theslip/signup

[lagos]

I doubt that, this world revolves around money. How is NIN making any money on this?

This is a stepping stone for a brand new music industry. Bands are starting to market directly to their fans and showing everyone that you no longer need to be ripped off (as an artist) by the record labels.

So how is nin making money off this? Well, when they put out the Ghosts instrumental album a few months ago, they had an option to buy a super delux autographed copies priced at 300bucks each (came with a huge book and was a really nice collectors item). They sold out in one day, and the band made about 750,000$ just off that (in one day). For this album they will also have a physical version you can buy, merchandise and a tour.... but besides that, I think they are officially saying "this ones on us".

As far as what RaidoHead did.... well it was a good idea, but POORLY implemented. They had a very confusing website setup, and if you wanted to pay them anything, you had to do it in pounds instead of dollars. This was a bit confusing for me and other people that did it.