50 Free MP3's- What's the deal.

On the links section of my recently rebuilt website there are two links which I mention pay me when you sign up for them. One is for the web host that I use for my site (they have some pretty good FREE bannerless hosting options). The other is for an MP3 dealer that offers 50 FREE mp3's just for trying out their site.

Perhaps it's unwise of me to mention first that they are paying me, but I don't want anything about my endorsement to be masked or artificial. Thing is, it's a good deal for everybody. Although these are businesses, they are not uber corporations (yet) out to destroy the little guy. If you hear anything unsavory about these companies, I want to know. But for now they are offering me a chance to make some extra income without compromising my music. They are good offers for you and I hope I am avoiding being too opportunistic.

The 50 FREE MP3's- The trick here is that they will charge you if you don't cancel during your two week trial. Canceling, however, is simple. Just go to the "my account" section. You'll see an icon to click on to cancel. If you cancel, say your first day, you will still be allowed your 50 free downloads for the next two weeks. I would recommend this if you aren't really interested in their service (even if you don't download a thing, you'll be supporting me financially). If you forget to cancel, they'll charge like 15 bucks a month, which if you use their service is still a very good deal. I have tried their offer myself and can tell you that you shouldn't have problems with them not actually canceling your account or stealing your "identity". Emusic, more than the larger MP3 sites such as itunes and sony connect, is very keen on independent artist (my album is in the process of being put up there, it could take a couple months so please go ahead and get it from itunes!). They pay the appropriate fees to artist for everything you download, even the tracks you get for free. So unlike illegal downloads, you can rest assured that nobody is getting stiffed in your free trial.

Doteasy Webhosting: I started using this service because of the glowing recommendation I got from an old co-worker of mine who now runs posterstar.com . I feel I got a very good deal on my website and what's more is their excellent tech support. I don't know crap about computers so I'm frequently in live chat with their tech people. I never have to wait and they always help me solve my problems. I've tried hitting on them when I'm bored and procrastinating though, and they don't really catch on to my advances.


So that's it friends. Scott Alexander sells out! If you got a problem with it, don't just disown me, TELL ME!

Our Music- My New Column is Now Published

Please check out my new column at http://cdbabel.com/OurMusic.html.

I'm very excited to have an outlet in which to be more overt about my, shall we say, socio-musical agenda. It was very difficult to come up with a title, but I settled on Our Music because what I'm really trying to push is a sense of ownership in our culture. It's not only our responsibility to pass down tradition, but also to change them. Musicians and fans should be as active as possible in this process. Industry has done most of the work for too long.

I'm hoping to combine some scholarship in this venture without having to hide my own passion on the subject. I hope you enjoy it. It's the first writing I've done since college and the first time I've ever written in this style. Your feeback is more than welcome. You can leave it here or write to ourmusic@scottalexandermusic.com (I may even post your letter in a future column!