Apples, Oranges and Rainbows

Two contrasting stories from Radio Free Chicago: Despite the massive downloads, and the possibility of downloading for free, Radiohead's In Rainbows debuted at #1 in the U.K., which speaks volumes. U.S. charts should be available soon, if they aren't already.

Meanwhile, given the choice between $5 and free for a new artist, only 18% opted for the $5. Obviously, Radiohead being Radiohead is a factor, and the calculus is going to be entirely different for an emerging artist. What I'd like to see is for Saul Williams to set up an online tip jar for people who decide they like the album after the fact.

It all comes back to the value proposition. You have a pretty good idea of what a Radiohead album is worth to you, and much less of an idea with Saul Williams. So you're more inclined to download a lower-quality, free version, in order to minimize the risk of wasting that $5.