A Way To Make Metallica
Some More Money
Paylars.com is a new site that lets Metallica's fans make a donation to cover all of the money that the band is losing to illegal MP3 trades.
The tongue-in-cheek site has a lengthy disclaimer, but offers to send any and all money, minus costs, to "Metallica or their designated agent(s)." The company behind Paylars.com is August Nelson, who also runs OrangeAlley.com an MP3 site for unsigned bands.
According to August Nelson President Mark Erickson: "The site is both an honest recognition that artists need to be paid for their work and the absurdity of a band suing their biggest fans. We thought it was completely ridiculous that a band whose members are worth millions of dollars chose to sue all of these places. They've got John and Jane Does named in the lawsuit-- which means that they can sue individuals, if they can identify them, who have traded Metallica MP3s."
Early reaction is, predictably, mixed. "People that get it aren't going to give Metallica any money," says Erickson. "Those that don't get it are like, ‘Why would I want to give Metallica any more money?'"
Sample responses include: "What a stupid idea and an even more stupid Web site. Shame on you for supporting Lars' already dumb idea." And, "Hey, is this a 2-way street?I mean, canI get my money back for the Black album? because they really went downhill and corporate there and haven't looked back. cheers!"
At press time, the company had raised $2.75. Can't wait for the IPO.
