MP3.COM’S PAYBACK TIME

The controversial and embattled Music Service Provider has announced that it will apportion $1 million in May and June for its "Payback for Playback" program, which rewards artists on the company's site based on the number of times users check their music out.

In addition, michael robertson',390,400);">michael robertson',390,400);">Michael Robertson's site will use a segment of that amount to pay artists whose work is streamed in MyMP3.com accounts. The database used to create these accounts (to which users can "beam" their CDs for streaming anywhere) is the subject of the RIAA's lawsuit against the trailblazing netco. No word yet on how payments in this case will compare to other royalty schemes, nor have any artists represented by the RIAA (or the organization itself) made any comment on the subject.

"Because it's based on the number of listens each song receives, we believe the 'Payback for Playback' model compensates artists in the most fair manner possible," Robertson declared. "Not only is the largest online pool of money paid out directly to artists, but it represents a system where artists can earn ongoing revenues from their music rather than a one-time CD purchase."

Replied the drummer from a grindcore band in Tulsa, "Eight bucks? ALL RIGHT! Beer money for the weekend..." Meanwhile, Robertson's net worth dipped down to $120,876,654.32.

MP3.com's stock (MPPP) was down .56 at presstime, at 10.56.