Freeconomy?

The progressive rock band Nine Inch Nails, decided to follow in RadioHead's footsteps in 2008. NIN released their album, The Slip, for free download on their website. Several months later, the band released a physical version of the album for a fee but the free download remained on their site. Lead singer Trent Reznor described the free album as "a thank you to our fans for your continued support." Reznor said, "This one's on me."

Nine Inch Nails did not suffer from the album giveaway. In fact, just the opposite happened. NIN fans were so grateful for the free album that they promoted the album and praised the band. This "free" download got NIN the exact results they wanted. It maintained and even improved their image.

So is The Slip album really free? Well maybe monetarily, but NIN still expected something from the free recipients. They expected their fans to gift them back socially.

Wired editor Chris Anderson explains the freeconomy:

Youtube users might upload content they've created at no cost, but Youtube anticpates viewers, comments, and social interaction around the content in return. Status, prestige or esteem now take the place of cash in Web 2.0. If the users don't live up to their end of the bargain, Youtube could lose their licensing and advertising relationships.

Anthropologist Mary Douglas states, "For all the ongoing commitment, a free gift gesture has created, it might as well have never happened."

*Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor (pictured in the middle of the first photo) was the co creator of The Social Network soundtrack!