WMA Format Audio with Digital Rights Management

Preview songs for free - buy the ones you like for 99¢

Since the debacle of Napster, many musicians have been in search of a better way. Something new called Weed, may be just what the doctor ordered.

This new system tries to be the best of all worlds. It encourages the sharing and exchaging of music files. And also seeks to fairly compensate both musicians and music distributors. Here's how it works.

Anyone can download and listen to specially encoded Microsoft WMA files. The files contain embedded digital rights management. The system allows a particular computer to play the file up to 3 times. If you like what you hear, you can purchase an unlimited activation. This is the part I like: the artist (me) sets the purchase price (I've settled on 99¢ for my songs). And I get half. The other half is split between the licensing company (15%) and purchasers who redistribute the files (35%).

To listen to a song, right-click on the title with your mouse, choose Save-Target-As.., and download it to your computer. Then play it with Microsoft Media Player v9. Or recent versions of Real Player or MusicMatch Jukebox. Or any other player that supports Windows Media files.

Should you decide you like the music enough to buy it, the player will walk you through the purchase process. After the nominal purchase, unlimited listening and transfer to portable devices will be possible. And you can even make money on redistribution. Do you operate an FTP or Gnutella site? <Hint>, <Hint>

I understand that Microsoft is about to release versions of its media player for Mac OS X. Activators from WeedShare shouldn't be far behind. I promise not to stop making and selling CDs before they're out. For the latest developments and more information on the Weed/WMA format, see: WeedShare FAQ.

Ragtime Press, et. al

For further information contact: ragtime@rtpress.com