digital business

• British retailer HMV reported improved revenues in its most recent quarter. Music sales were down 7% as the company increased its emphasis on video games. (Bloomberg)

Social networking Web sites, devoted to hosting interactions among members, were once like metaphorical lakes, each stocked with similar fish. Today, these sites have become virtual oceans, filled with millions of species, small recreational boats and massive supertankers.

Social networking Web sites, devoted to hosting interactions among members, were once like metaphorical lakes, each stocked with similar fish. Today, these sites have become virtual oceans, filled with millions of species, small recreational boats and massive supertankers.

Chris Anderson, editor of Wired and author of "The Long Tail," has a new article in Wired titled "Free! Why $0.00 Is the Future of Business." (Is "The Long Tail" already outdated?

There aren't many details, but MusicRow.com tried out a few of Sony BMG's MusicPass MP3 cards and had this to say about the experience:

On the heels of news that it would drop DRM from its downloads, Sony BMG has announced it will sell artist-branded gift cards redeemable for MP3 files. Consumers will redeem cards an initial run of 37 different cards at Musicpass.com. Though its catalog will eventually be available at the proven digital retailers, Sony BMG's move shows a desire to develop its own solution.