best buy

Selling Radiohead's OK Computer for $1.99, as Amazon.com is doing, strikes me as a good way to combat free.

• The CEO of Activision commented to the Financial Times on Warner Music Group chief Edgar Bronfman's statement that labels and publishers are not being compensated properly for use of their songs in video games. "We’re going to favour those publishers that recognise and appreciate how much we can add value to their artists," said Robert Kotick.

The use of the word "still" in the title really isn't necessary. iTunes isn't going to lose enough market share in just a few months to Amazon.com to drop below Wal-Mart. From today's NPD press release:

Just a few days ago I posted a Coolfer report on the state of the compact disc. It provides valuable insights and forecasts for anybody -- label, distributor, investor, retailer -- with a vested interest in the fortunes of the physical format. If you read the headlines, you'll think the CD is already dead.

My adult life as been one long love-hate relationship with “stuff”.

I’ve spent a lifetime collecting my stuff.  It clutters my house and gives diminishing returns on the pleasure I thought I’d get from it, yet I still clamor for more, half the time not knowing I’m doing it.

• FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell has voted to approve the XM-Sirius merger under the same conditions (three-year price freeze, 24 channels set aside for noncommercial and minority programming) asked for by Chairman Kevin Martin. XM and Sirius have already agreed to the conditions. (Radio Ink)

Once again Walmart has its finger on the pulse of American consumers. Just when inflation is kicking in and the economy softens they are seeing strong growth. How? They are listening to the customer.

They are marketing aggressively and focusing on prices and values. This is just what the consumer wants to here right now.

i have written about online corporate reputations before. and i’ve talked about how twitter has helped saved lives.

• Colombian star Shakira has signed a ten-year deal with Live Nation that is estimated to be in the $70 million to $100 million range. It's a multi-rights deal, but Shakira still owes Sony BMG three albums (one is a greatest hits). (Los Angeles Times)