Just came across this link and it got me thinking. I like the idea and it bridges the gap between physical and digital perfectly. As we move to a digitised future one of the things which hasn't translated well digitally in my opinion are booklets.

Of course techno savvy people with mega fast printers can download digital booklets but imagine going to a store and buying the latest album complete with a code that allows you to stream the music instantly on your phone while you enjoy and digest a full technicolour booklet complete with exclusive photos etc.

If there are people who still in this day and age have no computer then how about a link to a digital TV jukebox or even a branded digital radio channel.

On another note i just seen a great idea which might work for the young. Remember when you were a kid and you collected those soccer cards from bubble gum packets ? Well Sony/BMG have done something which i think works. They are selling music cards of artists which might have that same effect. You scratch the back
and download the music onto your iPod and maybe collect the cards. What do you think.

I think we are perhaps seeing something evolve where the music becomes software and the physical with value is the booklet, album cover, paper back. Makes sense. You cannot bond with a CD but you can with paper.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2008-01-07-sony-music_N.htm

The share of complete albums in the download market is about 10 per cent. So is there really a market for very expensive gift cards ($12,99), when itunes and others are selling the same albums for $9,99 or less?

Are covers and other bonus-stuff really worth $3?

These gift cards spring from the same mad minds who tried to introduce DualDiscs (anyone remember these

Well the cards could become collectible if done properly. The price obviously can be adjusted. The point is that it is aimed at when you are at a check out and can be a good gift card or even have secondary purpose.

The booklet of course has a value in itself as it can be designed as a magazine or even a picture book. It can be done.

As for new formats yes they are important. CDs are going to be killed off and finding a replacement for the album is important. I think it is possible to sell any format as long as it is accesible and easy to integrate with how people are consuming music which is more and more becoming on the iPod.