Nine Inch Nails Does Something Great

A few days ago Nine Inch Nails released their latest album on the 'net. For free. The album itself isn't their absolute best work (solid, though). The key here is the distribution and pricing.

• If you're a current fan, you'll probably download and listen to the album, taking note that NiN offered it to you for free.
• If you're a former fan, you'll probably consider listening to it, since it's free.
  
• If you're not a fan, you may consider listening to it to see if you like it, again since it's free.

The point? If you like what you listen to, I believe you'll be more likely to purchase NiN music in the future (or fill your collection with their back catalog). If not, you walk away with only a small time investment.

I think this move will both build the NiN fanbase and earn them more cash to boot. All by doing what musicians have been doing for ages: creating music for the enjoyment of others.