Thursday, June 05, 2008

Some advice for E.M.I. on how to handle that Coldplay album leak.

Some advice for E.M.I. on how to handle that Coldplay album leak.


Dear E.M.I.,

Yeah, it sucks the new Coldplay album leaked almost three weeks before it's release date. I actually feel your pain on this one. You've done an admirable job of allowing the band to grow at their own pace and have always given them a good deal of support behind each release. You were even -- surprisingly -- forward thinking enough to let the band release their first single as a decent quality MP3 for free for a while.

And everyone knows that you're also counting on this album to "save" the company, which is silly and betrays that despite a few moves to change with the times you're still a little rusty around the joints. Regardless, a leak like this has got to hurt. I can only imagine what sort of chaos is going on in your accounting department as forecasts are rejiggered to account for the early leak.

Instead of freaking out, though, why don't you take advantage of the situation. Release the album online RIGHT NOW. People will download the fuck out of it. Remember that Coldplay actually has a loyal fanbase that responds to the group's albums, and are less likely to just download the hit single a continue on. So this is your chance to capture and capitalize on that brand loyalty. If you do it now, you still have a chance. I know you might be worried about pissing off the block and mortar retailers by doing this, but c'mon, wouldn't you rather get the sales?

Sincerely,
Tankboy

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