Something a lot of people don't know or seem to forget is that musicians only see a tiny fraction of the retail price of their CDs. Radiohead could sell this album direct for 1 pound and still make more money than on an equivalent number of retail CDs at 10 pounds (or whatever the current going price is in the UK).

I gladly logged in this morning and placed my order for the full "discbox" set, downloaded the 10 songs, and now after having listened to the album straight through four times, I cannot wait for the discbox to arrive so I can hear the remaining 8 tracks.

I think Radiohead is right on with this approach, and I only hope it helps to propel us into a new era where musicians, rather than greedy and manipulative record label execs, reap the reward for their efforts.

Scott A., Minneapolis, MN, USA

it's about time a band showed some vision + courage. The bands are ultimately have the power to resolve the illegal downloading conundrum just as Radiohead has done. Radiohead has finally made a rigid and unresponsive record industry irrelevant.

I think there could still be a place for the record labels, but they have to play by the rules of the "new economy", otherwise they will be permanentaly irrelevant i.e. extinction. I think what is more likely to happen are new/young labels emerging with adapted business models. The existing labels, like the dinosaur, may be incapable of changing their intransigent tempermant. I paid 6 pounds or about $13 for the download, which is what I would have paid here in the U.S.

"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change" -- Charles Darwin

Pilgrim, Cache Valley, UT

I want the two cds, but 40 pounds is more than I can afford, and I have no use for the records. So I paid 4 pounds for the download, and will buy the cd when its out. If they release a 2 cd edition without the records, I will buy that for sure.

janelle, Edmonton, Canada, AB

I too had no intention of ripping of one of the greatest bands of all time...I paid £6.75 (plus booking fee) simply because I was born in June 1975! Random I know, but I couldn't think of a more appropriate and affordable number!

If you value the music, you will pay for the privilege of adding it to the soundtrack of your life, which is what your favourite music is after all. I think its the pop bands of this world whose audience are notoriously fickle who will remain indentured slaves to the system.

The system has its advantages and Radiohead have not abandoned the model completely, they are going to sign a new deal but I imagine they will insist on the freedom to explore alternative revenue streams as well. They are in control and hold all the aces. If you think about it, they will probably earn more from In Rainbows than their previous albums because the money goes straight to them and not via a middleman! Genius.

Mahir Al Bakry, London, England

If your a fan of their music, the format of delivery cannot take precedent over your feelings for this band. The brilliance of living now is that we can pick and choose from the back catalogue of formats, Radiohead have done this. MP3 for on the move and a return to vinyl for sitting at home.

I downloaded the album for nothing but have bought the boxset, I love how they give you the freedom to support them in the way that makes the listener happy.

christopher morley, southampton,

cool

dean grady, gosport,

I offered 5 pounds for the download because I have no interest in ripping off the best band in the world.

Patrick Chastain, Indianapolis, Indiana

[from article:]
"...could undermine the principle that artists should be rewarded for their work."

Street musicians around the world and across time have long been rewarded on a pay-what-you-want model. There is nothing about the current system inherent to making money as a musician. It's really there for the records companies. Radiohead's latest move is nothing more than passing that collection hat around.

So, you'd need to change the above statement to "...could undermine the principles by which big record companies make money." for it to be more accurate.

James Kalbach, Hamburg, Germany

To me if it isn't being released on a physical CD as well then this album doesn't exist. I don't consider it on the same level as OK Computer et al because I can't touch it and read the cover.

Call me old fashioned but I won't be buying or downloading for free even.

I have every radiohead album too.

I am a HUGE oasis fan and also won't be buying (downloading) Lord Don't Slow me down either.

Paul S, Sydney, Austraia