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Avdi, I don't know exactly, but I would guess around 7-8M songs. In any event, they are the biggest label (Vivendi is the parent company) in the world, and would certainly be an incredible accomplishment. This deal brings not only US/Canada music, but also international music. In addition, the video library would be enormous, once Qtrax enters that arena.
-KTF!
Avdi, you may have information that I don't. However, I have heard that downloads will NOT happen right away. Soon, but not right away. It will be by summer.
IMO, ANY major label that announces a deal with Qtrax will be a big deal. Yes the media might say "Great - you have deals, but show us the music!" The fact of the matter is that the deals will be done and the music will be available relatively shortly thereafter. The only scenario I can see being different is if the labels and Qtrax wait until summer to announce the deals simultaneously with the downloads. This is certainly possible, but this is not they way I've been told it's going to happen. Could be that my sources want to surprise me too! If that happens, I'll be dancing in the street! But it's not what I expect.
Stair step climb is my projection. But if I'm wrong about this, I will certainly be even happier than I am now!
-KTF!
Folks, let's remember a few things: first, we've had a run of almost 25% in the last couple of weeks. I know it's only a 5 cent stock, but 25% ???!!!! I would NOT consider that "no movement in the PPS." Second, just like Qtrax is keeping a tight lid on information, don't you think the labels are too? As a matter of fact, they are probably MORE inclined to do so! Thirdly, ALL the labels are fully-traded companies, NOT pinkies. Insider trading on a NASDAQ, DOW or S&P stock is an entirely different matter! They CAN'T legally buy the stock based on insider information.
The big dogs at the labels are probably invested (or compensated, enticed, whatever you want to call it) through private equity, not a penny stock! Come on, these are bazillionaires who've already made it. We are small fries compared to those guys.
Personally, I think we will see movement this coming week. That's just my expectation.
-Don't know about everyone else, but I am KTF and very encouraged by the latest events and what I have heard. I also expect that we'll be downloading LOTS of songs by this summer.
I have not hard of "delay" as in "snag." My understanding is that yesterday was a monumental day at Qtrax and that the labels are in control of PR timing.
Lopaka, what is the delay you reference in your post? Like I said, I am not aware of a delay at all.
-KTF!
sirocco, hang tough! This IS happening. The labels have everything to gain and nothing to lose on Qtrax. At the very least they're getting the initial licensing fees, which is millions. I know that's a drop in the bucket for them, but it's better that the massive bleeding they've been suffering from for years do to illegal file sharing.
You'll see - just remember my words ....
-KTF!
IMO Qtrax is showing it's hand and verifying the rumors. After I noticed all the "COMING SOON" labels on the main page of the application, I decided to dig a bit further into WHO was labeled as coming soon, and what LABEL they're with. Here's what I found:
Amy Winehouse, Republic Records (UMG is parent)
Wu Tang Clan, Loud (SRC, UMG is parent)
Tokio Hotel, Interscope Records (UMG is parent)
Jack Johnson, Brushfire Records (wholly-owned by Johnson but distributed by UMG)
Soulja Boy, Interscope (UMG is parent)
Robyn, Island Records (UMG is parent)
The only curve ball is: Chris Brown, Jive Records/Zomba Label Group (Sony/BMG is parent).
So, to confirm the word I've heard and other's have corroborated, it looks like UNIVERSAL is coming on board! Could Sony/BMG be close behind?!!!
They're giving us a heads up here!
-KTF baby! I hope everyone bought their shares already!
They sure like that "COMING SOON" phrase!
-KTF!
A New Message on music.qtrax.com:
Today was a BIG day at Qtrax. All I can say is that I WISH I had a ton more money to invest!
Going back to the Qtrax v0.3 sighting that TREO had - here's my take on it: I think he saw it by accident. He was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. There IS a new version of the application, and somehow it was made available at the time he fired his application up. Maybe it was uploaded temporarily then taken back down, or maybe a pointer was set to the new version, then changed back. Who knows.
I don't doubt that TREO saw it because a new version does exist and it's much improved. I just don't think anyone will be able to bring it up again until they release it.
Once again, I reiterate - any announcement is not in Qtrax's hands. The label(s) are driving the wording and timing of any PRs that come out. Once released, Qtrax will follow up with their own PR, just like in March, and in my opinion, that is the only smart way to do it.
This time though, I believe that any increase in the PPS will have sticking power. In March, we shot up, then people realized that the PRs were for publishers only (besides the indies) and that was not enough to have "deals with the labels." This time will be different!
-KTF! Next week feels really good to me (famous last words!)
I can't see v0.3. I even uninstalled, re-downloaded and reinstalled. Same v0.2. Treo, could you upload some screen shots? I haven't seen this. Starting to wonder if they have different versions on different servers (including the ads) across the country.
-KTF! It's all good stuff!
You're right lucky! The page is below. Like I said - everyone KTF! Good news coming really soon!
Thanks for corroborating morechoc! I truly think we'll all be a-pickin-an-a-grinnin' soon!
However, please remember, that I personally do NOT expect this next phase to be about downloads. At this point, everything revolves around licensing. We know the application is ready-enough. It's the blessing from the labels we need right now. Downloads will follow licensing. Then we'll have a second wave of dancin' in the streets!
That's what I expect, and I'm not stating any of this as fact. This is just IMO only.
-KTF!
luckybleu, you might get a whiplash - be careful!
I'd re-buckle if I were you Don't loose the faith now! It's the worst possible time to do so....patience, patience, patience will be rewarded.
-KTF!
cav, the "sources" also expected the news release. It is in the label's hand now. However, I do not believe it will be long.
Of course I hesitate to say anything because everyone gets their hopes up (including me) and then it doesn't happen in the timeframe we expected. It was MY GUESS about the 3 months post-Midem. I stated it as my opinion only. Would have been a nice time to release. However, I STILL maintain there is a big release, and it will be out very, very soon. I will NOT state a time frame (even though I have one) because although it may be expected, it is out of Qtrax's hands and may be delayed again.
On the issue of stripping DRM, yes, that could, in fact, hamper the counts, IF they are counting PLAYS and not downloads. I would expect the labels to be compensated by DOWNLOAD. If you think about it, you pay for a CD once, and not based on how many times you play songs off the CD. If they are paying the labels based on DOWNLOADS, then stripping the DRM will have no effect, because you have to download first before you can remove the DRM. Granted, Qtrax may use the play statistics for other purposes, but I have no information on this. Dogcat, hope that answers your question buddy! (I have actually addressed this issue a while back).
All that being said (about DRM removal) it is an extra step and most people will not want to do it. Qtrax has stated all along that they plan on having MAC capabilities as well as iTunes/iPod functionality - albeit at a later date (about a couple months after launch). Personally, I don't care about DRM as long as I can put the music where I want it. Count my plays - I don't care. Block me from legitimately moving my music from computer-to-computer or device-to-device and I will remove the DRM! Especially because it's legal, as long as it's for personal use only.
Long and KTF on this baby! We may see some good activity on the stock tomorrow.
Shot, those have always been there. This is one of the ways that Qtrax has stated will help them realize "ancillary" revenue. You'll be able to buy CDs, clothing and other merchandise in addition to concert tickets through Qtrax and the Artist-Specific webpages they set up.
-KTF!
Some industry happenings -
Record Labels really going after infringers:
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/music-streaming-playlist,news-1187.html
Nokia's Deal with Sony/BMG:
http://mp3.about.com/b/2008/04/23/nokia-signs-comes-with-music-deal-with-sony-bmg.htm
Interesting article "Music Industry Run By Gobblins"
http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/citpat/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-2/120868593990920.xml&coll=3
Just thought I'd interject a change of pace....
-KTF while we wait!
Folks, there IS a major announcement coming. It is out of Qtrax's hands at this time. Announcement will not be coming from Qtrax initially. I have it on very good word that it is coming - patience .... (even though it is hard to wait!).
I did not hear anything about new advertisers being placed. Advertisers are already lined up and ready to go, more new ones in progress. They have a whole team working to bring in the ads and it's working. However, only when downloads start will you see lots of new ones. I'm surprised with these showing up today - it's a great sign in my opinion.
-KTF!
Interesting article on Apple's relationships with the labels and Hollywood...
"...Every now and then, music execs are throwing poisoned darts at Jobs, clearly showing that there are tensions. The rebellion is led by Universal Music Group who accuses Apple of using the label’s content to push the iPod sales. These thoughts are not echoed publicly by the Hollywood, but it is evident that movie studios want to deflect consumer electronics giant’s attack on all fronts. Hollywood doesn’t want to see Apple exerting the same kind of power on the market it has in the music business."
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/apple-itunes-iphone,5249.html
-KTF! News coming soon (there's that darn 's' word again!)
Well, I was hoping for yesterday! I haven't heard anything else at this point, except that it's about to be released. We'll see....
-I'm KTF!
coolmil, UMG is owned by the French company Vivendi and UMG is THE 1-Ton gorrilla in the music biz. They are the largest of the 4 majors. It's equivalent to the entire iTunes library! Yes, this will be a BIG announcement!
-KTF!
The number 49 BAM racing team has dropped out completely for now. They have no major sponsors. The Microsoft deal fell through. They were seeking another sponsor (not Qtrax) and I don't believe that materialized either. The team is not racing at this point.
Qtrax on the other hand looks stronger than ever!
-KTF!
I do not expect the coming announcement to include downloads, so do not expect this. The announcement that will be coming must be a licensing deal - this has to come first. Contrary to the notion that we have nothing until we have downloads is NOT true. Once the ink on the deals is dry, Qtrax will need time to get the advertisers lined up and ready to go (artwork, accounts, agreements, websites, tracking, etc.). This will take some time. And yes, the application is also being worked on. As a first point, there is a new version of Songbird (v 0.5) to contend with.
ANY deal announcement with ANY of the major 4 IS A BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT as it will take steam out of Apple, MySpaceMusic, SpiralFrog, Imeem (and all the other) offerings! The more dilution Qtrax can create in the OTHER offerings, the better it will be for them.
Downloads WILL follow, but first, AK has to regain credibility with the public and investors by having the labels announce that they are in fact licensing their libraries to Qtrax. They already have some of the biggest indies signed (publishing and labels). You saw what happened to the stock when the publishing deals with EMI and Sony/ATV were announced. Spiked to 0.07. Then people realized that there were more signatures needed (the labels) BEFORE Qtrax could provide downloads. Well the stock price retreated because people were not sure they could pull it off.
If we get ONE label to announce, it is very likely that most, if not all, of the others will follow suit. Once the investor community regains faith, the pps will begin it's climb up. But not to its full potential in one fell swoop. For Wall St, that will only happen if Qtrax can show them the money with financial statements. That will take a few quarters and probably longer.
The summary of all this is to repeat what I, in my opinion, think will happen: a stair-stepped climb to higher levels. With each deal/accomplishment, we will have a spike in the PPS, then will establish a new, higher stock base until the next accomplishment starts a new leg up.
This coming announcement, to me, is the start of all this. I am in this for the long haul, like some others have said. I don't want to see pennies - I want to see dollars. That will come in time. Nothing great happens overnight. It's a plan and a process that must be executed any must take its due course.
I am long and KTF!
Looking great CA$H! News coming! We've got a huge fish reeled in to the boat. Stock's holding steady on decent volume.
-KTF!
THREE WORDS: KEEP THE FAITH!
Volume is building again today....
Thanks coolmil!
I agree with you snx - however:
It's not the profit-taking that rubs me the wrong way. It's the "you're all so stupid" attitude and the allegation (accusation) that we are here to pump-and-dump that upsets me.
Anyone who takes a profit is great in my book - that's why we're here, after all.
False accusations, however, are NOT ok with me. He directly accused me, morechoc and AVDI of scheming to defraud. What a jerk! Anyone is entitled to their opinions and their investment moves. Directly pointing a finger and accusing someone of illegal stock manipulation is downright reprehensible. But in the end, we'll all be laughing at him. And I'll have his shares in the bank!
-KTF!
I wonder if shot-in-the-foot sold his shares today at .05+?!! Hope so 'cause I just bought some more. Hope they were his shares.
Lopaka is right btw. Can't say specifics. Remember, we are at exactly 3 months since Midem (this Monday). News may be today or Monday! Stay tightly belted into your chairs! It's sweet!
-KTF
I've heard ink takes about three months to dry
shot who? Oh yeah - they guy who sold me his shares (supposedly he had some to sell). Poor guy. I hate to see grown men cry. But I think you're right, he's got no money.
-KTF!
dogcat, you are not on ignore.
It's a long story, but the labels were forced to step forward and state that they had no ACTIVE CONTRACTS FOR LICENSING. However, they did have agreements.
-KTF
I think shotcaller is r2d2.
Anyone else notice that Monday is exactly 3 months, to the day since Midem (jan 28th to April 28th)? That's actually pretty quick to get labels back on board, considering all four were forced into saying they had NO deals with Qtrax.
-KTF!
WHO SAID ANYTHING WAS RELEASED TODAY???!!!!!
Frankly I think you are a BS-er and NOT gutsy enough to do what you claim you are going to do.
I LOVE my IGNORE feature.
Everyone else, hang on for the ride! I'm gonna turn shots shares that he sold me today into big $$$$$
-KTF!
No - Thank YOU for your shares - much obliged!
-KTF!
I do not expect news about downloads at this juncture. It should be deal-related. Gotta have licensing first, then downloads.
-KTF!
shot, exactly WHERE did you read that?!! Please enlighten me 'cause that would be a good news source!
-KTF!
Pump n Dump! I've been accumulating for a long while now and even bought a LOT more today - even at these higher prices! Once we see news, it should go lots higher! That's what I'm expecting any way...
-KTF!!!
I SECOND THAT AVDI! - something's coming and it's gonna be goooooood! Please don't ask a bunch of questions - can't say. Just know that we're just around the corner!
-KTF!
Limewire is just a smarter version of the old Napster. The labels were siuccessful in shutting Napster down because they STORED some of the copyrighted material on their own servers!
Limewire, on the other hand, does NOT store files - it's a pure P2P system. That's how they are getting around the legalities and the labels have not been successful in shutting them down, despite lawsuits.
Qtrax will operate like a hybrid of both P2P approaches. It's peer-to-peer, plus fingerprinting technology (that's how they ensure the integrity of the music) AND they will be storing music - legally with licenses to do so. Their software determines the most efficient (closest) method of delivering the requested song to the user. Sometimes that would be from a peer, other times from their servers (lots of them). Oracle is their database back end. Some of this technology they are going to be patenting.
-KTF!
Anyone important to Qtrax (label or ad exec) has AK's cell phone number.
-KTF!
My point exactly silverstone. Thanks.
-KTF!
Thanks qurious - I won't!
I just couldn't let that ridiculous personal attack go.
-KTF! We'll all be smiling soon!
qurious and silverstone, thanks for your replies to dogcat.
dogcat, the "0.02" number I got from YOUR post #5031 buddy. I did not come up with that number - I was quoting you.
You flatter me when you say that "those in the know" can drag the price down so we can load up. First of all, this is an openly traded stock. You can load up too! Secondly, the stock price is based on market dynamics. You know - supply and demand and all that economics stuff.
And major announcements are STILL around the corner. Guess you don't have the patience for this, as you continually lash out, then apologize later. You've done this multiple times. Maybe you should see a doctor for that condition.
As for my comment on selling now and buying lower - isn't that what you wish you would have done when it was at 0.07? Why would that not work now, if you are so smart? My message was a facetious comment about stock timing.
You see, I still maintain that this stock is dangerous to trade. I have NOT been trading - I have been ACCUMULATING! Big difference. You see, it's actually people like me who keep buying the stock (especially when it's low) who are helping to keep the stock price UP! If everyone dumped without buyers on the other end, it would have plummeted a long time ago.
What I find amusing is your "entitlement" attitude. You think people OWE it to give you news. Well let me tell you that those "in the know" PUT OURSELVES IN THE KNOW. We call people, ask questions, do research, perform calculations, leverage our connections, and USE OUR HEADS.
You, on the other hand want to sit back, read a bulletin board, get free advice from those "in the know," bash people when you don't like what they say, and "get really rich."
Get a life buddy. As for arrogance, you need to look in the mirror. Your accusations and childish flare-ups show you for the person you really are - a free loader and gutless.
------------
My apologies to everyone else on the board who's reading all this. But I cannot sit here and let someone like dogcat talk trash like this, when he has NOT contributed a SINGLE positive thing to this board.
And news IS forthcoming - "soon."
-KTF!