BluFilter may a provide a solution for artists and Filesharers

Exciting news over at
Music Industry
News  may provide a much needed
solution for the online music community. A BETA release of BluFilter:
Authorize software will allow artists to list thier material in a web based
BluFilter database and set prices. Then P2P network facilitators such as Kazaa,
Morpheus etc. can plug in the BluFilter ActiveX component into thier
applications for free. Here is how it will work.

When a user or file sharer completes the download of a song, the BluFilter component extracts a digital signature of that file and cross references it with the content database to check for copyright validity. If the file is copyrighted, the user can opt to purchase it for the preset price otherwise the file is deleted. While the majority of the transaction revenue goes directly to the artist or record company, a percentage will also go to the file-sharing network. In the case of music files, the digital signatures used during cross-referencing, are generated based on the waveforms that make a piece of music sound the way it does. Therefore, the same recording will generate the same signature every time regardless of the quality or distinctiveness of the file itself. The BluFilter component has been designed to handle elusive, file-sharing practices, which would seek to circumvent the digital signature process. "The BluFilter platform finally gives P2P network providers the ability to effectively control the content that is shared on their network," said Alex Sauriol, Kokopelli Network's co-founder.

Sauriol further explains that
the software creates a "win-win" solution. Now content owners can receive
direct payment from the end user and transaction fees will help support the
network infrastructure.

A new market for the
music industry, artists and the consumer could develop from innovations
such as this. Feel free to give your thoughts in the forum.

Source: http://www.mi2n.com/