OK, folks, getting back to the main thrust and purpose here:

I have browsed the whole Artist side of MP3.com, and it looks very reasonable as an alternative route, although the margins shake out at just under 50%. Nevertheless it might be the way to go depending on several factors which only the Publisher of the Mudcat Cafe can rightfully adjudicate, such as how to approach the Artist name issue, for one thing, and reviewing what the legal obkigations are vis-a-vis MP3.com (they appear perfectly proper, but IANAL.) Depending on what the Publisher thinks, we may investigate it further. The great advantage it has is enabling the operation to go ahead with very low cost of entry and logistics costs.

More as it develops.

in the meanwhile please note:

May, sweet May, so passing fair
Brings kindly in her summ'ry air
How soft, alluring in her hours,
That lost we well may be in flowers
And ne'er hear the mournful tune
That sings, "Fair May is passing soon!"

(Wendell Robertson Halstead, 1913)

Time slips past the idle man; but the virtuous man leaves time behind him (Sung Ki Chan, 693 A.D.)

(I just made these guys up but I guess the pointis clear. Sing it out, wrap it up and send it in!!!!)

A