The Mp3 Garage Sale

Bopaboo, an internet service which allows you to buy and sell second-hand mp3s, is starting to make its way into the public eye.

Recent media coverage on the Guardian three days ago was the first mention in the national media, but perhaps the attention will come for the wrong reasons.

The private Beta version of the website, effectively a test run conducted by selected users, launched in May this year.

Since then the website’s blog had been not been updated until two days ago, when Bopaboo.com announced it was looking for Java programmers and website designers.

The Guardian speculated last week that the website might soon be investigated by the FBI, and called the venture another “crackpot web 2.0 idea that never found its angel investors.”

How it Works

The site requires that users delete the mp3s they have uploaded from their hard-drive, and will only allow legally-obtained mp3s to be sold, forcing the users to sign a contract to insure this, said the Guardian.

But the potential for abuse is very large, as it will be extremely difficult to police whether users delete their files after uploading or not.

Another option would be making hundreds of copies of mp3s and then uploading them, to make a quick and easy profit selling them at the base price of 25 cents.

Initial Comments

One commentator on the blogosphere has even said that “only time and lawsuits will tell” if the service is to be successful.

However, if the potential for user abuse is cut out, the website could be a profitable business, undercutting iTunes and other first-hand-mp3 sales services.

Bury the Lead contacted Bopaboo.com, but they were not available for comment.
A background to online mp3s and file sharing