I also emailed the NPG Music Club about "The Work" being in the Club and I got a more detailed reply, check it out:



Hi,



U've sent us an emale about the issue of y the track "The Work - Pt. 1" was included in the April 2001 issue of the NPG Music Club since the track had already been "released" through the Napster system.



There r several reasons 4 such an inclusion:



*1*

Napster's users and NPGMC members r 2 different types of audiences. We do not xpect r members 2 b Napster users and do not particularly want 2 encourage them 2 become Napster users. We believe that xisting NPGMC members r well-aware of Paisley Park's position on the subject and that, by subscribing to the Club, they have indicated their desire to have direct access 2 Prince's music and 2 compensate the artist 4 his work.



The release of "The Work - Pt. 1" thru Napster was intended for a different audience. Its goal was 2 raise awareness, among Napster users, of the xistence of the NPGMC and of the philosphy behind the Club. It is NOT an endorsement of Napster as an illegal way 2 obtain copies of songs without compensating the artists 4 their work. It is an endorsement of the fact that Napster is one of the most obvious signs of the frustration of music lovers with the traditional music industry. NPGMC is an alternative 2 this system, and Napster users need 2 b educated about the xistence and the purpose of this alternative.



If the Club is 2 grow and become a viable, successful entity that is able 2 continue 2 provide its members with great music, then surely its current members will understand that promoting the Club 2 non-members is key 2 the very survival of the Club and, therefore, 2 the continuation of the service 4 them.



*2*

The version of "The Work - Pt. 1" released thru Napster was a low-fi version with a 128 KB bitrate. The version released to Club members is a hi-fi version. Based on the feedback we've received, r members WANT hi quality trax and r willing 2 pay the price in download time 4 it.



*3*

Many members have actually requested that "The Work - Pt. 1" be made available 2 them through the Club without requiring them 2 find it on Napster. This makes sense 2 us.



*4*

Just bcuz a song is playing on the radio, doesn't mean the "fam" will not want 2 buy the single when it comes out -- if only bcuz he/she wants 2 indicate his/her support 2 the artist who released the single.



Similarly, just bcuz a song is available on Napster, doesn't mean the fam will not want 2 buy the single from the Club. Just as a single includes B-sides, the Club offfering includes many xtras (more songs, pictures, radio show, etc.) that Napster users won't b given access 2. The principle is the same. We r promoting r Club 2 a different type of audience and therefore adopting different approaches.



Hope this makes sense 2 u.



Love4oneanother,

The NPG Music Club