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# Controversial Megaupload To Launch Topspin, Bandcamp Direct-To-Fan Competitor
- URL: https://www.hypebot.com/controversial-megaupload-to-launch-topspin-bandcamp-direct-to-fan-alternative/
- Published: 2011-12-21T12:51:32.000Z
- Updated: 2011-12-21T12:51:32.000Z
- Description: (UPDATED) Breaking a 10 year silence with a Torrentfreak op-ed, controversial Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom took on his many critics along with Universal Music for yanking his promo video from. Continue reading [https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2011/12/controversial-megaupload-to-launch-topspin-bandc
- Author: Bruce Houghton
- Tags: DIY Advice & Tips, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-01-21 10:55

[![image from torrentfreak.com](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e2015438a421a3970c-150wi "image from torrentfreak.com")](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e2015438a421a3970c-popup?ref=hypebot.com)

(UPDATED) Breaking a 10 year silence with a Torrentfreak op-ed, controversial **[Megaupload](https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2011/12/megaupload-video-back-on-youtube-after-umg-offers-we-yanked-it-because-we-could-defense-.html)** founder **Kim Dotcom** took on his many critics along with **Universal Music** for yanking his promo video from **YouTube** (*"They decided to stop us at all costs… They have nothing and they don't even care."*). But buried in his lengthy diatribe were also specifics of two previously unheard of services that Magaupload is launching that will compete with **Topspin**, **Bandcamp** and others in the direct-to-fan music space.

"UMG knows that we are going to compete with them via **our own music venture** called **Megabox.com**, a site that will soon allow **artists to sell their creations direct to consumers** and allowing artists to keep **90% of earnings**.""We have a solution called the **Megakey** that will allow artists to **earn income from users who download music for free**. Yes that’s right, we will pay artists even for free downloads. The Megakey business model has been tested with over a million users and it works" "You can expect **several Megabox announcements next year** including exclusive **deals with artists** who are eager to depart from outdated business models."

[Megabox](http://www.megabox.com/?ref=hypebot.com) has already launched in beta, but it is unclear whether or not artists will want to be involved with such a [controversial company](https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2011/12/megaupload-video-back-on-youtube-after-umg-offers-we-yanked-it-because-we-could-defense-.html). But rather than comparing his new services to direct-to-fan competitors, he contracts it to his view of major labels:

"You need to understand that **some labels are run by arrogant and outdated dinosaurs** who have been in business for 1000 years. These guys think an iPad is a facial treatment, the Internet is the devil, and wired phones are still hip. They are in denial about the new realities and opportunities. They don’t understand that **the rip-off days are over**."

**Would you sell your music via Megauplaod?**

**More**: [Torrentfreak](http://torrentfreak.com/from-rogue-to-vogue-megaupload-and-kim-dotcom-111218/?ref=hypebot.com) via [Music Ally](http://musically.com/2011/12/19/megaupload-boss-promises-new-site-for-artists-to-go-d2c/?ref=hypebot.com) and [Megaupload Video Back On YouTube, After UMG Offers 'We Yanked It Because We Could' Defense](https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2011/12/megaupload-video-back-on-youtube-after-umg-offers-we-yanked-it-because-we-could-defense-.html)