Looks like everyone got an iPod for Xmas

Fetta wrote: I have a few questions about about constitutes a digital download: 1) Are all downloads sites looked at (i.e. i-tunes, Rhapsody, 7digital, etc.)? 2) If a site like Rhapsody is included, does it take into consideration those who purchase the unlimited downloads per month package vs. just purchasing a single track? 3) What if someone purchase the entire album with a particular song on it.... Does that constitute a digital single sale? -Jeff

The answer to 1 is yes, all the major download sites are included, though iTunes still makes up about 80% of all downloads.

Question 2, I'm not sure about the download package sites.

And 3, the answer is no -- if you buy the whole album, it does not count as a download of that song, unless you buy the song first and buy the rest of the album at a later date. However, I think if you buy the same song from different albums, it might count them both. This is why some artists (notably Madonna on her last album) released each remix of a song as a separate, stand-alone single -- each one counted as a separate sale.

And another question you didn't as that should be addressed: if you buy the same single or track more than once, it only counts as one download on the charts. They actually do have a way of tracking that.

All this is why it took SO LONG for Billboard to start incorporating downloads into the Hot 100, if you'll recall. It took forever for Soundscan to get the system right.

Edited by Brian W.