On: Did Google Just Quietly Launch A Web-Based iTunes Competitor? Yep.

[pontifier]

Good try, but still not good enough. My media startup will destroy them both.

[jrockway → pontifier]

Nice. But how will it fare against my magic pony/unicorn hybrid? It lives on rainbows and magically makes money for me.

It's as real as any other thing someone on the Internet claims to have, anyway...

[sjwalter → pontifier]

Care to elaborate?

[pontifier → sjwalter]

I am in the process of getting a patent on a method for distributing digital media in a unique way. I have a private proof of concept website set up now, but it is not ready to launch publicly yet (the graphical design is very rough and the selection of media is extremely limited at this time).

If you would like to check it out I can set up an account for you to see how it works.

[derekc → pontifier]

A patent?... Let's not get started here. Just do it.

[whatusername → pontifier]

fine - I'll bite. There's an email address in my profile.. I'll check it out (and report back to HN/This thread if you like..)

[whatusername → whatusername]

To Update: Pontifier has sent me through the link / login details.. I'll agree completely that the design needs a lot of work -- but I'll refrain from commenting on how it works / business models / etc until I've played with it a bit more.

[kevinholesh → pontifier]

How is it a proof of concept website if no one can sign up for it yet?

[swernli → kevinholesh]

Proof of concept can also mean a demonstration that the technology is effective, not just "I got a bunch of users and I think I might be able to monetize them." If he's patenting a method of distribution, I'd assume the former is more useful than the latter.