Yes it is radically different. Initially at least. I will not have a "store" featuring indie films. This is something I don't think I can accomplish initially, and must be slowly built towards. The barrier to entry to using our service to sell digital downloads (on their own sites) is low, but if I were to launch a digital store, I would have to erect some sort of quality minimum in order to build a reputation for that store. I would want to keep such a store from turning into YouTube. Instead, what I'm trying to accomplish immediately is more like paypal. It's a tool, a mechanism to digital download distribution. Except the difference from paypal is that I'm also offering a better post-sale experience, as a feature to the publisher to attract sales, and more customized toolset for indie filmmakers, including things that will help them market.
Indie filmmakers usually have their own websites. They probably don't need a community to sell their films to. Even if they do, they can target those communities themselves.
Hey thanks lkrubner, I think I just got my answer to the "What are you making?" question.
I think I now understand your comparison to Basecamp, which I did not before. The Basecamp comparison is somewhat misleading since, when I use Basecamp, I go to the URL basecamp.com. But that is not what you are suggesting, if I understand you. You are actually suggesting some tools that will show up on the indie film makers own website. You're trying to give them the tools so that they can sell their movie, if they wish. A sort of instant, private Netflix on their own site, if they wish.
Thank you very much. This conversation really helped me clarify my idea, even to myself. And it's allowed me to identify the things I've said which may be confusing or ambiguous.
Indie filmmakers usually have their own websites. They probably don't need a community to sell their films to. Even if they do, they can target those communities themselves.
Hey thanks lkrubner, I think I just got my answer to the "What are you making?" question.