Pandora Files For IPO

itwbennett writes "Internet radio service Pandora Media on Friday filed documents with the SEC for an initial public offering of common stock. In its S-1 filing, Pandora said it has more than 80 million registered users and a more than '50% share of all internet radio listening time among the top 20 stations and networks in the United States.' While Pandora said the 'number of shares to be offered and the price range for the offering have not yet been determined,' MarketWatch reports that the music service hopes to raise up to $100 million."

Comments

But Why

[Bucc5062]

Other then greed, why do this? I listened to Pandora since almost its birth. I followed the struggles with royalty payments, I slightly complained, but quickly accepted the ads and today they seem to be doing well, growing and producing a good product. This will be good for the owners, but my experience shows that when you sell (or sell-out) it typically does not end well for the employee.

I wish them luck, but in a way, the creators have lost my respect and with that, it is easier for me to walk away for now they will think of the share holder, not the customer (and spare me the this is good for consumer crap. /.'ers have said time and time again that CEO are beholding to the stockholder first).

Re:But Why

[WrongSizeGlass]

Other then greed, why do this?

If this gives them a shot at growth & profitability and it means they get to stick around since they're not profitable yet. You can count on one hand the chances of them being here in another year or two if they keep losing money. If they close their doors you can say "I listened to Pandora since almost its birth ... to its death.

On a side note, the folks at Pandora are trying to change 'radio', which works out for all of us in the end. Don't deny them a little treasure for all their hard work and their perseverance.

mmmmmm yeah hooo boy

[Anonymous Coward]

i'm nude

Re:Music is too obscure

[s7uar7]

It sounds like you should stick to playing downloaded MP3s. One of the joys of this type of service is discovering music you otherwise might not have; inevitably there will be tracks or artists you don't like though.

Re:Onto the radar they go

[Dachannien]

Pandora is legit, and the RIAA already gets their metric ton of flesh from them (i.e., far more than a comparable terrestrial radio station would have to pay).

Good news / Bad news

[SPrintF]

The great thing about Pandora is that you will hear a lot of music you have not heard before and will probably like.

The problem with Pandora is that you will hear a lot of music you have not heard before and will probably like and want to buy.

I have subscribed to Pandora for one year. In that year, I have purchased more music than in the previous ten. This is not an exaggeration.

If I was a music producer, I would happily give baskets of cash to Pandora, out of sheer self interest.