It's been a while since we've done one of these, but there's a lot of news tidbits this week that deserve a mention. Read on for the best of the bunch. . .

Can Tech Startups Discover the Next Springsteen?
Here are some startups that are creating Internet-based tools to discover musicians, enable up-and-comers to carve out a living, and potentially provide springboards for chart-busting careers.
Damian Joseph, Top Tech News

Watch Concerts Free Online at BillboardLive.com
(Associated Press) A new Web site allows music lovers to watch concerts for free online, choosing from five different camera angles as they watch. BillboardLive.com says its new concert-viewing Web site offers visitors different perspectives on performances by Alicia Keys, Usher, David Archuleta, Daughtry and other artists yet to be announced.
Associated Press

Verizon Tests Sending RIAA Copyright Notices
Verizon, the second-largest phone company in the United States, is expected to begin issuing "copyright notices" (in the form of letters) on behalf of the Recording Industry Association of America to those accused of illegally downloading songs from the Web, according to sources with knowledge of the agreement. The sources, who asked for anonymity, said Verizon's letter campaign is part of a test, which is expected to begin on Thursday. Jonathan Lamy, an RIAA spokesman, confirmed the existence of the test but declined further comment.
Greg Sandoval and Marguerite Reardon, CNET

Is Twitter a Drain on Creativity? Duran Duran Bassist Says Yes. . .
Instead of following their creative muses in the studio, garage, or tour bus, artists are often plugged into channels like Twitter or personal blogs. That makes sense for fan connectivity, but does it make sense for creativity?
Paul Resnikoff, Digital Music News

Ok, You Make Great Music, But What's Your Value Proposition?
Listen to your music for the first time again. Examine your online presence as a first-time visitor would. Imagine standing in a corner watching one of your shows for the first time. Ask yourself: As a fan or potential fan, what does your stuff, message and existence do for me? The answer to this question is your "value proposition."
Bruce Warila, Music Think Tank

How Spotify Might Save the Music Industry
"...there is definitely demand from consumers to get what they want, both where and when they want, says Steve Pratt, director of CBC Radio 3. . . having everything streaming and on-demand coming from the cloud, rather than having to download files up and down, is the easiest way to do it."
Karen Pinchin, Globe and Mail