An interesting idea for getting an album off the ground. In short, you can buy up to 3 shares at £5 a go from a band called FirstOfTheGiants.

Depending on how well the album sells, you can trade or sell your shares for a profit or just sit on them happy in the knowledge that you own part of a band for a few quid.

More details here http://firstofthegiants.blogspot.com/2009/06/share-our-band.html

Apparantly Shareholders will receive the following:
Shareholder certificate
3 high quality MP3 of the currently recorded songs and limited edition artwork
Their name on the finalised album artwork
Free entry to the album launch show
Regular sales updates via email (and text message if desired)
First call on future share offers
Overwhelming glow of helping out an independent record label and band
Full prospectus from itoldthemabouttheshares@firstofthegiants.co.uk

Good idea/bad idea? Discuss