SNOCAP, the digital licensing and copyright management service started by Napster founder Shawn Fanning in 2002, has cut its staff by 60 percent and is also reportedly for sale. The service, which is unique because it lets artists set their own prices and sell their music without the help of a middleman, has seen its profile lowered significantly of late despite a much publicized deal with MySpace last year that allowed SNOCAP users to sell their music via the social networking site. Although the so-called MyStores have attracted some 175,000 registered consumers, the figures are disappointing given MySpace's claim of 100 million registered users. According to a SNOCAP spokesperson, a number of companies have shown interest in buying. www.snocap.com
