• French president Sarkozy has introduced an Internet policy plan that will cut off the Internet access of repeat offenders. A new government agency is to be created to demand data on suspected offenders from ISPs. The plan, drawn up by a retail executive, includes a few concessions to consumers: Downloads will be available without DRM, and movies will be released on DVD six months after they are shown in theaters. (The Register)

• The New York Times' Freakonomics blog has a Q&A with singer-songwriter Jonathon Coulton (you may have read about him in the April 2007 Times article on Internet-based musicians). One quote, having to do with the differences between mainstream and niche media, really stood out: "I think the best way to talk about the distinction is to say that Internet buzz has a very direct correlation to traffic and therefore sales, whereas mainstream media love tends to have more long-term benefits." So very true. Internet advertising can offer an immediate return on investment -- which can be falsely reassuring to those who have for years blindly accepted that advertising works -- but the effects can be very short-lived. (Freakonomics, via Digital Audio Insider)

• EMI Music UK is working with Art Vinyl, a designer frame manufacturer, to market its vinyl records along with frames. Art Vinyl frames flip open and allow the user to insert a vinyl record sleeve. (Press release)

• In Australia, PayPal and Warner Music are expected to start selling tickets and mobile concert tickets before the end of the year. (The Age)

• Two music companies made Mashable's list of 2007 turkeys: video site Bolt.com (Universal Music Group is an investor) and the ever-morphing Snocap. On Bolt.com: "Bearing in mind that rival YouTube also turned a blind eye and saw massive growth as a result - while more diligent law abiding startups failed to get any traction - we can put this down to a calculated risk that didn’t pay off this time around." As the old saying goes, First get an audience, then worry about licensing content. (Mashable)

• Record Mart, a Latin music store located in the Times Square subway station in Manhattan, has reopened after being closed for nine years. (NY1.com)