Si-Mi.com - A Marketplace for the Creative Class

Social networking has yet to be profitable, so the next wave of social networks is taking a new shape: social network + marketplace. This is the path Si-Mi, a new network for creative types, has taken. Si-Mi serves as a digital platform for artists and professional creatives (writers, directors, musicians, editors, programmers etc) to sell their wares. You can share and sell your ebooks, videos, podcasts, games, animations, music and a lot more. Each piece is priced to sell, and you get a taste of each before you buy, but you can’t view or listen for free as far as videos and tunes are concerned. You can of course, simply network, meet other artists and fans or just shop.

“Si-Mi.com is a digital media platform for users to upload, share and sell their content. On Si-Mi, users can set their price and keep 70% of the net proceeds. All content can be voted on by the Si-Mi community in a social networking environment so that the most popular content is promoted to the front page for millions of visitors to see (and buy!).”

This is a great network model for artists and creative types. It provides quality pieces and lets users buy. It’s a way to get your work out there without selling out.

What cut does Si-Mi get? Is this actually a profitable way to showcase your work? Will users actually pay?