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SALT LAKE CITY -- A social experiment turned into a highly profitable success for comedian Louis CK, who sold his latest CD independently on his website for $5.
Now, Jim Gaffigan is looking to build on C.K.'s success.
Gaffigan's latest stand-up comedy special, "Jim Gaffigan: Mr. Universe", will be available exclusively through the comedian's website beginning sometime in April. Fans will be able to pick up the hour-long special for only $5.
20 percent of every purchase will be donated to The Bob Woodruff Foundation, a charity dedicated to serving injured veterans and their families.
"Dear Internet Friends," begins a message on Gaffigan's blog. "Inspired by the brilliant Louis CK, I have decided to debut my all-new hour stand-up special on my website, Jimgaffigan.com."
Gaffigan's decision comes shortly after the pioneering project by comedian Louis C.K., who made his latest video, Louis C.K. - Live at the Beacon Theater, available exclusively at his website for five dollars back in December. C.K. was given criticism for his decision, as his method of distribution threw the door wide open for those wishing to torrent or illegally download the product. C.K. simply included a message to these would-be torrenters on the site, asking them to please consider buying the product instead of stealing it.
The experiment was wildly successful. C.K. posted a statement on his website on Dec 21 indicating that profits had exceeded the $1 million mark after being available for just 12 days.
The concept of "cutting out the middle man" appears to have swooned many would-be pirates into supporting the cause. Public response to C.K.'s trust of his fanbase was overwhelmingly positive, and now Gaffigan is looking to continue the trend.
"I am confident that the low price of my new comedy special and the fact that 20% of each $5 download will be donated to this very noble cause will prevent people from stealing it," Gaffigan wrote. "Maybe I'm being naïve, but I trust you guys."
"Besides," he continues, "Who would want the karma of stealing money from wounded Veterans? Come on you guys."
Image Credit: Associated Press
