Wired For The Bottom Line

Freeman says the site is more helpful than your average store. He finds rare works, often accompanied by reviews ("You get people who might know something," he says). The music selection helps him in his work, which often calls for obscure finds.

"Amazon can do great searches," he says. "When we need Brazilian music for a project, I go to Amazon and type in 'Brazilian music.' Chances are they're going to have a lot more than Tower." And if the favored CD isn't in stock, Amazon has it listed and can tell him when it can get it. "If I'm going to get online and research it myself, I might as well order it while I'm there."