Photo: collegecandy.com
Photo: collegecandy.com

In a great example of the dangers of releasing music teasers online nowadays, comes Rihanna’s newest offering.

I guess Rihanna and her handlers were intending on releasing a single, “Work” from her latest album, Anti, as a teaser to encourage her fans to buy it. Instead, the whole album was released – for free – on Tidal, Jay Z’s music streaming service.

Before her team could react and pull the album, it had already been captured and downloaded more times than her people probably care to think about. You have to wonder how much money was lost in those moments the album was freely available. In the end, it was decided that Rihanna would indeed give the album away for free on Tidal. But, if you’re not subscribed, you’ll have to pay for it.

Take note: A simple mistake made in the internet age can result in financial (or personal!) disaster.