Global Electronic Music Marketplace Explained

GEMM
Type:	Private
Location City:	La Jolla, California
Location Country:	United States
Key People:	Roger Raffee, CEO/COO
Industry:	Music trading

The Global Electronic Music Marketplace (GEMM) was an online music trading website established in 1994.^[1] It was founded by CEO/COO Roger Raffee and Jim Hall, and based in La Jolla, California, United States.^{[2] [3]} Most of the items traded on the site were used CDs and LPs.^{[4] [5]} As of February 2016 the site is defunct.

Between 1996 and 2001, GEMM was the largest online music marketplace, with a sales and revenue yearly growth rate of 100% and 11 employees. By 2002, the site's inventory had grown from 250,000 to 16 million items. Similarly to trading sites such as eBay, GEMM included a five-star vendor rating system based on buyer feedback, as well as advanced search features and custom user want-lists.^[6]

GEMM filed for bankruptcy and ceased business operations effective July 8, 2015.

See also

• Discogs

Notes and References

1. Robinson. Matthew S.. Collector's Portal Gemm Draws Retailers, Loyalty. Billboard. September 29, 2001. 113. 39. 48.
2. Garrity. Brian. Benz. Matthew. Christian. Ed. Concerns Rise Over High Retail Profile of Used CDs. Billboard. September 29, 2001. 113. 39. 82.
3. Lieb. Kristin. GEMM Offers Retail Motherlode Online. Billboard. July 27, 1996. 108. 30. 73.
4. Book: Wick. Robert L.. Electronic and Computer Music: An Annotated Bibliography. 1997. Greenwood Press. Westport, CT. 164.
5. Book: Katz. Linda S.. Acquisition in Different and Special Subject Areas. 2003. Routledge. New York, NY. 11. 9781317951698.
6. Book: Fling. Robert Michael. Munstedt. Peter Alan. Library Acquisition of Music. 2004. Scarecrow Press. Oxford, UK. 146. 9780810851245.