Whenever something new, exciting and revolutionary is introduced to the general public, it's nearly a given that other corporations, companies and interests want to hitch their branding wagon to that train. And with the Apple iPod Nano, it was, and still is no different. The Apple iPod transformed the way the whole world thinks about where it takes it music. The iPod was such a popular item, that it reached and is used by every possible segment of the population. It didn't take long for marketers and advertisers to realize that all those Apple iPod Nano users represent a big time target audience. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on your point of view, a marketing genius did realize that.

Soon after its release, many businesses who wouldn't normally be seen with the iPod, were suddenly hand in hand with the world's most popular digital music player. It didn't take long for charities to realize the power and potential that the Apple iPod Nano represented. Many charities that associated themselves with the Apple iPod Nano suddenly appeared to be current, hip and worthy of time and attention.

However, even though charities recognized the power of the iPod, it was the music industry itself that has taken the greatest advantage of the reach and visibility of the iPod. Now, the music industry generally frowns upon downloading music from a computer onto an iPod without paying for it. But, some people in the music world realized that the iPod Nano is so popular, that there are people who won't listen to music in any other format besides on their iPod. The danger was that to go against the iPod Nano was to go against your fanbase.

The biggest band to work with the iPod was U2. A limited U2 edition of the iPod Nano was released, and songs could only be downloaded via the Apple iPod Nano. As well, there was an extensive and aggressive advertising and marketing campaign. Because of this foresight, two goals were achieved. One, of course, was to work together with the Apple iPod Nano to get the music and songs released and introduced to the public. The second goal was that U2 did not appear to be anti-download and embraced the iPod and everything it can do.

In the early days of music downloading, there were many bands who scoffed at the idea of having their music listened to for free. As a result, they appeared to be greedy, out of touch and completely against the wishes of their fans. But, with the advent of the Apple iPod Nano, it is now imperative that if the whole world is going to be listening to this little device, then they might as well be listening to you.