Sure enough, on October 25 Reznor posted a message about a new album on the Nine Inch Nails Web site. However, the album Reznor described isn’t a NIN album. Instead, it’s a new album by Saul Williams called The Inevitable Rise And Liberation Of Niggy Tardust.

“As many of you know, I’ve been working closely with Saul Williams on his new record,” wrote Reznor. “We’ve spent many hours together in hotel rooms, buses backstages and studios around the world working on something we knew was great. This is the most involved I’ve been with any project outside NIN since AntiChrist Superstar, and I’ve been impatiently waiting for the chance for you to hear it.”

Reznor then directs readers to www.niggytardust.com where fans wanting to pre-order downloads of the new Williams album have two options

The first option is a box labeled, “I want to directly support the artists involved in the creation of this music.” Clicking on this box pre-orders the album for $5.

The second option is labeled, “I’m not concerned about that. I just want the music.” Clicking on that box orders the album for zero cost.

What’s the difference between the first box and the second? That is, other than $5?

If you cough up $5 for the album, you can choose three different formats – 192 Kbps MP3, 320 Kbps MP3 and FLAC lossless audio.

Those clicking on the free option get only one format – the 192 Kbps MP3 download.

Both options include a PDF with artwork and lyrics. All files are described as “100 DRM free” and can be played on any device.

While Reznor does admit that there are “obvious similarities” between Radiohead’s latest marketing strategy and how the new Saul Williams album will be sold, he also points out a few differences.

“One thing that is very different in our situation is that Saul’s not the household name (yet!) that Radiohead is, and that means we need your support on this more than ever,” Reznor writes. “If you like what you hear, spread the word.”