1. A method of providing a digital asset for distribution comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a digital asset for distribution over an electronic network with a computing system, said digital asset including digital content that is associated with a digital rights holder; (b) providing a serial number for said digital asset with the computing system, said serial number being uniquely identified with a first introduction of digital asset for distribution within said electronic network; and (c) embedding said serial number within said digital asset with the computing system so as to generate a first instantiation of said digital asset suitable for distribution over said electronic network; and (d) placing said first instantiation of said digital asset using the computing system into one or more locations accessible by users of said electronic network; and (e) providing a list of said one or more locations so that said users of said electronic network can locate said first instantiation of said digital asset; (f) updating a transaction database associated with said digital asset with the computing system to reflect an occurrence of said first instantiation of said digital asset; (g) updating a digital asset index database using the computing system with administrative information associated with said digital asset, including a list of said one or more locations, terms of use of said digital asset and category information for said digital asset; wherein users of said electronic network can monitor said digital asset index database before electing to access said first instantiation and/or later instantiations of said digital asset.