dorian gray
Returning videotapes
- Apr 8, 2004
- 21,258
- 489
- 83
Everyone: thanks for the thoughtful responses. I would've liked to joined in yesterday but for some reason, I could't get back on the site. I'm really surprised my post above even made it. I thought it had just disappeared. So, a day later, I don't quite have the same energy towards this topic.
A couple notes though, if we want to keep it going:
Demoke - my comments on the high prices in Europe were from several previous posts by Europeans. I can't rememeber who it was but they were going on and on about how expensive it is to purchase a CD and that causes them to just download it for free. Personally, I couldn't tell you how much a CD in Europe costs. I couldn't think of any reason why they would be more expensive than here; I was just quoting.
Regarding bands that offer up free music: I, too, know of this. I know several bands personally who do this. Generally speaking, bands post music on their websites because they are unsigned. I doubt many contracted bands post free music on their website. I'm sure there are some, but a signed band generally would not have the rights to do so.
Regarding quality: I agree with you here. I've spent just as much money on CDs that I've tossed in the trash than I have that I played over and over. It's always pissed me off but I've always just felt that was the nature of the business. There *are* opportunities here in the US to listen to albums before you buy. Several bookstores allow this. It's helpful.
Regarding me as old school: you're all probably right. I'm not much older than you at 28 but I sometimes think I just missed some kind of "internet revolution". While many of you guys were at the height of computer knowledge, tinkering away on high priced machines your parents bought you, I was toiling away in college, or struggling with a high-stress nursing job. I still use dial-up for $7 a month. I couldn't care less if my computer exploded. Shit, look at my first post in this thread - I had to ask "what do you mean? downloading music? huh?"
My understanding is that downloading music is illegal. I understand the arguments that perhaps downloading and sharing music had lead to more exposure and profits for bands who wouldn't have gained either otherwise. I can appreciate that. However, I don't believe that downloading it is a necessary link in the chain to enjoying it. I can safely say that the bands I've come to enjoy from this website, have benefited from my patronage without the prior illegal downloading of their music. I asked Nick and Joey for recommendations and they gave them to me. I went out (or ordered) and bought the CDs. I paid shipping and handling. I paid taxes. I think it safe to say that the economy benefits more from my $18 CD purchase that it does when someone illegally downloads the same music. Further, it's offensive that, while I'm "re-distributing the wealth", you guys are just stealing it. Say what you want about me, but I don't think moral apathy is a basis for a quality life. Like I said before, stealing music doesn't sound like a big deal but it's very difficult to quarantine inappropriate behaviors. I know from experience.
Moonlapse: excellent post. I almost miss the days of vinyl. Aside from their short life span, they had the coolest inserts and their sheer size made you feel like you've made a good purchase. It was a tangible experience.
For a good while now, I've wished that recorded music would go away and leave live music alone. During the Music City Marathon here, there are bands on every corner of the course - all kinds of different styles. I've always thought that should be happening on a daily basis - not just for big events. And of course, the bands should be supported with tickets sales.
A couple notes though, if we want to keep it going:
Demoke - my comments on the high prices in Europe were from several previous posts by Europeans. I can't rememeber who it was but they were going on and on about how expensive it is to purchase a CD and that causes them to just download it for free. Personally, I couldn't tell you how much a CD in Europe costs. I couldn't think of any reason why they would be more expensive than here; I was just quoting.
Regarding bands that offer up free music: I, too, know of this. I know several bands personally who do this. Generally speaking, bands post music on their websites because they are unsigned. I doubt many contracted bands post free music on their website. I'm sure there are some, but a signed band generally would not have the rights to do so.
Regarding quality: I agree with you here. I've spent just as much money on CDs that I've tossed in the trash than I have that I played over and over. It's always pissed me off but I've always just felt that was the nature of the business. There *are* opportunities here in the US to listen to albums before you buy. Several bookstores allow this. It's helpful.
Regarding me as old school: you're all probably right. I'm not much older than you at 28 but I sometimes think I just missed some kind of "internet revolution". While many of you guys were at the height of computer knowledge, tinkering away on high priced machines your parents bought you, I was toiling away in college, or struggling with a high-stress nursing job. I still use dial-up for $7 a month. I couldn't care less if my computer exploded. Shit, look at my first post in this thread - I had to ask "what do you mean? downloading music? huh?"
My understanding is that downloading music is illegal. I understand the arguments that perhaps downloading and sharing music had lead to more exposure and profits for bands who wouldn't have gained either otherwise. I can appreciate that. However, I don't believe that downloading it is a necessary link in the chain to enjoying it. I can safely say that the bands I've come to enjoy from this website, have benefited from my patronage without the prior illegal downloading of their music. I asked Nick and Joey for recommendations and they gave them to me. I went out (or ordered) and bought the CDs. I paid shipping and handling. I paid taxes. I think it safe to say that the economy benefits more from my $18 CD purchase that it does when someone illegally downloads the same music. Further, it's offensive that, while I'm "re-distributing the wealth", you guys are just stealing it. Say what you want about me, but I don't think moral apathy is a basis for a quality life. Like I said before, stealing music doesn't sound like a big deal but it's very difficult to quarantine inappropriate behaviors. I know from experience.
Moonlapse: excellent post. I almost miss the days of vinyl. Aside from their short life span, they had the coolest inserts and their sheer size made you feel like you've made a good purchase. It was a tangible experience.
For a good while now, I've wished that recorded music would go away and leave live music alone. During the Music City Marathon here, there are bands on every corner of the course - all kinds of different styles. I've always thought that should be happening on a daily basis - not just for big events. And of course, the bands should be supported with tickets sales.
