Re: Radiohead: People still want an “object”

Dave — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:16:55 -0000

I much prefer the physical object to buying a download.

First, the practical reasons associated with current terrible downloadable choices:
1) I get a gold master to keep - highest quality available for the same price
2) Absolutely no DRM telling me where/when/how much I can play or copy
3) Hard copy backup on a granular basis

Other than perhaps some purchasing convenience (not having to leave your home/office) I see no benefit to downloading vs buying a CD (unless you have a serious closet space problem).

I also understand the simple concept of purchasing an "object." I see where you are going that younger folks (I'm an ancient 35) care less about the tangeable "thing", but nothing makes a purchase feel more real or victorious (for those to be first, etc.) than having it in your sweaty hands. If anything, downloading reinforces the concept that music should be cheap or free (separate debate) as it doesn't feel like you bought anything (a digital transmission of an idea?).

Besides, hrmmpf, I'm old and I like round things that store music ...

Re: Radiohead: People still want an “object”

Dave — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 22:46:30 -0000

My post-CD purchase looks pretty much the same. High quality MP3 files usually bug me unless they are 256 kbits/s or higher which I have yet to find. Again, other than shopping, no real differences in process. I'm forced to rip right away, you are forced to burn right away if you want a backup (apples to apples comparison of end product). So this really is about shopping convenience and nothing else (other than a bit of physical storage, unless you don't bother backing up your music).

Funny is my iPod gets it's most use in our cars. Tape deck interface in one, OEM interface in the other - much better than fumbling with CDs in the car. Mildly ironic twist in the discussion.

So, where does this leave books? Last media form to go online en-masse and heavily built around a consumer's interaction with the "object."

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Re: Radiohead: People still want an “object”

Re: Radiohead: People still want an “object”