On the obsolescence of mix tapes (and that of mix CDs)
First, a brief preamble in defense of file-sharing:
I don't care what the RIAA or that shithead drummer from Metallica say, there is nothing wrong with file-sharing.
Why? Because it's the natural manifestation of the technology we have at our fingertips. It is no different than making a cassette copy of music to give to a friend. It's just that now most of our friends are anonymous, and we can pick and choose our own songs at will. Sure, it's technically illegal, but the prohibition is unenforceable, and just like in the old days (of about thirty years ago and until recently), if it is music that someone really likes, he or she will go ahead and buy the album rather than have to listen to a copy over and over. In fact actual sales figures back up this theory. Some figures even show that file-sharing may boost sales.
And as far as the RIAA is concerned, they represent rich companies, not artists. They may pitch the argument that it cheats artists, but the recording companies themselves have a track record of screwing artists.
I'm not one of those people who insist on analog formats, but I do have a working tape deck and phonograph. I wish that vinyl albums were still mass produced, but I'm not a snob. (I realize that some albums are still released on vinyl. I wish all were though, like they were before the CD took over.) The thing is, CDs are so cheap and crappy, it just seems a shame to have to drop ten to fifteen bucks for an album on CD. Think about how much you pay for a blank CD and think how easily they are scratched or broken or just degrade over time. And of course, with a vinyl album you get much larger artwork, which is wonderful. Anyway, all of this is neither here nor there, but comes to mind in this context.
My point is that with file-sharing so widespread, we no longer need to make mixtapes, provided the individuals in question have internet access, preferably broadband.
I know that people still make mix tapes (or mix CDs). I know this because I have made some, and have also have gotten some from friends, in the past year and a half. What I am saying, is that from now on, no one needs to make me a mix tape or CD. Just send me the list of songs, and I'll do it myself! Sure, some people may want to take the time to show they care and make a tape or CD for someone. Spare me. I'd rather do it myself.
On that note, I would invite all of my friends now to email me names of songs and artists that they've been listening to a lot lately. Because I really need some new music, but don't know where to begin. I'll find the songs online, download them and make myself a mix CD.
It's the wave of the future!
I don't care what the RIAA or that shithead drummer from Metallica say, there is nothing wrong with file-sharing.
Why? Because it's the natural manifestation of the technology we have at our fingertips. It is no different than making a cassette copy of music to give to a friend. It's just that now most of our friends are anonymous, and we can pick and choose our own songs at will. Sure, it's technically illegal, but the prohibition is unenforceable, and just like in the old days (of about thirty years ago and until recently), if it is music that someone really likes, he or she will go ahead and buy the album rather than have to listen to a copy over and over. In fact actual sales figures back up this theory. Some figures even show that file-sharing may boost sales.
And as far as the RIAA is concerned, they represent rich companies, not artists. They may pitch the argument that it cheats artists, but the recording companies themselves have a track record of screwing artists.
I'm not one of those people who insist on analog formats, but I do have a working tape deck and phonograph. I wish that vinyl albums were still mass produced, but I'm not a snob. (I realize that some albums are still released on vinyl. I wish all were though, like they were before the CD took over.) The thing is, CDs are so cheap and crappy, it just seems a shame to have to drop ten to fifteen bucks for an album on CD. Think about how much you pay for a blank CD and think how easily they are scratched or broken or just degrade over time. And of course, with a vinyl album you get much larger artwork, which is wonderful. Anyway, all of this is neither here nor there, but comes to mind in this context.
My point is that with file-sharing so widespread, we no longer need to make mixtapes, provided the individuals in question have internet access, preferably broadband.
I know that people still make mix tapes (or mix CDs). I know this because I have made some, and have also have gotten some from friends, in the past year and a half. What I am saying, is that from now on, no one needs to make me a mix tape or CD. Just send me the list of songs, and I'll do it myself! Sure, some people may want to take the time to show they care and make a tape or CD for someone. Spare me. I'd rather do it myself.
On that note, I would invite all of my friends now to email me names of songs and artists that they've been listening to a lot lately. Because I really need some new music, but don't know where to begin. I'll find the songs online, download them and make myself a mix CD.
It's the wave of the future!
posted by Model Consumer at 11:09
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