[TAlderson]

I think it sucks. I bought The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan used for $5, and it was in pretty much new condition. But, now that store went out of business. Generally, I buy used cd's, and generally, they're cheaper than iTunes. Also, I get the liner notes and the quality is cd-quality. People don't realize that you can get cheap cd's, especially used. Even big-name bands like the Beatles or Zepplin generally sell for about 8 or 9 bucks at a used cd store, and they're in good condition. Of course, most people nowadays listen to the shit they play on radio that the labels jack up to $20 a cd. So for them, $10 a cd that they can put straight onto their iPod sounds good.

For me, and probably a lot of you, though, it sucks

Another thing: You know those bins at the cd stores that are something like 3 bucks a cd, and they're all indie bands you've never heard of, but they sound good? I have a ton of stuff from that, and a lot of it is damn good. But I never would have heard of the Big Geraniums (and actual band, and they're good, too) unless I had gotten their cd.

In some ways, downloading has made it easier for bands to get their stuff out. But I bet that it's a lot harder for those bands to get any money or recognition, since people can now pick and choose the two songs they've heard of the band, instead of buying their album. While this might seem good, think about it: Would you rather have a thousand people buy your album, or five thousand buy that one song, and not listen to anything else?

I'd be willing to bet that people who buy the album are more likely to like the band (assuming the band is actually good), and therefore more likely to buy future albums, go to shows, etc. Now, people are less likely to buy the album of someon they don't really know, bu tbuy albums from big name people (I can't call them musicians) so they have a limited view and don't get much exposure.

Basically, I think it hurts music as a whole.

-Tyler