Buy CD. Put on shelf.
It’s a habit I’ve recently fallen into as a result of downloading music before I buy the CD. By the time the CD arrives I’ve already listened to it extensively so the CD goes on the shelf and stays there indefinitely whilst occasionally finding its way into my car. Now, this would actually happen anyway because I just do a 320k rip on my PC and maybe a console then put the CD on the shelf to collect dust.
Why am I so willing to do this when I already have the music on my PC? Rather than pose a bunch of questions and answer them in the next paragraph, I’m gonna’ say straight up that I probably do it to build a collection – and a bit of guilt, but mostly the collecting part. I’m proud of my collections, they illustrate diverse tastes and show that I’m selective about what I like. But the reason I think it’s important to have a collection is to share it with others, in the hope that any of my friends will casually browse through my CD collection, notice a band they’ve been meaning to listen to, and take the CD away with them to discover some new sounds.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking, I am a terribly nice person, thanks for asking. You’re more than welcome to borrow a CD of mine, just so long as you don’t pretend you snapped it then be all like “Oh dude I snapped your CD. Do you want it back or shall I just throw it away”. Yeh, not falling for that one again you lanky, greasy haired hippie.
