Author Topic: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?  (Read 6666 times)

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Offline HeavyMetalMerchant

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Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« on: June 21, 2010, 06:39:57 PM »
Of course it is very obvious the record industry is pretty much dead and dying. Apart from the collectors market CD's being an almost redundant format now. The music industry is very much alive and well though with digital downloads via itunes, bands websites etc (more revenue going direct to bands). Which is great for bands and artists.

Does anyone still think 20+ year old digital format of compact discs are still necessary?  Does recorded music still need to have an Australian distributor, a physical format cd, a pressing plant, distribution, warehousing & trucks to take it to a retail store, every step along the chain taking a margin with almost none left for the artist - unlike a paid digital download that can be accessed from anyone in the world with a click of a button?

Many now feel cutting out redundant distributors and going direct to source is the best thing thats happend to accessability of music and the death record companies - does anyone else agree / disagree?  

Does anyone still buy CD's from retail and pay retail prices?

« Last Edit: June 21, 2010, 06:49:12 PM by HeavyMetalMerchant »

Offline Ingasm

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #1 on: June 21, 2010, 08:03:34 PM »
having something tangible to wrap your fingers around, and liner notes to read is still very much important to a lot of people. I download albums, but if i like it i'll get a CD eventually. Means i don't pay for albums i don't like while supporting the artists i do like. Win for the consumer!

Offline benben

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #2 on: June 21, 2010, 08:21:23 PM »
having something tangible to wrap your fingers around, and liner notes to read is still very much important to a lot of people. I download albums, but if i like it i'll get a CD eventually. Means i don't pay for albums i don't like while supporting the artists i do like. Win for the consumer!

this.

Saves wasting money on a dud album, it's a cheap(free) way of discovering new music and if I like it, I will go out and buy the album..(when it's on clearance :p)

Offline HeavyMetalMerchant

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #3 on: June 21, 2010, 08:22:25 PM »
Yes of course there will always be collectors, thats why ther eis still a market for vinyl pressings etc.

My point is if you want to support an artist then more money will go to the artist through a paid download than purchasing from retail outlet due to the expensive distribution chain and overhead (manufacturer cut, record company cut, distributor cut, retail cut etc).  A lot of artists are offering booklets for download down now also.

If you really want to support an artist then buy a t-shirt, patch, poster, flag, beanie or concert ticket, or online etc etc, as less than $3 of a store bought CD on a major record label through a bricks and mortar retail outlet generally goes to an artist.
« Last Edit: June 21, 2010, 08:25:34 PM by HeavyMetalMerchant »

Offline Anacrucify

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #4 on: June 21, 2010, 08:31:55 PM »
Not just about supporting the artist. I've enjoyed watching my CD collection grow since I was a youngun and will continue to do so. I suspect most metal heads are the same. Itunes is for the flavour of the day, not classic albums.

Offline HeavyMetalMerchant

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #5 on: June 21, 2010, 08:41:38 PM »
Good on you for being a collector that is awesome you are a true music fan.

But here is my point:

I know true fans will collect. I know what your saying though for general new releases top 40 etc, cds are redundant formats. But the general misconception is when you buy a CD from a store you are supporting the artists - no you are supporting the record companies and distro generally very little goes to the artists a much high % goes to the artist from digital distro.

Buying online - more will go to the artist (plus you will more than likely get a better price). If you buy from a retailer like JB Hi fi for example then a % of your sales you are paying staff wages, annoying junkmail catalogues, rent, staff, management, security gaurd, store fixtures, their stereo that blasts annoying music, etc wtc. if you buy online more will go to the artist due to less overhead and less links in the supply chain.

Some real world stats:

low end royalty deal
Retail     Revenue label:   Artist
$9.99      $2               $0.30

High end royalty deal
$9.99      $2                $1.00

online physical sale (eg CD Baby)
$9.99         $0.00          $7.50

Can you see my point? Please shop online for physical CDs, anyone who has access to the internet but still buys from places like JB Hi FI when around only 30 cents for every $10 spent goes to the artist - wake the hell up this is a disgrace!

Sure build your CD collection I do that too - but be mindful where you purchase from if you want the artist to benefit as well.
That is one of the reasons i started an online store, which i hope you can support with all your metal might.
« Last Edit: June 21, 2010, 09:35:32 PM by HeavyMetalMerchant »

Offline erecshyrinol

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #6 on: June 21, 2010, 09:28:16 PM »
I usually end up buying a shirt, CD, poster or whatever from a band if I really enjoy their music. And I'll usually order it directly from their band webstore. Besides, it's going to cost a fucking bomb and might take alot longer if I go through JB Hi Fi or 78 records.

I think when it comes to music and just general audio stuff, I don't think CDs will get phased out so easily. Some people still collect vinyl amirite? Casettes do, because it's just generally pretty shit quality when it comes down to it.

I think the anticipation, to actually receive a physical copy of the CD so you can unwrap the plastic and look through a physical copy of the booklet and read the lyrics while listening to the music the way it was meant to be listened, is awesome. It's just not the same to look through a digital copy of the booklet and listen to MP3s. I think it's merely for collection's sake as well. You want your kids in the future to look through your CD collection and look at the awesome artwork and chuck on the CDs and get into metal the way you did when you were flipping through your parents' records and tapes.

Offline HeavyMetalMerchant

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #7 on: June 21, 2010, 09:30:07 PM »
yes true but no kids or cash convertors i know give a shit about the VHS movie collection. :'(.. kids in the future will have 5 terabyte ipods on their wrist watch.
« Last Edit: June 21, 2010, 09:32:52 PM by HeavyMetalMerchant »

Offline Grimmy

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #8 on: June 21, 2010, 09:50:06 PM »
Definitely prefer to buy physical CDs, as per Inge's reasons above. Plus I'm slowly building up my vinyl collection as the packaging looks awesome!

The other reason is audio quality. CD quality > MP3, compressed audio sounds okay through headphones or PC speakers, but not in a good well-rounded audio system in your car\home. I like to turn it up and you can notice a huge difference with the lack of highs and lows in an MP3.

There are some receivers out these days offering "decompression" algorithms, i.e. they beef up the sound of an MP3, but I am dubious as to how they can create extra information in a digital signal that isn't there in the first place?

There's also FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) torrents floating around, but hard to find metal albums in this format with decent seeds. Unless I'm not looking hard enough...

Offline Anacrucify

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #9 on: June 21, 2010, 10:30:27 PM »
I'm not sure where you got those figures from. I know distributors that give roughly 40% of sales from a retail store to the bands. Not 3 - 10%. Obviously not as good as the 100% from sales at shows or from Itunes, but it's not as bleak as you're putting it.

Offline Funeral Tormentor

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #10 on: June 21, 2010, 10:40:56 PM »
i dont download at all id rather buy the cd... it feels better to have it in your hands... collector or not...

i buy shirts and merch as often as i can (and somtime its pirated/bootleg which pisses me off)... but id rather support the artists/bands/musicians and search out cd - tapes - vinyls ect... fuck downloading it...

:'(.. kids in the future will have 5 terabyte ipods on their wrist watch.

sad but probably fucking true...

i still have my walkman from the early 90's!!!
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Offline HeavyMetalMerchant

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #11 on: June 21, 2010, 10:46:55 PM »
I'm not sure where you got those figures from. I know distributors that give roughly 40% of sales from a retail store to the bands. Not 3 - 10%. Obviously not as good as the 100% from sales at shows or from Itunes, but it's not as bleak as you're putting it.
True yes your referring to an indi or no label deal yeah you might get $3 on $10 after gst and distro fee, but its not net (you have to pay for your own pressing / stock etc), you have to deduct production cost out of this 40%..  Yes you are right online digitial sales its pure cashflow 100% - your not paying to press up any product.

I've recorded for both indi and majors and can tell you this is legit for major label.  Also are there any distros left who put Cds in stores? I thought MGM and Ingrims went bust or are they still around.

« Last Edit: June 21, 2010, 10:58:30 PM by HeavyMetalMerchant »

Offline venismecha

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #12 on: June 21, 2010, 10:57:56 PM »
I'm a notorious downloader, and I am unashamed. I buy CDs from local (Aus) bands, or smaller/more obscure international bands, but that's about it. Every now and then I'll buy a CD just because it's really cheap, or it's the greatest band of all time and I feel silly having a burnt CD.

But yeah, I buy a lot of t-shirts as well, and between that and concert tickets, I don't feel like I'm cheating artists all that much.

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Offline HeavyMetalMerchant

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #13 on: June 21, 2010, 11:00:22 PM »
Not at all mate if you buy a shirt or ticket or merch item generally more will go to the artist than a CD thats purchased at retail..

Offline nihilist

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #14 on: June 21, 2010, 11:26:14 PM »
Seems like propaganda to get people to buy CDs from your store to me.
« Last Edit: June 21, 2010, 11:34:36 PM by nihilist »
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Offline DemiseOfSanity

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #15 on: June 22, 2010, 12:30:47 AM »
If I'm going to download something I'm sure as fuck not gonna pay for it. I try (and fail) to buy new releases on CD, I'm not gonna foe track done their whole back catalogue unless its a band I'm really into. But if they release a new album and I like it generally ill buy it on CD. Buying tracks online/on itunes feels pointless. I'd rather spend the money on tickets and merch.


Offline ironguardian

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #16 on: June 22, 2010, 01:22:14 AM »
Not just about supporting the artist. I've enjoyed watching my CD collection grow since I was a youngun and will continue to do so. I suspect most metal heads are the same. Itunes is for the flavour of the day, not classic albums.
+1

My record collection continues to grow, and will do so well into the future. I've never paid for a download online, and I'm not planning on doing it anything soon. I'd rather support the band by buying their shirts or albums directly through them, or from a smaller distributor.

If I'm going to download something I'm sure as fuck not gonna pay for it.

I get where you're coming from. If I'm paying for something, I want something physical in return for my cash. Vinyl or a well packaged CD preferably.


As for % of sales that go to bands. At IGI, I only take a couple of dollars in profit from each item that I sell, the majority of that goes back to the band or label. It's a crappy way to run a business, but the aim the whole time has been to support bands.

Offline Mago_Haydz

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #17 on: June 22, 2010, 01:24:14 AM »
Seems like propaganda to get people to buy CDs from your store to me.

thats exactly how I felt about his posts from the very beginning... same with the shirt one
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Offline HeavyMetalMerchant

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #18 on: June 22, 2010, 02:28:57 AM »
Seems like propaganda to get people to buy CDs from your store to me.

thats exactly how I felt about his posts from the very beginning... same with the shirt one

Sorry if you feel that way but it was not certainly the intention.

Damn right I will plug my own stuff and the local bands I sell. But honestly I will never sell bootleg t shirts and will always pay bands a good margin. Plus you won't find a Watian shirt at Dirt cheap CDs just a shit Marilyn Mason shirt made in Thailand.  I am proud of what I do, offer good service, and try to keep costs low keep cost low.

And really does anyone think it is good that Dirt Cheap Cd scumbags are selling bootleg shirts?
« Last Edit: June 22, 2010, 03:44:13 AM by HeavyMetalMerchant »

Offline Funeral Tormentor

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #19 on: June 22, 2010, 02:33:09 AM »
Seems like propaganda to get people to buy CDs from your store to me.

thats exactly how I felt about his posts from the very beginning... same with the shirt one

FAIL...

I think the whole industry is a fucking rip...
low prices high prices its all designed to make money... peolpe just make money off others work even if they have the rights or not...

id shop with who ever gave the musos the best kick backs... hard to find and cheers for doing so mr heavymetalmerchant...
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Offline HeavyMetalMerchant

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #20 on: June 22, 2010, 02:42:16 AM »
Thanks mate I really appreciate that - I honestly do!

You can ask all the bands I sell, Dysie anyone I pay them on time and more then you would get would be more than what they would get elsewere from a conventional retail out let.

I spend $1000's importing offical shirts because I believe in doing the right thing, so I really appreciate those who want to give the finger to these other assholes selling fake crap! I will stand up for what is right, and i will plug my stuff because I rely on the support of the metal community the most loyal people out there and like to make them aware of such things.

Offline Mago_Haydz

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #21 on: June 22, 2010, 02:51:01 AM »
Seems like propaganda to get people to buy CDs from your store to me.

thats exactly how I felt about his posts from the very beginning... same with the shirt one

Damn right I will plug my own stuff and the local bands I sell - because I garantee JB's won't - too bust plugging the latest Eminem shite.. But honestly I will never sell bootleg t shirts and will always pay bands more than what they would get at JB Hi Fi plus you won't find a Watian shirt at Dirt cheap CDs just a shit Marilyn Mason shirt made in Thailand.  I am proud of what I do and reckon my service is better than any of those stores, because I keep cost low.

For the record JB Hi Fi service is absolute SHIT! 4 checkouts you have to que up because 2 of the staff are fucking around and only 2 blink 182 kids serving you. I got so pissed off at this crap i decided do do something about it I am trying to offer a better alternative with more revenue going to the bands.

And really does anyone think it is good that Dirt Cheap Cd scumbags are selling bootleg shirts?

I didnt mean it in a negative way. Plug your business all you like. Just be careful about saying things and singling out other shops.... slander and all that shit. It can get pretty serious.
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Offline Funeral Tormentor

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #22 on: June 22, 2010, 02:54:36 AM »
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Offline HeavyMetalMerchant

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #23 on: June 22, 2010, 02:56:52 AM »
I hope it does get serious because Dirt Chirt cheap CDs need to stop selling bootlegs, calling someone out for selling bootlegs, is not slander its doing the right thing!

The bands I am dealing with are in agreeance on this.  
« Last Edit: June 22, 2010, 03:00:21 AM by HeavyMetalMerchant »

Offline Mago_Haydz

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Re: Physical format CD's anyone still buy them?
« Reply #24 on: June 22, 2010, 03:21:43 AM »
I hope it does get serious because Dirt Chirt cheap CDs need to stop selling bootlegs, calling someone out for selling bootlegs, is not slander its doing the right thing!

The bands I am dealing with are in agreeance on this.  

I was more talking about JB's... its fine for the general public to complain, but for a direct opposition like you it generally isnt tolerated.
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