A few weeks ago, I asked one of my friends if they wanted to come with me to pick up a new record that came out that day. She gave me a funny look and asked, “Why don’t you just buy it on iTunes?”
That’s a good question. The transition of media from physical to digital format happened so quickly and seamlessly that it was difficult not to just go along for the ride. There’s a whole world of music, film and literature that can be accessed with just the click of a mouse. With such convenience, why would anyone bother to drive to the nearest Best Buy or wait for shipping?
In all honesty, there’s an element of sentimentality that keeps some people buying physical media. There’s just nothing like reading through the liner notes during the first listen to a new album or the smell of a new book. You can’t get that kind of satisfaction from an e-book or an MP3.
To some level, I also believe that physical media gives a listener, reader or watcher a more concrete appreciation of the art itself. When you can hold a piece of art in your hands, you can attach memories to it. How long was that CD in your car? How many times did you read that dog-eared copy of your favorite book? How long was that record on your turntable? And, more importantly, where were you in life when you first heard that record, when you first read that book? You hold it in your hands and you think, “Somebody put a lot of work into this.”
This may seem cheesy, but this kind of appreciation is what keeps the entertainment industry afloat. When that CD becomes a part of your life, you come to appreciate the artist. This is what keeps people from illegally downloading music and show respect for the artists who created it.
So, maybe next time you want to buy a book or an album, put down the e-reader or the iPod and make a trip to the store. Complete the experience. See what it’s like for media to be more than just data.
Jordan Walsh can be reached at jordantwalsh@gmail.com