Came across this via Biblibio's interesting post:
And, further, I believe the reason this approach doesn't seem to work as well for music sales is the general lowering of quality. Unlike books, a lot of the music one 'borrows' (via YouTube, the radio or by catching MTV or MuchMusic*) is often, in my opinion at least, not worth actually purchasing and adding to one's music collection. One just doesn't need it to be part of a permanent collection. A few repeated listenings and the charm wears off. The higher quality offerings (of whichever genre or style) are going to end up being purchased because listeners, like readers, want to support their favourite artists. There is simply less being produced that happens to fit the bill. Just a theory though. (And, of course, there's also the additional complication of the average age of those in the target market).
* Side note: if MTV or MuchMusic actually have music on when you catch them, that is.
3 scribble(s) in the margin:
He is right, isn't he?
I know I don't like to read on the computer, but I might read some short stories or exerpts and if I like them go to buy the book.
And you're right with music too. The internet is a good way to get a taster before buying.
Well, what can I say? I love Neil Gaiman. And I can honestly see where reading one of his books, for free, on the net, would make one lust for more. After I read The Graveyard Book, I became a permanent fan.
Em: I think he's so right! At least, in my experience he seems to hit the nail right on the proverbial head. For anyone with any kind of limited book-buying or music-buying budget, the internet and the e-book are absolutely essential for the try-out stage!! :)
Grad: I love him too (I think . . . at least, all that I've read or heard of so far). I loved American Gods. But I haven't yet read The Graveyard Book (though it's on that ever-growing list of mine :).
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