i got rid of all my CDs in like 2005. i don’t even know where i could buy a CD anymore since all of the record stores around here (like tower records, sam goody, etc) have all closed. i guess i could order CDs online but who needs all that useless junk sitting around when you can just store it inside your computer.

i’ve paid for a subscription to emusic in the past, but their selection is p limited. i’ve bought albums and tracks from itunes, but getting around the protected files was a pain in the bum. i’ve heard itunes has changed this recently, so i’d consider paying for the download if i think the band deserves it. if it’s a lesser known band on an independent label, i’ll pay. but, for example, if i want an album by led zeppelin or red hot chili peppers, sorry but those ****ers don’t need an extra $10 from my pocket.

i used to use napster, kazaa, etc. back in the day, but since people have been getting sued for uploading and sharing files, i don’t use torrents anymore because i don’t want to lose my house or whatever. lately i’ve been getting new music by downloads from sites like rapidshare, megaupload, etc. and by sharing with friends via ftp or taking my external hard drive to their house.

my music collection is about 50 GB and i’d estimate maybe 35% of that i actually paid for. if a band i like is playing locally i’ll support them by going to their show and maybe buying something there like a shirt or a vinyl record. i don’t really feel bad about bootlegging since everyone does it, and so far i haven’t heard any stories about bands sleeping in the gutter because people are ‘stealing’ their music.