A Bleak Future For Physical Media Purchases?

KevReedUK writes "The folks at ZDNet are eulogising over the upcoming death of physical media music sales. They refer to the noticeable drop in physical sales of albums whilst digital sales continue climbing (albeit at a reduced rate). Their central argument is that 'the music industry was pillaged by piracy and competition from other forms of entertainment such as video games ... [2007] marked the lowest tally and the steepest decline since Nielsen began publishing estimates based on point-of-sales data in 1993, a Nielsen representative said. The peak year in that time was 2000, when sales reached 785 million units.'"

Comments

I for 0's and 1's

[frictionless man]

Because I like to have it physically in my collection. There is just something a bunch of 0's and 1's can't replace. 0's and 1's can't replace 0's and 1's? What a world!

Re:I for 0's and 1's

[Jason Levine]

Yes, but these 0's and 1's are on a shiny plastic disk. Never underestimate the power of shiny objects.

Re:Any other factors than piracy?

[VENONA]

Nah, this all due to the same reason oil prices are so high. We've reached Peak Music.

Re:Any other factors than piracy?

[Viceroy Potatohead]

Luckily, scientist are busy working out other solutions, such as bio-sounds, and more efficient ears, so we don't waste as much music. At least all countries signed on to the Kyoto^WYoko Accord during some of the worst years of music consumption. This alone lowered the global Volume by 1.2dB, and gave us several extra years before Peak Music was reached.

Re:Decesions, decesions

[urcreepyneighbor]

The top five most pirated tracks last week were from Alicia Keys, Fergie, Soulja Boy, Daughtry and somebody called "Baby Bash." I have no clue what or who "Baby Bash" is, but it sounds fun!

Now, where's my hammer and where's the baby? ;D