When I started getting promos to review for this site back in 2007 they were 90% physical copies and now just a few years later the promos are 98% digital. I think at first I was always for physical copies because that's what I grew up with. I was hesitant to switch to digital promos, but did so because that's the way promos were going. After doing it for a while. I actually found it easier in some ways.
Positives for digital:
-You have it on your computer so no searching and wondering where did I put that CD I was supposed to review. Trust me I did that last part a lot.
-I get the download link right away instead of depending on the mail to deliver it. Several times I had discs that didn't show up and I had to write the PR people and they said they sent it but they would re-send a second copy because the first must have gotten lost in the mail. I have never had a digital promo I was supposed to get not get to me.
-I have gotten far more broken discs in the mail than I have downloads that wouldn't work.
-It's far easier to store afterwards because I don't have to keep wondering where I am going to stick all those CDs once I finish review them.
I still get a few physical promos and that's cool too to look at the artwork right in front of you up close and see the credits without having to search online for them, but overall I think digital is just fine. I am sure there are still a few stubborn geezers who will disagree with me, but that's bound to happen. I still burn stuff onto CD some to listen to in my car or wherever.
Now then again this is comparing digital vs. CD. Even though I don't currently have a working turntable I still consider vinyl the best format of all time, but maybe that's just me.
***Feel free to add your own thoughts on this topic or any related argument.
I still get physical CDs from local bands and if I request them from certain PR firms they will send up. If I know if is an album I'll probably want to keep (mostly local bands) they actual CDs are the way to go. Overall I agree with you about digital. The only downside it that a lot of re-releases I want to review are not coming out on digital except maybe through Pure Steel. So, I have to dig about and find friends will to ship these imports over in exchange for me shipping CDs to them. Such is the life of a heavy metal collector I'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteMan, a lot of spelling mishapes in that last one Mark! It is only day one of being home with the kids because of spring break and already I'm losing it! Speaking of imports a few showed up in the mail that I hope to tackle. Speaking of promo CDs and DVDs (as well as piles of misc. music sitting around from years of collecting) I just unloaded a bunch of stuff at my local Exchange store. I got the kids a ton of video games and myself a few DVDs. Making my kids day is always a plus as is clearing out space! I thought my poor computer was going to die from all the albums I loaded in over the past week!
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