Used cds, bookstores and a rant...

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

Have you ever been in a used bookstore and watch someone act as if they discovered the hope diamond lying on the floor? Seriously, I never tire of seeing people come in a look shocked.

Why is it so shocking to see shelves of used cds, scratched cds and all forms of music together with books?

This guy called up a friend as was telling him about all the cds. Geez, he seemed genuinely surprised. I resisted the urge to run up and punch him in the throat. I imagine I feltthat way because no one older than 20 should be clueless about used bookstores and the contents within. On top of that he started cursing in casual conversation to the phone buddy and kids were over on the next isle. I really wanted to slug him then. Anyway…

I’ve been buying used for 15 years, from some of the same places(college record stores) to new shops that pop up from time to time. The local paper runs a story on used cds and makes it out to be some new find. As if it hasn’t been going on since they released the first cds. The story mentioned all the big name places that are doing it and none of the plaes that have 20 years in already. Which naturally makes me happy I have enough sense about me to look for myself and shirk the mainstream pop culture idiots that must be fed in order to progress.

I’m astounded by the fact that some people act as if records aren’t being made anymore and wonder why anyone would buy them. I’ll occasionally see an ad about things of thepast or read some story with a line or so in it saying “records, bah, who the hell buys them…and where would I get a player?” I’m all, try your local bestbuy or some electronic place. Some think you have to shop yard sales.

I dn’t know how this will read, I’m not trying to be snobby, pompous or cutting edge. I’m just ranting a bit about this topic becasue I hate these things about our little societies. As soon as something is used up, its on to the next big things. I’d be happy if the general public(spoonfed by tv, media, friends)would stary away from these stores full of gems. Maybe the place could still make ends meet with loyal customers.
Money is the drug, and with more customers the prices always rise.
In another way I do not wish to exclude anyone becasue I enjoy the pleasure one experiences when they find a cd for 5 bucks and immediately clutch it to their breast and smile. Thats great. For instance, I found a medeski, martin and wood cd for 6 dollars. It was 17 dolars in a bigchain book/music store.

I guess it all boils down to making you own decisions. I think sometimes people just need to veer away from the usual and look around. Check out the seedy looking places and you’ll come to know that it isn’t that seedy and it’s all looks.

Any thoughts, criticisms, or insights will be much appreciated.

2

C’mon, Govindha, it’s a bookstore … who would’ve expected there to be anything entertaining or useful inside?

3

Nope, Govindha, once again you’re coming across as a total snob.

Mass culture isn’t the enemy. It may not be your friend, but it’s not necessarily the monolithic, soul-destroying force you perceive it to be.

Relax – live and let live – not everyone needs to be exactly like you.

4

Just because it isnt YOUR diamond wench, doesn’t mean it isn’t MINE.

jeez you go buy sparkly chunks of rock and let me get excited when I find an out or print work I REALLY, REALLY wanted to read but my cheap library threw out to make more room for the crap of the week novel…

5

Ignore that darn twickster, Govindha. You’re way cooler than he is (of course you are, you’re cooler than everybody!).

6

Ummm…It’s not about ones position in some crowd. It wasn’t about a social commentary. All I was saying is I find it hard to believe some peole live in a place for so long and never visit a used bookstore.
I can see why they may be shocked. I find gems alot and I clutch the item to mey chest as usually live with only that. I wasn’t cracking on that and saying feeling happiness over a find is wrong.

What I found wrong with the situation was the fact that this man in his late twenties knew little about the insides of a bookstore, used or not.

I ranted about mainstream folk and the like seeem to be th eons that say records are redundant and “are they really still made/” Thats what I found odd…

Again, you all seemed tio miss my point. I now realize I need therapy and help with expressing explicit thought on what I find interesting and bothersome.

White lighting, your positive reinforcment does little for me. Being a bastard works much better than half hearted try at wit for you…

7

Huh?

8

You are right I did miss yopur point.

I apologize.

Perhaps the issue you are addressing is there because the Universe likes nothing more than to surprise us when we arent looking.

9

Try to think of it this way. All of those people who buy the pulp novels and pop crap cds make big money for record companies and publishers. So much money, in fact, that publishers can afford to publish books by first time authors of those gems you adore but don’t make any money. Enough profit that the big record company can afford to give that brilliant little band from east bum-fuck egypt their first break into the business. They’re not unsophisticated clods-- or whatever you were trying to say-- they’re patrons.

10

I guess it’s time for me to start using the irony smilies.

I understood your point completely, Govindha. I’m also amazed that anyone could willingly remain ignorant of the inside of a local used bookstore. Personally, I’ve planned vacations around them.

11

I may not have expressed my criticism well, but I’ll stand behind it – IMHO, you’re coming across as a jerk. Anything you like is cool because you like it, and anyone who stumbles into your paradise of coolness should behave in the way that you want them to. You both do and do not want the zombified denizens outside of your universe of coolness to be converted.

Get over yourself.

12

I’ve never been in a used bookstore that sold CDs. YMMV. (and yes, I go in them a lot)