I am going to throw something out on the table.
It seems like it's more of the older guys here (myself included) who consider their physical formats (tapes, CDs, vinyl, etc) to be part of a "collection" and not just a format for the tunes.
I know speaking for myself, as much as I love my IPOD, there are MANY bands where I will ALWAYS have to own the physical copy of the disc, because in addition to the tunes, I need it for my collection of the band (main bands for me would be Maiden, Motorhead, Helloween, Trouble, etc).
Anyhow, while the internet has been amazing (no doubt about it) for getting music to the masses (regardless of legally or illegally) do you think it has resulted in today's new breed of fans becoming more casual about the bands they like?
I won't name any names, but there are a lot of people on this forum and others I read who definitely seem more interested in the social aspect of the metal scene than the actual music itself. I guess this isn't so bad, since these fans purchase tickets to shows which supports.
For me personally, I spend a lot more money a year on CDs and downloads than I do on tickets, since each year I go to less and less shows. (just becomes harder as kids get older, etc).
So what are your thoughts on this?
I know for me growing up, it was the album covers that drew me in to SO SO many bands, and hunting for albums was my entire life. I was indeed a vinyl junkie, so bad that about 10 years ago, I had to go cold turkey!! (Though collecting CDs can be just as bad with all the damn special pressings, imports, etc).