Ask The Readers: How Do You Buy Music?
Editor's Note: Congratulations to meg, Jess G., and Zach for winning this week's contest!
For most people, music is a part of life they can't live without. Almost everyone has a list of favorite songs and artists. As a result, many people buy single tracks from iTunes or head out to their local music store to get their favorite artist's latest cd. However, there are people who opt to just take advantage of free listening options and utilize the radio, YouTube, or Spotify.
How do you buy music? Do you use iTunes? Do you buy actual cds? Or do you opt to just listen to the radio or listen to music through sites like YouTube?
Tell us how you buy music and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!
Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards
We're doing three giveaways — one for random comments, one for random Facebook "Likes", and another one for random tweets.
Mandatory Entry:
- Post your answer in the comments below
For extra entries (1 per action):
- Go to our Facebook page, "Like" us, and leave a comment telling us you did, or
- Tweet your answer. You have to be a follower of our @wisebread account. Include both "@wisebread" and "#WBAsk" in your tweet so we'll see it and count it. Leave a link to your tweet (click the timestamp for the individual URL) in a separate comment.
If you're inspired to write a whole blog post OR you have a photo on flickr to share, please link to it in the comments or tweet it.
Giveaway Rules:
- Contest ends Monday, August 22nd at 11:59 pm Pacific. Winners will be announced after August 22nd on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
- You can enter all three drawings — once by leaving a comment, once by liking our Facebook update, and once by tweeting.
- This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook.
- You must be 18 and US resident to enter. Void where prohibited.
Note: Due to recent changes in Facebook's promotions guidelines, we have restructured the entry format of our giveaways.
Good Luck!
Tagged: Giveaways, Ask the Readers
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These days, I mostly use Amazon.com to buy my mp3's. Occasionally, I'll use iTunes, but they are general 30¢ more a track.
you've been tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/robertdavia/status/103429212618240000
I usually buy music in mp3 format on Amazon or iTunes. Though, I recently bought mp3 music through a fave band's page on bandcamp and that was a good experience too. cds are just so 90s. I don't want to take up the space in my already crowded house with them.
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I still purchase the majority of my music by CD... slowly migrating to Amazon as I can keep the music in the cloud for playback on my laptop, media center, or Droid X... much better than ripping and transferring the CDs.
I purchase cd's through Amazon and some other online sites. But I download roughly 30 or so tracks a month through a service called emusic. I pay either $6.99 or $11.99 depending on the plan I choose. That gives me 2-3 full cds a month that I download.
I don't buy as much music as I used to and with the prevalence of Pandora and now Spotify on so many devices there are a lot of great ways to stream music. When I do I buy music I usually pick up used CDs from half.com, Craigslist, yard sales and flea markets. I still prefer entire CDs as opposed to individual tracks.
90% actual cd's, 10% from iTunes. I occasionally listen to the radio and watch music channels on payTV. I prefer tangible CD's, and I have paid for every single song in my library. I don't agree with "free" music.
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rodaniel AT gmail DOT com
I still prefer to buy music on CD, then rip ‘em to MP3 format to use on my PC and iDevices. This way, I have greater control over the quality of the MP3 file and also retain the physical media as a backup.
rodaniel AT gmail DOT com
I borrow what cds in my favorite music from the library and download the tracks I want to hear. My use only. I also have a membership on emusic.com download from there.
I rarely will buy music downloads from itunes, though I do use them to search what is out there. I can't remember the last time I actually bought a cd.
I obtain iTunes gift cards (either on sale, or through the use of credit card or reward card points) and use those to buy music. No more physical discs for me!
I use Amazon MP3 for my purchases so that I can actually use it on whatever device I want without having to convert it into a usable format for my Android phone
I like you on facebook.
I tweeted my answer to you. http://twitter.com/#!/aarontn/status/103464286168424448
Purchase used CDs. Burn what I like for personal listening.
I generally by music through iTunes or Amazon. I use iTunes extensively, mostly for podcasts. I usually receive CDs as gifts. I don't purchases them any more. It depends on my mood. I listen my iPod, mostly. But the radio, sometimes.
I usually wait for deals on amazon.
Liked on Facebook!
I usually download thru itunes
I listen to samples on iTunes, Amazon or YouTube. If I like enough songs to justify buying the entire cd, then I purchase it through Amazon or Wal-Mart or wherever I find the best deal (online or in-store). If, however, there are only a few that i like and the overall price does not justify a cd purchase- I buy individual songs. I compare iTunes vs. Amazon... a lot of times Amazon has sales, freebies or is 30 cents cheaper on single song downloads. Walmart used to sell mp3s online and would often have sales too, but they are shutting their site down.
I don't buy much music these days, but when I do, it's a digital download off Amazon.
I usually buy digital singles..
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I usually buy music on Amazon. I have bought music on I tunes as well.
I like you on Facebook. Thanks!
I'm an old fogey who's music isn't made much anymore. Therefore I go to the Goodwill store, The Salvation Army store and similar places and buy used LP's and cassettes, CD's if I can find them. That way I'm supporting some decent cause, even if I find the LP/cassette to be damaged. Also, it lets me boycott big music while getting what I want, mostly.
I get all my music from iTunes! And I occasionally view music videos on YouTube
I used to use iTunes, but I've switched to Amazon since they're cheaper.
I like you on Facebook.
I buy a fair amount on Amazon. Also 7digital, and lately have been listening to Spotify.
I don't buy alot of music, I listen to Pandora, or I rent from the library. If I find something I really like, I will purchase from Amazon.
I go to ebates.com and click on the iTunes link to get a 3% rebate on each song I buy.
I like the Amazon mp3 store. Good selection and no DRM hassles.
I rent a lot of CD's from the library to check out new artist & songs, then I buy MP3's from Amazon.
How I buy music depends on the artist.
For my favorite musicians/bands, I will still buy the CD - usually because I am shelling out for the "Limited Special Edition" or something like that, which most times has something that's not available with the mp3 version.
For everything else, I buy on mp3, and I price-comparison shop between iTunes and Amazon; though I'm usually more inclined to go with Amazon because I get rewards points with my Amazon credit card anyway, and now they have that cloud thing which I like. With the cloud, I can listen to my music at work on my computer. I especially love the monthly $5 mp3 album specials that Amazon runs - it gives me a chance to try music that I might not otherwise purchase. Usually these albums are a few years old rather than recent releases, but that doesn't bother me. For example, I just got Lady Antebellum's first album (2008), but it's new to me because I'm not familiar with their music but I've read a lot of good reviews.
I'm a dinosaur and buy CDs, sometimes from an online store, sometimes at the local classical music store. I'll listen to music on Pandora, too (the free version) and tag CDs I'd like to buy eventually.
I haven't purchased a CD in years. Unless it's a gift, a buy all of my music exclusively online, usually through iTunes. I tend to misplace and scratch CDs, so it's a better investment. I do miss the full-size album art and liner notes though.
I have not bought music in a long time, has to be at least 6 or 7 years ago.
WHEN I buy music (which isn't often; I'm not as obsessed with music as many other people are), I prefer to buy the physical CDs. It just feels more "legit" to me, I guess, and I like having the CD insert that comes with it. I've never been into mp3s (I don't own an mp3 player and don't want to), and "burned" CDs feel so cheap. If it's just a random song I want to listen to and not an artist's CD I feel like I must have, I'll go to rhapsody.com and use their free listens.
I purchase my music via iTunes!
To purchase for iPod, I use iTunes. I have to keep it legal! In the car, I listen to my CDs that I bought a long time ago.
Responded on Twitter. http://twitter.com/#!/1bets1/status/103517267228229632
iTunes for my iPod, CD and radio for the car.
I don't anymore. I rarely listen to the radio in the car anymore, and at home if I want to listen to music, I either use the CDs we already own, or more likely I turn on one of the music stations from our satellite.
MP3 downloads!! Usually from Amazon, we don't have an ianything, so itunes is difficult. (We tried to buy a gift for someone there, and they rejected us because we have an old version of itunes downloaded. No thanks, I don't need the clutter, and you obviously don't need my business that much!)
I'm so old. I buy CDs.
I don't buy music, I just listen to the radio in my car and Pandora on my phone at home.
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I listen to the radio and when I hear a song I really like, I buy it on itunes!
I liked you on facebook and tweeted!
http://twitter.com/#!/mictsu613/status/103530615525216258
Radio or UTube usually.
I use Amazon.com.
Mainly via iTunes, though I still try to purchase the CD if it is an artist I really like.
I haven't bought anything in a long time, but at garage sales, etc. I still prefer CDs, but am slowly gravitating my collection to itunes. I usually find new music through Pandora.
I generally buy through Amazon or iTunes, but I also get music from up-and-coming artists for free or name your own price through bandcamp, noisetrade, and downplayer.
I still like to have the hard CDs for my favorite albums. That way I have a hard backup of my music if my hard drive crashes. But I buy a few single songs on Amazon.
all on itunes. superior listenability when they switch to the cloud!
I don't buy it I listen to the radio or I listen to what I want on youtube it has saved me buckets of money
I buy my music From a website called gomusicnow.com. it's great! You can get whole albums for $1.29!
I use Amazon mostly due to their cloud drive and being able to re-download your music any time. I own some CD's but I haven't purchased a CD in over 15 years.
I buy my music on iTunes.
I would use the gift card to go toward paying for a Kindle. I've been doing surveys and other things to save up money for it!
Also, I already 'like' Wise Bread on Facebook. Thanks!
Mostly for mp3s I will use Amazon for purchasing. I avoid purchasing through iTunes wherever possible given the DRM and the constant hassles I've found with getting music there. Unfortunately iTunes tends to have more titles oftentimes. I also purchase several lesser-known titles through CD Baby or the individual artist's site.
I personally don't buy music very often, but my husband buys his music on iTunes or amazon.
I still buy a few cds each year and occasionally have my husband download something for me. Not too exciting.
Lately, amazon mp3's but still like to have a hard copy of my favorite bands. I generally like to buy a whole cd, not just singles.
Sometimes I buy actual CDs, when I have a chance to get it signed by the artists. Other times, I buy from iTunes.
iTunes is usually the "go-to" source for my family.
I usually use Amazon to purchase music. Also my public library allows me to download 3 songs for free through Freegal.
I use i tunes.
I mostly buy CDs or buy songs from I Tunes but I just found Spotify and I think it is destined to become my new favorite!
I'm old fashioned - I still buy CDs, though not many. Mostly I listen to the radio and CDs I've had for a long time.
I can't afford to buy music, so I settle for the free songs, for example, from iTunes (3-4 songs/week) or from some Starbucks (on cards near cash register). Sometimes Amazon has promotions when you buy textbooks, which are good for a few songs also. I also use Youtube, Grooveshark, Spotify, and the radio an awful lot!
I buy music online at Amazon.com {both actual cds & downloads} and I buy it thru music retailers.
CDs can be cheap, going for as little as 0.01 on Amazon, but I have to say that a lot of the time, Bandcamp is the best place to get music. Over 50% of the artists I've purchased music from give you a "pay what you like" option so you can either grab an album or EP for nothing or give upwards of $1 if you're feeling generous. A great idea that I'd like to see more bands use.
Of course, small festivals and day-festivals will often give you the opportunity to grab some free promo CDs from small or unsigned bands.
Spotify is something I use almost every day, a great free resource to listen to bands and artists. It has features to sync with your iPod and reads your hard-drive so that your Library is all of your Spotify music plus all of the music you keep on your PC. For a small fee (4.99 a month) you can upgrade and have an advertisement free experience with some other bands or albums that don't appear on Spotify Free.
These days it is very easy to have free, legal albums. There are also sites like freemetalalbums.com that lets you download free, legal albums and EPs from lesser known but worth-a-listen bands.
So I have many places to go for music, but I still love getting a physical CD in my hands. You can make some awesome CD racks for very little money and LPs make a great "art piece" for your walls.
Just "liked" your Facebook page!
I buy used CDs at a local used book/music store and have found some amazing music by doing this, while also saving money over buying new and supporting local small business.
I went to a record store for the first time in ages the other day. There were some things there I was mildly interesting in having, but not in plastic form. I guess I have finally moved to the entirely digital realm for new things--usually Amazon rather than iTunes.
I buy 6/10 of my CDs used from a local record store (Like Record Surplus). 2/10 CDs are purchased new from Amazon. Another 2/10 are purchased through Amazon's marketplace. 10 CDs purchased is about average for a month.
I usually use itunes, although lately i don't buy music. I usually listen to music via youtube, pandora, etc.
Mostly Amazon, some iTunes. Used CD off Amazon for cd's that aren't available as MP3s.
i try to find free downloads. if it's a must, i compare itunes and amazon.
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tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/oshkoshbgosh123/status/104061092078170113
i buy music on itunes and in used record stores.
I usually buy on Itunes but would buy on Amazon but it won't let me due to my location. American living overseas. I can buy stuff on Amazon and ships to my APO address, but I can't buy music from them.....
I buy MP3s thru Amazon. Best prices and fewer limitations than iTunes.
I mostly use iTunes for myself, but I still buy physical CDs for family members like my mother who are a little behind the times. :)
Almost exclusively on iTunes. Occasionally through Amazon if they have a good deal on an album I want.
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tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/she_never_fails/status/104292186115424258
I like to buy from local music stores. There's so much more underground variety in the local stores versus the major chains who only sell the most popular music. It's always fun to discover a new artist or band while fishing through the local stores. PLUS it's a great way to support small businesses.
I tend to buy music digitally nowadays, but I have been tempted to try some of the new music library services (such as Spotify and Grooveshark). Also, I love to use Pandora -- especially when I am at the gym and can't decide what I want to listen to.
I liked you on Facebook. (But of course I liked you before that.)
Dinosaur alert: I listen to the classical station on the radio and very occasionally (think: every couple of years) buy a CD. Yep, I'm old.
I've been working in the music industry for about half a decade now. I've done it all to be on top of the latest & greatest - purchasing physical CDs, digital MP3s, music subscriptions to even turning to illegal downloading to satisfy my desires. Finally, I've realized in today's day and age I don't have to buy music anymore NOR turn to illegal means to get my fix.
YOU DON'T NEED TO BUY MUSIC ANY LONGER (my boss would probably **** on me for this)
Through my experience here's how you can satisfy your fix through the most frugalest means possible. I found these 4 techniques to be the free way to go and keeps music discovery & diversity at a stupid all time high.
(1) If you need the satisfaction of owning a file you can find millions upon millions of legal mp3s through music blogs via Hype Machine - artists release their hottest stuff for free now to get people talking. These files can satisfy your mobile needs for the time being when you don't have Internet access.
(2) You can stream the latest and greatest records all the time through sites like NPR and Spinner who get exclusive streams - quite frankly, you probably won't feel the need to own the record. One or two or three listens for the week will suffice for me then I'm on to the next thing in the fast-paced scene.
(3) Online radio - Pandora, Stereomood, Last.fm, Turntable.fm, NPR, your favorite local stuff, and the billions upon billions of radio stations you can find through iTunes, WinAmp, etc. etc. There's so much independently awesome stuff out there it's ridiculous, just look around. My favorite is www.laid-back.be for soul, jazz, and hip-hop beats.
(4) SPOTIFY - It's free, it's simple, it's social, it works.
Boom! There ya go! Enjoy hearing an insane amount of new stuff like never before at no real cost.
I primarily use iTunes, but also use the radio, Spotify, Amazon or other music sites. Occasionally, I will purchase an actual CD.
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I tweeted my comment via @KeriRitenour http://twitter.com/#!/KeriRitenour/status/104945674394681344