Artefacts of the Last Century

I have been forced to consider the value of a CD.

Some eight years ago, when we started our CD ripping project, there were one or two places you could sell used CDs. At that time a main stream CD was selling at a considerable price. Even in those days people were shocked at just how little they could command once used.

Fast forward and what has happened. Carnage on the High Street retail landscape and there are now very few sales outlets for music CDs. In fact I can’t think of a shop that sells solely music, those handful left mix in video and computer games. Look in your supermarket and you’ll see CDs for three or four pounds, maybe even with a buy one get one free promotion too. Don’t forget, this is even taking into account the VAT hike to 20% we got hit with early this year.

Matched with the plummeting cost of new CDs there is the simple fact that today there are very few takers for CDs. Try and find anyone under 25 who thinks first of plastic rather than digital. It’s proven a deadly mix for the entertainment industry, hardly a day goes by without a new tale of woe from the once mighty names.

Here’s the blunt fact. You need to understand that in effect CDs are now worthless. They’re not old masters or fine wines, not even minor works by an obscure sculptor. They are artefacts of the last century - shiny scrap. What is to be done? Get with the march of time and technology, get your CDs onto iTunes in true digital format, enjoy them via an iPod or Sonos. Then chuck them on the scrap heap.