One doesn't have to be well connected these days to hear accusations that the music industry is dying. Gene Simmons has recently proclaimed rock to be truly dead due to illegal downloading and the evils of digital music. While one can't deny that the computer age is changing the way that we get our entertainment, I wouldn't liken it to killing music. And it's not only music that is changing, but movies and books as well. Some claim that books will no longer be produced in the next 20 years. Frankly, I couldn't really give a fuck, nor do I think that books or vinyl will ever really go out of style. Rather, it's the way that we choose to procure such items that has and will continue to change.
There are two stores in my area that played a very strong role in my cultural upbringing which no longer exist, and for good reason. One was a music store, and the other a chain bookstore. Amazon.com has both made them obsolete, but I'd like to think that I had a little part in their demise.
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