Note: If you haven't done so already, please read Ira's blog entry for October 23rd, found here:
http://glassyeyes.blogspot.com/ The following story will make a lot more sense if you read his article first. Tale of the Record Store Owner I own a record and LP shop. I’ve been in the business for over 30 years. I’m sure you are bombarded by hoards of us in the industry. What you need to understand is that we are fighting for our jobs. At first it was record and tape clubs via the mail. But now something more sinister has arisen. A lot of people today are buying their music online and loading them onto contraptions known as “iPods” and “mp3” players. The youngsters even have music on their portable phones! What really bothers me is that they come into my shop and listen to the latest songs. They can try them out in my store then go out and buy them online. Nothing makes me more upset than having to use MY inventory of records, MY knowledge, MY time to help people buy their music online. My big quandary is this--Where do you go when you need your turntable cartridge replaced? Who’s going to align your tonearm, set the tracking force and calibrate the rotational speed? Do people then seek out their turntable technician and expect him/her to help you? Really, what do you do? At my store we DO NOT release the counterbalance weights for turntable cartridges tracking forces. We have a fee associated with that information. If this isn’t set up properly it could result in blurred sounds and possibly permanent damage to your LPs. I want customers to LOVE their vinyl LPs. It doesn't matter to me how much you spend or don't spend. It could be $100, or $1,000. I don't make commission. I'm proud of what I do. I don't want to see my job go through the window because it's been outsourced to the giant, tentacled website with clickable links. I'd love to read a response from you. I'm not trying to bash what you're doing, I'm only stating my case. I think everyone should hear both sides of the story. Sincerely, Disgruntled Brick & Mortar Store Owner --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Check us out at the oft-updated http://www.glassyeyes.com! You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "GlassyEyes" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/glassyeyes?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
