Cranky ol’ techie opinion: the model where you buy the music, download the music, and own the data was — and still is — the best model for creating a personal music library.
Not streaming. Not LPs. Downloadable high-quality digital.
PSA: The iTunes Store still exists. As does Bandcamp…for now. And they’re lossless and DRM-free.
(Re this from @48kRAM:)
https://oldbytes.space/@48kRAM/111247925740746509
I treat streaming services a bit like broadcast radio: if I want to sample something new, or just listen to what has my ear right now, I’ll stream it.
But if I want something in my library, if I want to know that I can hear it in the future and have it continue to be a part of my life, I download it. Better sound quality, it won’t disappear, and the artist gets paid.
@inthehands Download it AND BURN IT. Because DRM means that one day you may own the file but find yourself unable to play it.
@KeithAmmann
iTunes and Bandcamp are both DRM-free.
@inthehands iTunes hasn't always been DRM-free. I have a lot of .M4P files in my iTunes folder that I can't convert to any other format and will never be able to play using anything except iTunes.
I can burn 'em to a CD, though.
@KeithAmmann
It’s been DRM-free for •14 years•. Checking old purchases is good advice. Burning everything now just in case is…not.
@inthehands Dang, has it been that long?
@KeithAmmann
Time is a lie