#92 - Streaming vs Downloading... which one has longevity?

So you think having 100,000,000 songs or more is enough to have ALL the songs on demand? Streaming has delivered a lot of promises but it can't deliver all the songs recorded.

It's true that once you get it setup, streaming can be pretty convenient and relatively cheap, but what's the real price a person who cares about music, audio, and legacy, pays? Will those tracks you loved today be available tomorrow? Will you be able to listen all the way through a song without the internet stuttering? Can you trust the company you've committed to will survive the music industry consolidation and the work you've put into building your library still be accessible?

Maybe this next example has happened to you and if it hasn't, it probably will in the future. I had a playlist I used for sleeping. Suddenly, one of the albums stops playing. I can see it, but it's been muted and no longer accessible. It only exists on one service so I can't get it elsewhere.  It's just gone without explanation.

There are a few reasons this can happen. An album can be dropped by their distribution company and the music no longer supported. An artist dies and no one is there to pay the annual fee to keep the music on the services. An unknowing fan plays a track on infinite repeat and a streaming service shuts off the song for over playing. Sometimes this is permanent, sometimes the song comes back after months. Random claims of copyright violations made by artificial intelligence algorithms (many are incorrect and it’s impossible to reach anyone inside these companies to prove otherwise).

I can imagine a future where record labels and artists will choose NOT to put full albums up for streaming. Only designated singles will be released for promotion to buy the album. Sound familiar? We used to call it “radio.”  

Streaming is not getting better at solving these issues. If you listen to downloads, CDs, vinyl, or tape, you stand a much better chance that your cared for collection of music will be there tomorrow.  

There are problems with all media and I'm not sure technology is helping the situation. Think about the rise and fall and rise again of vinyl?  Based on my cell phone's ability to hold a call, I think my landline has a good chance of coming back. I'm leaving those wires through my house right where they’re at!

Enjoy your listening on what media is best for you! 

Cookie Marenco