M6.2

Each experience of listening to music online though many of these streaming option was very similar. Each offered some method to share the experience with other via Facebook, Twitter, etc. And, they all either forced you to explore the genre, like Pandora, or they at least gave you an option to automatically browse the genre by adding similar artists to your stream's playlist. I checked out each one but, the semi-randomness of Pandora providing the chance to discover a new band was most appealing. Many other had this option but Pandora was essentially built for this purpose so it was the obvious choice for me. I use services like Pandora often, however, it is more of a personal usage. I'm never one to use the additional social tools to advertise my tastes. And, lets not for get that fact that it is free.

The linked article makes a good point on the sales figures, it is clear that streaming services are steadily over taking online purchases, the rationale being the appeal to radio like discovery similar to my point about this ease of access to new music above. Many of the large social media hubs are another place one can discover music, although it seems to be much less natural than the radio style offered by streams. However, these are the end game for musician and producers who offer up their media on many streaming venues. Another great point in the linked article is the use of social data. Interaction on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook can help producers and artists track their online success as part of website such as Spotify, Grooveshark, etc.

Slideshare presentation featuring: The New Bomb Turks