I know that CDs aren't as popular as they once were. But look around online and there are still droves of people collecting them. However, there are many that seek to deceive you into thinking they're giving you a deal, when in fact they're just some shitbag trying to sell you bunk that cost them 50 pesos...
Every CD has a catalog number and it's always listed in several places. First, check the spine of the case. On the top or bottom (sometimes both) of that strip that displays the artist/title are some letters and numbers. If you're buying something from a big mainstream label based in the US, it's most likely going to look like a pretty random sequence. But if you're buying from an indie artist or label, it's more discernable. The Japanese in particular do the catalog thing the best. For instance, a CD from Mana's Midi:Nette label would have a catalog number reading MMCD-03. Why is any of this important? Turn over your shiny disc and look around the circle where the hole is. There is usually small text and a barcode, but look closely and yep, that catalog number is there, too. Make sure it matches up, and you have just authenticated your disc. Bootleggers CANNOT duplicate that.
There's a problem, though. Rather than just hocking fake shit, these crafty fucks have set up bootleg labels and unfortunately, they have their own catalog numbers. Know what label the artist is on. If they're international artists, oftentimes they will have an affiliate deal with another record label to distribute music outside of their native land. Just do a little looking into it. If somebody is selling a 30-40 dollar CD for 10 bucks brand new, you're getting fake shit. This is incredibly prevalent on ebay.
I'm a collector. I've been sold plenty of fakes and it frustrates me to no end. If it's too good to be true, it is. Also, be on the lookout for fraudulent albums and "singles collections." Most artists have their discography (with catalog numbers, labels, etc.) on their sites. If not, discogs.com is your friend. Use it.
~A~
This was fascinating. I did not know any of this. Thank you, darling! This is kind of a condensed comment as I've got work to go do, but I wanted to say that I'm so glad you're healing well and that you know how to take care of yourself. I suspect a lot of people who need to self-harm are not as careful as we are. Infections and whatnot. I will listen to the track as soon as I have a few minutes and let you know what I think. As always, hugs and love! <3
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, darling! I'd just never seen this posted online anywhere, and it's actually something I stumbled upon by accident one day. It irks me that people want to rip off hard working artists, but that's just the tip of the damage this shit inflicts. Bootlegging music, games, films, software, etc is a relatively cheap racket and is just a small revenue stream for organized crime. So the next time someone says "So and so doesn't need my money." Maybe, but by not paying the artist or their corporate masters, you might have just contributed to another young girl being sold like meat.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's sort of a double edge sword, knowing how to treat these wounds. I know I'm not going to bleed to death, but at the same time, I'm not getting treatment for the overall problem! XD Hope you like the song and don't work too hard, darling! :3
~A~