Article about my view on "digital" and "physical" media and its distribution...

In reflecting on how my personal media consumption habits changed in recent years as a

result of digital distribution, I can say that they have stayed the same.  The reason why I say "the same" is that for a while now, I have leaned toward some of the vintage forms of media for their residual value.  Some of my musical production samples are coming from tape and other forms of analog recordings.  I have even invested quite a bit of money in restoring a vintage sound recording studio.  I can say that at the same time, the distribution of social friendly media has made music more visual too.

As far as “physical” books, I have read a bit less than before.  About a third of my recently updated library is coming in digital format.  However, nothing like going to your local bookstore and getting a physical copy for me.  With newspapers and magazines, I have found myself reading more online content since it is on the go mostly, and smartphones offer the capability. With CD's vs downloads something weird has happened.  I have found myself purchasing more "streaming" power rather than download music from itunes.  I feel like I need to have access to music streamed rather than marry to one specific download. 

My media consumption habits about “the big picture” of publishing and distribution within various branches of the entertainment industry tell me that in the area of music, publishing and distribution will all end in "licensing" deals.  As time goes by, I feel that we as consumers need more on the go music.  Music is getting to a very cosmopolitan state.  What we like from the radio ALWAYS gets played there.  What we liked (and still like) from out past musical collections, we could some how get to it on YouTube.  And, what we want to explore, we will hear on our own tailored Spotify or Pandora station.    

As we look ahead and consider the future of media distribution I think that in a few years, companies such as Blockbuster and Netflix will not be relying solely on digital distribution.  They will have to tweak their distribution method since not all of the users have high quality Internet speeds.  Companies such as the ones mentioned will be reacting to other communication trends.  Corporations such as Borders (no longer existing in Miami), and Barnes and Noble will have to continue to have physical locations in my opinion.  Why?  Well, 100% web distribution whether digital or physically delivered books will immensely cut the customer base.  The reason for this is that many do not have a way to make a sound decision about a book from a computer screen or a smartphone.  Therefore, I believe that due to the difference in presentation, bookstores will still generate income just as their digital partners.