but since I discovered mp3 and their accompanying players, it seems to me like the compact disc is just a big scam (well... we all know it is). You're paying for a plastic box that contains a plastic plate holding the digital files, which contain the actual music... which you can find for free without even trying.

Most times if I buy a CD, the first thing I do is rip the mp3s so it makes more sense to just skip the middleman altogether.

Contrary to popular belief, CDs are not more durable, by the way... I've lately been going through the collection to check out CDs I haven't listened to in like 10 years. Some of them are showing traces of decay on the edges.

(tapedeck would gladly tell you more about that, though...)