Subscribe My Music? Not In This Economy.

Recently microsoft released an ad stating that it would be cheaper to subscribe to it's Zune music subscription service instead of purchasing songs outright from iTunes. Their argument being that instant gratification out weighs the benefit of long-term ownership. In my opinion, that is like favoring a series of one-night-stands over marrying the girl of your dreams. Allow me to explain...

In a subscription service model, the perceived value comes from the ability to take advantage of a vast library of music without paying for each song you listen to, thanks to a monthly access fee (which subsidizes access to a song until you buy it, if allowed). Hence, as long as you can foot the bill, you are going to get some. However once you lose your job (which is still happening at an alarming rate), "the love is gone". Whatever "memories" or songs purchased while you were having the time of your life, you can bet amount to far less than what
you paid for while you were out painting the town red. In the end, since "ain't nothing going on but the rent", you paid for an experience and not a commitment.

"So, what" you say? You had a great time while it lasted and nothing lasts forever, right? Well, what about your parents 45's (LP's)? Or your CD's? Or even your digital downloads? That's a living memory you can positively re-live (ranging from the purchasing experience to the context you played them in ) over and over again at no charge. Should you lose your job, you certainly won't lose a slice of your personal milieu. Or that extra movement of motivation (put on repeat) as you pound the pavement endeavoring to secure financial stability (or some semblance of it). Should it really get bad, if you have any collectible analog originals, for example, it could possibly procure much needed necessities; truly the ultimate sacrifice. If it's all digital, well, at least they can fit in your pocket and not on a server restricted by a lack of funding. They are still yours; rich or poor.

For me that is the crux: Substantive personal value. In my opinion, no U.S. subscription service (UK based Virgin may have something here, as ArsTechnica explains) can ever hold real personal value. It is by it's very nature imperfect, ephemeral and its fullness is always just out of one's grasp. Should joblessness strike, and you have to cancel, perhaps they will play a familiar tune for you; a kind of last hurrah: "You have to have a J-O-B, if you want to be with me..."

Yes, in these uncertain times, who doesn't need stability? Always by your side, like Sade; feast or famine; iPod or component player; your purchased music, the love of your life, will be with you until the bitter end. That is why, no matter how cheap the thrill, when it comes to music, I'd rather save for a diamond. Not only is it a "girl's best friend", but my love and ownership of the muse's wares will last just as long; if not forever.