Music industry tries a new trick to rescue its flatlining CD sales.
In a new twist to efforts to revitalize slumping physical CD sales, the music industry is rolling out the “ringle,” which combines the old-school single format with ringtones.
Each “ringle,” as it’s being referred to, is expected to contain 3 tracks to include one hit sing, a remix, an older track, and code for redeeming a ringtone online, all on a CD with a slip-sleeve cover.
Their idea behind the move is that “…if consumers in the digital age can download any tracks they want individually, why not let them buy singles in the store as well?”
But, do people really even buy tracks in the store anymore? Haven’t they figured out yet that iPods have irrevocably changed the music landscape forever?
Apparently not it seems.
Sony BMG Music Entertainment is said to have come up with the “ringle” idea, and it along with Universal Music Group are going to be the first to release them. Sony is said to be preparing to distribute 50 titles during October and November, while UMG will have anywhere from 10 to 20 titles.
It’s rumored that the “ringle will cost anywhere from $5.98 to $6.98, while the wholesale cost to retailers will be less than $4. This means that “low price leader” outlets like Wal-Mart will offer them at a loss at around this $4 price to get consumers in the door.
The music industry says it’s an attempt to get consumes to start connecting to the internet via a CD, the ringtone redemption offer being the case here, yet, is it just me or does it seem a clunky and confusing proposition?
Why bother with any of this “ringle” nonsense at all when with just a few clicks of your mouse you can get the same deal if not cheaper?
Aside from the obvious lack of band cover art, digital music services like iTunes have made purchasing digital music online far and away a better option than buying physical CDs. Between convenience, selection,a nd pricing it’s a no-brainer what consumers will ultimately choose in the end, and so to try and lure them back with free ringtones while part of a bloated CD single price snacks of continued RIAA arrogance.
To make matters worse for this ill-conceived idea is the fact that consumers now have the option of purchasing music ringtones on iTunes. Where is the added value in a $7 CD that I have to waste time, energy, and gas to purchase when I can I do the same for less at home whenever I please and without regard for in-stock availability?
Once again the music industry reminds us just how incompetent it can be.
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Strange as it seems people do still buy CD’s. And it’s not just older people. I saw a seventeen year old the other day and he had a portable CD player. When I questioned him he said that he preferred having something physical. My son has even found a store that still sells some current music on vinyl! (I didn’t even know they still made vinyl recordings!)
As a teacher I try to get my students to turn in their papers electronically. And I correct them electronically as attachments to e-mail.
But they still print them out! Even my notes which are on line always available…they print them out! And these are young kids. Physical media is going to die a slow death. It’s human nature to have something physical in your hand. (Hell an I-pod itself is a physical thing even though they’re getting smaller and smaller.)
This might not be such a bad idea. But lower the damn price!!