GenQ - For the not so straight individual

Ok, so music has been available in a few different formats throughout the years: vinyl, cassette, 8-track cartridge, cd's, etc. Now comes a new way of distributing music: USB Sticks. Are these the new way of selling music? I can see why they got the idea for this. I mean, most people rip their cd's to the computer in mp3 format so they don't take up so much room, and can transfer them to their mp3 players, but what about people who don't have a computer, or still play their music in a CD player?

My father, for example, is in his early 60's. He mainly uses his computer for playing games, while listening to the radio, or a cd/cassette/record on his stereo. He would have no idea how to use a USB stick, and I know that he would never buy one either.

To argue another point, my partner, Jamie, is a HUGE Mariah Carey fan, and he collects CD's of hers from around the world. They often have different artwork, and the singles would have different tracks (remixes, etc). How would this work with a USB? How can you tell the difference between the countries and what tracks are on them?

I have spoken to a few different recording artists ever since I heard CD's were being phased out, and most of them have mixed emotions about it. On one hand, they know that music and technology is always evolving, but on the other hand, they can see where Jamie is coming from. People still want to collect the CD's, cassettes, etc. They will have booklets, stickers on them that are only on certain releases, etc. Also, for people who get to meet a singer that they love and want to get their album signed, how can they do that on a USB? With CD's, at least you can get the cover art signed ... but will there be cover art with USB's?

I mean, sure, cd's can scratch and become damaged, get finger prints on them and everything, so a USB stick would be safer in that sense, but what if a virus is on a computer and transfers to the USB? What if the USB accidentally gets cleared? You've lost it all and would have to pay for a new one ... otherwise people will download the tracks online, and put them onto their mp3 player!

And how about people like me? I love going into my nearest JB Hi-Fi store and just having a look around at the latest cd's, seeing what's out now, what's coming up, etc. How can I do this if they're all going to be on USB's? Music shops will be smaller, and will take some more getting used to ...

Will CD's be phased out like cassettes were? Vinyl was phased out, but they're making a comeback again. What do you think about this progression? Is it for the better? Is it for the worse? Does it bother you at all? Let us know your opinion!