Two-step

[rebeccmeister]

When I hear music that I like, I would like to be able to own copies of it and also support the artist(s) who produced it. I don't need hard copies (CDs), but sometimes that's the most straightforward option.

Recently, I listened to Interpol's latest album, using NPR's First Listen thingy, which had a link towards the bottom to purchase the album while also benefiting NPR. Well, there's a way for me to show support for some of the NPR programming I continue to appreciate (I am grateful for print-versions of topics they cover, even if their coverage is simplified and watered-down relative to other news sources). PLUS it won't give NPR my most recent home address, so they can't send me junk mail. Great.

The only two purchase options are through Amazon or iTunes.

I got pretty peeved recently when I discovered that recent Apple operating systems have started using the App Store as the sole method for distributing software and updates, in particular because Apple was requiring credit card information as part of the process. I try very hard to maintain barriers between my personal financial information and online purchases because they take financial interactions to a new level of abstraction and make it too easy for corporations to drain money out of my wallet. As an example, I keep separate eBay and PayPal accounts.

So, no thanks, Apple.

Here's the Amazon purchasing workflow, which makes me think twice before actually purchasing any music through Amazon (I already try hard to avoid ordering material goods through them because I disagree with their predatory pricing practices and labor practices):

1. Put music in virtual shopping cart
2. Attempt to check out, get error message because my account does not contain any automatically saved payment information.
3. Enter in payment information as part of "updating account info."
4. Make purchase (click!...that was fast, with minimal confirmation windows)
5. Attempt to download music, get error message that I need to install the Amazon music downloader installer application.
6. Download downloader thing and install it.
7. Download music.
8. Delete credit card information out of Amazon account.
9. Move downloaded music into separate directory.
10. Delete Amazon downloader application and associated Amazon directories.
11. Listen to music.

Alternatively, I could pirate music and then try to make a direct payment towards bands/organizations of interest.

Sigh.

Comments

[twoeleven.livejournal.com]

I try very hard to maintain barriers between my personal financial information and online purchases because they take financial interactions to a new level of abstraction and make it too easy for corporations to drain money out of my wallet.
I'm not sure I understand what you mean by either of these two points.

I keep separate eBay and PayPal accounts.
Who are you trying to keep from knowing what about you? (This may be obvious, but I'm kinda short on sleep now.)

[rebeccmeister.livejournal.com]

In both cases, it's not so much about concerns over profiling or identity theft, but more about trying to remain conscious of my spending habits. Along the lines of why some people try to conduct all of their financial transactions in cash (physical bills).

If I set up everything to be auto-pay, I'll wind up scratching my head at the end of the month over why I don't have anything saved up to pay my student loans or to buy anything expensive and interesting that I might have been lusting over for years (fancy road bike, rowing shell).

[randomdreams.livejournal.com]

>financial transactions in cash (physical bills).

http://news.slashdot.org/story/14/09/11/1856223/cbc-warns-canadians-of-us-law-enforcement-money-extortion-program

Carrying almost any amount of cash is an invitation for police to confiscate it on suspicion of drug activity, even if they don't charge you, and you're very unlikely to get it back.

[rebeccmeister.livejournal.com]

I actually write out checks somewhat frequently (and balance my checkbook), and, for better or worse, I suspect police would profile me as "harmless white woman" and so I am not stopped as frequently as people who are profiled otherwise.

I'm not opposed to maintaining a bank account. I'm opposed to thoughtless spending.

[shellynoir.livejournal.com]

What's the term for the one day only credit card numbers you call and ask for?

[rebeccmeister.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I hadn't realized such things exist? That's an idea.

[randomdreams.livejournal.com]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controlled_payment_number
Not all banks offer them, but they're a good option if available and you don't mind the setup complications.

[rebeccmeister.livejournal.com]

Cool, thanks! I might keep this in mind. My credit union tends to be awesome about this kind of thing, so I'll have to check and see if it's an option if I decide I want to continue this ridiculous procedure.

I'm really less concerned about identity theft (for better or worse), and more concerned about thoughtless spending, as mentioned previously.

I'd been avoiding buying new music for a long while because I hate dealing with all of this crap, but I don't have a lot of venues for acquiring new music around here, so eventually I had to come up with this alternate system.

[randomdreams.livejournal.com]

I will suggest somafm/bagel or /indiepops as being good sources for indie stuff, at least.

[randomdreams.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, it's increasingly difficult to pirate without getting in all sorts of potential trouble -- well, save for sneakernet.
(Maybe we should start mailing thumbdrives around.)
I'm increasingly just going without, or only listening to stuff that bands offer for free, because I don't really feel like getting sucked into a web of credit card compromises in order to hear a new song.