How to Become a Conscientious MP3 Collector

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Understand that MP3 is a great way to discover new artists and their music.

   The artwork, photography, design, inserts, CD enhancements etc. are part of the experience the artist wanted to share with you. , If you like this artist/group or that album very much then please support them (see their shows, buy their CDs and merchandise); they will be good to you by making more of that which you liked. , You'll get to explore from there. ,, Quality is often inconsistent, making it hard to have a consistent album.
   
   Instead use torrent clients to download entire albums. uTorrent is a good choice, especially the stand alone version. ,, If you rip your own CDs and intend to upload them, please read about how to make quality rips (see external links).
   
   People serve you good quality files, return the favor. , You will gain nothing from being rude.
   
   And always finish your uploads.
   
   We'll call this basic etiquette. ,, But you are
   - again
   - obliged to buy those you really like and listen to on a regular basis. ,
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   Step 2: Understand that no MP3 - bought or downloaded from obscure source - can replace an original album.

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   Step 3: Understand that these artists often try to make a living out of their art.

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   Step 4: Figure what style of music you prefer for a starting point.

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   Step 5: When downloading music always try to get full albums

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   Step 6: unless one track is good and the rest is utter crap

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   Step 7: in that case you might very well be able to find a single release (see external links).

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   Step 8: Try to avoid P2P software (Kazaa

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   Step 9: Limewire and such) for serious collecting and research.

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    Step 10: Find a few good resources that serve your music likings (find some ftp or kdx servers

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    Step 11: find torrent trackers

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    Step 12: connect to channels over IRC

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    Step 13: EFNet… and communicate with the "locals" on the hows and wheres).

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    Step 14: You will find quite soon that many servers require that you contribute in order to download.

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    Step 15: Always be kind to admins and moderators.

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    Step 16: At this point you will get quality MP3s to which you will listen and probably enjoy: step 1 is in action

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    Step 17: that's also when step 2 should kick in.

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    Step 18: It's normal to have a lot more MP3s than CDs

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    Step 19: you will not buy all of what you've listened to.

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    Step 20: The circle is joined

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    Step 21: you are a collector of MP3s who will soon turn out to also be a CD collector.

Detailed Guide

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