RSD 2016 - a perpective

Posted by: Conortsun on 18 April 2016

There were some interesting records available this year. I made my wish list as per usual... but I could not face the early start, the frantic scrum or the disappointment of potentially leaving the shop empty handed.

Unlike previous years I planned to head out in the early afternoon and see what 'sweepings' were left. Over breakfast I scanned the usual web-based auction sites and low and behold saw all of the likely 'popular' desirables on my list already up for sale at three times the price...

That said, I picked up a few on my list in the afternoon (and saw some titles still on the shelves which I expected to be long gone) but this year more than ever I'm seeing RSD as RTD - T being Tout. I wont be bothering at all next year (honest) and I wonder about the long-term negative effect of this touting.

They'll say it's 'human nature' of course and it's 'free market forces' in effect - but I can't see RSD being a means of engaging record buyers other than those insomniacs looking to turn a fast buck for much longer. The whole 'trolley dash' experience for me is horrific. It jars against what record shops should be about; careful browsing, considered purchases etc.. For the other days of the year the 'shops are just that; serene. I admit I can't see how there could be a humane or fair way of offering 'limited edition vinyl', which by it's nature is rare and therefore valuable, without seeing shady behaviour.

I suppose on that one day we have to accept bedlam?

 

Posted on: 18 April 2016 by winkyincanada

Limited editions of mass-produced items like "limited edition vinyl" are always just a marketing ploy. Hand-made items where the maker just says "that's enough" are a different proposition.

In terms of managing the touts there are two options:

1) Don't worry about it and accept that the market simply allows for them to profit for getting up early. This doesn't work where the touts get an inside run based on some sort of corrupt relationship with an insider (concert tix, anyone?)

2) Auction the limited items. The supplier may, or may not, agree to donate "surplus" profits to charity

Posted on: 18 April 2016 by joerand

I wouldn't get too uptight. Any item that ends up selling out and has future sales potential will likely see additional pressings, possibly at a better price. RSD originally had some merit for vinyl enthusiasts, but now seems marketed mostly for trendy folks that buy physical media once a year. I had one excited dalliance with RSD and all its hype only to come to the conclusion it's not worth any effort. Given the vast list of 2016 RSD releases I'd go so far as to speculate that most of the vinyl will never get sold.

Posted on: 19 April 2016 by Conortsun

I wondered whether some or any record shops are active in touting the discs on the 'net via their circle of acquaintances? I'd hope not. After all, the idea of more and more of the stock finding it's way to sale on the 'net is counter to the aim of keeping record shops open.

I'd hate to see my local shops close or become solely web based but there needs to be a year-round strategy.