CD swapping: update on my Lala experience Mar03 '07

I've recently eclipsed 200 trades at Lala, and I thought I'd write about my experience with the CD-swapping service so far.

I've been using Lala for about a year now, and it's been a lot of fun.

I enjoy trading CD's, receiving CD's, and being a part of the Lala community.

Here are a few reasons why using Lala makes sense:

1. Save a lot of money on new music.
2. Recycle old CD's that you no longer listen to - trade them for new music!
3. Get real, studio-produced CD's - no copies or counterfeits.
4. Get to know your music library more in-depth.
5. Share your music passion in the Lala community!

Trading CD's with Lala is as simple as walking to the nearest mailbox. And we all know it's good to get away from the computer, even if it's just for a walk to the mailbox. It's good exercise!

Saving money

If I were keeping track, I'd bet I saved a lot of money over the past year, by using Lala to obtain CD's, as opposed to iTunes - or buying the physical CD in stores.

Lala costs a little under $2.00 per trade, so I can normally get about five CD's, for the price of one (using the $9.99 iTunes price comparison).

Recycle old CD's

I can't tell you how pleasant it is to get rid of old CD's that I no longer listen to. Instead of just collecting dust, they will actually go to someone who will listen.

I consider my music library as ever-changing, and ever-evolving - and it's important to keep the CD's moving. No CD should sit in one spot too long. Listen, then pass it on.

Get real, studio-produced CD's

There a few reason why getting the physical CD is better than a digital download:

• In most cases, full cover art and liner notes.
• I can rip the CD into iTunes at any bit rate that I wish.
• I can re-trade that CD for another new CD.

Get to know your music library more in-depth

• I've uncovered some CD's I never knew I had.
• I've begun appreciating old CD's that I hardly listened to before.

Share your passion in the Lala community

The Lala web site is a great way to meet new people, through musical tastes. You can interact with the people you trade with, by leaving notes, or participating in the site-wide message boards.

The Lala shipping envelopes also let you leave hand-written notes, for each trade. Some things you can share with your recipients:

• Favorite tracks
• Reminds me of...

Overall

I recommend Lala for those looking to prune their music libraries, add lots of new music, and save a lot of money.

Categories: CD , Lala , Music , Services

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