London-based The Vinyl Factory has established a podcast series. It features 4 discussion rounds about vinyl records.
Nicole McKenzie, the founder of Discogs, along with Kevin Lewandowski, Alexander Nut from Eglo Records, and Bill Brewster from djhistory.com, are having a discussion about how the internet is affecting the vinyl record industry. They are particularly interested in how online services like Discogs and eBay are having a significant impact on the vinyl record market.
Online services have changed the way records are bought and sold
The internet has revolutionized the way people buy and collect records. Vinyl enthusiasts from around the globe can now easily purchase and sell records, allowing them to build up impressive collections regardless of where they live. Additionally, the internet has also increased awareness of the value of certain records. Items that were once sold for just a few pounds can now fetch prices as high as £40 due to the greater understanding of their rarity and special editions.
The Vinyl Factory: ‘it needs two, online presence and a well-sorted shop’
The notion that record stores are being threatened by online selling is being dismissed by a group. They believe that if anything, the invention of the MP3 format almost two decades ago was the real threat. The group agrees that a record shop needs to have a good online presence as well as a well-stocked shop to be successful. A professional online presence provides all the benefits of online shopping, including fast shipping and an unlimited choice of products. However, a physical shop allows for a personal relationship with the record dealer, which is still important for many record collectors. This is particularly true for those who value personal interaction with like-minded people, or for those who seek inspiration from the physical environment of a record store.
The Vinyl Factory podcast: “VF Podcast: Has the internet ruined the joy of record collecting?” can be streamed over SoundCloud.
Next time, The Vinyl Factory podcast is going to discuss the “issue with reissues”.