I've been buying cassettes from local artists for some time now, simply because I like the form factor of the case better. They are a nice shape and stack nicer than the pile of CDs I also have. Most of the CDs remain unwrapped, just like the tapes remain unplayed. I buy these, obviously to support the artists, but as reminders to go online and play their free streams. That's how I actually listen to the music. The physical product (for me) is about artwork and reminders.

I couldn't remember my old account so I connected my facebook just to be able to say: YES YES YES omg did the word "compiled sprites" bring me back to newsgroups and dreams directed by Michael Abrash and such :)