As it is now there are four basic forms of music media: CDs, tapes, vinyl, and the various digital formats. As it is now, digital distribution is on the rise, whether it be legal or not. Lately I've been getting physical albums, because I decided I want to have an actual collection, plus it provides a more stable 'backup' than electronic storage. I've been getting CDs mostly, but after I managed to get an original tape copy of Judas Priest's 'Stained Class', and loving the sound, I've been seeking tapes and LPs too.
Not to say that I'm suddenly anti-downloading. People can do what they want with that, but I'm going the way of the record collection. Hell, I just spent close to $100 for an original CD copy of Blind Illusion's 'The Sane Asylum.' Anyway, I'll still download stuff to check it out, but if I like it I'll likely be seeking a real copy of it. It just seems that actual records/CDs have become valueless to many people, as (legal) digital distribution is rampant right now. This has nothing to do with the whole "respecting the artist" spiel, just personal preference.
What are your thoughts/convictions on the various music formats?
CD's have better quality then mp3's in my opinion, but vinyl is out. I spent the night at a guy named Judge Funk, who had the biggest collection of music I have ever seen. (Think of a room that is roughly 30'x30' and full with LP's untill you can't even walk into certain areas.