If there is ever a time to keep your DVDs, CDs, books, and more it is now.
With the TikTok quick-and-left ban and the circulation of TV shows and films going from one streaming service to another, it appears digital media is becoming unstable for consumers who connect with many content they love.
The Turn Around
When the World Wide Web (1993) introduced individuals to quicker information processing, the expansion of digital data visualization and literature compromised media gathering.
Businesses began closing down or filing for bankruptcy once digital devices (MP3s, computers, phones, etc.) started to gain popularity.
Why are people going back now?
Content could disappear: I had to get a DVD for one of my favorite movies because they don’t stream or show up anywhere online.
Having direct access to what we want
Nostalgia
Less phone screentime
Types of physical media I have
Books: The most valuable source of physical content. I am upset that during this time in the U.S., many are being banned. But as a society we need literature, fiction and non, to understand the world and gain more knowledge. I have a collection of books in film, the arts, poetry, fiction, comics/graphic novels.
From my film bookshelf. Magazines: I’ve been collecting magazines since I was in middle school from the BOP & Tiger Beat magazines (still have a few) to VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, Vanity Fair, and Architectural Digest currently.
Some of my Vogue magazines. CDs: Before the streaming, I loved buying CDs from my favorite artists to play on my player. I still have them and sometimes I will go back to relisten for a little.
Few from my mini collection. DVDs: An absolute need for my all-time favorite films and TV series. As a filmmaker and screenwriter, DVDs are a necessity for me to easily go back and watch for fun or research. Outside of what my parents had, I’ve been collecting for only my comfort, will-always-watch DVDs for my growing collection. One of my LetterBoxd’s lists has my 4 to 5 star-rated favored content and I have 20% as DVDs. Long way to go.
From my collection that I and my parents bought. Game consoles: This will never fade away since the companies keep producing them and gamers continue to play the updated versions of their favorites. The new and improved consoles only make this physical media stay prevalent consistently. I still have my original red and black Nintendo DS to play my childhood games, and only invest in DS games I wanted back when they were released.
My Nintendo DS with my box of games
Save what you want
Physical media is not a waste unless you are intentional with what you want to have in your collection.
Many of them can be expensive. Currently, I buy from resellers and thrift stores that hold lots of discovered media.
So, pick what you like and enjoy without having to question “Will I ever see this again?”
Sincerely,
Maya S.
(media post)
Paid subscriber posts & content coming soon…