Convergence is a concept itself, which I believe plays a huge role in the evolution of consumerism and media. Gadgets like the iPad and other e-readers are revolutionizing literature, and even print as we speak. In today’s world, using regular technology, we are able to view our Sunday papers, our textbooks, and even our leisure reading using an electronic device, as opposed to reading using analog paper. While this may create opportunities for new businesses, technology, and capabilities to emerge within many outlets of society, it is easy to see that old modes of technology and business will soon become obsolete and unnecessary.
While vinyl, CD’s and even sometimes, but very rarely, cassette tapes are all still available for sale, the technology we have today makes it very easy for anyone to steal music online rather then buying it. Growing up I remember awaiting the release of a new album I was anxious to listen to, going out to the store, purchasing the CD, and then getting to listen to it. Beginning before I was in high school, downloading music became very easy, and was free of charge; however, with a dial up connection, it made more sense to purchase the material all at once as I had been doing all along. Eventually having high speed Internet became more common, and downloading music became easy.
Here, we have multiple examples of convergence within an example itself. The advancement of technology allowed musicians to store their music electronically, and the electronic storage of music led to the electronic distribution of music. This ended up hurting record sales in the long run, and eliminated the need for stores like FYE, as you were now able to purchase songs from the comfort of your own home, and store them electronically yourself, as the consumer. This also eliminated the need for vinyl, though the market does still exist today, to a lesser degree. While there are positives and negatives, the perspective, and preference of the consumer...