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In this day and age people are calling the up and coming generation the iPod generation in the music industry all the more reason for computer and internet tips and tricks. The industry has cone back to selling more singles and less albums. Why? Because of the marketplace some, but the marketplace has changed (see iTunes store) because of the demands of the consumer. Ever since Apple convinced us that we all of the sudden need to have all of our music with us at one time, we’ve been obsessed with hearing what we want, when we want. Making playlists to fit certain moods, and listening to the length of the song we want, then maybe 30 seconds later, changing it.

The demand is much higher that the music be good because people have such a short attention span, and such a high demand from their music. Which is why plain old in store recommendations are no longer enough. When online music stores first came about, there were obviously not people working the front desk of a non-existent help desk. So instead they started offering online helpers signed into AIM accounts ready to talk to you whenever. But this wasn’t good enough. As with the iPod, people wanted large amounts of data/recommendations in ALL areas and genres of music, hence came about the algorithms that tracked people’s favorite songs, and matched those with others.

One of the first to found this type of method was the company Pandora (at least to my knowledge). They have what’s called the music genome project. This takes a certain artist and plays what’s suitable to the similarities of that artist. There is also last.fm which tracks what music you play on your computer/iPod and then inputs the data and can recommend what music is most suited to you.

What’s wrong with this? Well very little is wrong with this if you’re talking about the programs themselves. Stores have been doing some of the same for a while. Such as grocery stores that have reward clubs. Which incidentally track what you buy, and know what to put on sale, and how to arrange the store as well.

But what people don’t realize is that you’re participating in something when you use any of these programs. You are giving information and research to whatever company you choose and they can henceforth tailor the ads you hear on Pandora to your music likings and social preferences, Kroger can design the store so all of your favorite items are on opposite ends so you see many goods along the way, and your computer’s information can be used to tailor settings to you.

But be wary with giving out your information. With this comes customization, but lack of privacy. And in this day and age, keeping a computer free from malware [http://www.pcrepairbrothers.com/services.html] is no simple task. Gathering information can be used for or against you. Think before you click.

And if you have any questions, ask the Pros http://www.pcrepairbrothers.com.