I know what you guys mean though; it's a tough call to buy a CD when you don't know what you're getting. That's one of the reasons I don't buy a lot of new music. Internet radio has been a huge bonus in that you can hear a lot of different bands without buying their stuff first. Used book stores that carry used CD's is a great place to find new stuff without paying premium prices. I can usually pick up a few CD's for under $20 so I don't feel so bad if one of them turns out to be a dud.

Satellite radio has also done a lot as far as educating me on the new and different music out there. I may not watch much television, but the radio is on ALL THE TIME.

I still learn from talking to other people and what they are listening to as well. Heck, you guys have turned me on to a number of great bands and guitarists. I had no idea who Larry Carlton or Leo Koetke were before I stumbled into GT. And (Oh man, I hate to admit this) I had never heard of Dream Theatre before GT.

Yeah, yeah, I know.... :o