Someone who I really respect in the world of music said Kelly Clarkson’s new album is actually better than the release from U2 last week. Now you can decide for yourself. Listen to her new album for free here:
If you like what you here, the album is available for download on Amazon.
Not sure how I feel about the abundance of Amazon referral links posted here. Each time I see one tied to some recommendation I feel a little uneasy. Partly because I’m not sure how that (making money per click) gels with the purpose and nature of this blog, but even more I think due to the sheep/lemming-like nature of the subculture that follows it (which I am admittedly a small part of).
216 people bought U2’s album the day it came out using the affiliate link here, which doesn’t take into account the following and coming days. That’s over 86 bucks and change made on a single blog post in one day. Chump change? Maybe. But in a subculture where what an elite few public figures recommend, use or speak is almost unconsciously followed or taken as ‘gospel’ by a large flock because ’so and so’ said it was good, I sometimes feel conflicted by it. They say with great power (or influence, in other words) comes great responsibility…
brent, this one is easy. don’t click the amazon links. hopefully that makes you feel better.
tony
p.s. i’m not going to share how i “invest” that money. hopefully you know enough about my heart to assume that i’m stewarding it wisely.
I don’t doubt you’re a good steward of that income. Nor do I have any trouble not clicking, as I typically visit Amazon on a regular basis on my own anyway. I guess where I take issue is that 9 out of 10 people don’t have a clue about it happening when they click, if not more than that. And then with Amazon…if they can so easily give their link makers 10% right off the top, then why can’t they just not charge that 10% extra instead and benefit everyone instead of just the link guy. But the underlying issue in it for me is more the sheep/lemming thing I mentioned. In the ‘relevant’ (hate the term now because it’s overused) church subculture, if Tony, Perry, Steven, Andy, Craig, Rick, Seth, Mark, Carlos, etc. etc. says it or does it then I have to incorporate it into my life/church, blog about it, Twitter about it, buy it, download it, pimp it myself regardless of whether it’s right for me, my flock or sphere of influence. Now I have nothing but respect for you and any of the names I mentioned. It’s the following that I take issue with. “I read this in a blog…” or “-insert name- did this…” so we should try it next week. I’m a youth pastor now…where can I find the right spiky hair gel, black plastic horn-rimmed glasses and an iPhone?! ::shrug:: Seems many have lost the ability to think for themselves and create original ideas, or at least mold them to better fit their flock.
brent, i give you permission to be yourself.
tony
I can’t believe I’m going to say this being a multi-decade U2 fan, but I am tending to agree. The new Kelly Clarkson CD is really good. I don’t care for the first song as much, but in general I like the slightly edgier feel to the songs. He vocal performance is very good. While I’m sure it is there a bit I don’t notice the auto tuning like I often hear with many CD’s these days. Yes, its still a pop record, but not like a Britney or Madonna one. Its more matured than those. She will probably get some money from me on this project.
meh. after one listen, there’s only a couple of songs that i would listen to again. but it doesn’t sound that different from a lot of other pop music. maybe it doesn’t have the same autotuning as Brit’s latest (ugh!). the U2 CD is much better than this (yes, I’m biased). i’d rather listen to Paramore, Duffy, Erin McCarley than this.
@Brent D: I don’t see any problem with a blogger making money off Amazon links or site sponsors. This is especially true for the more popular bloggers, because typically there’s a higher cost (both money and time) for those who have a larger readership. Additionally, Amazon has the system in place for people/organization to make money from clicks and it’s definitely good stewardship to use this system for a very simple reason: the more money that is the hands of the people of God’s Kingdom increases the likelihood that there will be more resources available to spread the Gospel. Who’s more likely to advance God’s work here on earth? Jeff Bezos from Amazon or Tony Morgan?
PS: Tony, keep posting the links…especially on the days that they’re having a discounted price.