Take the Hint

I was rather shocked to read Steve Hochman and Jeff Leeds’ “Pop Eye” column concerning the pronounced fall in album sales between 2000 and 2001 (Dec. 30) and not cite the Internet as a significant factor. C’mon guys, get a clue!

For the first time in 35 years I did not buy a single new album last year; however, I downloaded close to 1,000 songs, including complete new albums by Bob Dylan, Andrea Bocelli and New Order.

And although I did not buy a single playable CD, I did buy 100 blank ones, a CD burner, and 75 jewel cases and labels. Duh--guess what I’m doing?

Oh, and there are another 20 million to 30 million people like me out there. Do the math.

RICHARD J. TAFILAW

Burbank