Zero? How could that be possible? Then I got realistic and thought to myself, “Can you blame them?” How can record shops (or any shop for that matter) compete with Netflix, TiVo, video games that take months to complete, cable, texting, the Internet, etc. etc? Getting out of your chair at home to experience something in the real world has started to become a rare occurrence, and to a lot of people, an unnecessary one. Why go to a bookstore and get a real book? You can just download it. Why talk to other human beings, discuss different authors, writing styles and influences? Just click your mouse. Well here’s what they’ll someday learn if they have a soul; there’s no romance in a mouse click. There’s no beauty in sitting for hours playing video games (anyone proud of that stop reading now and post your opinion in the nearest forum). The screen of an iPhone is convenient, but it’s no comparison to a 70mm showing of a film in a gorgeous theater. The Internet is two-dimensional¦helpful and entertaining, but no replacement for face-to-face interaction with a human being. But we all know all of that, right? Well, do we? Maybe we know all that, but so what?

Let’s wake each other up.

The world hasn’t stopped moving. Out there, people are still talking to each other face-to-face, exchanging ideas and turning each other on. Art houses are showing films, people are drinking coffee and telling tall tales, women and men are confusing each other and record stores are selling discs full of soul that you haven’t felt yet. So why do we choose to hide in our caves and settle for replication? We know better. We should at least. We need to re-educate ourselves about human interaction and the difference between downloading a track on a computer and talking to other people in person and getting turned onto music that you can hold in your hands and share with others. The size, shape, smell, texture and sound of a vinyl record; how do you explain to that teenager who doesn’t know that it’s a more beautiful musical experience than a mouse click? You get up off your ass, you grab them by the arm and you take them there. You put the record in their hands. You make them drop the needle on the platter. Then they’ll know.

Let’s wake each other up.

As Record Store Day Ambassador of 2013 I’m proud to help in any way I can to invigorate whoever will listen with the idea that there is beauty and romance in the act of visiting a record shop and getting turned on to something new that could change the way they look at the world, other people, art, and ultimately, themselves.

1. Kids are fickle, trend following, and yearning for instant gratification. As adults we all have to admit this is something we always have and always will resent. Remember when the Beatles came out? Or Chuck Berry? Or Elvis? Kids broke the artists we now consider legends – and their parents hated every minute of it. Asking 1200 kids if they’ve ever been to a record store is the same as asking them if they truly appreciate Miles Davis or Mozart. As kids, most just don’t get it nor care to. It’s not a part of their world or what matters in it. But, like many adults, this youthful nature will never inhibit them from truly exploring the wonderful world of music should they choose. Also, consider the power of Netflix TiVo, cable, texting and the internet in bringing them fantastic new music, in whatever fashion they choose to listen. C’mon Jack, are we really going to turn into the old man shaking his cane? Will grabbing their arm and forcing the importance of listening to records on them truly make a difference?

2. Records and record stores, just like iTunes, Amazon, Bandcamp, MP3’s and blogs are a means by which we get turned on to, obtain, and ultimately experience art in all of its forms. Why go to a bookstore to buy a book? Because it’s an experience I happen to enjoy. Should I feel bad for downloading it instead? Nope, I still get to enjoy my book. Visiting a record store and buying a record does not make the act of listening to music any more or less meaningful. It is a cultural experience worth having and preserving if you enjoy records. Those who choose to consume all of their music digitally should not be shunned or ashamed if ultimately they’re embracing the music they love. Remember Jack, it’s the end not the means we’re going for here. Also, ask yourself if the vinyl revival would be as healthy as it is today without online distribution. IMany folks buy almost all of their vinyl exclusively online. Why? Because they can’t get it anywhere else, not even in record stores. There are entire online communities dedicated to a shared love of records, why not go out and find one?

3. I happen to enjoy playing video games. I see the beauty in video games. Have you ever tried to appreciate them Jack? Have you ever given any thought or consideration into how much work and passion it takes to make video games look as beautiful as they do? Have you considered that maybe this is an art form on its own? I encourage you to go to your local video game store and pick up a copy of Skyrim – consider the love and art inherent in making the grass blow in the breeze, the water shimmer, the change of weather and season, the clouds drifting over the mountain tops. Don’t diminish the artistic value of something or those who appreciate it just because you choose not to participate. That’s unbecoming of you.

So Jack, I think we need to help you wake up. We know the world hasn’t stopped moving. As internet consumers, we’re part of why it’s moving forward. We’re not soulless click-drones who can’t have a meaningful discussion with others at a coffee shop. No one ever said the internet is a means of replacing humanity, and just like the radio, television and the telephone before it, it’s a technological advancement that brings the world closer together, not further apart. You noted – “The size, shape, smell, texture and sound of a vinyl record; how do you explain to that teenager who doesn’t know that it’s a more beautiful musical experience than a mouse click?” – what if that “mouse click” started the first play of “Dark Side of The Moon”? Does it matter how that teenager gets there if the musical impact is ultimately the same?

You’re a revivalist Jack – as fans and long time supporters of your music we truly understand that. Just like you, we all love the sound of a warm crackling record while it cruises through our favorite Neil Young jam – which is why record store day is a beautiful and noble undertaking that we all appreciate. But, as an ambassador for Record Store Day, you need to keep in mind that the internet, digital culture at large and those who take part in it are friends to the cause, not enemies. Don’t devalue its existence or cultural significance. Don’t put down those who enjoy it and choose to participate in it more than you. Use it as a tool to help spread the word that vinyl is alive, kicking, and worthy of our finest hour.

Wake up and join us Jack.