Do you like bonus merchandise?

[F_c_O]

Posters, shirts, patches etc related directly to the artist or release I bought are okay. I don't really like random material to come, usually I find it to be something I really don't enjoy and it just exists in my apparment. Worst still are all the paper advertisments that clutter the packages one receives. I got about zero interest in those because I can use internet to check the labels/artists I am interested in and usually the ad's are really old. Even worse are ads for gigs that are gone by.

[influencing machine]

I am mostly indifferent to the addition of extras to a release. I used to be a sucker for it, but it became so commonplace that I tend to prefer the ordinary editions of releases unless it is a band that I am truly fanatical about, and even then I tend to buy the limited version somewhat begrudgingly. I got burned with a couple of limited version releases this year (both from bands that I typically really respect) that I feel compelled to mention:

1. Skullflower cd reissue set with extras: (http://www.discogs.com/Skullflower-Kino-I-IV/master/574321) I actually shelled out the unbelievably ridiculous additional amount of money it cost to buy the limited edition version because I wanted the extra LP. I bought it on a whim because I was very excited about the reissues, but when I got the limited version set (which, I might add, cost even more to ship to the US from the UK), I was so furious that I have never even listened to the lp (which, I might also add, is single sided and doesnt even have artwork on the sleeve). The flyers were just plain xerox copies of older flyers, none of which were actually interesting to begin with. I was so disappointed with this that I haven't even bought another skullflower release since then. I must say, however, that the actual reissue CDs were nicely done and I was pleased with them. I should not have fallen for the extra LP gimmick though.

2. JFK "La Bas" + bonus disc: preordered this because I wanted the bonus disc of unreleased exclusive tracks that the label offered with it. The music is all superb (as one would expect from DiFranco) but the bonus CD was just a plain with no artwork or anything. (Also I waited for a very long time before I received the CDs that I preordered.) Now that same label has released this same material on vinyl (because true music fans only buy vinyl, right?) and not only does it feature the tracks from the bonus CD, it has another fucking track exclusive to the vinyl.

I am really tired of this type of release. Of course, those were examples in which I actually fell for the gimmick. No one forecd me to buy those special editions, so I only have myself to blame, but I would have been content with both if they weren't poorly executed and obviously just scams to sucker fans of the bands involved, which is such a despicable form of exploitation in the underground music scene. Ultimately though, the quality of the release is what is important. Labels that put the time and effort into making special versions of the releases that are actually deserving of a few extra bucks deserve credit. A patch, sticker, pin, tshirt, or something similar is far less intriguing though because it has been done to death and also because I have never seen merch of that sort to play a major role in the noise scene anyway. Its much more of a metal/punk thing to do. I would rather see artist editions with unique covers or some sort of interesting packaging.

[Andrew McIntosh]

Bonus merchandise be damned. If I want a release, I just want the sounds on it anyway, not a lot of extra froth. What I find more galling is when the "die hard" releases contain extra sounds (bonus tape, vinyl, what-have-you). That material had better just be off-cuts or unmixed sources or what have you, because if it's supposed to be part of the original recordings it should be part of the actual release. Either that, or release that extra material as something separate that can be brought at a basic price. Even if you get the extra recorded material for free if you're one of the first one hundred buyers, or something (I wasn't that impressed with the bonus cdr one got with the "Jazz Hijokaidan" cd, for example). Most times I've gone for the "standard" release rather than the bonus merchandise pack, and can't think of many times when I've been too tempted to go the other way.

[Vigilante Ecstasy]

I don't like merch cluttering my music shelves. My apartment is already filled with books, records, movies, porn, etc, I don't need or want more useless junk around.

[Ernpe]

I guess the only time I've paid for "die hard" etc. edition is Pentagram "Be Forewarned" reissue double-12" which came with Pentagram slipmat. That was 7 euro extra to normal edition. Other than that I've obviously had a poster or a patch with record but the price have been normal.

Sometimes I have chosen the cd-edition since vinyl is somehow done for collectors with unreal price tag. Nowadays, unrealistic price tag doesn't even mean you have something unnecessary extra with the records, though, "ordinary", not even well done double vinyl counting 30...35 euro in local record shop.

[FreakAnimalFinland]

To each their own, for sure, but there's only so much flexipop I need in exhaustive 4XLP+subscriber only 7" edition sets.  None.  I understand that he needs incentive to get subscribers, but just offer things like different color boxes or shirts or white vinyl.. not extra audio/video/text...
Stressed about how I'm gonna get that Muslimgauze million LP + bonus subscriber 10" box...

I cancelled my subscription for 2014. Mainly because lack of funds to put into things I don't really need. I have been member since.. Second year? Have so much box sets to still listen for the first time, so now seemed like good time to take a break and only buy box if I really need it.

Muslimgauze box was one of reasons to quit. I have never liked it. Don't need 10 LP box of that. Another was the weird idea of putting out MASSIVE  "80's INDUSTRIAL & AVANTGARDE" BOX consistin 13 LP's!

I mean, would be certainly interested in K2, Vox Populi, but do I want misc early tracks with 9 more LP's of stuff what appears to be unrelated in all other ways but.. being made in 80's. One bonus Vox Populi 7" doesn't sweeten the deal much.

VOD132.1/2    Death & Beauty Foundation Recordings 1981-84 (2Lp)
VOD132.3       Counter Dance Recordings 1979-81 (1Lp)
VOD132.4       Silverstar Amoeba Recordings 1983-85 (1Lp)
VOD132.5/6    Vox Populi 2Lp Recordings 1983-88 (plus 7" for members)
VOD132.7/8    Funeral Dance Party Recordings 1981-82 (2Lp)
VOD132.9/10  K2 Recordings 1981-83 (2Lp)
VOD132.11/12 Robert Haigh Recordings 1983-85 (2Lp)
VOD132.13     Blockader / Chris Connelly Recordings 1983-85 (1Lp)

But I do consider returning to member for 2015 if economic situation allows..

*LE SYNDICAT  early Tape-Works 82-85 5Lp
*SPERM / PEKKA AIRAKSINEN  Works 67-85 5Lp

Edited or not, yes thanks! ;)

[Urban Noise]

I don't really see extra music, be it on Tape, CD or Vinyl, as merchandise... that's an extra to those who like extras and want them, that's the reason of making a limited number of special editions with extra music. Music that most probably would never been made available otherwise on that form.
Adding extra stuff to a release, such a bonus CD for example, will add a significant production cost to each copy of the special version, that's the reason for charging more and the reason for making it limited to a small amount is due to not everyone wants those extras and not everyone is whiling to pay for them. Some may overcharge it, specially when the limitation is not that limited, but that will depend on the label and the way it is managed. I think everyone knows this.
I see nothing wrong with extra music and I personally like it.
For me, merchandise is something different. Shirts, patches, pins, stickers, caps and so on, that's merchandise.
Different packaging, extra music, that's not merchandise and not useless in anyway. Extra music it's welcome, and I'm happy to buy it when I can pay for it or think is a reasonable price for what it contains.

[jadderly]

Quite honestly all the super expensive deluxe editions/sets usually put me off. I'd rather that the label just made the music available in a reasonably priced format without all the extra bells and whistles.

For a lot of stuff (especially with reissues) I'd just prefer if the music came out as individual discs (CD or Vinyl) for no more than $20 each max. I will buy deluxe boxsets occasionally but they're not what I prefer.

[Cranial Blast]

I dunno if this is specifically relevant to the topic, but for last couple years I've noticed Hell's Headbangers on their physical releases offer an option of an "add on digital file" for $1.99 or some shit...as if the person buying the tangible goods gives a shit about some digital file to go along as some sort of extra with the physical release. I think Bandcamp does something similar and I cannot stand it...drives me crazy this "digital file" age.

[Theodore]

as if the person buying the tangible goods gives a shit about some digital file to go along as some sort of extra with the physical release. I think Bandcamp does something similar and I cannot stand it

I would put it differently. - As if the person who buys your product has to pay more for 'air' .

No. If you buy a product through Bandcamp, you have access to the digital files as well.

[Cranial Blast]

as if the person buying the tangible goods gives a shit about some digital file to go along as some sort of extra with the physical release. I think Bandcamp does something similar and I cannot stand it

I would put it differently. - As if the person who buys your product has to pay more for 'air' .

No. If you buy a product through Bandcamp, you have access to the digital files as well.

Yes, better put indeed!

Yeah that's true, you're getting the file for free as opposed to having to buy it for a small supplemental price like over at HHR.

[tiny_tove]

I normally buy everything I like, still prefer tangible goods. I am on hold on acquiring records and shirts since my house is to full of stuff, but will return to bad habits once I will have space again

[FallOfNature]

If it can be confined within the item's case (patch, razor, bullets whatever), fine with me. When it's useless junk that raises postage and clutters shelves however it can fuck off.

[Cranial Blast]

I like the way for example NWN deals with it: you want the backpatch, patch, tape, flag, I don't know what, you buy the die-hard edition; you don't need it, you buy the normal edition, that works for me. Mostly I buy the normal edition, but have bought a couple die-hard editions, because I was interested in having a patch of the band.
I don't mind stickers or posters, not that I use them, but in some cases it's nice to have an extra big version of the cover art, and they don't take much extra place in the shelf. Only poster which I thought was really retarded was the one that comes with the Acid Witch - Stoned album, it's just the square cover art stretched to fit a rectangular poster, so that you have an oval moon...
In some cases I'd even wish they made the merch available separately, for example in these cases:
http://www.discogs.com/Ordo-Rosarius-Equilibrio-Four/release/3564288
http://www.discogs.com/Sonne-Hagal-Only-Echoes-Remain/release/3384230
I'd really like the ORE patch and pin and the Sonne Hagal patch (I'm having a thing for band patches which are more a symbol than just a band logo lately, such as the Satanic Warmaster - Werwolf patch, Clandestine Blaze symbol, Vemod abraxas symbol patch...)...

I don't know if you like the band Black Magick SS at all, but they've put out some pretty awesome patches in recent times that are like how described about being not just a patch of band name, but of like a relevant image to a song or some type of sigil that's synonymous with the band.

[W.K.]

Topic is already 10 years old haha, nice1

I dunno if this is specifically relevant to the topic, but for last couple years I've noticed Hell's Headbangers on their physical releases offer an option of an "add on digital file" for $1.99 or some shit...as if the person buying the tangible goods gives a shit about some digital file to go along as some sort of extra with the physical release. I think Bandcamp does something similar and I cannot stand it...drives me crazy this "digital file" age.

Don't you always get a digital file for free with a purchase from Bandcamp? Paying for both the same CD/LP/Tape and also the digital product seems a bit much to me. But also, do you really mind giving the label a bit more if the artist deserves it?

Also putting a razor blade with your release seems really stupid to me unless it really really really fits the release. Buying a razor blade is as easy as buying a banana, please, you are not that hard.