I just opened two new CDs. The thought occurred to me; the companies that package these things are referred to as "music labels". But their labels, the jewel cases in which they ship the actual CDs, are a testament to how poorly they think of their customers and a complete travesty in light of the declining sales of CDs. Why, please tell, would any company in the world make it harder to open their product, when it is clear that customers are choosing NOT to buy that product?
Attached is a photo of the main offending feature of the label's packaging. 
The glued on strip that can't be torn off in one piece that keeps the two pieces of the jewel case stuck to each other. It is designed that way to make it difficult for customers in store to remove the CD without buying it. It is one of many ways that the labels designed to reduce or eliminate theft in stores, essentially by making it harder for customers.
I've been thinking that Amazon.com could do us all a huge favor; make it a requirement of being distributed by Amazon that the labels ship CDs in open jewel cases. That way, the labels would probably respond to pressure and actually do something nice for their customers.
Stewart,
I agree.
John
Posted by: John S. | June 17, 2007 at 08:11 PM
I bought a CD last week and thought the same thing. I sure a number of people slice up their hand while trying to set the CD free. Some DVDs are pretty bad as well.
Posted by: Brett Nordquist | June 20, 2007 at 08:11 PM
Stew
Take your Lark Memorial pocket torch to the offending piece of poop plastic and fry it. That way you get rid of it and you feel better for doing it.
Best,
Jim Forbes
Posted by: Jim | June 22, 2007 at 11:51 AM
Hey buddy! Interesting post... I just landed on your blog courtesy google. I was thinking.. you could try to put up some current news and happenings. Will make ur blog more interesting.There are many news scrollers. I know of one on http://www.widgetmate.com
Posted by: Andy James | June 27, 2007 at 07:33 AM
I am actually writing because I am surprised that on the day Iphone comes out, there is no post from you? I heard on the news, that if you want for someone to wait in line for you in NY, it will cost you $1,500 and $200 in San Fran!! What a scam, don't you think?
Magda
Posted by: Magda | June 27, 2007 at 10:58 AM
The strips glued onto CD jewel cases only add insult to injury. CD jewel cases are notorious for becoming unhinged or cracked. The Columbia House music service once shipped me a “Welcome to the Club” letter, along with a dozen CDs, half of whose jewel cases were cracked!
Surely the music labels can provide something better so that we might place more value on these physical goods.
Posted by: Jim Dempsey | June 28, 2007 at 03:29 PM
I think that the people who glue the strips onto the CD jewel cases are the same folks who attach tags to the exterior of men's dark business suits with white thread. Ever try to unravel those threads--4 per tag? They're just hoping you'll become impatient, take out the scissors, damage the cloth, and have to buy a new one. Oh where oh where is the "Napster" of the clothing industry to disrupt it like the music business?
Posted by: Jim Dempsey | July 26, 2007 at 05:53 PM