One of the really cool features of iTunes is Sharing. So the deal is, when there are other people on your same network, if they turn sharing on, you can listen to their iTunes library. Not copy, but listen.
Cool, no? Working in an office like I do, there is a whole long list of other people's music I can check out. I've found some good stuff this way. For example, it's how I got turned on to the Gypsy Kings.
I've also been on the sharing side. I say without shame I'm the proud owner of "Ultimate Daryl Hall & John Oates", a two disc best of compilation. And I've discovered LOTS of people are really into Hall & Oates, because they stop me in the halls and comment on listening to my iTunes Library.
But here's what gets my OCD up…
When I look at other's iTunes collections, they are SO neat and quite tidy. Full albums. All band names and titles in their proper place. Neatly arranged and ordered for maximum findability.
My library on the other hand is a mish-mash. One song from an artist here. Six full albums from another artist (*coff*FleetwoodMac*coff*) over there. Chock a block full of "iTunes Artist of the Day" downloads from Starbucks.
And then there are the oddball Christmas downloads leftover from the Napster free-for-all days. No, the RCIAA didn't come after me for payment on that copy of Billy Squier's "Christmas is a Time to Say I Love You". I'm sure they snickered when my download log came across their desk.
Comparatively, my iTunes library looks like a twister came through and jumbled all the pieces.
Ah well, I hit "shuffle" and it all seems to work out.
The other fun thing about Sharing on iTunes is that you learn a LOT about people based on what music they have in their collection.
The most startling so far is an older gentleman I work with. A quiet gent, hails from Ireland and speaks with a soft brogue. Been married over forty years, kids long raised, he's a quiet respectful guy.
His iTunes library contains, and I'm not making this up:
Pussycat Dolls
Jessica Simpson
Ashlee Simpson
Britney Spears
Rhianna
Just to name a few. TOTALLY unexpected. He claims he enjoys these artists for the music……
Then again, what does MY iTunes library say about me? Hmm……I think I'll go uncheck "Sharing" now…
