i had a conversation with juji in response to my last blog post. it went something like this:

ar: dude, the concerts this weekend were just what i needed.
jj: i wouldn’t pay to see two days of dave.
ar: what?! you’re not a dave matthews fan?
jj: yes, i am.
ar: but you don’t want to see him in concert?
jj: i’ve already seen him several times. i know what to expect.
ar: (silently intrigued).

and here’s why:
i never thought before that people might not go to a concert they know is good. that just doesn’t make sense to me: i know this band rocks in concert, so i’ll NOT go. ????? i mean, once i find a band i think is great in concert, then anytime i have the chance to experience that music again, i’ll go. BUT it’s the same band. that’s the tradeoff, i guess, and one i don’t really consider substantially problematic.

to me, the winning is knowing i’m experiencing music with other people who *get it* with me and the creative minds themselves. incredible live music extends far beyond an mp3 in a way that can’t compete — in a way that sucks the emotion from my toes.

however, juji’s approach isn’t 50/50. it’s all-or-nothin. it’s a conscious investment in another band that (a) is either good, or (b) is awful. to him, the consequence of having to see the SAME band that he likes outweighs the risk of seeing a new band, which could be terrible.

the chance of it being simply amazing, however, is the winning, knowing he’s getting a great NEW experience rather than a familiar one.

this may seem like such a simple discussion, like “what’s the big deal.” but, for some reason, i find it fascinating.