I happened to notice today that I have used LastFM for 6 years. Two things about this are interesting. First, it is unusual that an online social service has lasted this long. Second, it is strange a person has stuck with a social service for this long.
LastFM does several interesting things with the intent of encouraging users to discover and purchase new music (I am guessing this is the official justification). A confession – I purchase a lot of digital music, but none through links from this site. I also pay LastFM $4 a month for a pro account. Lets see – 4 x 12 x 6 = ???? – it is probably good I cannot do advanced math in my head. This is likely a lot of money for an online service.
What I personally value LastFM for is that it provides data on my listening habits. I am guessing it has a record of well over 95% of the songs I have listened to during the last 6 years. If you care or wonder what the musical interests of a 60+ guy might be, you can examine the public record. You will find no Guy Lombardo or Lawrence Welk (this is funny but you probably do not know who these musicians are so you may not appreciate the humor).
Just for the record, Miles Davis has been my favorite (3155 listens) and Sweet Child O Mine (Guns and Roses – 122 plays) the most frequent song. I wonder how long it would take to listen to one song 122 times.
LastFM identifies other users who share common interests. For some reason, I share a certain taste with 20 somethings from Russia and several individuals in their 40s from Germany. I find it reassuring that those my age do not friend me.
She’s got a smile it seems to me – Reminds me of childhood memories (Sweet child of mine)