[Thump553]

(I have no idea which is best forum for this, feel free to move it)

There was an article about lala.com in my local newspaper today.  It sounds very interesting.  For every traded CD you receive they charge $1 (20% of which goes to the artists generally somehow) plus a $0.75 shipping charge.  Members maintain lists of their CDs (with comments if you want) so you can tell if someone has a CD you want.  You don't have to trade a CD you have, but you can't get more CDs than you receive overall.  Here's a link to their explanation:

http://www.lala.com/frontend/action/howitworks

Although I personally love acquiring CDs and generally hate to give them up, this sounds very intriguing.  Anyone use this or have any experience with it?

[Thump553]

Thanks for the info.  EDIT-It does look like artwork is supposed to be included now.  It took me a while, but I found this statement:

When you agree to ship one of your CDs, you are asked whether or not you have the Cover Art for that trade. If agree to ship the CD with Art, please do so. If you do not have the Cover Art for a specific CD, be sure to select "Ship Without Cover Art".

and this one (re how to set your preferences to include cover art):
If you would like to receive Cover Art with every trade, go to your Account page and select "Send me CDs only if they include the front booklet cover art".

on this page:  http://www.lala.com/frontend/action/help

[MarkR7]

Just so happens that I was on the LA-LA site yesterday, and there is now an option that allows you to choose to only receive CDs that have the artwork.

I am in the midst of my first trading scenario, shipped one out and waiting to receive one; so far so good.  I like the concept.   

M

[nathanm]

Ooh!  Can I get just the disc tray and the back cover insert instead?

[Gordy]

I joined back on June 11th and traded for eleven or twelve cd's before the new "art only" option, which the new $.75 postage covers.  Of those trades I received three without the booklet and most of the others included the back board as well.  Two of the cd's had some minor scuffing around the outer edges, all others were in perfect condition, as good or better than many of the "as new" cd's I've bought from Amazon.  It's no replacement for Amazon, but I'm only trading away cd's I'm not all that keen on having anyway.   Maybe I was just lucky, but I like it so far and I'm now on the art only listing.  Time will tell I guess...   

[woodsyi]

I just signed up after Gordy mentioned it and agreed to ship 4 and 3 will be coming with art work so far on the first day.  I am getting rid of some techno stuff (from a bundle buy) and getting Operas which are hard to find cheap.  It works for me. 

[alwayslearning]

I joined lala recently & did 7 trades.  I think it's terrific.  Lala's a hassle-free & inexpensive way to deal with  recycling music.  I also like the respect they show musicians, trying to give back 20% to musicians.

The more participants, the better the selection for all.  I urge everyone to try it.  http://www.lala.com/