The problem is that people want to buy the album
This is a complete conversation I had this morning at Starbucks. Italics added for emphasis.
Starbucks barista: Have a good weekend, sir?
Kyle: (Not paying attention, ears covered in giant headphones) …hmm?
SB: Good weekend?
K: Yeah, yeah great.
SB: Here’s your latte, sir.
K: (Noticing that Radiohead’s new record, In Rainbows is priced for $20.99) Um…
SB: Yes?
K: Okay, I know I’m just here to get a latte, but…seriously, twenty bucks?
SB: I’m sorry, sir?
K: How does that happen?
SB: (Noticing that I’m talking about the album) Oh, you mean because they gave it away online for free?
K: Well, they gave it away for whatever people wanted to pay for it. But yeah, free. How does it go from free to twenty bucks?
SB: I didn’t price it.
K: I know that. I’m not accusing you, personally. But across the street at Chapters, they’re selling it for thirteen bucks. At HMV, they’re selling it for ten. How does Starbucks get off selling it for twenty?
SB: The problem is that people want to buy it, I guess.
K: (Seriously holding back an early morning freak out) …Yes, the problem is that people want to buy it.
SB: Have a good day, sir.
