Is music private? Sure, there are intensely private moments during which we connect to the Divine while music-ed up, but that is different from the nature of music. In this sense, it can never be, however much we try or wish it so. Less dogmatically, one could at least make a case for saying that “private” music is a lesser musical experience than, for example, a concert, or for the teens amongst us, clubbing.

I think, though, that a distinction should be made between the iPod as a “design iCon”, which I find questionable, and the iPod as a “social phenonmenon” (or consumerist trend) which I detest – and Mac-ers are the least trend following of creatures, I think. However, when considering the iPod as a concept, there are several core aspects which I admire (and applaud), one of which is the resurrection of radio. It’s questionable whether I’m “anti-iPod” as you think.

Thanks for the comment and typo heads up, Martin. It was taken in good heart, much as how you left your comments.

I could argue that Music is often intensely private, but I won’t bother- I’ll just go off and hum a tune to myself while iWork.

However, even if that part of your argument did hold water it is a sorry argument against the iPod for which there are *so* many add-ons that people buy to turn the iPod’s music into a public experience – speakers, fm radio transmitters, docks, av cables etc

With your anti-iPod reaction, man you iRritate.

-Mart