How important are cd booklets...

...in todays digital download era?

Specifically for independent artists.

Do people still take time to flip through the booklet? I remember when 'Planet Earth' was about to be released he announced having a digital booklet available through the website. I downloaded it the day it was made available and I've only looked at it once or twice. In this current digital age I've come to accept that the mp3 download era is more than just a fad. Consumers want instant gratification. They want the music now, and will take take it free if they can find it for free.

My question is is it even worth budgeting for extravagant artwork? I'm planning to sell my album exclusively in a digital format (possibly with digital booklet) a month before the physical copy is made available. Any suggestions to what else I can offer audience for a full experience as opposed to only the music?

Any thoughts and insight would be appreciated

Any artist worth their salt will include as much information as possible about their work. I remember the days of the 70s, when all you got when you bought a cassette was the song names and side times. I always disliked that.

Personally, I'm a big fan of the "whole package".

For the most part, I'm really ole school...I still love an actual CD
with a booklet insert...I really didn't understand why Prince put out
a physical CD and a digital booklet...all I can think of is it cost less,
and it seduced fans to go to his website to find out why there wasn't.

Sorry, now I digress....

Anyway, go for the whole package with song lyrics...

If you follow the world of vinyl toys, you're probably also familiar with plush and paper toys, you'll probably also know about the paper templates. Going with something like this would be a nice option for fans that opt for the digital download. The by-product is the community that may develop around this type of project.

Offer a template like this: http://www.irreal.cl/down...mplate.pdf
Of course, instead of the cigarette box, your template will be for a CD cover and perhaps the inside booklet. You might also want to offer images of you, for the fan to use, if they wish.

Next provide a space where fans can post and share their creations. This will cost hardly nothing to you, the artist.

I still buy CDs, and when I do, more layers and more surprises are better. It just makes the unwrapping and the CD experience more fun. A nice package will make me more inclined to buy but I'm fine with digital downloads too.

Some people love the collectibles, this is an option that may satisfy all.

Link to the Build Your Own Death project.

Hey! Thanks everyone for all the great feedback. I'll be sure to keep everyone updated as time goes by.

I think they're a very important part of the cd.
the lyrics are always nice to have.

sometimes artist just list the technical aspects to each song.
this can be frustrating when you really want to know what they're saying.

I'd rather have the complete package.