[arewhyehen]

Anyone participate in this? If so, any big plans?

Excitement among the Ottawa record stores seems to be sort of waning. I think in part there's some much hype about merchandise that is then not available in Canada, or appears after RSD. They also seem to get stuck with some odd stock -- last RSD, one owner was saying he had countless Ed Sheeran releases, which is not really his store demographic. One of the better stores pulled out last year and just do their own sale ahead of RSD, and the rest seem to be a bit more selective in what they're bringing in.

Also seems to be the releases have been getting less interesting over recent years, though there are still always one or two gems in there. For me it seemed to peak three years ago, lots of releases I was interested in and most I was able to tack down with a few stops. It is a fund day in the stores, usually end up talking with people in line or while browsing.

That's too bad! I wish more record stores took advantage of this in a big way. In store performances or sales or something to attract people is always fun. I have been going down to Third Man Records in Nashville for 5 or 6 years now and for the past 4 or 5 we have been camping overnight. The people I have met down there have become life long, close friends. It ends up being a huge party in the street with tents and BBQ and beer and live music. It's so much fun. Jack White and TMR are also the best when it comes to putting out crazy vinyl that is exciting and overpriced (haha) and fun to go out and buy. They almost always have live music and events all day as well as food vendors. If you ever have the chance to go down, It is a blast. Nashville in itself is incredible. One of my favourite cities in the world.

My favourite part of RSD was always in the in store performances anyways

This and meeting the people in line. Like any other music event/concert, I always seem to meet incredible people in line that become good friends.