text: I have already bought three vinyl albums of an album, but I haven’t even listened to a single note of it. It is not unheard of to preorder music, particularly from a major artist such as Taylor Swift, who often organises monthslong album rollouts in order to generate interest in, and sales of, her upcoming recordings. (The exceptions to this rule were her surprise releases in 2020, the albums Folklore and Evermore.)
  However, even for a longtime admirer like myself, purchasing three vinyl records is a bit excessive. Because they were released at various periods and I bought them from different stores, I ended up spending close to $100 for the same 13-track record. Each track cost $35, and shipping was added on top of that. The colour of the vinyl is the only element that differentiates the three options.
  However, when contrasted to fans who claim to have acquired as many as 22 copies of the same impending record, three is considered to be very modest. And thank goodness I own a record player because now I can genuinely listen to the music.
  It’s possible that I’ll be responsible for a lot more than that: As this article is being written, Taylor Swift’s merch website is stocked with a variety of products, including five vinyl variants of her upcoming Midnights album (four of which form a clock when placed in a square; however, the clock mechanics cost an additional $49), four T-shirts, four sweaters priced between $65 and $75, deluxe CDs, a $35 bejewelled bracelet, a $75 duffel bag, and a “moonstone blue edition” cassette It is simple for a devoted fan to spend a significant amount of money on merchandise, and this does not even take into account the price of concert tickets, which may or may not be announced by Taylor Swift in the near future (cross your fingers!).
  There is no one standing over passionate fans and demanding money to buy T-shirts, tickets, or music on vinyl. Still, Anna, a 29-year-old Swiftie who asked not to be identified by her real name because Taylor Swift’s fan base can be toxic online, says she has felt pressure to buy more and more merch each time there is something new, particularly when it is presented as a limited edition. Anna says this is especially true when it comes to limited editions of merchandise.