I don't remember the last time I listened to mainstream radio or watched a TV channel. Can you explain how this makes things worse?

I didn't quote anything about TV -- I was pointing out that getting deeper into music, especially of the indie/college radio variety, is an even bigger step into the mire of trying to discern quality/buzz/popularity/etc.

It can be. However, if you find DJs who you really enjoy, then you let them do all the curating and mire wandering for you. I posted a bit about this and the difference between college radio and freeform radio: http://cacciatc.github.com/other/2011/12/29/get-off-the-popu...