I don't mind paper packaging, but come on

So last night I pick up the new release by the Eagles, Long Road Out of Eden, from the local Wally-world (Wal-Mart, apparently the exclusive seller of this set for now).  I haven't heard any of the set yet, except for the one 'hit single' that has already been released and played on both pop and country stations in my area.  I like that tune (How Long), and hope the rest of the collection is good as well, though I saw some mixed reviews of the set by a reviewer in the local newspapers. (I will form my own opinion though and may write on that topic later...)

This RANT, and warning it will be a RANT, isn't about the music though, it's about the packaging that was used for this set.

First, don't get me wrong at all, I appreciate the move by some artists and record companies away from the plastic packaging.  The CD keep cases, much like DVD keep cases, are overkill and and a ridiculous waste of resources.  Paper works just fine, and smaller is better in most instances.  Use just enough paper and/or cardboard/paperboard to do the job and lets leave it that.  If possible, stick with a similar form factor to the CD keep cases so that shelving still works both in the retail areas and in people's own homes where they will store the music they've bought on disc.

But...  in the cases of this new Eagles set, the paper packaging is a bit annoying.  The discs are slid into either half of the paper packaging and wind up having to be pulled out of the packaging as they won't simply slide out.  Rather than using a half pocket/slot inside the paper package, instead the discs are pocketed inside the front half and back half of the paper packaging slide between the outside cover and the inside covering of the package.  In the back area there's a cut-out designed to help you be able pull out the paper inserts and such, but it barely gets you near getting the disc out of the packaging without finger printing it all to heck.

I realize I'm more than a bit OCD in this area, or anal-retentive, or whatever, but I do my best to handle my discs by the edges and not grab them by the larger surfaces.  If I am going to touch the surface, I make sure it's the top surface where I won't be putting finger oils over the side of the disc that is read by the laser.

Anyway, besides having to pull the discs out in such a seemingly ignorant manner, the paper packaging for this set also won't sit flat when closed.  Apparently, without the weight of a disc in the front or back of the packaging, the packaging is too stiff and lightweight and it winds up folding open as it sits on the desktop.  I guess I can stand it on edge, but it'll do the same thing in trying to remain open so it takes up more space than it should.

I guess sooner or later they'll get the paper packaging right.  I've had a few discs that I've purchased over time which do a much better job of things.  Bruce Springsteen (and the E Street Band)'s new release Magic comes to mind, though getting the discs out of that packaging wasnt' much easier.  Here's hoping that things are improved over time.