Reading lists
Reading lists
Reading lists are paths through the handbook for a specific task. Basic articles give you the minimum to get it done; in-depth ones are for those who want to dig into the numbers and rules. Within each list, the order goes from actions to concepts.
You don't need to read the whole handbook. Pick your situation and start with the first item on the list.
Only published handbook articles make it into a reading list. We don't include ads, venue ratings or links to specific ticketing services. If an article on a topic isn't ready yet, we don't put a placeholder in its place; we simply keep the list shorter.
Going to my first big concert
The essentials before buying a ticket and heading to the venue: how not to lose money and how to protect your hearing.
- How to buy a concert ticket without losing moneyBasics
Eight steps and a checklist, the core of this list.
- Answers about volume and hearingBasics
What sound level is acceptable and why earplugs matter.
- ReferenceIn depth
Decibels, LAeq and the six WHO standard measures, if you want to understand the numbers.
My plans changed
When you already have a ticket but can't go. The key is not to wait: under Russian rules, the refund amount depends on how many days are left before the concert.
- Refund questions answeredBasics
Deadlines, percentages, illness, postponed and canceled shows.
- Steps 6–8 of the how-to articleIn depth
What to do, in order, and which documents to keep.
Recordings and archives
For those who collect music, compare file and vinyl formats, or look for old website pages in web archives.
- Recording formatsBasics
CD-Audio, FLAC, MP3 and AAC, vinyl playback speeds.
- Archived address: photo gallery (in Russian)In depth
How to use a web archive and what to consider before publishing someone else's photos.
Related sections
- How-to articles
How to buy a concert ticket without losing money, plus a list of upcoming articles.
- Reference
Terms and numbers: refund deadlines, decibels, recording formats, web archives.
- Archive
All articles by year and topic, including the domain's historical address.
Sources
- Downcast handbook articles
Information is current as of the preparation date. Ticket sale and refund rules, as well as venue policies, change over time. Before you buy, check the law in force and the organizer's terms.