In your kitchen scales add one part per volume of "Experience" and one part per volume of "Product". Step back from the counter and evaluate the balancing act that ensues.

My dilemma, it seems, occurred when Little Britain advertised a show for March next year. Debating the pros and cons in my mind the decision was eventually concreted when I discovered the price - $130 for average seat holders.

$130 for a show that I enjoy, but find distasteful in parts, knowing full-well that I won't be able to pick and choose what I encounter. Or, I could spend $40.95 on each of the 3 series on DVD. Roughly, we've come up with the same price.

The difference? One is the experience. Memories of a show that can be reminisced with friends. Jokes retold; skits re-enacted; and lots of "remember..."

The other is a consumerist product that can be viewed ad nauseum, and probably will be. Fast forwarded; rewinded; paused for toilet and munchie breaks.

Is there a measure? I guess not. We need both in our worlds - the experiences and the valued possessions.

So I've decided to see the concert AND buy the series.