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THE BUZZ FACTOR E-ZINEMusic marketing tips, promotion ideas and moreApril 4, 2002
In This Issue:
Read the previous issue here: Current number of subscribers: 6,608 See the end of this message for Subscribe and Unsubscribe instructions. ============ Buzz Factor Sponsor ============
Three reasons OASIS CD DUPLICATION should top
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WELCOME! Phew! A lot's been happening in the past week. First, I need to apologize for the multiple messages of the last Buzz Factor issue. That was unintentional. Yahoo Groups must have hiccupped and spit out an extra delivery or two. Sorry about that. Two Thumbs Down! Let's move on to an e-mail I received from Paul Abramson, of Van Richter Records, who took issue with the excerpt I ran from Roger Ebert's column on the benefits of digital music file sharing: "This is a bunch of crap! What the hell does Roger Ebert know about the music biz? I would like to see him try and run an indie label! Remember the days before the Net when people bought CDs sans free music? This is the most disingenuous argument I have ever heard. Why would you buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? Of course, you will never post such a desenting opinion from an 18-year industry vet in the trenches." My response: Actually, in Ebert's full article he recalls going to the local record store when he was a kid and playing the latest vinyl singles in listening rooms (similar to the headphone sampling setups of today). He claims that type of free exposure spurred sales. I respectfully disagree with the notion that the "days before the Net" were "sans free music." Today's digital downloads are just the latest incarnation of free sampling. In fact, when you think about it, radio has been one of the biggest sources of free music for decades. I remember rock jocks in the '70s saying "Start your recorders now" just before playing entire albums on the air -- albums like Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon," one of the most consistent selling albums in history. Disclaimer: I do realize that recording to tape off the radio is a lot different from downloading a digital file, which can be flawlessly reproduced and distributed. And I don't advocate taking music from any artist without their approval and making it available to the masses online. But I do believe that, despite the paranoia of major labels, music file sharing leads to at least as many sales as it deters -- especially for newer artists. Who Hates You, Baby? There was more anger in my e-mail box this week. Check out this digital thrashing (which I share with you to make a point about dealing with rejection): "Admit it, Bob, you are next to nothing in the music world. What have you ever done besides bullshit people and take their money? If your ideas work so well, why aren't you somebody in the music business? Ain't worth a shit as a musician, huh? Well, that doesn't surprise me. I bet you aren't worth a shit as a human being either. I will be spreading the word about your sorry phony ass." A few years ago, I probably would have been upset by such a nasty message. Perhaps the years have mellowed me, but I also have a more stable perspective on rejection. How Do You Handle Negative Feedback? For what it's worth, consider this bit of wisdom: No matter what you do, there will be a small percentage of people who love what you do, a small percentage who hate what you do, and the vast majority of humanity that either doesn't know you or doesn't care. Musicians are artists -- and artists tend to be sensitive to criticism. But the truth is, you don't have to please everyone to be successful. So don't go overboard trying. And don't be shocked when the naysayers raise their unpleasant heads; it's all part of going after your goals. Just pursue your craft and focus on the gifts (musical, informational or otherwise) that you deliver to your target audience. As long as the small percentage of folks who enjoy you is significant enough to fuel your growth as an artist, you are successful. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. Have an upbeat, positive week! -Bob =========== Recommended Resources ===========
GUERRILLA MUSIC MARKETING HANDBOOK
197 PROMOTION TIPS FOR INDIE MUSICIANS
THE ONLINE MUSIC PR HOT LIST ============= Quotes of the Week ============= "Yesterday is a canceled check: Forget it. Tomorrow is a promissory note: Don't count on it. Today is ready cash: Use it!." -Edwin C. Bliss "Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out." -Art Linkletter ========== Bob's Buzz Tips of the Week ========== WHAT NOT TO DO WITH A MUSIC WEB SITE In the last issue, I announced the debut of my 101 Free Music Downloads idea, which may allow you to reach tens of thousands of music fans online. The response from you has been tremendous -- hundreds of artists filled out the form to express their interest in participating. Being a new venture, I knew there would be lessons to learn about how to best compile this thing. Since music is such a subjective art form (one person's treasure is another's trash), I didn't want to have to pass judgment on the quality of each artist's songs. What was important, though, was the ability of music fans who use the e-directory to access every act's music and information online. I was dismayed by how many user-UNfriendly music sites exist. Some the biggest offenders include:
Also, if you already have submitted and haven't heard from me, it either means that I simply haven't got to your site yet, all the slots have been filled or you committed one or more of the web design sins.
Again, the page with more info is at ========== Promote & Sell Your Music ==========
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SELL MORE CDs & MERCHANDISE ONLINE! ====== Free Music Articles at The Buzz Factor ====== FREE REPRINT RIGHTS Want to run one or more of these articles in your e-zine or on your web site? Visit the article pages to find out how.
CD Sales Success Stories
How to Beat the Major Labels at Their Own Game
The First Question You Must Answer When Promoting Your Music
The Ultimate Music Business Conspiracy Theory
How to Get the Music Career Results You Want
How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Music Business ============= More Cool Resources =============
Guerrilla Music Marketing Power Course
Indie Music Contact Bible
How to Promote Your Music on the Internet
How to Make $100,000 a Year in the Music Business
MusicMarketingBooks.com
Creating Musical Wealth
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