Less Theory, More Practice
Every week I seem to read some nonsense spouted by ill-informed journalists regurgitating a press release from the music industry. This week it was the traditional net libertarian nonsense that feels good if you want to live in a world in which there are only pub bands with pages on Bebo or some other social networking site”.
Dan was obviously ignoring the phenomenal success of new business models made well-known by pub bands such as Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails etc. But hey, he’s only a journalist repeating what he’s been told by the music industry. (The thrust of his article was that the draconian nonsense of having your broadband connection limited was better than the draconian nonsense of having it cut off completely - it’s not like he was intelligently investigating viable alternatives).
Anyway, poorly thought-out press pieces like that frequently incite commentators such as myself to write long, detailed explanations of why the original article is wrong. Not anymore. Nope - I’m officially giving up on the nay-sayers in the music & publishing industries and their pet journalists.
There’s now more than enough theory published on the web about the viability of the new business models available to musicians, writers and artists. The argument is never going to be won by an endless succession of arguments and rebukes. The argument is going to be won by the success of musicians, writers and artists using these new models.
To facilitate this I’m going to concentrate in this blog on writing practical articles about how musicians, writers and artists can use the new business models rather than debating theory. I’ve been moving towards this position over the past few months so it’s probably no big surprise to regular readers, but I thought I’d be clear and open about it.
But you know what I’d really love? A website where innovators & commentators could record practical tips for musicians, writers and artists in using new business models.
Imagine a website where the likes of Chris Anderson, Mike Masnick, Kevin Kelly, Seth Godin et al (and numerous not-so-well-known commentators and innovators) could post practical articles for musicians, writers and artists. That would be more powerful than any argument.
Would this be a useful resource for you?
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shea said,
August 3, 2008 @ 3:13 am
I wish I knew how to sell my art. I believe in it, but I know practically nothing about making money.
Paul Watson said,
August 3, 2008 @ 11:36 am
Well, strategies to promote and sell your artwork (without needing to become a marketer/sales representative) are exactly what I hope to be able to set out in this blog. I hope you find them useful, Shea!
camefix said,
August 6, 2008 @ 9:51 am
Count me in. I’m no good at making money through art. i fund mine by supply teaching p/t. Which is fun, but exhausting.
Tali said,
September 14, 2008 @ 5:44 pm
Hey Paul,
Kudos on giving up the useless debates and rolling up your sleeves to get the REAL job done!
I think it’s a fantastic idea. I’ve spent the last two years teaching myself internet marketing and realize that what I really needed were educational sources specifically made for artists. I was really excited to land on Lazaruscorp, for this reason exactly. Now all that’s left to hope, is that this market will keep it’s dignity and won’t get saturated with half-assed products from complete newbies.
Tali