Just got back from the meet up at Rooty’s, going to write a very quick one before bed. It was a great evening - really good fun and loads of good ideas to think about.
I think the Brum social media cafe idea that was coming out is killer. I’d definitely join and will help out if I can. A few more thoughts have come to mind but I’ll post these later when I’ve thought them through.
It’s great to see such a thriving social media community in and around Birmingham. Loads of interesting new people to meet - see everyone next time.
If you’re not familiar with the goings on in Digbeth, Birmingham then the basic story is that a few residents of brand new flats in Digbeth (well known capital of the Brum music scene) are complaining about the noise. The Spotted Dog is right in the firing line and is under threat of closing.
It has it all: An ambitious idea way ahead of its time; an eight year story from idea through to conception; a fascinating mix of world-wide collaboration, physical devices (a handheld species identifier if you can believe it), totally unique data visualisation techniques; and at the end of all this we end up with something that is going to add a rather significant amount to the sum of human knowledge.
In short, a story of "how big things get done". Inspiring.
I just spent a rather odd 15 minutes or so watching Paul Walsh changing trains in live, streaming video.
It’s all done with a mobile phone and Qik.com. Viewers can also text chat straight back to the broadcaster. It’s all a bit like some kind of bizarre reality show - but obviously the potential for stuff like this is huge. Exciting stuff.
If you want to see it in action, Paul seems to be broadcasting quite regularly. Follow him on Twitter and he’ll let you know when he’s next up.
Other than aim for a blockbuster hit, what can an artist do to escape the long tail?
One solution is to find 1,000 True Fans.
A True Fan is defined as someone who will purchase anything and everything you produce. They will drive 200 miles to see you sing. They will buy the super deluxe re-issued hi-res box set of your stuff even though they have the low-res version. They have a Google Alert set for your name. They bookmark the eBay page where your out-of-print editions show up. They come to your openings. They have you sign their copies. They buy the t-shirt, and the mug, and the hat. They can’t wait till you issue your next work. They are true fans.
The only thing I disagree with is the number - I think you can do it with less. Emily Martin who I interviewed in the last New Media 4Cast is a brilliant example.
Just 12 months ago I was still getting really frustrated that everyone still seemed fixated on the idea that mass-market was the only way to survive.
The tide is definitely changing - partly because there are now so many good examples everywhere. Hooray to that!
