Artists and Creatives only need 1000 True Fans

This Kevin Kelly article’s a must read:

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!