The growth of community sites on the Internet is going to be a continuing factor in music and video. One thing to realize in all of this is that marketing is still marketing and the quality of the product still matters.
Right now there is a lot of generic junk just being thrown up all over these various community sites as if they represent a magic bullet that has been missing for years. This is always the hyping that comes along with new things.
Here are two people that are talking about this that give different perspectives that should help you if you're a serious artist that is trying to get their work noticed or your base enlarged.
First here is one that thinks these new things are the answer to everything:
"Social networking and music go almost hand in hand and Myspace puts it together in the same package. Music is all about raging hormones and the famous rock stars of yesteryears will nod their head in agreement. In a community like the one provided by Myspace, a music fan can have a whole new community experience. It is larger than life experience where he/she can get to connect with more people than they can ever think of. This type of social networking will change people ís perceptions and the way music is marketed and sold. It not just about US but this change will take place globally. It seems like Internet community has finally come of age."
Here is a good response by someone that understands the weaknesses in these types of sites:
"Just 'cus you have a lot of "friends" doesn't mean you have a lot of people who like you! I've added bands that I wouldn't cross the street to see just 'cus they asked to be added. Lots of folks do the same. Having 6000 friends in myspace doesn't mean anything by itself. Going through and adding new friends can be very time consuming, so try to do it strategically. The key is to target (a) people in your area or areas where you tour or (b) people who are already friends of a number of bands in your genre, or have done things like add a song to their page that is in the same ballpark as your music. Preferably (a) AND (b). THOSE are the people who you are going to form a really relationship with and will support you. Then, as you say, do all the things you normally do on and off the Internet to promote your stuff."
At this time most of this stuff is a bunch of "JackAss" stunt and stupidity type of videos and music. Once that part of it gets over with and the newness wears off, then those that are serious about their work will get a much larger hearing and voice in these types of communities.
They have a lot of potential, but there will eventually be a shakeup and shakeout that will happen and then the good stuff will come to the front and great opportunities abound.
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