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On Monday, January 18, 1999 John Dawes, author of "The Musician's Guide to Web Promotion", was the special guest on our weekly songwriter web chat. Below is a complete logged transcript of the chat.
The topic is: Our Guest Speaker tonight is John Dawes, author of - "Musician's Guide to Web Promotion". To ask a question, please - type a question mark (?) and wait for a moderator to let you know - when to go ahead. Thanks! [Polar] John- any Idea where I might find a comperhensive list of record labels? >> Shane has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [songdude] Labels ? Why do you need labels ? [Jdawes] Yes. Try the Ultimate Band List. www.ubl.com. Good List there. [neonralph] Hello Shane! >> Soulpole has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [neonralph] Hello Soulpole! [Jdawes] yo soul and shane [Soulpole] Hello! [neonralph] Where are you located, John? [Shane] Hey All [Polar] I will have to check it out [Jdawes] I'm in San Diego, CA and sometimes Los Angeles. [Jdawes] bye polar send me an email anytime you have a ???! [Jdawes] jdawes@tacotruffles.com >> IreneJ has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [neonralph] Alright! A fellow So Cal person! [JodiMuse] Hi Irene! Good to see you. :-) [Polar] I am still here [JodiMuse] <laugh> You guys multiply like ants. ;-) [IreneJ] Hi there :-) [neonralph] Hi Irene! >> danNsar has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [songdude] Hey irene [Jdawes] Yo irene [neonralph] Hello danNsar! [Polar] I ment that I will check it out later [JodiMuse] & Dan & Sara! Hi guys. :-) JeffM> Hi Dan, Sara [danNsar] Hi all JeffM> Hi Irene >> Axman has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Shane] Jdawes...got your E-Mail about web promotion...any good tips ?? - Woah! Quite the crowd here! [danNsar] Hello, Axman [IreneJ] Busy place tonight...that's great :-) [neonralph] Hey Axman! [Axman] hello [Jdawes] Yes...I put my top ten design tips to help make your site more presentable. - This is importatn to making a good impression.... [JodiMuse] Guys? We should probably make this somewhat moderated now. It's getting - crowded. :-) So if you have a question, just type in a "?" and I'll let you know when - to go ahead, ok? [Jdawes] take a look at http://www.tacotruffles.com/webguide/tips.html [Shane] Im getting ready to check your site now...thanks [JodiMuse] So John, why don't you tell us a little bit about your background to set the - chat for us? What do you think? [Jdawes] Shane sorry. try http://www.tacotruffles.com/webguide/webtips.html [Jdawes] Okay >> gemini has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [JodiMuse] And thanks very much for agreeing to come by! :-) [Shane] OK...no prob [Jdawes] Well I would like to start off with one thing in mind.... [JodiMuse] Ok... [Jdawes] Many of my clients underestimate the importance of coordinating online and - offline promotion of their web sites. [Jdawes] Online being... [Jdawes] Sending out emails, submitting to search engines, sending out - announcements...etc. [Jdawes] Offline being. [Jdawes] Sedning out press releases, demos, flyers, gigging.... [Jdawes] Everything should work together . [Jdawes] done. [JodiMuse] Good point! Ok. Who would like to ask the first question? JeffM> ? [JodiMuse] (Or rather, the second. *chuckle*.) Go for it, Jeff! JeffM> Do you handle offline promotion, or just online promotion? Also, can you give us - some background of what you do & who you are? [Jdawes] Sure... JeffM> Thanks [Jdawes] I mainly handle the online promotion of musicians, because they usually have - the offline covered. I have done both, as well. My background.... [Jdawes] I am a Music Tech. and composition grad of Univ. of Calif. San Diego... >> Soulpole has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> Soulpole has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] I also score music for TV, film, and multimedia...since I can't gig like most - musicians... [Jdawes] I depend greatly on the web to promote my work... [Jdawes] My clients include: Cheap Trick (Multimedia Consulting), Nairobi Sailcat - (Pfunk), and some others. [Jdawes] done. [neonralph] Cool...Cheap Trick! [Shane] Do you think its a better idea to put full songs...or clips on a site ?? [JodiMuse] I think there are a lot of musicians out there that rely on the web rather - than gigging, John. You've certainly found a niche! >> songdude has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> Polar has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> songdude has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] I prefer clips for songs, but for scores...I put the whole length. done. [songdude] ? [JodiMuse] Go ahead, songdude. >> IreneJ has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> Axman has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> danNsar has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> danNsar has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [songdude] How do get email addy's for the pub's/producers ? >> Axman has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [songdude] I mean you have a site, then what ? [songdude] How do you get it to the right people [JodiMuse] Sorry guys. I think if you wait too long without doing something (just type - something privately to someone and you won't be logged off) the system just tosses you. [Jdawes] I'm sorry songdude...what are addy's? Advertisements? [JodiMuse] I think he means addresses, John. [songdude] Addresses [Jdawes] Oh! [Jdawes] well... [Jdawes] There are several - not for free I might add - directories that - accomplish just that! Here are two: [Jdawes] The Music Industry Sourcebook >> IreneJ has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [JodiMuse] Do you know how much they are, John? (might help people to know...) [Jdawes] The Hollywood Creative Directory - which I use a lot! www.hcdonline.com [Jdawes] Cost... [Shane] ?? Can we submit our sites to search engines free of charge ? [Jdawes] The industry sources book ?????? [songdude] And do you really think major producers are going to take you - seriously if you aren't willing to send out a tape ?? [Jdawes] I don;t know. >> gemini has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] HCD Online is $99 / year and is updated each week.... [Jdawes] Songdude... >> gemini has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] No producers will not take you seriously. If you don't have a - "product", they won't "bite." [Soulpole] ? [JodiMuse] Go ahead, Soul. [Soulpole] I'd just like to make the point that you shouldn't waste your time on - demo "tapes". Nothing short of a CD will attract attention. [Jdawes] I agree with that...it's sad, but true. [JodiMuse] Curious what gives you that impression, Soul? Do you have a specific - instance? [songdude] I agree I'm just in the habbit of saying tapes [songdude] CD's are more impressive [JodiMuse] There's more to it than that though, isn't there? Is it ease of - playback? [Soulpole] Companies want to know that you already have the material that they - can sell [Jdawes] ease of playback yes! [Jdawes] Especially when you have a filmmaker dying to get the the climax of a - scene! [songdude] Then again, not everyone has a CD player on hand ........ [Soulpole] The whole point of signing a band is to make money, and quickly [JodiMuse] It's a lot easier to put several songs on a CD and then have someone - be able to press a button to get to it rather than forwarding and rewinding... - Actually, it's pretty simple to make a CD these days. Most studios can burn you - one on the spot. [Soulpole] If they have to wait for you to write 8 - 10 songs and record them, - intrest will be zero. [JodiMuse] True, Soul. [Soulpole] If you are looking for a record contract, they will want a product in - under 6 months if possible, a CD proves that you can handle a studio. [JodiMuse] Good point! [Shane] ? [songdude] I usually submit both a CD and a tape [JodiMuse] Go ahead, Shane - unless John is typing at the moment? [Jdawes] ready here. [JodiMuse] Ok! Go for it, Shane! :-) [Shane] Do you think record companies are actually - visiting sites though...Ive submitted my site to them - counless times...and never even got a ...hey...nice - site [Jdawes] Actually, I don't expect them visit...its fans that - will be the bulk of your traffic. If you concentrate on... [songdude] Record componies are not interested in - songwriters. [IreneJ] laa dee daa...sorry, just typing so I won't get - bumped :-) >> neonralph has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> shewfly has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] how your fans perceive your site - i.e. create a - community - then record companies will see that you have a - fan base. So don't worry so much about the companies as - your fans.... [Shane] Good point...we have gotten alot of fan response [Jdawes] besides. >> neonralph has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] you will make more money selling your own cds than - from a record label at your current carreer level! [Jdawes] done. >> danNsar has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [JodiMuse] Anyone else? >> gemini has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Soulpole] ? [Shane] ? [JodiMuse] Go ahead, Soul. >> gemini has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Soulpole] Do you see the 'net as having a "universal" sound - format yet? What is most common? [Jdawes] Good question! [Jdawes] No, but... [JodiMuse] It's in the book too, folks. ;-) >> danNsar has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] the majors are trying very hard to beat down other - formats like RealAudio, and ESPECIALLY MP3's.... [Jdawes] they want Liquid Audio to dominate...the problem - here is that... [Jdawes] you have to buy special software for a server to - give any small justice to the sound quality of liquid audio. - (starting around $1000 US) [Jdawes] done. [IreneJ] yikes! That ain't cheap [Jdawes] That's the point.... [Soulpole] Christ! Are they that bloody greedy! [JodiMuse] That's rediculous! I can see why MP3's are so - popular. The quality of a .wav with the compressed size of - real audio... That's pretty good. Problem is though, it - can't yet be streamed. JeffM> Why is Liquid Audio favored? [JodiMuse] Easier for them to police? [Jdawes] Liquid Audio is favored by the labels....not by the - consumer. And yes, it is easier to police. [JodiMuse] Keeps the money where they feel it should be - - with the record companies. :-/ [Jdawes] I think the consumer has already taken hold to the - MP3 because of the RIO. [JodiMuse] Sorry John - RIO? [Jdawes] The RIO is blessing to all indys!.... [JodiMuse] Not sure what you mean by it? [Jdawes] It is a hand held MP3 player! (Subscribe to my - newsletter to find out more!) [Jdawes] Here is the power of it... [JodiMuse] Ahhhh. I see. [Jdawes] The Rio allows you the indy artist to sell and - distribute your own music.... [Axman] kind of the modern version of taping your fave tunes - off the radio, isn't it? [neonralph] The RIAA tried to get an injunction to prevent - the marketing of the RIO. That should tell you how cool it - is. :-) [Jdawes] because the consumer can know take it away from the - computer and play it back at will.! [JodiMuse] Certainly sounds like it, Ax! Yeah... >> Bob has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [IreneJ] How on earth can you get paid for your songs, - though? [songdude] That is terrible for writers [Jdawes] IreneJ, easy.... [IreneJ] Sorry, I should have put a "?" [JodiMuse] laugh. True, Neon. [songdude] I mean, my livliehood depends on royalties [Bob] hi all [songdude] If people just take a song for free from a web - site, [JodiMuse] It's ok, Irene. Shane's been patiently waiting - but I think we need to discuss this topic a little more. [songdude] they aren't going to buy the record [Jdawes] Visitors to your web site can pay you to download - your own songs. [JodiMuse] Hi Bob! Just type a "?" when you want to ask a - question. [Jdawes] songduen... [Jdawes] songdude...sorry [Jdawes] I understand your concern as a song writer.... [Jdawes] don't worry.... [JodiMuse] Ah... You're talking about JavaMuse, John? [songdude] How do I make sure only the people who pay get to - download ? [Jdawes] there are software programs out there that will - help you "watermark" your recordings to keep track of where - they are - still in the works, though. [IreneJ] cool [songdude] But maybe...... [JodiMuse] That *is* cool. Sorry. I think JavaMuse is only - for Real Audio. My mistake. >> shewfly has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [songdude] If not everybody uses them [songdude] People will bypass mine and just go get somebody - elses record [Jdawes] songdude... [songdude] you see what I mean ? [Shane] I think its great...money is not my concern...just - getting my music heard !! [songdude] They will get out of the record bying habbit [songdude] Yeah, But I gotta eat man [Jdawes] Most of the music pirated on the Internet comes - from store bought CDS - of well known acts.... [Jdawes] You really don't have a whole lot to worry about... [IreneJ] lol...yep, haven't seen one of mine yet! [Jdawes] Just don't put ALL of your songs online, just - enough to tantilize! [Shane] I understand ....there should be some restrictions - !! [Jdawes] done >> shewfly has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [JodiMuse] You know what though - the MP3.com model is - pretty good. You offer one song for free, then once you - tantalized your audience, you ask them to pay a $1.00 or so - per song. It's not a lot and it helps you the artist. >> Quelyn has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Axman] ? >> gemini has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [JodiMuse] Ax, I think Shane had a qusetion first? But I - just want to wait for John to finish. :-) You'll be next. Axman] k [danNsar] Songwriters who are not their own artists have a - real problem with this. [Jdawes] Yeah MP3.com is great. check it out guys...okay go - for it Axman. [JodiMuse] Actually, I think Shane had a question? [Axman] go Shane [Shane] I can see the delima for the writer. [JodiMuse] He's been waiting a while as we discussed this. - :-) [Shane] What do you think of these sites that want to - promote you for free...Ive been getting alot of offers for - free promotion?? [Jdawes] I say take it, but.... >> Soulpole has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> Soulpole has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] You still want to have your own domain name and - "official" web site under your control. The FREE guys don't - optimize your site for Search Engines, etc. Plus... [Jdawes] the more your name is out there - for FREE - the - better! [shewfly] ? [Jdawes] done. [Shane] I see .. [JodiMuse] Ok. Ax? Go for it. [Axman] ok... [Axman] we don't put any tunes on our page until - they're registered with the copyright guys in DC...a - wise move? [Jdawes] YES YES YES YES [Jdawes] done. [Axman] yhanks [JodiMuse] chuckle. That was easy! Go ahead, shew. - :-) [shewfly] If the net is the way to go and your not - getting air play how can you get enough from the - web. [Jdawes] Well.... [Soulpole] ? [Jdawes] There is a whole subculture of radio on the - Internet.... >> tea has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [JodiMuse] Oh *here* we go. I've been wondering about this - myself... [Jdawes] all you have to do is find it. Just search on "Internet Radio" and be - amazed.... [songdude] But are these station ASCAP & BMI licenced ? [JodiMuse] I actually have a few listed at - http://www.musesmuse.com/markets.html - Worldwideradio.com is a - good one. [Jdawes] go to wmbr.mit.edu/stations to find a comprehensive live - of more IR site. good luck. [Jdawes] done. [Jdawes] Some are lic. but... [Jdawes] they are, of course, more difficult to get into. - Remeber, the name of the game is exposure. >> BillyLee has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [songdude] Very true [Jdawes] oh yeah....done. [JodiMuse] Soul? [Soulpole] My band is looking to sell the rights to some songs - for soundtracks. What is the best way to shop them? [BillyLee] 'ello,'ello....my...full house! [Jdawes] Soulpoul... [IreneJ] Hi BillyLee :-) [Quelyn] ? [JodiMuse] Hi there, Billy! When you want to ask John a - question, just type a "?" and we'll get right to you, ok? - Welcome! [BillyLee] ooops....sorry [JodiMuse] It's ok. :-) [BillyLee] ?speaker? [Jdawes] You basically have to make a lot of phone calls. Once - you get in the door with a demo. Keep reminding them, then.... [Jdawes] if you get the job, there are things to sign like "sync - lic." and other goodies. To get some names... >> Bob has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] subscribe to my newsletter: nletter@tacotruffles.com (I - have some submission announcements there) and buy access to - www.hcdonline.com - VERY good names in there. [Jdawes] done. [JodiMuse] Ok. Q? Billy, you'll be next. [Soulpole] Thanks [Quelyn] I am a songwriter, not singer. How can I use the - internet to my best advantage to get my songs recorded? >> danNsar has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] Q...it all has to with... >> danNsar has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] how you promote yourself using keywords in your HTML - documents. When you submit your sight... [Jdawes] keywords help Search Engines determine where to place - you in their database.... >> Rc has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] Approach Ezines that focus on songwriting... >> Shane has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Quelyn] Such as? [Jdawes] Swap links with other like-minded organizations. [Jdawes] done. >> Patsy has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Quelyn] Thanks JeffM> ? [Jdawes] My book will help you pick the right keywords!!!!! ;) >> Patsy has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> IreneJ has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> Shane has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [BillyLee] ? >> shewfly has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> shewfly has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Rc] ? [JodiMuse] John? What's the url of your book? And then Billy, go - ahead. :-) >> tea has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] You can take a sneak peak at: - http://www.tacotruffles.com/webguide - He'd had a question from way back. But you're next. :-) >> songdude has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [BillyLee] um, two things first, would you reccommend securing - your own domain name [Jdawes] BillyLee... [Jdawes] Yes....two reasons why. One. >> songdude has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> neonralph has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> neonralph has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] If you already have fans, they may be looking for you - online. Some naturally slap a "www" in front and a "com" - afterwards to find something. So but your act name in the middle - if possible. [Jdawes] Two. [neonralph] ? >> Quelyn has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] Every try saying a GeoCities web address to a live - audience or putting it on the back of a T-Shirt? [Jdawes] done. JeffM> 3) you can take it with you when you move (change ISPs) [JodiMuse] Good point, John! Jeff? Go ahead. JeffM> A question from your book...Why do 90% fail when they try - to get included in Yahoo? >> Rc has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] JeffM... [Jdawes] Yahoo is trying to upload a certain level of quality.... >> Rc has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] JeffM... [Jdawes] Yahoo is trying to upload a certain level of quality.... >> Soulpole has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] by reject most submissions, they pick the most "useful" - sites that are of interest to the web surfer, not the webmaster. - Lame, huh? >> MuTron3000 has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> Soulpole has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] I'm sorry I meant uphold! [Jdawes] done. [JodiMuse] Ralph? Go ahead. RC was supposed to be next but got - disconnected... [neonralph] Thanks, Jodi. >> danNsar has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [neonralph] Let's say I'm an artist looking to contract someone - to design my site. What sort of investment am I looking at? Low - end? High end? I see such a range of pricing out there. What is a - fair deal? >> FuzzyBunny has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] neon... [Jdawes] This is a tough question to answer.... [Jdawes] here is why.... >> danNsar has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] It all depends on what you need: scripts, list servers, - SSL (credit card transactions), hard drive space, etc. [FuzzyBunny] Type HEREok, for know I'm just watching [Jdawes] done. [neonralph] Hmmm... [Jdawes] I will tell you this... [JodiMuse] What would you consider a good cost for a pretty - standard web site though, John? Basics. >> Shane has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] GeoCities is not going to help your longevity on the - web...as for basics... >> BillyLee has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [neonralph] I'm talking design mostly. Simple order - form...secure. Not more than 50 megs. >> shewfly has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> shewfly has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] Well, my company just started providning web services - last week. We are competitive here is what you get: >> FuzzyBunny has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> buffy has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> danNsar has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> shewfly has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> songdude has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] $35/mo: 150 MB hard disk space, SSL, Scripts, List - Server, and some other tiny details ( not inlcuding InterNIC and - $30 Setup Fee). [Jdawes] done. [neonralph] What about site design? Say...5 pages. [Shane] Gotta Go....Thanks for the great advise John !!!! [Jdawes] You are definately looking at $200 to $500 US, depending - on... [JodiMuse] Bye Shane! :-) >> Shane has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] How much graphics, Java, Scripting, and multimedia you - want put up there. [Jdawes] done. [neonralph] Thanks. I guess I should tell those $1,500+ quotes to - go jump in the lake. ;-) [Jdawes] They probably have a huge staff of marketing execs. on - their payroll! JeffM> Maybe I should be a marketing exec... [JodiMuse] laugh! [neonralph] :-) >> Soulpole has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> MuTron3000 has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] [ROARING LAUGH!] [JodiMuse] Anyone else? [Jdawes] neon... >> MuTron3000 has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [JodiMuse] Oops! Go ahead, John. :) [Jdawes] The price I quoted assumed that you already have a bio, - and artwork. Maybe they didn't? Graphic Artists can be - expensive! [Jdawes] done. [neonralph] How about incedental graphics...buttons and - navigational aids...titles...backgrounds? [Jdawes] Yes...that is a cost to consider. Good point! [Jdawes] Anyone else? [JodiMuse] Depends on how complicated you want to get, I'd - assume. But good site navigation shouldn't be scrimped on - or - should be learned! [Jdawes] Aha! [Jdawes] Here is another tip... [Jdawes] A well designed web site must be "obvious" What I mean - by that is... [Jdawes] the first page that pops up should communicate all of - the subject matter available on your site.... [Jdawes] Long lists can get very cluttery! and discourage - surfers. [Jdawes] done. - say that. :-) I'm having fun with it. Hoping to make it a - portal site when I'm done - though I can't personalize the page - like say - Yahoo! or anything. <chuckle> [Axman] ? [JodiMuse] Go ahead, Ax. >> buffy has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Axman] what about joining webrings to increase traffic? [Jdawes] They are a good thing but... - And it's at the bottom of the page so I figure only those people - that have already seen everything else, will find it. ;-) [Jdawes] 1) Don't join one with general subjects, like "Music". - Try to find a "blues" ring if you are a blues musician. [Jdawes] 2) Try to stay out of rings larger than 200-300 site - range. [Jdawes] 3) Keep it down to three or less...anymore is tacky - and lags your site. [Jdawes] done. JodiMuse] I'm really picky with who I let into mine. I think - there's only about 20-22 sites in it at the moment. I like it - that way. [Jdawes] Many ring masters aren't...here's why. [Axman] cool, I belong to a webring for a VW site I maintain, it - seems to help [Jdawes] They are like you...trying to increase traffic to their - sight through any means possible...so many ring masters tend to - let anyone join. [Jdawes] "you" being the unknown musician online. [Jdawes] done. [Axman] thanks [Jdawes] your welcome. [JodiMuse] I find I get more traffic from my ring by keeping the - numbers down - and the quality of sites within it, really high. [Jdawes] YES! .... >> buffy has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] That is what I look for in a ring before I join it. >> MuTron3000 has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [JodiMuse] Should I be flattered? *giggle* >> MuTron3000 has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] Of course! ;) [JodiMuse] :-) [Axman] go on girl! ;-p [Jdawes] MuTron...you've been awfuly quiet. do you have a q? [MuTron3000] I wouldn't really know what to ask yet [JodiMuse] It's ok, Mu. You can listen as long as you like. :-) [Jdawes] Give it a try... [JodiMuse] Do you have a web page, Mu? [buffy] ? [Jdawes] we have a winner...buffy! [MuTron3000] nope [JodiMuse] Saved by the ?, Mu! Go ahead, Buffy! [MuTron3000] I got invited to the chat however im still very - unsure as to what it's actually about [buffy] How can web promotion help songwriting? JeffM> We're talking about how musicians can promote on the web - and such, author Jdawes is our guest [MuTron3000] thanks >> neonralph has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] sorry...I was in private. [Jdawes] buffy... >> MuTron3000 has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> neonralph has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] There are many resources available - not all as - valuable as the Muse's Muse - that you can use to promote - yourself as a songwriter for hire.... [buffy] [Jdawes] how does web promotion help songwriting [JodiMuse] I should also mention that Jeff has a VERY - comprehensive list of songwriters on the net at his site, - www.lyricist.com :-) JeffM> http://www.lyricist.com/songwriters.html [Jdawes] Here is a good first step....try searching on - "songwriting" and "songwriter" in a few different search - engines. You'll be amazed what is out there. Jeff's Sight - comes up quite a bit too! [Jdawes] Once you get a sight up and running, you then swap - links and announce it to some of the resources you find! It's - that easy!. [Jdawes] done. [Jdawes] oops site. [JodiMuse] John, I have a question about metatags - keywords, - specifically. [Jdawes] rock on jodi...what it is? JeffM> Must be my placement on Jodi's web ring :-) (or Yahoo!) >> buffy has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [JodiMuse] laugh. Right, Jeff. ;-) Yahoo! certainly helps - though, I'm sure! [JodiMuse] What have you found to be the best combination in - keyword metatags? [Jdawes] That is a toughie...but I can't answer it like this... [Jdawes] oops can answer like this. [JodiMuse] What I mean by that is - how many times can you - repeat words - what order should they be in - and do even words - that are in phrases count as duplicates if the word is used - outside of a phrase? (That's kinda confusing...) [Jdawes] When you pick your keywords, they should describe your - site from the eyes of potential search engine users...as for - repeating them. [Jdawes] It is different for each engine... [Jdawes] To honest...I don't think repetition helps anymore, - because >> AjillityMuzic has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [Jdawes] many engines - deep ones like Excite and Alta Vista - - use keyword density as a factor in your ranking. [Jdawes] done. >> MrLyrical has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge [JodiMuse] Keyword density being the amount of times a word is - used within the body of your page? [AjillityMuzic] Hello all :) [MrLyrical] Hi [Jdawes] correct! [Jdawes] hey Aj and Mr. L [JodiMuse] Hiya, Agil! Good to see you again. And welcome, - MrLyrical. If you guys have a question, just type in a ? and - we'll get to you, ok? Our guest is John Dawes tonight. He's - the author of "Musician's Guide to Web Promotion" so if you have - a web promotion question, shoot! [AjillityMuzic] Hi Jodi, is the guest still here? I don't want - to interrupt if he is here. [JodiMuse] Agil, meet John. John, meet Ajil. ;-) [Jdawes] Hey Ajil [AjillityMuzic] hell j dawes & jodi [neonralph] I have to run, folks. Thanks for being our guest, - John. [AjillityMuzic] oops... [AjillityMuzic] hello :) [AjillityMuzic] bye neon [Jdawes] You are welcome neon. good luck and much success! [JodiMuse] Take care, Ralph! [Axman] John Jodi, thanks, gotta go (5am wakeup for my "real" - job) keep on Rockin'! >> neonralph has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge [JodiMuse] Take care, Ax! Thanks for dropping by. :-) [Jdawes] later ax! keep in touch! [Axman] will do, Cya!!! >> Axman has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge >> IreneJ has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge JeffM> rehi irene [Jdawes] It's Irene! welcome back. [JodiMuse] Hi again, Irene! [IreneJ] Hi there..had to pop out and teach...what'd I miss? - LOL JeffM> Fortunately we'll be posting logs! [JodiMuse] John? Have you heard Irene's stuff? She's got some - really wonderful stuff. And her web page is probably one of the - ones you should use as a success story for your book. ;-) [AjillityMuzic] hello irene [IreneJ] Good! [JodiMuse] Yup! [IreneJ] Hi Ajill [Jdawes] Sure...what is the adddress? [IreneJ] http://www.islandnet.com/~woloshen/ijackson.html [MrLyrical] Are there any collabrators out there? [MrLyrical] I have tons of lyrics.....!!! [JodiMuse] Probably lots, Mr. Not sure about tonight though. - ;-) [AjillityMuzic] mr lyrical, I have never tried to collaborate - yet [MrLyrical] ok [IreneJ] I was interested especially to hear about the audio - stuff, John [IreneJ] Thanks for sharing what you know :-) [Jdawes] My pleasure! JeffM> Yes, thank you very much John [JodiMuse] Did we ever really finish that? It's a bit of a - smaller crowd now. If you guys want to continue, feel free. JeffM> I think I'm ready to depart actually [JodiMuse] Do you think, for instance, that they'll ever come up - with a way to "stream" MP3's? [JodiMuse] Sure thing, Jeff. Thanks for being here! [Jdawes] By JeffM! Thanks for dripping by! [IreneJ] Yes, that would be good...I'm pretty impatient when it - comes to downloading..bye Jeff! [Jdawes] dropping bye [Jdawes] damn my typing is bad! JeffM> Thanks again John, & bye everybody
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Copyright 1999 Jeff Mallett