I used to love MySpace. Over the past couple years though, I've lost that.
Don't get me wrong, I love logging in to find a bunch of friend requests every day. And I add everyone who is not an obvious spam account. But there is one thing that really bothers me-
The bands.
I am appalled by the number of bands that SUCK at self promotion. Every day I receive messages like (names removed):
"Hi, Im ____ from _________, A metal band from Akron, Ohio. I just wanted to let you know we just posted some brand new music and we hope you'll come by to check it out and tell us what you think!
Thanks"
"IT'S OUT OF CONTROL RIGHT NOW.....4 MIX CD'S AVAILABLE NOW......
"____________""
..plus a bunch of download links.
"please take the time to check out the songs on my page and leave a light comment.i appreciate the love!!!!!!!!
This one was from a local promoter, which made me cringe, because I know the band he was advertising:
"U NEED TOO COME CHECK THESE GUYS OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!1"
They could do better than that. Hell, they could hire me for what they're paying him and get ten times the value.
I get this shit EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. And I'll tell you what- I DON'T want to check out your page. Why? Because it's impersonal. Because I know twelve-year-olds who write better than that. Because it makes you look incompetent. Because it's SPAM.
Stop sending me that crap. It doesn't work.
Here's an idea:
Build REAL relationships with your fans.
Don't believe me? My collaboration with T7N started with a message on MySpace. A few messages led to a phone call (which lasted several hours, and we both HATE talking on the phone), which led to a meetup, and we started working together. A friendship was born. Because we were REAL, and weren't about showing off, it was about connecting on the same level. My ENTIRE LIFE changed because of that.. I'm not kidding.
Just try it. Be real.