Who's Selling Whom?
Written by Michael Molina
[author's note: these opinions are my opinions and mine alone and although they may or may not be shared by my fellow ctheds administrators i would like to take complete responsibility for them]
Dear Beaumont and Surrounding Areas,
I have noticed multiple websites popping up containing words such as Beaumont, now, 409, live, etc...giving the appearance of covering and supporting our local music scene. Let me make a few things clear. I will never cover bands and pretend to be interested in them although truthfully having never seen them. I will not write about shows that I did not attend as if I was there. I will never put my own benefit ahead of the bands or people that make up the scene that I have loved for close to a decade.
The truth of the matter is because of how hard we have all worked since The Vortex closed to keep our music scene alive "the establishment" has finally taken notice of our existence, and everybody wants a piece. By 'like-ing" the Facebook pages of some of these new business enterprises, you allow yourself to be seen, and they can therefore make money off of local businesses looking to advertise to us. What you have to ask yourself is, "What are these websites doing for me?" Have these new sites supported bands in our area? Have any of these sites sponsored events in our area? 9 times out of 10 (more like 10 times out of 10) the answer is a resounding, NO!! You should honestly think about these factors before aimlessly throwing your support around.
When we had nothing, where were these people? Together we all built this music scene from the ground up. Bands pushed forward when venues closed down left and right. People like Ben Jennings, for instance, continue to book DIY shows to this day. We've had house parties and dj nights, and, when there were no festivals in Beaumont featuring music we liked, we created our own.
Despite the fact that I have much more to say on this subject, I'm late for work (the usual).
The most important message I'd like to get across is: Don't sell yourselves our allow anyone else to sell you. We've all heard the phrase "wolves in sheep's clothing"...head these words. I myself find it to be a little odd when I see write-ups about bands and shows by people who have absolutely no connection to the bands or shows whatsoever; however, the pages are covered with advertisements from local businesses and a Facebook "Like" box with all your shining faces staring back at me.
One thing I will say regarding ctheds.com: the day will come that we must take that route, advertising, to continue, but it will be the right time and it will benefit you and the bands you listen to. If a website is selling advertisement based on your constituency, be sure that you receive benefits equal to that representation.
I have to go to work, but ,Beaumont, I promise to always have your best interests at heart...trust me if you think of the number of shows that I have been a part of in 7 years and you think about what money, if any, I have ever kept/made for myself, then you must believe I have always put your interests ahead of my own. Please be sure to hold others to those same high standards. Make people fight to earn your support. Don't just give it away. It's real easy to click a link on the internet, but maybe next time before you do it, you should look into the site that you're supporting.
-mfmolina
p.s. One more aside, have you seen that one website that is regurgitating every single post from ctheds.com, but is covered in adspace? Yes? No? I did! I mean I guess on one hand it helps spread the word about the events we support, but the least they could do is give us a little credit. It's really humorous to me when I see ctheds.com shows advertised on the site with no mention of ctheds.com...Come on FOX give us "fair and balanced" coverage. Obviously it's not FOX, I'm attempting sarcasm through simile. I'm just wondering, WHY?!? Remember Local Music Guide when we were "growing up?" That was a site and a man that deserved your support. From this point on, I will consider that site/music supporter to be the measure by which all others, including myself, are judged. Thanks, hope to see you guys at Star Bar tonight...I am late!!! Although I am, in most cases, an editing freak - I have to go, overlook any mistakes or write about them in the comments. In this particular case I feel them to be overshadowed by the message itself!
Editor's Note: Please click the "Like" button at the top of the page or the Share button at the bottom of this article to share. lol - Kevin
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