Making a Mailing List and Being as Tough as Nails About It

I previously stated that Facebook was the best way to get people to local shows. Excuse me while I hit myself in the head with a 2x4.

Now I apparently had fallen victim to the shiny what I call "Apple" world. Technology is the answer to everything...you are getting very very sleepy...log onto Facebook...yes, yes...drink the Koolaid....yes you are getting carpal tunnel syndrome....yes...you have forgotten what sunlight is....yes, yes, yes! You have 10,000 followers on (enter dramatic theme music here) .....FACEEEBOOOKKKK. Hey, we won't talk about their IPO. Neither will they most likely. Anyways.

Facebook is cool. Being friends with people in real life is even cooler.

Text people individually. Email people individiually.

Don't just send a newsletter-- be personal.

This is the JEDI MIND TRICK behind developing a giant and useful email list. It just involves doing it. it sounds so simple. Yet it's kind of like abstract art. You see a painting with a bunch of paint splattered on it and you say, it's so simple, anyone could do that? REALLY? Try it then! (the mailing list not necessarily the painting although you are welcome to try the painting, throwing paint at canvas is really fun)

(by Jackson Pollock)

You would be surprised- and take this from personal experience- how many ambitious and really good musicians get a few emails, lose them, don't go through their emails and ask everyone if they can add them, and basically just don't send out consistent updates about what they are doing. It takes desire, drive and dedication to keep a mailing list and use it. That's funny-- those same qualities make good musicians and good friends. Be thick as thieves and tough as nails.

Have fun.

Helpful links to get started:

Also this book is not quite as cheesy as it looks, and has some good tips on mailing lists.