From: BassHarp~ol.com Date: Wed, 8 May 1996 16:58:45 -0400 Subject: Artist Itinerary Update Survey
I want to thank all of you who took the time and effort to respond to my survey on the frequency of the Artist Itinerary Updates. There were 16 in all, to date, and all showed a lot of thought and concern for the list, making many suggestions to improve it, and make it more effective. But all were explicitly in favor of seeing it continue. And most of the responses included comments expressing the importance of the lists - this is appreciated very much, as I truly enjoy compiling the lists. But, as I stated in my survey request, I was not looking for compliments, and most of the responses were very complimentary. Thanks, anyway, and well-taken.
Based on the many comments I have received, the majority of those responding would prefer to have the updates posted once a week, preferably on Wednesday or Thursday.
Some suggestions, followed by my comments, were:
"Break it up into 2 or 3 smaller posts..." Apparently some servers have a problem with the length of the listings, especially combined with the normal Digest content. There were two comments regarding actual problem with length. Possibly a change of either servers or software is warranted.
"List on a Web site..." I have had previous discussion with Hugh regarding a special Web post, but as yet it is not available. Also, some members do not yet have access to WWW. However, Gary Joneson does republish the lists on his BluesWEB, which can be accessed at: http://www.island.net/~blues/mag/html
In intermediate posts, "...post only dates that change..." On the surface, a good idea. However, in reality, it is much easier for me to add the changes to the master list, to avoid the possibility of deletions and other errors. In the case of late info received for "really hot artists", I may post a short addendum, at my discretion.
"Post a reminder a couple of days prior to the listing" Will be done - probably on Monday, for Tuesday's post.
"Pick a regular weekly date for a scheduled posting..." Will be done - posted by 5pm PDT Wednesday for the Thursday Digest, hopefully in time for Thursday night shows. So, be sure to get your updates to me by noon PDT Wednesday.
"Break the list into two - one for U.S., the other for outside the U.S...." For sake of brevity, maybe a good idea. But again, in reality, there are many artists who tour worldwide, and this would mean breaking up their lists for their non-U.S. appearances. I think this would possibly cause some confusion, and again, make my job a little more involved.
"...not interested in up and coming bands that haven't recorded yet. New kids on the block have other avenues to promote themselves as they climb the ladder of success...Restrict list to musicians who have already 'arrived'." When I started the list a couple of years ago, I did limit it to only those "name" pros, i.e. Musselwhite, Wells, Portnoy, Siegel, Cotton, etc., but soon expanded to include lesser names with the idea of promoting gig attendance for those still struggling. The list *is* growing, and I do try to restrict within reason, but find it difficult to sort out those who may not have "arrived" on some level. Maybe Hugh will have a suggestion as to a possible way of making the list a separate entity of it's own, but remain accessible to all. Have I possibly created a monster here?
Note that I have consolidated some posts that are repitative, i.e. consecutive dates at the same venue, etc., or state "every Wed" rather than listing individually thruout the month.
Many of the Harp-L'ers have been considerate in sending their updates to me in the same format I use for the list - this really helps me a lot. I find that the format used seems to be the most effective but concise way of disseminating the info.
Thanks to all of you again for submitting your itineraries - in any fashion - I am delighted to receive them, and to compile them for the good of all.
