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Post by Natalie on Feb 21, 2005 10:57:02 GMT -5
Amen, Tom!  |
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Post by fiddler494 on Feb 21, 2005 11:14:18 GMT -5
Being a manager/executive and also computer programmer/systems analyst I am very good at judging people not to be judgmental but to analyze who I am dealing with, their personalities, abilities, etc. And also in programming one needs to pick out patterns, it works in math, science, etc. One also needs to notice abrupt change.
The photo policy is not great, but not the worst part of this "new attitude." The statement of the three bodyguards is, along with other changes in the bands attitude, etc. The band has been popular for many years. I know years ago Bill Monroe was unfortunately receiving death threats (at least in the early 1980s or so and I think it was due to his being so good at what he did and the jealousy that raised). As mentioned by cadesdad on here the "dark side" of the music and some fans. Something has to have happened very recently to go from no bodyguards to 3 bodyguards.
I used to go to the rock band Chicago's concerts. Their music was not like much of what AKUS does. However, Chicago had a very lyal fan following. The best part of a Chicago concert was knowing it did not draw the dangerous drug loving violent crowds.
The red flag that all of a sudden AKUS (or just Alison or whoever) now needs 3 bodyguards is a danger sign to me. Someone in the audience has gone off the deep end or one or more band members have or both. If the band needs bodyguards all of a sudden, this is a signal to me that I might not be safe due to the music/mood/audience, etc. I have no control over who they let in and how they will react. I'm not sure I'll even go to another concert, especially if it is only AKUS.
I had been looking to see how one gets a ticket to the Ford Theater (this Tursday night) at the Country Hall of Fame, AKUS is (or Alison Krauss is) performing there Feb 24. A 213 -seat theater would be an excellent acoustical place to hear AKUS. Due to the new potential security problems that prompt the bodyguards, is the reason I will probably no longer care to see AKUS in concert. You don't change overnight from no bodyguards to bodyguards without a good reason. For my own safety I'll be glad to stay away (and save $50.00+ $$$$)
Ralph Stanley is still approachable to this day with all his fame, he was sitting in the lobby at intermission with CDs for sale and ready and willing to talk to those coming to the GHMT concert and he was not the only big star there. I don't expect any fellow musicians to kiss my posterior. They can get along without me, as I can with them. But when you get cold like Don Williams did, what goes around comes around. In consulting, as I have done on jobs for the railroad and elsewhere, I do draw a cutoff point right to the minute, but time is money and especially when hours are involved. Musicians get paid by the gig/concert not by the hour. Over zealous fans could make the band work way over their scheduled time, that has happened and can be carried too far. But to be cold like Don Williams and give eact x number of songs in eactly 2 hours no more no less, is also too far the other way. I could be perceiving this wrong but I think AKUS all of a sudden is heading this direction.
On the opposite end, Willie Nelson usually gives a 2 hour concert, that almost always turns into aa 2.5 hour concert, and you can tell the band is enjoying playing for the crowd and not "counting the nickels and overtime they should be earning."
Whether I ever go to an AKUS concert again or buy a CD of theirs will remain to be seen. I wish the entire ALUS band well, great success, and really don't care whether as a fellow musician I ever meet them in person or not. And my life may be safer by not attending one of their concerts if they now begin to draw the crowd that requires a large number of security guards.
How long I remain with any AKUS boards also remains to be seen.
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Post by fiddler494 on Feb 21, 2005 11:54:31 GMT -5
And I have been both places - in the audience and on stage I have played in bands and sat in with musicians in bands. I never once didn't give it my full effort and all energy for those listening, and didn't ignore anyone who paid to get in and/or who was listening in a bar.
A few times I didn't experience the "feeling no pain" fan who requested a song multiple times over-and-over. It was still handled very tactfully we we said that we've already played it 3 times tonight and we will be happy to play it again another night." (one can tire of playing the same songs over-and-over let alone in the same night).
I can say I am no longer the AKUS fan I was, but all the same I wish them all the success, grammys, etc they can handle and then some.
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Post by fiddler494 on Feb 21, 2005 13:42:28 GMT -5
Here is a copy and paste from another AKUS group describing their new policy:
If you are going to a show on the current tour be sure to abide by
the no camera rule(see AKUS website). I thought I was in compliance
with the announcement before the show stating no flash photography
and no video taping. I was taking pics without a flash so I thought
it was okay. The AKUS crew took my camera,took the card out and
destroyed it. I did get the camera back, but I'm out $60 for a new
memory card. This is such a big deal to the band that they are
pointing out people they see from the stage with cameras. I was told
by the crew member that a band member saw my camera and had a crew
member take me out of the show. I had not seen the posting on the
web site. Does anyone know when the policy hit the website? I only
saw it yesterday. This happened 2/2/05.
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Post by tom37211 on Feb 22, 2005 11:24:52 GMT -5
Hello Fiddler.
I read your posts on this thread and I have to say that it sounds like you are REALLY pissed off. Quite frankly, I can see your point from the “getting so big we don’t care if we slight those that got us here” attitude. If I allowed it, it would surely bother me as well. Also, I have never thought about what having 3 security guards could mean from a safety stand point from my perspective. After reflecting on what you said, you have a point. But for me, I have decided that even if the absolute worst were to happen at one of their shows, I would pass from this Earth doing something I truly loved to do. Besides, I drove 915 miles to see them the last time in Pompano so the chances that the fates would have introduced me to a semi coming at me in the wrong lane would be far greater from a statistical point of view. (By the way, I have no life, just so you know.)
As far as their harsh attitude we both perceived, I am more than a little offended by the heavy handed actions they are taking. What they are saying is that it is “our way or the highway.” It seems clear to me you are at least leaning towards the “highway”, while I, on the other hand, am leaning towards the “our way”. What ever you decide to do, for what it is worth, I absolutely respect. But I ask you to consider my perspective. As far as I am concerned, all that matters to me regarding AKUS is how and the way that their music touches me. Quite frankly, that is the only responsibility they have to anyone who pays them their money. An honest effort. Each fan can judge for themselves what that value is from an “is it worth it or not worth it” perspective. Be it a $50 ticket, a $25 T-shirt or a $15 CD. For me, it is but a small price to pay for the pleasure I derived and still derive from the experience I get from them.
Hell, I even agree with you about their new CD. As far as I am concerned, there are 4 songs that I have listened to at least 200 times. Unionhouse Branch, Poor Old Heart, (One of their top 3 songs of all times in my opinion), If I Didn’t Know Any Better, and A Living Prayer. The rest are at least good, but not the greatest. But for what ever reason, those songs just thrill me and touch me on a very personal level. I will not let things like a no camera policy jade the way I feel whenever I experience that particular music. To put it in perspective, the droves of so called fans who darn near killed themselves jumping off the Dixie Chicks band wagon after Natalie’s comment about Bush were, in my opinion, not really true fans of their music in their first place. They made a ton of money with their music, not their beliefs. To assume that their beliefs were in lock step with the conservative majority of their fan base shows just how shallow their fan base was on an intellectual level at least. Bottom line, If you like their music, expect only good music from them. Nothing else. To project everything else one has on top of that is an impossible demand and is doomed to failure.
Just my opinion mind you. For what ever it is worth, I truly respect yours as well.
An aside, I really do enjoy your posts. This message board would lose one of it’s strongest voices should you decide to cease participating. You clearly offer up a very unique perspective on what it is like under the glare of the lights. You are articulate and put a good measure of thought into what you offer. I for one would hate to see you disappear.
Tom
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Post by Kimberly on Feb 22, 2005 14:09:48 GMT -5
To put it in perspective, the droves of so called fans who darn near killed themselves jumping off the Dixie Chicks band wagon after Natalie’s comment about Bush were, in my opinion, not really true fans of their music in their first place. Absolutely. I am one of those die-hard fans for their music, not comments. They sure did find out who their true fans are. I am one of them. You're right. So many times, we put celebrities up on pedestals, and they don't belong there. They're human too. All of that said, even if I am disappointed at the no photography rule for AKUS, that won't make me like AKUS music any less, it'll just make remembering how they all looked at the concert a little harder. lol |
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Post by fiddler494 on Feb 22, 2005 22:27:13 GMT -5
Hello Fiddler. I read your posts on this thread and I have to say that it sounds like you are REALLY pissed off. Quite frankly, I can see your point from the “getting so big we don’t care if we slight those that got us here” attitude. If I allowed it, it would surely bother me as well. Also, I have never thought about what having 3 security guards could mean from a safety stand point from my perspective. After reflecting on what you said, you have a point. But for me, I have decided that even if the absolute worst were to happen at one of their shows, I would pass from this Earth doing something I truly loved to do. Besides, I drove 915 miles to see them the last time in Pompano so the chances that the fates would have introduced me to a semi coming at me in the wrong lane would be far greater from a statistical point of view. (By the way, I have no life, just so you know.) As far as their harsh attitude we both perceived, I am more than a little offended by the heavy handed actions they are taking. What they are saying is that it is “our way or the highway.” It seems clear to me you are at least leaning towards the “highway”, while I, on the other hand, am leaning towards the “our way”. What ever you decide to do, for what it is worth, I absolutely respect. But I ask you to consider my perspective. As far as I am concerned, all that matters to me regarding AKUS is how and the way that their music touches me. Quite frankly, that is the only responsibility they have to anyone who pays them their money. An honest effort. Each fan can judge for themselves what that value is from an “is it worth it or not worth it” perspective. Be it a $50 ticket, a $25 T-shirt or a $15 CD. For me, it is but a small price to pay for the pleasure I derived and still derive from the experience I get from them. Hell, I even agree with you about their new CD. As far as I am concerned, there are 4 songs that I have listened to at least 200 times. Unionhouse Branch, Poor Old Heart, (One of their top 3 songs of all times in my opinion), If I Didn’t Know Any Better, and A Living Prayer. The rest are at least good, but not the greatest. But for what ever reason, those songs just thrill me and touch me on a very personal level. I will not let things like a no camera policy jade the way I feel whenever I experience that particular music. To put it in perspective, the droves of so called fans who darn near killed themselves jumping off the Dixie Chicks band wagon after Natalie’s comment about Bush were, in my opinion, not really true fans of their music in their first place. They made a ton of money with their music, not their beliefs. To assume that their beliefs were in lock step with the conservative majority of their fan base shows just how shallow their fan base was on an intellectual level at least. Bottom line, If you like their music, expect only good music from them. Nothing else. To project everything else one has on top of that is an impossible demand and is doomed to failure. Just my opinion mind you. For what ever it is worth, I truly respect yours as well. An aside, I really do enjoy your posts. This message board would lose one of it’s strongest voices should you decide to cease participating. You clearly offer up a very unique perspective on what it is like under the glare of the lights. You are articulate and put a good measure of thought into what you offer. I for one would hate to see you disappear. Tom Tom, I've cooled off a bit. I respect and lik to hear your opinion as well, as I do other members. I may not leave for awhile,. Funny you should mention the Dixie Chicks. I hate to admit it, but I am one of those fickle fans! Darn it! I have their music and won't throw it away(I won't throw the AKUS music away either, but will do similar to Dixie Chicks - I have not played it since), but I have yet to play it since "that incident" and probably won't listen to those CD's/tapes again. My perspective on "The Chicks" is: While every human on this earth has a right to have an opinion, every human on this earth also has a right to decide whether they want to hear that opinion. Her statement "I am even embarrassed to admit he is from Texas(paraphrased it not the exact words)" sounds innocent. But when the comments were made, we were closer post-9/11 and few saw what the terrorists wanted and that is the military moves to "divide and conquer." She made those comment in a foreign country of all places (it would have been bad enough had she said that here) at a time when more countries question our actions, or side with France and Germnay and this only plays into the hands of the terrorists, and if I am not being overly dramatic, actually threatenening the safety and security of American citizens when you have Muslim extremists reay to suicide bomb anyone and everyone in the name of the cause. I won't back down from that and I took her comment as a potential threat to my safety and security and others even in this country. All you need is for a muslim zealot to take it and run with it in this country or abroad, It was a mistake, and she probably did not consider all the potential repercussions in that comment and what it possibly could inspire to the wrong individuals. The proper thing is due repsect to the President (I'm not saying he is right or wrong and I'm not voting / promotiing any political pary) whether you agree with the one in office or not (at least in public - what you say behind closed door is your business). I definitely appreciate you candid statements about the photo ploicy. At least I know I am not the only one who thinks it is 180 degree the opposite from just the LAST tour (a very abrupt change in a short period of time - a danger signal to parent whose kids would react this way)-or to kids whose adults react this way!). I seem to have analyzed this, and I found myself noticing this is un-AKUS like, and also like the band has attained a new "level" of status, but I think it is self-elected and self-actualized, seeing AK did get an award with Brad Paisley, and Jerry Doulgas got a grammy, but noone else did. I think it could be a safety issue that could affect (look at the former employee shooting just the other day it happens very frequently now - not years ago was it like this). It could affect the safety of the audience. It surely is an abrupt 180 degree change to have an "army" of badyguards where previously there were none. I can appreciate your desire to "go out in a blaze of glory your way at an AKUS concert." May I say this -- "Get a life! ;D - just kidding,.Tom. (they used to say that on Saturday Night Live when William Shatner hosted and they had a skit on the Trekkie convention - Get a life! William Shatner told them (rather self-defeating if you were the star of Star Trek and these people come to your convention?). I doubt I'll leave this group just yet - a week or two to cool off - but I did leave the Yahoo AKUS group (that is where I copy/pasted the experience of a member from). But I found the Chicago web site[ www.chicagotheband.com/. I read the group history (I went to a concert in 1974 - and bought many of their albums) wiht interest(hours I was reading all that stuff). They are and remain a real class act and still meet fans. If AKUS gets heavy handed and full of attitude like this, they could really be in for it in more ways than one and the worst would be sliding concert attendance /CD sales. |
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Post by fiddler494 on Feb 22, 2005 22:33:05 GMT -5
Absolutely. I am one of those die-hard fans for their music, not comments. They sure did find out who their true fans are. I am one of them. You're right. So many times, we put celebrities up on pedestals, and they don't belong there. They're human too. Kimberly- I agree here with you - they are not infalable and the are prone to make poor decisions just like any other humans, and they can be affected by fame, fortune, ego, dillusions, illusions and many other aspects of living in this world. All of that said, even if I am disappointed at the no photography rule for AKUS, that won't make me like AKUS music any less, it'll just make remembering how they all looked at the concert a little harder. lol |
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Post by fiddler494 on Feb 22, 2005 22:52:47 GMT -5
I guess the easy way to put this is, AKUS does really need me, I don't make or break them in support, record/concert sales, etc. But the same hold true for them, I have lived x-number of years in this life not knowing them, they haven't done anything for me career-wise or personally (Alison hasn't prduced any records for me like she has for Nickel Creek/Cox Family, etc), so we really exist without each other, have not needed each other, probably won't need each other, etc. And now, with this attitude of their, etc. I am not sure I really would care to meet the band (separately or together). This is not toward anyone in particular but the entire band (unless someone controls the band my tie-breaking vote or something like that or their ego runs things).
Its sad, but sometimes those "thoughtless" or not well thought out o ill conceived ideas or policies can be like comments to a person that can't be taken back and will change a relationship forever.
Unionhouse Branch I think is Jerry D's song/instrumental? There are a few songs I really like. I was thinking "Crazy Like Me(?) was interesting, but now I'm really beginning to wonder!(the persons who selected it and put it on the CD I mean). A Sad Song I think Alison co-wrote. Interesting, but I don't really like it that much, but it would "fit the dark pattern of songs and life" AKUS sings about. But then, was it Alison or someone in a bluegrass band that said "there are no love songs is bluegrass." Bad love, love gone wrong, somebody done somebody wrong . . . etc."
Amazing how a person (at least me) can be so for a band/group and then once some analysis and though happens, that can change. I really don't know if I will buy their music or see their concerts again. Time, their progression thru music as they evolve as a band, and their attitude moving forward from here all contribute to my decision where I go from here related to AKUS the and/group.
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Post by fiddler494 on Feb 22, 2005 23:11:16 GMT -5
Hello Fiddler. I read your posts on this thread and I have to say that it sounds like you are REALLY pissed off. Quite frankly, I can see your point from the “getting so big we don’t care if we slight those that got us here” attitude. If I allowed it, it would surely bother me as well. Also, I have never thought about what having 3 security guards could mean from a safety stand point from my perspective. After reflecting on what you said, you have a point. But for me, I have decided that even if the absolute worst were to happen at one of their shows, I would pass from this Earth doing something I truly loved to do. Besides, I drove 915 miles to see them the last time in Pompano so the chances that the fates would have introduced me to a semi coming at me in the wrong lane would be far greater from a statistical point of view. (By the way, I have no life, just so you know.) As far as their harsh attitude we both perceived, I am more than a little offended by the heavy handed actions they are taking. What they are saying is that it is “our way or the highway.” It seems clear to me you are at least leaning towards the “highway”, while I, on the other hand, am leaning towards the “our way”. What ever you decide to do, for what it is worth, I absolutely respect. But I ask you to consider my perspective. As far as I am concerned, all that matters to me regarding AKUS is how and the way that their music touches me. Quite frankly, that is the only responsibility they have to anyone who pays them their money. An honest effort. Each fan can judge for themselves what that value is from an “is it worth it or not worth it” perspective. Be it a $50 ticket, a $25 T-shirt or a $15 CD. For me, it is but a small price to pay for the pleasure I derived and still derive from the experience I get from them. Hell, I even agree with you about their new CD. As far as I am concerned, there are 4 songs that I have listened to at least 200 times. Unionhouse Branch, Poor Old Heart, (One of their top 3 songs of all times in my opinion), If I Didn’t Know Any Better, and A Living Prayer. The rest are at least good, but not the greatest. But for what ever reason, those songs just thrill me and touch me on a very personal level. I will not let things like a no camera policy jade the way I feel whenever I experience that particular music. To put it in perspective, the droves of so called fans who darn near killed themselves jumping off the Dixie Chicks band wagon after Natalie’s comment about Bush were, in my opinion, not really true fans of their music in their first place. They made a ton of money with their music, not their beliefs. To assume that their beliefs were in lock step with the conservative majority of their fan base shows just how shallow their fan base was on an intellectual level at least. Bottom line, If you like their music, expect only good music from them. Nothing else. To project everything else one has on top of that is an impossible demand and is doomed to failure. Just my opinion mind you. For what ever it is worth, I truly respect yours as well. An aside, I really do enjoy your posts. This message board would lose one of it’s strongest voices should you decide to cease participating. You clearly offer up a very unique perspective on what it is like under the glare of the lights. You are articulate and put a good measure of thought into what you offer. I for one would hate to see you disappear. Tom Altough you have a point also with the Greatful Dead policy. Encourage and not dicourage. They could probably think of some better ways to handle this. You are rightabout it upsetting the artists not having control over what gets out there that someone might record and how things can be manipulated in a digital manner these days. But is that much of their stuff ending up out there that they have found out about already? Or are thye just being overly protective in more ways than one and they have no proof or evidence that this is going on. I for one liked being able to come on this board and see the still photography posted for events (the Franklin benefit, etc - hang onto those precious photos now!) that I was not able to make. And I can see where they would be upset, yet at the same time this seems almost un-AKUS like. Maybe Cracker Barrel isn't controling this. If they aren't, then either the agent or the band or both have had a real personality change or something. As for the band, I would consider at $32.50-$35.50 ticket just to see AKUS by themselves in concert in the ballpark of kinda reasonable. And that is about the limit. I paid $79.30 for the Great High Mountain Tour and that was reasonable considering all the talent on stage and people that had to be paid, etc. But if AKUS is asking $50.00+ for their concert alone just AKUS no other band? No way. I won't pay that. Especially now, but I wouldn't have paid that before. I would pay $50.00 or so to see Chicago in concert (25 albums issued, been around 30+ years, large band I think 6 or 7 members or so, many others to pay, etc). Maybe AKUS is just getting extremely commercial and nogt caring how they do it or what they end result is when and how they do it. |
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Post by fiddler494 on Feb 22, 2005 23:12:38 GMT -5
I guess the easy way to put this is, AKUS does really need me, I don't make or break them in support, record/concert sales, etc. But the same hold true for them, I have lived x-number of years in this life not Iknowing them, they haven't done anything for me career-wise or personally (Alison hasn't prduced any records for me like she has for Nickel Creek/Cox Family, etc), so we really exist without each other, have not needed each other, probably won't need each other, etc. And now, with this attitude of their, etc. I am not sure I really would care to meet the band (separately or together). This is not toward anyone in particular but the entire band (unless someone controls the band my tie-breaking vote or something like that or their ego runs things). Its sad, but sometimes those "thoughtless" or not well thought out o ill conceived ideas or policies can be like comments to a person that can't be taken back and will change a relationship forever. Unionhouse Branch I think is Jerry D's song/instrumental? There are a few songs I really like. I was thinking "Crazy Like Me(?) was interesting, but now I'm really beginning to wonder!(the persons who selected it and put it on the CD I mean). A Sad Song I think Alison co-wrote. Interesting, but I don't really like it that much, but it would "fit the dark pattern of songs and life" AKUS sings about. But then, was it Alison or someone in a bluegrass band that said "there are no love songs is bluegrass." Bad love, love gone wrong, somebody done somebody wrong . . . etc." Amazing how a person (at least me) can be so for a band/group and then once some analysis and though happens, that can change. I really don't know if I will buy their music or see their concerts again. Time, their progression thru music as they evolve as a band, and their attitude moving forward from here all contribute to my decision where I go from here related to AKUS the and/group. I meant to say they don't need me - I don't need them. |
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Post by Doug on Feb 23, 2005 11:05:01 GMT -5
I have no inside information on this and may be reading something into nothing. but trying to put 2 and 2 together. This morning I decided to snoop around the new look AKUS "official" site and clicked on "links". The contents looked about the same as before the new design until I scrolled down to the bottom. There in the TEAM section in echomusic.com... Who in the world are they?  Never head of them and for sure in any connection with AKUS. So next click on thier website and you see a nice little blurb: February 2005 :: Alison Krauss and Union Station :: Alison Krauss, at the age of 32, has achieved more career milestones than most people do in their lifetime. To date, she has earned 17 Grammy Awards, multiple Country Music Association Awards and International Bluegrass Music Awards and countless others. Alison Krauss and Union Station recently retained echo for our design, hosting, ecommerce,viral and fan management services. We are thrilled to be working with one of our favorite bands on the whole planet! Notice the reference to "fan management" that echo is to provide for AKUS. I don't know what that term means but we may be seeing the beginning of it with the No Audio/No Video/No Photo Policy. If you snoop around a little more in echo's website you see under services "photography" and it sounds like one of their "services" is to "help" the music industry market photographic images of the bands. So the conclusion that you draw is echo can do a much better job promoting photographs in the marketplace and increase the value of the photographs they release if they limit or eliminate those taken by the fans. Then, if you check out Service--Marketing you will find that they promote musician's tours, new CDs, and projects primarily by using electronic means like websites and messageboards...something that we all know has been lacking with regard to timeliness and detail of information on the "official website" especially since we still had the "LIVE" look up until recently when they finally started promoting a "Lonely" look for a tour that started late last year. echo's expressed goal is to use such tools to improve relationships between the artist and fan. (I'f I'm right in all this, they really haven't gotten off to a good start) echo goes on to further talk about how they go about building up fan appreciation and loyalty and that they devised "innovative" tracking systems by gathering information regarding fan's bias, preferences, geographics etc. in order to "put marketing efforts where they are making the most difference" . So judge for yourselves if there may be a connection. All this could be good or could be bad. To me it depends on if the band is actually going to be made sensitive to the desires of their fan base and that there are changes made that are made to the benefit of both the band and the fan base. Gathering information from the fan base can be good, but controlling the information (or photographs) may actually backfire. My fear is that echomusic is just some consulting company that will manipulate all aspects of promoting the band to make themselves more money and keep the actual band members in the dark regarding what the public wants if it is not in their monitary interest which ultimately hurts the economic interests of the band itself. One more comment...this approach doesn't sound like the Alison we have known from the past staying with Rounder to be able to have freedom of expression rather than being manipulated by some known large record company. But it could be that the popularity of the band has exceeded the abilities of the band and their direct staff and the allocated support of Rounder to handle and they are honestly searching out help from echomusic. Remember, none of what I have listed above has any verified factual connection. Its just assumption after assumption and I am the first to suggest that I could be wrong 180 degress. And I intend to give echomusic a fair chance to see what they can do positive for the band and the fans. Just thought that I'd pass on a few thoughts. Doug |
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Post by fogcitygal on Feb 23, 2005 14:59:52 GMT -5
I have been following this thread with great interest but have held myself back from responding until I read Doug's comments on echomusic.com. I have been concerned with the change of mood reflected by many of us since Cracler Barrel took over AKUS' management. I too have explored the new Official site and red flares went off for me when I saw the errors printed there. When I read Doug's comments my fears boiled over, hence my post today.
Initially, I noticed two major errors in the first paragraph of Alison's biography. The opening sentence reads, "Alison Krauss, at the age of 32, has achieved more career milestones than most people do in their lifetime." Alison is not 32, she is 33 and will be 34 is July. They go on to say "[AKUS''s] most recent release is a two-disc live set". Obviously, echomusic is printing information that very obsolete. Okay, so the new management is not too good on details.
Then I read Doug's post wherein he quotes how echomusic "devised "innovative" tracking systems by gathering information regarding fan's bias, preferences, geographics etc. in order to "put marketing efforts where they are making the most difference" and that echo's "expressed goal is to use such tools to improve relationships between the artist and fan".
Geez, if echomusic can't get Alison's age right or know the correct name of AKUS' latest CD, how can we trust any of the "information" they have "gathered", no matter how "innovative" their marketing research is? Quite franklyy, after reading the first paragraph of Alison's biography I wondered if anything else printed at their site was correct.
What also concerned me was when I tried to register for their fan mail. Despite what the instructions said, I never received a "confirming email" from them to complete my registration. After registering three times with no confirming email, I tried to email them. Note that I said tried. It has been several days and I still haven't heard how to complete my registration. Do they really want fans to register? Do they really want to control the information being released about AKUS if they themselves don't have it right? Do they really care about AKUS? I leave to you all those unanswered questions...
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Post by Doug on Feb 23, 2005 16:27:03 GMT -5
I too had caught the incorrect age and actually had forgotten to mention it in my post. I really hadn't thought about echo's responsibility for the new look website, but if you check out the copyright at the bottom, it says that it is "powered" by echomusic, so they obviously did put it together. When you look at it close up it looks like someone was in a real rush to get it together. For example take a look at the main page on the 47th Grammy awards paragraph. Depending on the web browser you have, you will see all kinds of ? marks or blanks that are missing. I think I know their problem, but it looks pretty poor.
Then if you go to Alison's bio like Fogcitygal says you see the incorrect reference to Alison's age as 32 just like the echomusic site and the fact that her latest album is the LIVE album.
Not good.
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Post by Doug on Feb 23, 2005 16:35:15 GMT -5
Just found something else on the new webiste. If you keep clicking the next five at the bottom of the news page you get past news items. That's OK. But if you keep clicking all the way to the last page, the you get a "brand new" news item dated February 6th talking about the Paper Clips movie. I'm sure someone goofed here too as the newest items should be first not last. Anyway, you will again see errors with question marks or blanks in the Paper Clips item.
Hope that AKUS knows what they are doing working with echomusic.
Doug
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Never head of them and for sure in any connection with AKUS.