Receiving Last Rites Changed My View
On the 15th of January, AudioGraphics.com marks 22 years of servicing the broadcast radio industry, the streaming radio industry, what's today referred to as "Big Data" clients, and independent artists. It's been a bumpy ride with much success and many failures.
December 21, 2017 I received Catholicism's "Last Rites" in preparation for major surgery where the outcome was not guaranteed. I found this surgical uncertainty similar to my launching AudioGraphics.com in January 1997. Live or die. At the time, both were possible.
| The only certainty is that there's always an exit. "When" one leaves is important. If a choice it shows the degree of commitment. If not, a lack of control. |
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In the early 2000s I pointed to online audio as an upcoming beast, and how poorly the radio industry was approaching it as competition. Nobody listened and to this day, industry trades still throw accolades of praise for people who have done little to understand the problems faced. Propaganda is disguised as words about radio's non-existent ability be local, creative, and service a community.
Last Rites for radio are not yet deserved, but its relevance has diminished to the point of no return.
Streaming audio's new buzzword is "podcast." It's as empty a promise as what tens-of-thousands of online radio stations pursue. Only a few will be heard by enough people to matter because there's one item never addressed: "It's not being online that matters, it's being found." Nobody wants to believe they won't have hoards of followers.
Performance royalty fees are termed "crushing" by those services playing music. Yet, free songs from quality unknown artists are ignored. It's easier to whimper than change what's holding you back.
Last Rites for streaming, downloadable audio - as a podcast or radio - is also not yet due. Enthusiastic amateurs thrive on being told it's "possible," and there are plenty of them in line to chase their dreams. I will always cheer that pursuit.
Finally, indie artists. I'm not quite sure this group will ever understand that the internet gave them a level playing field filled with tens-of-thousands more competitors. Nor will they admit that demanding payment for their music is a wish granted only after they become a draw, when people seek their sound. Until then, no matter how good an indie artist is, they need a path to the public - and that path is more a toll road than revenue generator.
I received Last Rites on December 21, 2017. Now in a three-month recovery regimen, my desire to teach, help, and create new ways for using technology has left. I've come to a point where no matter what is said, regardless of how many examples are laid out, the number of people who choose to understand that nothing is easy and work is required to succeed remains the same - small.
Last Rites need be given to the fortune seekers, those who believe that it's their due to find success.
Having had my Last Rites I'll now focus on enjoying more of my life.
For me, speaking to groups who aren't interested in listening or working hard is dead.
Thursday January 4, 2018
Today's artist introduction is to Blues from Pat Cooley
Give "No Mess" a listen.
Stations: Add it to your playlist, free.
