Jill Sobule’s missed opportunity
I recently came across Jill Sobule’s website where she is attempting to raise money from her fans to produce her next record. Interesting, but not the first nor last attempt by an artist to circumvent a label. What I find most interesting are the “prizes” she is offering for donating. Here’s an example:
”$5,000 — Diamond Level: I will come and do a house concert for you. Invite your friends, serve some drinks, bring me out and I sing. Actually, this level is a smart choice economically. I’ve played many house concerts where the host has charged his guests and made his money back. I’d go for this if I were you.”
This is a good twist on using the web as a fundraising tool. Most people want something special, and if they are a huge fan, this is extremely special.
So what’s the missed opportunity? Instead of only asking for money, she should have also asked for technical help, or marketing help or production help. Why only let the fans give money? Certainly many are talented in other areas and would love to help. That seems like a missed opportunity to me.
