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ivan@stellysee.de
| From | "Holmes Online" <bholmes_fm@msn.com> |
| Subject | Re: anyone know anything more |
| Date | Sun, 21 Jan 2007 18:41:19 -0500 |
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Add me to the list of former Amplifier scribes peppering Audland. There are
many reasons why Amplifier and I parted ways a while back, but Joe's
integrity wasn't one of them.
Like many, I'm surprised by the comments but not the concept. Long ago. when
working management for an established veteran act, a major trade pub called
to let us know they were going to run a tribute issue about my artist and
wanted an interview. Great, fine! Then it's a conversation about the *price*
of said interview - I can pay $x for the cover and $y for a three page
feature, or $z for a five page feature. And, oh by the way, could I give
them a list of industry friends/partners to contact to share the good news
with? (read: people to pressure to buy an ad in that issue or they'd look
like an asshole for saying no). I believe I created a brand new multi-hyphen
obscenity for the weasel on the phone and that was the end of that.
If Joe's trying to raise a family on the back of Amplifier Magazine, I can
appreciate his frustration, it's hard. Keeping a print magazine (however
small) afloat for a decade warrants major kudos. However, *if* Joe said what
he's quoted as saying, it was pretty stupid of him to admit the policy and
even stupider to put in in writing. He could have simply said "thanks - let
me know if anything changes" and then not given space to that label's
releases. Either way, if any magazine holds all labels to that same
standard, it's going to be a small world.
I prefer reading mags where I can find oddball small label or indie artists
in addition to the more popular names and labels. I also prefer writing for
outlets that share the same philosophy. Given the lovely paychecks reviewers
get, I at least want to be able to tout a new discovery on their own merits
without having to make them a booster club member.
I think a good music magazine should be music first and business second.
Which is why my magazine would probably sink like a stone.
cheers
b
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