Actually, Those Walls are Doors

Words we tend to love:

• User created
• Open source
• Complimentary
• Crowdsource

What do these things have in common? They're all in a category of what I've started to call "open doors policy." To our great pride, Gen Y have discovered that you can benefit from giving things away. We do it all the time, often without realizing it. What I'm learning (with much excitement) is that there are more doors to be opened; we typically just assume they're walls.

That is, the status quo has been here for a long time; we're used to certain things belonging to individuals or companies. Before Wikipedia, we assumed that information was transactional -- that one person speaks while many people listen. Wikipedia proved that the wall of content creation was actually a door (and they proved that by opening it). Through that open door, thousands of generous minds poured in. They added themselves to the free workforce -- and as a result, everyone got something great.

Firefox found the browser door. Long ago, Linux found the OS door. Like Wikipedia, these innovators had a huge hurdle -- proving to the naysayers that the wall was a door. Proving they could open the doors and not be looted for it.

Now that they've proven it can be done, the important question is not, "how can we open the doors?" The answer is out there - maybe you should use the Google door to find it. The real trouble -- the next important obstacle -- is that we seem to assume walls when there are doors.

Here's an example: I'm in the beginning stages of writing an album. When I get the songs recorded and ready for mixing and mastering, I'll have a choice: I can wall them in behind a producer. OR, I can open a door: I can release the tracks as open-source, leaving them in a format that any producer can manipulate. What'll happen when a crowd of independent producers start competing for creativity, each applying their own techniques to the same raw material?

Imagine, weeks later, when dozens of song submissions pour in -- when one of the tracks sounds like a techno remix, and one sounds like punk, but one of them sounds like just my style. What should I do with the winners, the duds, and everything in between? Host them all freely (since they'll be on BitTorrent by then anyway); make them available as promo material. There'd be so much more to enjoy because of the open doors.

Here's the real lesson for me, and the biggest challenge: I had planned to keep this idea a secret, ensuring that I'd be the first person to make it happen. But then, I realized I was building a wall. Instead, I wrote this post and opened the door. 

And now I can't wait to see someone steal* the idea and use it. I'll owe them a "thanks," not a lawsuit. See, aren't open doors great?

* Note: there is no such thing as stealing an idea. All of my thoughts are public domain. Quick, go make an open-source album!

Welcome back, me!

Apologies for my silence. I'm back.

I noticed I wasn't enjoying the blogging process anymore. I chose to stop, figure out why, and then decide whether to get back into it depending on the reasons I had for leaving.

Turns out I lost steam on my own writing for the same reasons I was avoiding most of the feeds in my RSS -- it wasn't just boring, though that's also a concern. The main problem: my writing didn't have a story.  So here I am, all regrouped and recouped, ready to start letting that story through.

I think the most useful story I can tell is about the things I'm learning.

--

Here's one: some warnings are supposed to be thoughtfully ignored.

I'm quite close to graduating from college. It's one of those times in your life when everyone thinks it'd be terrific to ask, "What are you going to do next?" They don't realize the depth of emotion that each day holds for me because of that very question. I do my best to answer honestly: "Oh, not quite sure yet," (cue my practiced expression of excitement mixed with apprehension), "but hopefully..." and I list a few ideas that are sitting near the surface that day.

From a good number of their reactions, you'd think I just said I wanted to be an astronaut. I've come to expect that look of doubt, stuck clumsily behind an encouraging smile. Lately I've been padding my ambition with self-doubt just to avoid that look. In some of these exchanges, I even get friendly warnings that whatever I've suggested doesn't happen for many people.

I happen to know a lot of my readers personally, and you're all extraordinary people. From the conversations we've had, I know you're at least as gifted as you are audacious. No doubt you've had this same experience, probably in the past week. Professors, advisors, and mentors are likely to poopoo your boldest plans. Here's my advice to you:

Practice ignoring them. Sure, keep your explanations brief if you must, but don't let the story you tell them become the story you believe. Don't achieve modest goals just to save face. Brush these meetings off, or relish them. Imagine how they'll react when you achieve even more than you promised, and enjoy that anticipation.

Next time you get that nugget of well-intentioned discouragement, smile. Say "yeah, I know." Think to yourself, most of those who fell short listened to this advice. Then get back to work on your dream.

Suggestion Architecture: How to Make People Do Things

Facebook is working on a new profile, and they've just made the beta version semi-public. (To see what your new profile looks like, visit www.new.facebook.com)

What's interesting is that, as far as I can see, there's not a single new feature; it's just a refreshed look. You might call it a makeover.

At first glance you'll get that awkward "where am I?" feeling, but browse a bit and you'll start to be impressed. Facebook has done something marvellous here with the new design: they've moved interactivity to front-center.

On your own profile, the first thing you'll see on the page is a box that prompts you to update your status (slightly -- okay, majorly -- resembling your homepage on Twitter). When you're viewing a friend's profile, that same entry box allows you to post on the friend's wall (from the top of the profile page, finally).

The end result: every page you visit on facebook (even your own) now makes you positively itchy to type something, to interact. That interaction has always been possible, but never entirely prominent. Until now, status updates held a tiny bit of real estate on the home page; wall posts took a bit of scrolling. These design choices had relegated interactivity to the realm of afterthought.

What this idea points to is the notion of Suggestion Architecture -- using layout and structure to lead people's activities. It's about what the page asks you to do first. The operative question is, "when I look at this page, what am I supposed to use it for?"

Google homepage: "Search."
Twitter: "Post my status."
Myspace: "Seriously, I have no idea."
Old Facebook: "Read the News Feed?" (spy on my friends?)
New Facebook: "Write a message."

It's a fairly smart idea since it'll fuel the number-one reason people visit facebook at all -- to see messages from their friends (in the context of profiles, walls, statuses etc). If page views were the problem, this very architecture was the answer.

But were page views the problem?

Bert sometimes feels feelings, too.

This is about to take a frightening turn for the personal touchy-feely, so if you're not into that, keep reading and get really uncomfortable.

I learn things from John Mayer all the time. I started reading his (terrific yet short) blog last night at 1:30 and actually cried a tear (of something-or-other). It was such an emo moment. Here's what I learned: John's success in songwriting, in business, and in blogging can all be attributed to a special something.

It's not musical talent. He's got it, but so do millions. It's not business savvy, for the same reason. He certainly does a lot with his abilities, but they're not the end of his story.

The thing that ties it all together is his vulnerability. It's as if he trusts strangers to think on him favorably when they hear an honest, emotional song. Maybe he feels as many fears as I feel when jotting down lyrics that sound a little too true. The difference is, he keeps practicing that vulnerability until he rocks at it. Nowadays when he spills his guts, they look pretty good all over the rug.

Before finding John's blog, I wrote the first lyrics to a new song I'm working on. Toward the end of the second verse, this line came out of the middle of me:

"Try not to live, and maybe you will never die."

And there it was on the page -- every unattempted dream I've buried, every song I didn't write, every girl who ever walked out of my life without knowing my name. It sounds dramatic, and perhaps it is. Not many of those dreams would've become real; not many of those songs would've been much good, and not many of those girls would've given me a second look.

But among all the pitfalls I escaped, I also avoided a few dreams-come-true. I dodged a few blessings among the bullets. John might've felt that sting for a while, too, but he keeps putting himself out there to be bashed and loved and known by millions of people.

Maybe this will be easier if we make a resolution together, you and I (since I'm being openly cheesy with you already). Let's resolve to take all the chances that we're inspired to take. Let's meet life halfway, instead of waiting for it to turn up some luck.

Heartbreak, failure, and pure satisfaction are on the way. Don't flinch.

Capitol caves; we're still cautious.

Thanks to everyone who spoke out about this, Capitol Records have changed the rules of the contest! This guy's insightful post breaks down the changes like so:

• "Recording option" I mentioned, giving Capitol the ability to force signees into a recording deal -- gone. (Check)
• No more rights to "edit, adapt, composite, mix, remix, morph, scan, duplicate, alter and/or otherwise modify and commercially exploit your submission, in whole or in part, without any restrictions as to changes" -- also check.
• Capitol no longer has the royalty-free right to use your work, but they do have the (reasonable) right to use your image or likeness for promotional purposes only. Check, and check.

Internet: 3. Capitol Records: 0.

Keep in mind, as Andy said, that a fair contract doesn't guarantee fair treatment. Musicians beware; you're still dealing with the same company that tried all of this crap in the first place. My advice is this: don't enter the contest even with the altered rules. You'll get tooled around, and Capitol will win the tussle.

Stop the Capitol Records Scam.

Tom came to me the other day with a mission, and he wanted my support. Before hearing what he needed, I was already on board because Tom's a good guy, and he has great ideas. After I heard his news, I was livid. I was ready to make a serious ruckus. I'm pretty sure you'll do the same--because frankly, this story is insane, and urgent. And infuriating.

Coldplay is touring this summer to promote their new release under Capitol Records. In order to stoke the fires of fan buzz, the record company is throwing a big contest to choose a local opening act for each major city on the tour route. The contest is video-based and judged by radio stations in the area (big sponsorship dollars from those, and clearly from LiveNation). Bands that want to enter must submit a YouTube video to the special group that Capitol has set up on YouTube. A few lucky winners will get huge exposure opening for Coldplay in a major city.

Sounds fantastic, actually. The whole plan has so many high points-- one, the opportunity to inspire (and find) new talent. Two, the focus on local acts. Three, the promise of merit-based exposure, having nothing to do with how much money or attendance the band can promise the tour. If that was the whole story, I'd sign up in a heartbeat. Tom was about to.

Until he read the contest rules. (Important lesson: always, always, always read the fine print).

He immediately hit up the My Morning Jacket forums for confirmation that indeed, this was the most malicious legal document ever foisted upon an unsuspecting musician. Ahem-- on 496 (and counting) unsuspecting musicians.

The short version: "by entering this contest" you've automatically agreed to the contest rules (thus, implicitly signed a binding contract). Entering only requires a video and some contact info. Thus, video equals signature-- the first red flag.

So, here are all the little barbs they've buried deep within the fine print:

• Capitol Records can take your work and change it. They can re-cut, republish, sell, distribute... the list goes on. These priviliges allow Capitol to mangle your music into any form they wish, then sell it or give it away.
• They don't have to give you credit. (or show your face, or your name)
  
• They don't have to pay you.
• They don't even have to tell you they've used your work.
• They can do all of this even with videos that didn't win the contest. So all 500+ entrants are vulnerable to this abuse.

Furthermore, the "Recording Option" section of the rules (still part of the contract you unwittingly sign)--

• Up to 60 days after the END of the contest (well into October or after, depending on your city), Capitol can force you into a recording contract.
• You can't sign with another label.
  
• You don't get to negotiate publication (royalty) rights.
• Capitol picks the producer.
• Capitol picks the budget.
• All of this can apply to anyone who enters. Even those who don't get to open for Coldplay.

Ridiculous? Infuriating? Urgent? I agree. Nobody knows it's coming, though-- inexperienced musicians invariably don't read these fine-print things, especially when it says "contest rules" instead of "contract" on the link. That's a deliberate decision from the record label; they want as many naive people as possible to wind up under their thumbs. I hope that pisses you off, because there are a thousand other musicians who need to hear about this from you.

Here's how you can help spread the word and keep people from getting burned by this. Just do any of the following that you feel like doing. No guilt trip if you don't-- grassroots campaigns don't run on guilt, they run on pissed-offitude.

• Tweet about it. Ask your followers to retweet (pass it on). Here's a tinyURL that will point them to the story: http://tinyurl.com/3mzaol
• Tell a friend over instant messenger or Google chat. Make it your status on Skype. Put it in your facebook status.
  
• Post it as a note on Facebook and tag anyone who plays, writes, or sings music. They're the potential victims here.
  
• Join the Facebook group and invite the two musicians you love most.
• Email your mom, tell her that she should tell the whole family. Seriously. Moms and forwarded emails are like brushfire and California.
• Sign the petition and pass it on. Remember to link to your website or blog. It's a way to put a whole story behind every person who signs, so people will know that this is a connected group, a true movement.
• Put the banner on your MySpace, your blog, or your website. Code provided, just copy and paste.
• Visit the lens. If you're a Squidoo member already, give it a rating or a comment. That'll help it rise up in the Google results, meaning that people searching for the contest will see the headline "The Coldplay Opening Act contest is a SCAM" and think twice.
  

[grab this banner]

If you want to be a leader in this campaign, I want you as a partner. Here's what I'm suggesting:

• I'd like to start a YouTube contest of a different style-- the "Don't Enter the Video Contest" Video Contest. Users from all around could submit videos of their band NOT entering the contest-- just playing their music and saying a word or two of warning to other bands. Email me (rhhart AT gmail DOT com) if you'd like to lead this contest, help me flesh out the details, and so on.
  
• If you want to help the facebook group spread, invite at least 100 people and I'll make you an officer of the group. Your officer title will be a link to your website or blog, meaning more exposure for you, your band, your blog, or whatever you do online. (notify me when you've invited all those scads of people and I'll officer-fy you). First 25 people only, since Facebook doesn't allow any more officers than that.
  
• We need IDEAS. If you're a crazy marketer with huge dreams, or just an idea person with a passion for this, email me. Tell me what you'd do in order to spread the word. Think BIG. And as crazy as possible. And remember that you don't need my permission to start anything. Just do it, you rogue, and tell me so I can link to you.
  
• Discuss it in the forums-- maybe a few ideas bouncing around will turn into something terrific.
  

A mistake that could cost you your entire following

This blog post from the Share Marketing blog showed me that I've been making the very same mistake I've been so infuriated about. If you've ever tried to spread the word about something, anything, using facebook or myspace, read the post. You can't afford not to.

First, I need to eat some crow. This practice of "asking for the order" when it's inappropriate, bugs me to no end. I've written about it (sometimes angrily) here and here. I'm not saying I was wrong to do that-- rather, I was wrong to ignore my own advice. I wrote a post asking for readers to join my new forums (hosted on another site and for a different purpose). I figured I could bother my subscribers for a little easy traffic-- big mistake. You, the reader, don't read this for my benefit, but for yours. Sorry I acted like that wasn't true.

I ignored that advice for the same reason that many others may ignore it-- we count ourselves immune. We think, "I'm not a big corporation, a fast food chain, or a peddler of Viagra; therefore, spam just doesn't apply to me." Of course, by the technical definition of spam, we're right; we haven't sent bulk email to thousands, covertly attaching spyware programs or brochures about penis enlargement. But we're all still vulnerable.

That's because the definition of spam-- a practice that anyone, anywhere, can fall into-- is broader than all of that. It's more like, "sending people messages they don't want to receive" or, as the Share Marketing blog put it so well, asking for the order.

What's the fine line on this? I don't know. I doubt there's a fine line. I think it's more about what people are willing to hear, what they're grateful to hear. That makes it a gray area, which is inconvenient. It means you have to be careful, to avoid alienating your following, to keep the interaction beneficial for everyone else. It means you have to serve people.

Here's what you can do, whether you're a blogger, band, manager, or facebook group admin, to avoid being odious to your followers (fans, members, subscribers).

• Emailing or facebook messaging one or all of them? Read this first.
• Read, reread, and memorize this post. This one, too, while you're at it.
  
• Ask yourself, "is the subscriber/friend/fan on my mailing list because they want to receive messages like this?"
• Question whether you're writing this message because it benefits the recipient, or if you're the focus of this effort.
• Remember that spam doesn't just come from strangers.

Good luck, and don't spam.