How Not to Write a (Music) Blog

Lots of folks will tell you how to do things. In fact, everyone probably prides themselves on being an expert on something. I’d rather spin things a little bit and tell you what NOT to do. You see, folks that cover the music industry are even more compelled to prove their expert status. Maybe it’s a desire to serve, or maybe it’s simply an inflated sense of self. Honestly, I’m leaning toward the latter. In any event, having read multiple blogs, I offer you the following suggestions.

1. Just because someone else says it too, you’re not a genius, visionary, vision-caster, or at all brilliant.

Basically, you think that there should be an ISP tax to cover music downloading. You’re copying someone else’s idea, and you blog all about it while pointing out the greater minds than you have said the same thing. You even link to their post. Guess what, they’re still smarter than you. Odds are, they thought of it first.

2. Illegal downloading is illegal. ‘Til the laws are changed and the system is reformed, you’re still breaking the law.

I’m all in favor of changing things, but ’til that time comes, I’m getting my music the old-fashioned way: purchasing it. I still naively believe that money spent on music goes to artists. Whenever possible, I buy direct from the artist, but the point is, I buy. This isn’t about being holier-than-thou, it’s about doing the right thing. The major labels haven’t screwed Joe Public out of anything. All you bloggers can stop shaking your virtual fists.

3. Direct-to-Fan will not save the music industry. Good music will.

Technology allows us to do all kinds of wonderful things. Unfortunately, it makes it infinitely easier for shitty music to reach the mainstream. If you’re gonna wage war on something, battle AutoTune and the folks who rely on it. Make good music, and the rest will follow. Idealistic perhaps, but aren’t ideals a good thing?

4. Just because you did a lot of something doesn’t mean you’re good at it.

So many bloggers will tell you what they’ve done without being able to attribute any measurable success to it. Phrases like, “I’ve been in this business for 40 years, and…” are totally meaningless. What’ve you done in those 40 years?And (the dreaded) what’ve you done lately? Or worse, they assume that success in one field is relevant to something elsewhere. If you’re a talented guitarist, don’t talk to me about marketing. I’m a helluva marketing guy, but I promise not to offer you tips on fingerpicking, radio promotion, or brain surgery.

5. The Internet is not a substitute for live music.

Tweetcast all you want. Stream to your heart’s content. But if you want to understand why we have a music industry, get your ass to a club, concert hall, or arena. Have a real, visceral experience with a band you love. It’s better than Facebook, I swear.