Straying From the Pack…

Social Media sites…you gotta love ‘em.  So much in fact that I believe the time will come where we start to hate ‘em. 

Why?  Because they’re going to die out?  Not necessarily.  Because everybody is doing it?  Eh, gets annoying for companies who have no need for such a site (like a tire company) but not a strong enough reason, perse’, to plan Social Media’s demise.  Then why?  Why will we start hating them?  Advertisments!

The Ad-based only structure is the most annoying setup for a social networking site.  You have ads to the left, to the right, up top, down below, popping up in the middle of what you’re reading, survey of stupid sh*t that you could care less about, etc.  You can’t sneeze without seeing an ad; blink without accidently clicking one because now they move around; or stay excited about the initial visit due to the damn “commercial-break, screen-sized movie” ad before getting to what you’re visiting the site for!  However, in their defense (of some) these sites need a way to generate revenue to survive.  They have costs, just like any other business, that has to be paid monthly, semi-monthly, or annually.  So I’m not bashing their stategy, I’m just asking for more individuals who own/supervise this type of company to BE CREATIVE!

Be creative, work a little, hell…stress a little over “what the hell is this company about?”.  But considering we’re in the “microwave” era where society suffers from the “Givemenow” epidemic (myself included sometimes), this may be a far stretch bordering miracle request.  “Why make a million dollars actually having to work, when I can copy-cat?”  To some, that’s the same as:  Why make a buck working construction in 110 degree heat, when I can make that same money in air conditioning and at a desk?  Touche’….kinda.

But besides the obvious difference of physical labor and creative labor, this example isn’t exactly identical to the topic I’m addressing here, but has a major similiarity.  It’s WORK!  The reason it doesn’t directly relate, is because with physical labor, your health is affected.  Thinking creatively runs you little risk of having a body part severed (however, if you know of a time where thinking outside the box cost someone a leg, please leave a comment so we know to avoid that industry).

Anyway, the point here is, I don’t want RandomStarMusic.com to fall into the typical social media site revenue structure of old.  That too shall pass.  What is a company without organic growth and revenue?  A waste of time…eventually.  Need an example?  The DOT COM bubble burst.  Those with substance, outside of the “copy-cat” technique, survived when most of their counter-parts died screaming.  Those without substance…died screaming…or quietly because they couldn’t afford to scream (PA system was repoed).

Anyways, although I desire to create RSM’s own revenue stream outside of advertising revenue, I have main points that I’ll keep in place to maintain the current culture of RandomStarMusic.com.  Couple examples include that: RandomStarMusic.com will remain free for Artists, Models, and Critics; a simple, fast and easy sign up process remains in effect; and making sure that all who sign up continue to benefit from their membership with the company.  Simple aspects to contine but may come under scrutiny as the company grows (from players from behind the scene, not community members).  But unfortunately for them (backstage players), I’ve made up my mind to keeping these values.  (I got ya back members!)

So as a wrap would go…be creative.  Understand that some things will have to change from the origianl plan in order for this to work, but the core concept shouldn’t.  Don’t be afraid of a little work.  Hell, sometimes that’s the only aspect of life that keeps us real and makes living a relative experience, both personally and professionally.