Michael - combined Artist and Film/TV is bad for some

[crs7string]

Fellow Taxians (I am still a member),

I am very discouraged by this new policy. I truly believe that was instated not for the benefit of Taxi members. It creates additional time for Film/TV writers to have to review every listing. For those that use multiple pitching venues, this additional time takes away from creating more music. If this was for the benefit of the members then the members would have benefited by it...I don't see that. Read Michael's email again. To me it's just a way to generate more $5 submissions and has nothing to do with member opportunities.

Please help me understand how this helps members...

Just speaking my mind. Chuck, send me the phone number of the nearest pizza joint and I'll buy you one to pick up.

Best regards, Tony

Tony,

Thanks for the generous pizza offer. I'd prefer to buy you a drink or a cup of coffee at the Rally in November. If we hung out together, and you met all the other TAXI members that I hang with, you might possibly view the TAXI experience and opportunity in a different light.

Chuck

[TonyRondini]

That's what Michael should have suggested "read the listings" instead of changing the way the they are listed. But Michael's issue in his letter was "only 75 submissions"...translation "only $375". So instead of clarifying and focusing the "blurred" listings , they were instead further blurred by grouping them together. I have a number of sites that I monitor at regular intervals for pitching opportunities. For retirees that can spend an hour looking through the listings, I wish I have the luxury. But for those that are looking for pitch opportunities from a number of resources, these changes are impacting me ability to get through the work. I would send 10 minutes tops going through Taxi listings to pick out those worth researching, checking only the Film/TV listings for a specific 3-4 genres - typically 12 listings tops to read. Now it's pour through the combined listings to identify the few that are Film/TV. It has increased the time it takes to do that by quite a bit. We all approach this process differently, for me it's about getting the business side done as efficiently as possible...now it takes more time away from other just as important things to do. If tis change were really about artists missing opportunities, then a better solution would to tell the artists to check the Film/TV listings. Instead Michael is force feeding all listings to everyone. All I can figure is if it wasn't about getting more $5 submissions then it was about saving money by reducing the work for those that put these on the site. Either way there is no one that has yet provided a good agrument for how this is so much better for Taxi members. When I hear that, then you would have presented an argument. I'm listening...

[Casey H]

That's what Michael should have suggested "read the listings" instead of changing the way the they are listed. But Michael's issue in his letter was "only 75 submissions"...translation "only $375". So instead of clarifying and focusing the "blurred" listings , they were instead further blurred by grouping them together. I have a number of sites that I monitor at regular intervals for pitching opportunities. For retirees that can spend an hour looking through the listings, I wish I have the luxury. But for those that are looking for pitch opportunities from a number of resources, these changes are impacting me ability to get through the work. I would send 10 minutes tops going through Taxi listings to pick out those worth researching, checking only the Film/TV listings for a specific 3-4 genres - typically 12 listings tops to read. Now it's pour through the combined listings to identify the few that are Film/TV. It has increased the time it takes to do that by quite a bit. We all approach this process differently, for me it's about getting the business side done as efficiently as possible...now it takes more time away from other just as important things to do. If tis change were really about artists missing opportunities, then a better solution would to tell the artists to check the Film/TV listings. Instead Michael is force feeding all listings to everyone. All I can figure is if it wasn't about getting more $5 submissions then it was about saving money by reducing the work for those that put these on the site. Either way there is no one that has yet provided a good agrument for how this is so much better for Taxi members. When I hear that, then you would have presented an argument. I'm listening...

With all do respect, Tony, I’ve been reading Taxi listings from start to end for many years now and it takes 15 minutes tops for an experienced person (such as yourself!) to decide which listings are candidates to submit to. That is regardless of how they are organized. It’s quite easy to weed out the ones that don’t apply such as labels looking for artists if you are a film/TV guy and jump right to the next.

Sometimes, I simply copy and paste the ones that interest me into a smaller document. This doesn’t take long at all. I honestly think you are making a mountain out of a molehill here. If the effort to read through Taxi listings takes THAT much time away from making music and other things… well, I have no idea what you are doing on your end.

Casey

[CrimsnSyrn]

You can please some of the people all of the time, and most of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time!

In my perfect world, Taxi's listings would be in two categories: one for songs/instrumentals wanted, the other for artists/composers wanted! How simple would that be?!

Juliet

[BruceBrown]

What are these listings you guys are talking about?

[Casey H]

You can see why it is SO hard to differentiate between artist and film/TV listings…


Casey

CUTTING EDGE INDIE ROCK BANDS in the broad style of Fleet Foxes, The Shins, Arcade Fire, etc., wanted by a very credible and well-respected Independent label with solid distribution both nationally and internationally. QUOTING THE SOURCE: "We're looking for bands that have a contemporary sound that is edgy and left of center from the mainstream." Submissions MUST have the GENUINE and AUTHENTIC factor that listeners of this genre know immediately! A strongly developed vocal signature and songwriting style are MUST HAVES for this company so be sure the songs you submit reflect that. Organic sounding instruments preferred. MALE or FEMALE vocals OK. All tempos OK. This label is looking for artists who project a Hip and Contemporary visual aesthetic, so you must include a Photo plus a Bio with touring, CD sales and fan base info. Please submit two to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics/photo and bio. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by a representative of the company, and must be received no later than Thursday, July 12, 2012.
TAXI # S120712IR

UPTEMPO INDIE ROCK songs are needed by an A-LIST HOLLYWOOD MUSIC LICENSING COMPANY actively licensing songs to film and TV projects. They want STYLISH and CONTEMPORARY INDIE ROCK songs with a bit of a THROWBACK vibe a la King Khan & The Shrines "Take a Little Bit" or Pop Levi "Sugar Assault Me Now". Songs should be BRASH, LIVELY and have lots of SWAGGER. MALE vocals are preferred but exceptional FEMALE vocals will be considered. Songs must live in the contemporary INDIE ROCK scene but current songs informed or inspired by the late 50's and early 60's Yé-Yé scene would be a huge plus. It is essential that the song is driven by guitar with real, live drums. All instruments MUST sound real and authentic. As always, DO NOT rip off the referenced artist in any way, shape or form! Use them ONLY as a guide for tempo, texture, tone, and overall vibe. Please make sure your lyrics are suitable for broadcast. Please submit one to three songs online. All submissions will be screened by a person Hand-Picked by the listing company on a YES/NO BASIS - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI - and must be received no later than Wednesday, July 18, 2012.
TAXI # Y120718IR

[thekman]

I find there to be almost no difference. I read through all of them anyway, cut and paste the ones I dig to my own list and keep track that way.

There are still categories to jump to as well. If you can't tell the difference, then I guess you have issues reading. I don't see a point to wasting energy on complaining.

It's like anything else. Just do what you need to do and keep moving forward.

My 2 cents.

[Casey H]

I find there to be almost no difference. I read through all of them anyway, cut and paste the ones I dig to my own list and keep track that way.

Are you serious?

One starts with:

CUTTING EDGE INDIE ROCK BANDS in the broad style of Fleet Foxes, The Shins, Arcade Fire, etc., wanted by a very credible and well-respected Independent label with solid distribution both nationally and internationally.

and the other with:

UPTEMPO INDIE ROCK songs are needed by an A-LIST HOLLYWOOD MUSIC LICENSING COMPANY actively licensing songs to film and TV projects.

The first sentence is clear as day to me in each case as far as artist vs. film/TV. Granted, occasionally labels look for bands to do film/TV work, but reading a little further would clear that up in a heartbeat.

Casey

[TonyRondini]

Everyone keeps cracking on my issue with this change, but no one can answer the simple question "Why is combining Artist listings with Film/TV listing better for members?".

No one has, because you can't, because it isn't, and if you give any credence to the reason given in Michael's email then it was all about artists missing out...I guess because they maybe don't have the time, can't read, or just unorganized and can't find the opportunities for themselves when the genres are split between the two categories. Really, no? Then what???

This made nothing better for any members of Taxi. For some, like most of you, it's apparently no different. But for others, like me, it has made it more difficult.

But I would still like to hear from Michael, or one of his loyal disciples (that I guess that is all of you who have been insulting me and my reasons for not liking it) to tell me why this is so much better for Taxi members. Please tell me - would love it hear it!

[cardell]

But I would still like to hear from Michael, or one of his loyal disciples (that I guess that is all of you who have been insulting me and my reasons for not liking it)

I'm a disciple of common sense. I like Michael very much and I don't always agree with him, but on this issue I do...hey, I'm a free thinking individual.

Anyway, Guru Michael explained the reasons & the benefits behind this change in a mind control email you would have received along with all of us (other disciples). So, are you coming to the cult gathering (the rally)? ...

This thread is awesome, I haven't laughed this much in ages, but don't encourage me or I'll Photo-shop a Guru Michael picture...

Stuart