[Ramachandra]

Bubbles, Smile, Salley, Musicman, Funk, Mike et al seems like we lost a lot of dialogue.
Smile do you remember those 9 points you had listed which outlined to where we had progressed?
Ram

[bubblingsoul]

Hmmmmmmm. Why do I have the giggles?









There.

All pinned.

Have at it guys! I gotta go to work.

~Bubbsy

[Salley Gardens]

To the best of my recall ability, this is where I think we left off:

a ) There are definitely a number of us interested in doing a second Muse CD.

b ) Jodi is being contacted by Bubbles about it. We are waiting to hear what direction Jodi would like to go on with a second CD.

c ) Bubbles is collecting offers of who wants to do what in following the project through.

d ) When we hear from Jodi, we will then be figuring (or have figured out for us by Jodi), who will spearhead the project and what the goal of the project will be.

e ) There are many ideas already as to what the goal should be (even though it is not our decision to make ) They include, and are not limited to:

? Selling a CD to the masses in order to make oodles of money
- the proceeds would go to a charity
- the proceeds would not go to charity, but to the songwriters on the CD

? The CD would be produced for bragging rights and sold to family, friends, fellow Musers, and the songwriters on the CD for whatever promotion they would like to do.

? The CD would be produced to promote the songwriters, the Muse website and Muse Community to publishers, record labels, A&R people, producers and other "important" entities.

The goals of the CD could include any combination of the above, or as yet thought of purposes.

f ) The purpose of the CD dictates the marketing strategy, number of CDs produced, types of songs/productions submitted, and judging of the songs.

? Ideas for the marketing strategy include:
- developing a one Band identity (if sold to the masses) since that might be easier for the buying public to relate to than a compilation CD. There would not actually be one band, but all the musicians would claim membership in this larger band community.

? Ideas for types of songs/productions include:
- producing a single genre of music instead of a variety of styles
- keeping the variety of genres reflective of the Muse community
- quality of production equal to a professional, commerical product

? Ideas for judging include:
- having only industry professionals be judges

[Salley Gardens]

Yikes! Is my recall ability really *that* good that no one has added to or corrected my last post? Or has interest in a second CD waned... Or...

[bluehugh]

I hadn't checked out this thread for some time, but now I see there is talk of a 2nd musemuse CD project, my ears have perked up!!!

[Salley Gardens]

It was quite an active thread before the Muse forums went down and all the posts got lost. It seems to have lost all its ferver since the forums came back up...

[Grizwald]

I'm interested in a Second Muse CD... I'd like to try and get my songs on there... or at least apply..


So i'm all for this project... but it seems like I'm alone...

[FunkDaddy]

I'd be glad to add some class to the project

[RLD]

FunkDaddy, on Oct 23 2005, 07:26 PM, said:

I'd be glad to add some class to the project 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When you get some, let us know...

[FunkDaddy]

RLD, on Oct 23 2005, 11:32 PM, said:

FunkDaddy, on Oct 23 2005, 07:26 PM, said:

I'd be glad to add some class to the project?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When you get some, let us know...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[bubblingsoul]

You guys are an impatient bunch! LOL

I had the pleasure of chatting with Ms. Krangle on Thursday. She has some very definite thoughts on the next Muse CD.

I'm preparing a "brief" of sorts to share with y'all - but I just haven't gotten it done yet. Haven't been on the computer much. Change of operating systems has held me up a bit.

I will be back with much more info and an outline of the proposed plan.

Hope you keep your interest and your perspective on this dealy!

Catch ya in a bit!

~Bubbles

[roxhythe]

I had wondered if y'all might be thinking about a second Muse's Muse CD. I would definitely be interested in participating if y'all thought I had something worth contributing.

Joe

[gpeddino]

Got some money now and a big portfolio. I'll surely apply for this one!

[justanopine]

I'd like to participate also if someone wants to join in. If someone or group would like to co-write and/or perform a tune of mine let me know. Several to sift through, also several lyrics available to check out through my sig. Justanopine.

[bubblingsoul]

Info on the next Muse CD (if there is to be one) will be presented at the MMA pre-show . . .

Hang tight!

~Bubbles

[fabkebab]

Just out of curiousity -

How many of the old CD were printed/sold?

[MysteryMike]

fabkebab, on Dec 8 2005, 09:34 AM, said:

Just out of curiousity -

How many of the old CD were printed/sold?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think it went tin....

[Ramachandra]

I think we printed a few hundred and we sold a few.

[bubblingsoul]

For those who are interested in this info from the first Muse's Muse CD:

Income
submission entry fee.........................................$270.00
pre-orders from participants (279 cd's @ $3)....$837.00
.....................................................................$1,107.00

Disbursements
Walmart (shipping supplies)...............................$27.81
Office Max (ship labels & replacement cases).....$29.54
MidTN Media (400 CD's printed)........................$788.00
Paypal fees.........................................................$39.35
Shrink wrap........................................................$40.00
Kinko's trim fee...................................................$12.52
Ulli shipping to me and MidTN Media...................$26.33
USPS (shipping of preorders)............................$298.06
.....................................................................$1,261.61

Missing from Bubbles' pocketbook...............-$154.61

Where the goods went:
279 pre-orders to participants
25 total sent to CD Baby
96 sitting in my living room
400 printed

If you are a Muse Member and have not yet purchased the last CD - why haven't you? Would you like to purchase a few now? Would a Christmas discounted price be appealing?


~Bubbles

[RLD]

Wow...you should definitely be reimbursed first, even if the people on the cd have to chip in and pay you back.
Welcome to the world of cd marketing...its ugly out there isn't it?
How many of the 25 sent to CD Baby have been sold?

RLD

[bubblingsoul]

RLD, on Dec 11 2005, 12:46 PM, said:

How many of the 25 sent to CD Baby have been sold?

RLD

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Jodi has this information. I believe it's under 5 though. Could be wrong.

(thanks)

~Bubbles

[MysteryMike]

RLD, on Dec 11 2005, 01:46 PM, said:

Wow...you should definitely be reimbursed first, even if the people on the cd have to chip in and pay you back.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree, no reason this should come out of your pocket...

Mike

[John Paragreen]

just seen this thread,I will gladly chip in,bubbles you should send a pm to all musers on the cd and explain the situation,I'm sure we will stump up.

good luck,john.

[Corinne]

John Paragreen, on Dec 11 2005, 04:55 PM, said:

....I'm sure we will stump up.

good luck,john.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What an interesting expression

[FunkDaddy]

MysteryMike, on Dec 11 2005, 02:02 PM, said:

RLD, on Dec 11 2005, 01:46 PM, said:

Wow...you should definitely be reimbursed first, even if the people on the cd have to chip in and pay you back.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree, no reason this should come out of your pocket...

Mike

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ditto.

[RLD]

Quote

Income
submission entry fee.........................................$270.00
pre-orders from participants (279 cd's @ $3)....$837.00
.....................................................................$1,107.00

Disbursements
Walmart (shipping supplies)...............................$27.81
Office Max (ship labels & replacement cases).....$29.54
MidTN Media (400 CD's printed)........................$788.00
Paypal fees.........................................................$39.35
Shrink wrap........................................................$40.00
Kinko's trim fee...................................................$12.52
Ulli shipping to me and MidTN Media...................$26.33
USPS (shipping of preorders)............................$298.06
.....................................................................$1,261.61

Missing from Bubbles' pocketbook...............-$154.61

Where the goods went:
279 pre-orders to participants
25 total sent to CD Baby
96 sitting in my living room
400 printed

So...
the 1st cd has lost money up to this point...Hmmm....
Kind of like the real world where lots of signed acts lose money for their label...

Well, the price on the next cd will have to be raised to offset the loses...Hmmm...
Kind of like the real world....

Oh one more thing...
you are now dropped from your label...
...real world yada yada...

and to all you people who were going to promote the muse cd...what happened?
Either you didn't do it, or you are lousy marketing people...
either way, you are fired.



This is meant to be humorous...

but it's not so funny in the real world.

[thomasitty]

Guys,

Don't feel so bad. Better to do it than not.

I have hundreds of copies of my cd in my brother's basement. I may have over-calculated a bit on how many people would be rushing to buy my masterpiece. In fact, CD Baby, sent me back half of my cd's they had in stock last week saying they didn't have room for it.

I see it as a learning experience. Is it in poor taste to give the same cd every year to everyone for Christmas for the next 10 years?


T

[MysteryMike]

thomasitty, on Dec 11 2005, 09:41 PM, said:

Guys,

Don't feel so bad.  Better to do it than not.

T

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't...

[justanopine]

Maybe if someone were interested, the remaining CD's could be bought at $2.00 each, and then after shipping, Bubbles could possibly break even. The buyer could sell the remaing CD's at a rate suitable to their needs or, hang on to them and possibly rake in the millions at a later date. ("Hey, I have a CD of him/her way when..." eBay?) Or just put $192.00 in the stock market, ya never know, it's definitely a thought to consider, Justanopine.

[cool_E]

Just imagine the RED ink if there were salaries to be paid!

bubblingsoul, on Dec 11 2005, 05:51 PM, said:

Missing from Bubbles' pocketbook...............-$154.61

96 sitting in my living room

I know what some people will be getting for Christmas this year!

[cool_E]

justanopine, on Dec 13 2005, 06:27 AM, said:

Maybe if someone were interested, the remaining CD's could be bought at $2.00 each, and then after shipping, Bubbles could possibly break even.

Give them away for free (+ $5 shipping and handling).

[Neal K]

What I read out of some of these numbers is a complete and utter lack of support from Muse Members who did not appear on the CD. How many muse members who did not appear on the CD actually bought one? I'll bet it's less than 10. That's sad.

Neal

[fabkebab]

I didnt buy one, and didnt consider buying one to be honest-
I dont even know who was on the playlist or anything -
I got the impression it is something that harked back to a time before I joined the muses muse

[FunkDaddy]

Neal K, on Dec 13 2005, 05:56 PM, said:

What I read out of some of these numbers is a complete and utter lack of support from Muse Members who did not appear on the CD.? How many muse members who did not appear on the CD actually bought one?? I'll bet it's less than 10.? That's sad.

Neal

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I didn't. And why should I have? There were only 2 songs on the CD that I liked...I'm sorry bubbles ended up losing money, that sucks, but I told her early on I, personally, wasn't planning on buying one. Perhaps a better produced CD would have heralded more cash or at least an even break for the finacial backer.

Doesn't the Muse's Muse herald a readership of like 2 million people for it's newsletter? This CD could have made quite a bit of money if a bit more thought was put into pre-production.

[Salley Gardens]

FunkDaddy, on Dec 13 2005, 06:15 PM, said:

Doesn't the Muse's Muse herald a readership of like 2 million people for it's newsletter? This CD could have made quite a bit of money if a bit more thought was put into pre-production.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How so?

[MysteryMike]

[RLD]

[MysteryMike]

RLD, on Dec 13 2005, 08:25 PM, said:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah, my hindsight tells me that I didn't see you commenting prior or during the process...

[RLD]

Actually, you don't need hindsight for that...
And I thought you had things under control...

[MysteryMike]

RLD, on Dec 13 2005, 09:20 PM, said:

And I thought you had things under control...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think Denise & Ulli had this well under control... they did a great job running the project... and I would trust them both again on the next one... (where the hell is Ulli anyways?)... Along with all the others that contributed in the background...

A little more than $100 over budget is not too bad, considering we still have inventory and this was a learning process from the start... I don't believe the goal was to make a mint....

All that said, Denise shouldn't take any loss on... let's see how much Jodi has received from post sales and then get those on the CD to divy up the rest... I thought the price for pre-sales was too little anyway... I'm sure many lessons were learned to make the next CD all the better...

Oh, and the CD is available here: Planet Muse

Mike

[MysteryMike]

fabkebab, on Dec 13 2005, 06:00 PM, said:

I didnt buy one, and didnt consider buying one to be honest-
I dont even know who was on the playlist or anything -
I got the impression it is something that harked back to a time before I joined the muses muse

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well worth the money Andrew.... I believe it would be one that you would enjoy...

Mike

[MysteryMike]

FunkDaddy, on Dec 13 2005, 06:15 PM, said:

I didn't. And why should I have? There were only 2 songs on the CD that I liked...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Awww shucks, you didn't have to go and single out my two...

Mike

[FunkDaddy]

Salley Gardens, on Dec 13 2005, 06:24 PM, said:

FunkDaddy, on Dec 13 2005, 06:15 PM, said:

Doesn't the Muse's Muse herald a readership of like 2 million people for it's newsletter? This CD could have made quite a bit of money if a bit more thought was put into pre-production.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How so?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

More judiciously (if that's the right word) choosing songs that went on the CD. I could tell when I was judging the songs that the final product wouldn't be all that stellar and I made my opinion known to a few people lmao. Songs of higher quality, marketed to the newsletter audience, could have gone quite far, and generated a lot of revenue for the site. The song quality simply wasn't there for the first one.

[cool_E]

FunkDaddy, on Dec 15 2005, 02:00 AM, said:

More judiciously (if that's the right word) choosing songs that went on the CD. I could tell when I was judging the songs that the final product wouldn't be all that stellar and I made my opinion known to a few people lmao. Songs of higher quality, marketed to the newsletter audience, could have gone quite far, and generated a lot of revenue for the site. The song quality simply wasn't there for the first one.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

While I agree that the quality of the product could have been better I doubt that it would have had any substantial effect on the financials. One easy way to improve the quality would have been to simply select fewer songs, keeping only the very best and most prefessional material. Well, the current CD has all those and several 'bonus' tracks. So, I don't think a higher quality product would have changed the outcome.

There was no market for the product. There was no marketing done pre-production to identify and size the market and shape the product to appeal to that market. There was very little post-production marketing (i.e. advertising & selling) to build awareness of the product to any target market.

People are complaining here about musers not purchasing the CD. If musers are the market then you'd have been more successful selling into that market by producing an MP3 DVD which included several hundred songs. Then any muser who submitted would have had their song put on the product. With their own song included they would have interest in purchasing the product. The incremental difference in cost would have been negligable and the unit sales potential would have ben substantially higher (i.e. every muser and their moms).

Of course, this becomes exactly like many of the publishing scams we all hear about. Pay to get your song on a compliation CD then order a few copies of the CD for posterity.

[Salley Gardens]

cool_E, on Dec 15 2005, 08:59 AM, said:

There was no market for the product. There was no marketing done pre-production to identify and size the market and shape the product to appeal to that market. There was very little post-production marketing (i.e. advertising & selling) to build awareness of the product to any target

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You're singin' my song!

[RLD]

All interesting opinions...but Bubbles still needs to be reimbursed.

Quote

I'm happy to chip in to reimburse Bubbles. Divide the outstanding amount by the number of contributors on the finished CD, state the sum, and let's send it to her.

Good idea LOS...