Forum.RttP{some interesting comments on/about MySpace...}

from Brent Eyestone (magic bullet records, forensics, etc.):

http://magicbulletrecords.com/news.html

BRENT EYESTONE SPEAKS OUT AGAINST CURRENT STATE OF NEWSCORP'S MYSPACE/MYSPACE RECORDS' BUSINESS PRACTICES

Disclaimer: The following views are the PERSONAL opinions of Brent Eyestone and do not necessarily represent the official position of the label, bands and associates.

It is no secret that Magic Bullet Records has played a part in promoting the online networking site MySpace (recently purchased by media conglomerate Newscorp). We have run numerous promotions involving the site and have certainly sent many people to our MySpace band profiles, label profile, and so on and so forth. Prior to the purchase of MySpace by Newscorp, the premise of the site was that it would serve as "the great leveling agent" between major-label funded bands and hard-working independent bands worldwide.

We really liked this idea and supported it feet first as one of the first record labels to create a profile on MySpace. However, the promise of a level playing field quickly dissipated as MySpace began adopting many of the same practices that alienated independent artists via "business as usual." It wasn't long before random "featured artist"s gave way to paid placement. Yes, all of those bands on your splash page PAID to be there. Quite a bit, in fact.

And at first I was fine with this. Sure, the premise of the site had changed dramatically, but I kind of expected something like that to happen. What I DIDN'T expect to happen was the complete and utter conflict of interest that is MySpace Records (owned by Universal/Interscope - i.e. major labels). That's right, the number 1 networking site in the world is now trying to be a RECORD LABEL.

The problem?

Well, on the eve of the MySpace Records Vol. 1 CD compilation hitting stores, users of MySpace are being SPAMMED relentlessly in their inboxes, via pop-up ads, "featured" profiles, and even BRIBED into purchasing the CD in exchange for 4 additional profile pictures. What was once a networking site has become the marketing machine for a notably terrible record label (take a look at the lineup for their first release - Tila Tequila? Hollywood Undead?).

It's just a really unfortunate situation. I've been trying to figure out the pros and cons of deleting all of the accounts I built that relate to the label. The part that is so frustrating is the fact that by supporting and promoting this site for so long (and other labels/bands doing the same), we've all helped make it a relevant music site and unknowingly made a significant change to the way people look at bands and listen to music on the net. But what we've REALLY done is create the largest street team/mailing list in recorded history for Universal/Interscope - over 32,000,000 people, which is unprecedented.

What you can do to help:

1.) Understand that MySpace is NOT the cool, independent site it once was. It is now owned by one of the largest media conglomerates in the world (with ties to FOX News) and now a glorified mailing list/advertising medium for Universal/Interscope Records, the same people who brought you LIMP BIZKIT and SMASH MOUTH.
2.) When you receive MySpace Records spam in your MySpace inbox, please flag it for spam. If I were to send you an unsolicited Magic Bullet advertisement via MySpace, my account could be suspended on the spot. Why can MySpace Records get away with it? So just flag it - there's a little link above the message that will enable you to do that.
3.) Stop turning to MySpace for information on bands and record labels. Please get back in the habit of visiting individual band and label sites on the internet. There are also infinite messageboards where you can interact and discuss music in virtual online communities. You don't need MySpace to learn about, follow, and support new music.

Thank you for reading. - Brent 11/14/05