Another lost thread I found on Google Cache.

Subject: Is it OK to announce new CDs/Books?
From: Mark-o
Date: 11 Feb 15 - 07:29 PM

I haven't found any place on Mudcat to post announcements of new recordings, books and other shameless acts of self promotion.

Is this frowned upon?

I'd appreciate some guidance on this.

Thanks,

Mark

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Subject: RE: Is it OK to announce new CDs/Books?
From: Jeri
Date: 11 Feb 15 - 08:49 PM

Mark, please DO post about your new recording!

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Subject: RE: Is it OK to announce new CDs/Books?
From: GUEST,bbc
Date: 11 Feb 15 - 10:27 PM

Always nice to hear such news! Some do a subject line of "shameless self-promotion." I'd suggest a clear subject line, such as "my new CD (or book)," prefaced by your name, if it's likely to be recognized. Stating how to get a copy is helpful, too! Congratulations!

Barbara

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Subject: RE: Is it OK to announce new CDs/Books?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Feb 15 - 11:10 PM

Here is an example - a thread from a number of years ago in which Jed Marum told people about a CD of his. You don't need to be "shameless" to share the good news! It just gives people a heads-up that you have new material out in the world.

Good luck!

SRS

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Subject: RE: Is it OK to announce new CDs/Books?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Feb 15 - 11:16 PM

People often use the line "shameless self-promotion" - so often that the thread title has become generic, indistinguishable from many others.

No need to apologize for informing us about the work you've done, but better to be specific. e.g.: New Joe Offer CD: Welcome to Our House

But yeah, Mudcatters get cynical when people get too "commercial" and promote their goods too enthusiastically. One thread about a new CD is good, but ten is way past the border of propriety. People even start to wonder when somebody posts a second thread to advertise a CD or performance. Better to refresh the thread by posting a message with additional information. Threads stay on the Forum menu for 24 hours after the most recent post - but you can always use the Filter to resurrect old threads - then post a new message, and give the thread another 24 hours.

Good luck!

-Joe-

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Subject: RE: Is it OK to announce new CDs/Books?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 11 Feb 15 - 11:26 PM

i always enjoy hearing about what various people are up to. i'm only sorry i can't afford to support everybody's efforts.

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Subject: RE: Is it OK to announce new CDs/Books?
From: Mark-o
Date: 12 Feb 15 - 01:22 PM

Hi all

Many thanks for the useful info. I'll get cracking on a new thread about the new book & recording.

Mark

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Subject: RE: Is it OK to announce new CDs/Books?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Feb 15 - 03:02 PM

Here (click) is a very humble new CD announcement from Hazel Bolton. You don't have to be THAT humble, but that humility is part of Hazel's charm.

Jed Marum is quite prolific, and he does a good job telling us the story of his recordings. Again, he's not self-aggrandizing, but he tells the story of his project well.

Seamus Kenndey gives CDs to well-chosen people, and they start threads about his recordings.

These are just a few examples. Can anybody else dig up some good CD announcement threads?

Humility and honesty are important. Many Mudcatters, if not most, are musicians - they not a market to be exploited, but they can be a very receptive market if they are approached properly.

-Joe-

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Subject: RE: Is it OK to announce new CDs/Books?
From: kendall
Date: 12 Feb 15 - 07:32 PM

We have all done it.

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Subject: RE: Is it OK to announce new CDs/Books?
From: Airymouse
Date: 13 Feb 15 - 06:20 PM

Let me push the envelope of the curve by one standard deviation:
Would it be improper or gauche, to use this forum as a way to hawk a CD? Say for example, "If you send me a Private Message (PM) with your address and request my CD, "Fantastic Folk Music", and you live in the US I will send it to you together with a stamped addressed envelope for you to send me back $5 to cover the cost. Here is a brief description of the fantastic folk songs on my CD."
By the way everyone is free to vote, but if Joe Offer says the answer is NO, then at least for me that settles it.