If I Had 1,000 True Fans

If I had a thousand true fans, I - as a writer working in the independent media - could survive even in these difficult economic times. The article that was assigned to read made me examine what artists I truly value, and why I value their work. For me personally, my favorite media outlet has always been the recording industry, as music is my first and favorite past time. The one artist that I'd say I'm a true fan of is the rock group Radiohead, who I have devoutly followed since 2000.

In October 2007, Radiohead made waves throughout the Internet and record industry, offering their newest album In Rainbows for Internet download. Using social networking sites, word spread quickly of Radiohead's most ambitious project, which gave fans the option of paying-what-they-wanted for the record. The project was enormously successful, and provided the band with both indie credibility and a new means to reach their millions of fans.

Using Radiohead's example, if I were to have a thousand real fans, I would give them the option of paying-what-they-wanted for my work. In my opinion, the money - if the work is good enough and reaches enough people - will come, whether through advertising, public appearances, or a variety of other means. The Internet is the new channel to reach fans, and if I can muster 1,000 people to support my work, then anything is possible.