Alright Josh, how you you fix it?

I’d force everyone to drop their preconceived notions about one another. I’d make sure everyone is able to properly communicate their goals in doing music (all the while being able to be honest with themselves and their true audience). Then I’d have everyone be okay with one another and find ways to serve each other.

Looking back over the past decade… any time I’ve just decided to lower my guard and give someone a chance… my “idea” of them in my head was just about all wrong. I’d love to see more of that going around.

Real unity comes without an agenda.

Sometimes I wonder if the unity some artists and message forum users proclaim that we need is really even feasible anyway. I think the unity we ought to be seeking is in the obvious and in the basics. We’ve all got so much in common already anyway. But we’d rather argue about the argument or rap about how we rap about the Gospel or… you get it. Enough of the rhetoric and hollow talk. Do something for the benefit of everyone and maybe some things will change.

Your thoughts?

@sphereofhiphop
@sohhdailydl
@sohhpodcast

Check them out…

2011 New Year Resolutions for Christian Hip-Hop Artists
2011 New Year Resolutions for Christian Hip-Hop Fans

These were funny to reflect on after a few days. It was easy to see which artists haven’t read them yet. Hah!

Hi_____,

I swear my name is Josh and not ______.

*removed* is considered one of the major breeding grounds of hip-hops finest artists and continuing this trend is up and coming artist *removed*

Really?

*removed* is a rapper/producer, with a style that has the nostalgic feel of hip hop’s “golden era” combined with today’s modern sound. I have read your page and I absolutely love the format, I feel it fits his style. It would be great if you would consider doing a review or feature on *removed*, I think your readers will enjoy reading about him and his music.

Did you really read my page? If you did, how come you don’t know my name? *chuckle*

The lesson:
I know how hard it is to personalize a note for each and every spot you’re trying to promote to. I’ll admit that I use some copy in the same ways but I make every effort to personalize it to the point that you wouldn’t know it was the same info. Getting stuff submitted like what is above makes me reach for the delete button before I make it half way through the pitch… and I have much more patience for this than most. Learn from it if you’re promoting music.

Looks about right doesn’t it?

Peep the mess!

Say what!?!

The moral of the story is to provide help to someone that you have inconvenienced. Especially since you went through the trouble to add them without their permission or without them otherwise opting in to receive your emails in the first place.

Keep a clean list by allowing people to opt in and opt out as they wish. If they need help removing themselves, help them.