Responding to ads "dos" and "don'ts" - Page 2

belzebass · #21 12-14-2012, 04:20 AM

Oh, well, quite a bit of great tips here.

So, in order of importance:

1) Grammar, wording and punctuation!
2) Being honest
3) The rest depends on the ad :-)

As for my first post, I was pointing out that my profile per se is not enough to distinguish myself from others (there's a pool of people at the same level as me).

Mostly I was replying in list-like fashion. Somehing along the these lines:

Hello, I'm interested.

- Name, age
- Experience
- Personal traits
- Equipped to rock :-)
- Musical tastes

For more infomation and recordings, please contact at [Contact info]

After reading his thead, I hink I'll drop "personal trait"s and "musical tastes" part.

drpepper · #22 12-14-2012, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by belzebass

So, in order of importance:

1) Grammar, wording and punctuation!
2) Being honest
3) The rest depends on the ad :-)

I don't know that there's an order of importance, per se. They're all important, not one at the expense of or over another.

Quote:

Originally Posted by belzebass

As for my first post, I was pointing out that my profile per se is not enough to distinguish myself from others (there's a pool of people at the same level as me).

Understandable and understood. From this side, it's hard to tell whether you plan on framing things the same way you did in your post.

Quote:

Originally Posted by belzebass

Mostly I was replying in list-like fashion. Somehing along the these lines:

Hello, I'm interested.

- Name, age
- Experience
- Personal traits
- Equipped to rock :-)
- Musical tastes

For more infomation and recordings, please contact at [Contact info]

After reading his thead, I hink I'll drop "personal trait"s and "musical tastes" part.

In my opinion, one key is it "depends on the ad." Aside from some basics, the only hard and fast rule is that you can't assume there are any hard and fast rules. The ad is a package. The opportunity is what you are trying to get to.

I think what you want to figure out is what's most appropriate and relevant in your initial response. That can vary from one end of the spectrum to the other.

You have questions and the prospective band has questions. Sometimes questions are answered in the ad, without you having to ask them. Sometimes questions are asked and answered in the initial back and forth communication. Sometimes they're asked and answered at an audition. Sometimes they don't come until after the audition.

Everything that's relevant will come out in the process. To me, it's an important part of communicating effectively to try to figure out where and when that is with each aspect.

Do try to know the things you want to ask up front. You may well develop more questions as you go through the process. I think it's helpful to also be prepared with all of the information about yourself that's likely to be relevant and/or important to be able to share. If it's helpful to the way you do things, as was suggested, make an actual list of these things.

AltGrendel · #23 12-14-2012, 06:41 AM

Do: Make sure your caps lock key is off.

invader3k · #24 12-14-2012, 06:59 AM

Do: Actually read the ad before you respond to it.

I keep my postings short and to the point, but descriptive enough to explain what I'm looking for and the basic requirements. The last time I was looking for someone, we needed a drummer for our cover band. I very clearly explained that we're a straight ahead "bar rock" cover band. Yet I had all kinds of guys respond looking to do death metal or originals. Yeah, that doesn't get a response from me.

Raymeous · #25 12-14-2012, 08:40 AM

Music Business...
I agree with a lot of the comments already, such as grammar, being on time and things like that.

Treat it like an actual job interview and be as professional as possible. Take as objective a look at yourself as you can, and ask yourself "would I hire this guy?" If the answer is no, then address those issues.

This hobby is supposed to be fun and enjoyable. The more effort we put into ourselves to be the best musicians we can be, the more enjoyable the experience can be for everyone involved.

bluewine · #26 12-14-2012, 11:49 AM

These ads are usually pretty good at explaining what they want.

They do a poor job telling what they offer.

If the ad doesn't explain what they offer, it's a safe bet to assume the answer is nothing.

Blue

drpepper · #27 12-14-2012, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluewine

These ads are usually pretty good at explaining what they want.

They do a poor job telling what they offer.

If the ad doesn't explain what they offer, it's a safe bet to assume the answer is nothing.

Blue

So, basically what you're saying...

Book covers usually do a bad job of explain what's in the book, so it's always a safe bet to judge the book by its cover.

Ads can be well written or not, in various respects. The opportunity behind a well written ad may be a poor one, and the opportunity behind a poorly written ad might be the perfect one for the person reading it.

So, it would benefit someone looking at an ad that has elements that interest them to seek information. That would be the safest bet.

**jive1** · #28 12-14-2012, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drpepper

Ads can be well written or not, in various respects. The opportunity behind a well written ad may be a poor one, and the opportunity behind a poorly written ad might be the perfect one for the person reading it.

So, it would benefit someone looking at an ad that has elements that interest them to seek information. That would be the safest bet.

I can tell you from experience, and people that I know personally, if you judged a person's ability to play by how well they write or market themselves, you'd miss out on some KILLIN' players.

bluewine · #29 12-14-2012, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jive1

I can tell you from experience, and people that I know personally, if you judged a person's ability to play by how well they write or market themselves, you'd miss out on some KILLIN' players.

I'm not even considering anyone's ability to play. There are great players that offer nothing in terms of what any individuals are looking for.

I merely opinioned that if an ad doesn't specify what they can offer usually means they have nothing to offer.

Merely an opinion.

Blue

bluewine · #30 12-14-2012, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jive1

I can tell you from experience, and people that I know personally, if you judged a person's ability to play by how well they write or market themselves, you'd miss out on some KILLIN' players.

When I'm looking at potential bands I'm looking more for KILLIN business people not KILLIN players.

But that's just me.

Blue

backup · #31 12-14-2012, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluewine

When I'm looking at potential bands I'm looking more for KILLIN business people not KILLIN players.

But that's just me.

Blue

i think youre talking about potential bands while he is talking about potential players. if its a band with a band leader and all a cat has to do is playing well and showing up on time, is it still necessary for him to be a good business man?

**jive1** · #32 12-14-2012, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by backup

i think youre talking about potential bands while he is talking about potential players. if its a band with a band leader and all a cat has to do is playing well and showing up on time, is it still necessary for him to be a good business man?

That's what I was thinking. I know of some great sidemen who aren't the best businessmen, but they seem to keep working. The reason why? They are awesome players and easy to work with.

fmoore200 · #33 12-14-2012, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluewine

Good advice!

Again understand what you want in a band experience and learn to discern what a band has to offer.

You will see ads from guys with good intentions, but at the end if the day all they have to offer in a " pipe dream".

Blue

My father used to tell me:

"Son, I have never in all my life put any food on the table or paid a single bill with good intentions."

That has always stuck with me.

duff beer · #34 12-14-2012, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jive1

I can tell you from experience, and people that I know personally, if you judged a person's ability to play by how well they write or market themselves, you'd miss out on some KILLIN' players.

Maybe, but it works both ways...if someone replies to an ad with a response full of spelling and grammar mistakes, then the person reading it may think that they are dealing with someone who doesn't care enough to do things right.

It may be their loss, but it could be your loss, too.

bluewine · #35 12-14-2012, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by backup

i think youre talking about potential bands while he is talking about potential players. if its a band with a band leader and all a cat has to do is playing well and showing up on time, is it still necessary for him to be a good business man?

I think your right. I was merely saying I would not join a band soley because they are good players.

I know to many outstanding musicians that don't know how to get work.

I apologize if I'm missing the point.

Blue

MNAirHead · #36 12-15-2012, 06:57 AM

Do....

1-have a real website

2-have pro pix

3-consise audio samples

4-online calendar

5-solid references

MNAirHead · #37 12-15-2012, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jive1

That's what I was thinking. I know of some great sidemen who aren't the best businessmen, but they seem to keep working. The reason why? They are awesome players and easy to work with.

Jive ...

Understood - a prudent pro who can't write would beg momma to do it for them.

For initial communication it's silly to make a bad impression.

High demand side men aren't replying to ads

Jeb · #38 12-16-2012, 05:27 PM

I like what Dos said, be honest. I would just be myself. If its a good fit all around then great. If not keep looking.

bluewine · #39 12-16-2012, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drpepper

So, basically what you're saying...

Book covers usually do a bad job of explain what's in the book, so it's always a safe bet to judge the book by its cover.

Ads can be well written or not, in various respects. The opportunity behind a well written ad may be a poor one, and the opportunity behind a poorly written ad might be the perfect one for the person reading it.

So, it would benefit someone looking at an ad that has elements that interest them to seek information. That would be the safest bet.

For some that is probably a safe approach.

For me, if the ad doesn't explain what their offering, it's a "red flag" and I'll pass on it.

Blue