11/01/2024 /
Admin / Comments Off on The Sportification of Politics
[This has been edited on 11/6/2024 to reflect the election results.]
The Republican sweep was decades in the making, and a win for unbridled capitalism (as seen in the market reaction). What role did the media play, including Roger Ailes and Fox News? Elon Musk who controls the platform X? It’s also important to look at the cumulative advantage given through media exposure to a particular individual, party or agenda. The Apprentice ran fifteen seasons from 2004 to 2017, a time period which coincided with the rise of social media in the mid-2000s and the prioritization of algorithmic feeds in the mid-2010s, further amplifying polarization.
Recently, I found myself inside a Trump Store. I hadn’t seen a Harris store or a Walz Store so I was curious. The walls were entirely covered by Trump merchandise: T-shirts, flags, posters, hats. There was a ballpoint pen of Trump dressed in boxing gear; click a button and his tiny, red-gloved plastic hands would swing tiny punches.
The middle-aged storekeeper was tangling with a rambunctious puppy in the otherwise empty store. We chatted about kids, his dog, the future of higher education in this country. We agreed on the importance of education; his son had recently been accepted to the prestigious UPenn. We spoke of our wishes as parents to provide great opportunities for the next generation.
Fast forward to this week, and I found myself pacing the room and shouting at the screen during that fateful fifth inning of the final World Series game, everyone going wild, celebrating or cursing Aaron Judge’s costly error, yelling and screaming as the Yankees went through an epic, public, nightmare meltdown. Adrenaline pumping, profanities flying. What is it about sports that excites us to this degree? And what was this reminding me of?
The sportification of politics has been much talked about. On my reading list is The Increasingly United States: How and Why American Political Behavior Nationalized. “Dan Hopkins, associate professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania… explores how politics in the U.S. have largely become a spectator sport. That is, politics have become more nationalized—issues are more likely to be argued and adjudicated at the national rather than local level. This stands at odds with the historical intent of our framers, who envisioned that political power would favor states and municipalities.” [1]
Unlike sports, politics will have a far larger and possibly devastating consequences for all. As a former media professional, I was particularly concerned about exposure to information in today’s networked world: the cumulative advantage given through media exposure to a particular individual, party or agenda. The Apprentice ran fifteen seasons from 2004 to 2017, an inconceivable amount of exposure priming an individual for the candidacy. This time period coincided with the rise of social media in the mid-2000s and the prioritization of algorithmic feeds in the mid-2010s, further amplifying polarized reach and general polarization.
Media exposure, including information shared on social media, favors the rich and the powerful regardless of party affiliation. Media platforms are for-profit, and their gatekeeping works in tandem with technological advances which also favor the rich and powerful. By keeping our eyes glued to the spectator sports of the presidential election, are we missing something important?
This election was a win for runaway capitalism. But we all have the choice to keep working for a better future, together.
[1] French, C. (2022, December 11). Democracy from the Sidelines: How U.S. politics became a spectator sport – behavioral scientist. Behavioral Scientist. https://behavioralscientist.org/democracy-from-the-sidelines-how-u-s-politics-became-a-spectator-sport/
04/14/2023 /
Admin / Comments Off on Press Release Creation ChatGPT vs. BARD vs. Bing
Prompt: Could you draft a press release for an upcoming CD release concert? Date: September 28, 2134 at 8PM local time. Group name: The Chitchats. Occasion: New album release. Place: The Sunrise Lounge on Lunar Outpost 261J3. Album is titled “For Those Who Aim”. This is their first release in six years. Group members are Jackie May on piano, Young Lee on bass, James Dale on drums, Friedman on their Lunar Rock Percussion Instrument. The music is electro-jazz-fusion with a dance vibe. They have been recently touring the West Coast in the U.S. on earth, has had numerous sold out shows in both 2032 and 2034. Review from Lunar DitchSpoon states, “This young group of fearless innovators caters to both the teen and senior fans, melding familiar jazz moments with abrasive noise, creating something utterly new from the old. Their use of Lunar Rocks as a percussive instrument is what endears them to the local fans.” (Note: I say this is a clear win for ChatGPT but someone tell Chatty that “comprised of” isn’t correct usage. Bing is the weakest of them all but perhaps Bing isn’t cut out for this sort of thing.)
ChatGPT:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Chitchats to Release New Album “For Those Who Aim” at The Sunrise Lounge on Lunar Outpost 261J3
Lunar Outpost 261J3 – The Chitchats, the electrifying electro-jazz-fusion group, are set to release their highly anticipated album “For Those Who Aim” on September 28, 2134. The album, which marks the band’s first release in six years, promises to be a musical experience that fans won’t forget.
To celebrate the release of their new album, The Chitchats will be performing at The Sunrise Lounge on Lunar Outpost 261J3. The concert will take place on September 28, 2134 at 8PM local time.
The Chitchats are known for their unique blend of jazz, fusion, and dance music, which has earned them a loyal following of fans across the West Coast in the U.S. on earth. The band is comprised of Jackie May on piano, Young Lee on bass, James Dale on drums, and Friedman on their Lunar Rock Percussion Instrument.
The band has been receiving rave reviews from both fans and critics alike. Lunar DitchSpoon states, “This young group of fearless innovators caters to both the teen and senior fans, melding familiar jazz moments with abrasive noise, creating something utterly new from the old. Their use of Lunar Rocks as a percussive instrument is what endears them to the local fans.”
The Sunrise Lounge on Lunar Outpost 261J3 is the perfect venue for The Chitchats to showcase their new album. Fans can expect an evening of electrifying music, a vibrant atmosphere, and an unforgettable performance.
Tickets for the concert are on sale now and can be purchased online or at the door. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see The Chitchats perform live and experience their new album “For Those Who Aim.”
For more information about The Chitchats and their upcoming album release concert, please visit their website or contact their publicist.
The Chitchats Release New Album, “For Those Who Aim,” with CD Release Concert on Lunar Outpost 261J3
[City, State] – [Date] – The Chitchats, a four-piece electro-jazz-fusion band, will release their new album, “For Those Who Aim,” on September 28, 2023 at 8PM local time at The Sunrise Lounge on Lunar Outpost 261J3. This is the band’s first release in six years.
The Chitchats are made up of Jackie May on piano, Young Lee on bass, James Dale on drums, and Friedman on their Lunar Rock Percussion Instrument. Their music is a unique blend of jazz, electronica, and dance music. They have been touring the West Coast in the U.S. on Earth, and have had numerous sold out shows in both 2032 and 2034.
The album “For Those Who Aim” is a collection of 10 original songs that showcase the band’s diverse musical talents. The songs range from the upbeat and danceable “The Moon Is Calling” to the more introspective “Aim for the Stars.” The album is sure to appeal to fans of all ages.
The Chitchats will be performing a CD release concert at The Sunrise Lounge on Lunar Outpost 261J3 on September 28, 2023 at 8PM local time. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
“We are so excited to release our new album, ‘For Those Who Aim,’” said Jackie May, the band’s pianist. “We have been working on this album for a long time, and we are really proud of the final product. We can’t wait to share it with our fans.”
The Chitchats are a rising star in the music world, and their new album is sure to cement their place in the spotlight. Don’t miss your chance to see them live at The Sunrise Lounge on Lunar Outpost 261J3 on September 28, 2023.
About The Chitchats
The Chitchats are a four-piece electro-jazz-fusion band from [City, State]. The band consists of Jackie May on piano, Young Lee on bass, James Dale on drums, and Friedman on their Lunar Rock Percussion Instrument. Their music is a unique blend of jazz, electronica, and dance music. They have been touring the West Coast in the U.S. on Earth, and have had numerous sold out shows in both 2032 and 2034. Their new album, “For Those Who Aim,” will be released on September 28, 2023.
Quotes
“We are so excited to release our new album, ‘For Those Who Aim,’” said Jackie May, the band’s pianist. “We have been working on this album for a long time, and we are really proud of the final product. We can’t wait to share it with our fans.”
“This young group of fearless innovators caters to both the teen and senior fans, melding familiar jazz moments with abrasive noise, creating something utterly new from the old. Their use of Lunar Rocks as a percussive instrument is what endears them to the local fans,” said Lunar DitchSpoon in a recent review.
Bing:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Chitchats Announce New Album Release Concert on Lunar Outpost 261J3
The Chitchats are excited to announce their upcoming CD release concert for their new album “For Those Who Aim” on September 28, 2134 at 8PM local time at The Sunrise Lounge on Lunar Outpost 261J3.
The Chitchats are a group of fearless innovators who have been recently touring the West Coast in the U.S. on earth and have had numerous sold out shows in both 2032 and 2034. Their music is electro-jazz-fusion with a dance vibe that caters to both teen and senior fans.
The group members are Jackie May on piano, Young Lee on bass, James Dale on drums, and Friedman on their Lunar Rock Percussion Instrument. Their use of Lunar Rocks as a percussive instrument is what endears them to the local fans.
This is their first release in six years and it promises to be an unforgettable night of music that melds familiar jazz moments with abrasive noise, creating something utterly new from the old.
Don't miss out on this exciting event! Tickets are available now at [The Sunrise Lounge](https://www.sunriselounge.com).
For more information about The Chitchats and their new album “For Those Who Aim,” please visit [their website](https://www.thechitchats.com).
Contact:
The Chitchats
info@thechitchats.com
ChatGPT Extra Credit:
18 months before release:
Start building a buzz about the upcoming album on social media and through interviews with relevant media outlets.
Begin planning promotional activities, including album launch events, live performances, and collaborations with other artists.
Identify target audiences and determine key messages for marketing and PR campaigns.
12 months before release:
Launch a teaser campaign to start building anticipation for the album.
Begin pitching media outlets for interviews and reviews, and plan for any necessary press events.
Coordinate with other artists, labels, and distributors to ensure that the album release is properly scheduled and promoted.
6 months before release:
Launch a full-scale marketing campaign, including social media promotions, influencer partnerships, and paid advertising.
Finalize any collaborations or guest appearances on the album and begin promoting these features to fans.
Release one or more singles from the album to build excitement and start generating buzz.
3 months before release:
Ramp up promotional efforts, including media appearances, radio interviews, and press releases.
Launch a pre-order campaign for the album, offering exclusive merchandise or early access to content for fans who purchase in advance.
Plan for any live performances or other promotional events leading up to the album release.
1 month before release:
Release a final single or music video to generate last-minute buzz.
Continue to promote the pre-order campaign and encourage fans to purchase early.
Finalize logistics for any promotional events, including scheduling, venue preparation, and marketing materials.
Release week:
Release the album on all platforms and announce the news to fans via social media and press releases.
Host a launch event, such as a listening party or live performance, to celebrate the release and generate additional media coverage.
Continue to promote the album through interviews, appearances, and online promotions.
Of course, this is just a general outline, and the specifics of your publicity plan will depend on factors such as your budget, target audience, and available resources. But hopefully, this timeline will help you get started in planning an effective and successful campaign for ChitChat’s new album release.
BARD Extra Credit:
Timeline
Activity
Month
Notes
Set marketing goals
January
Define your target audience, marketing objectives, and budget.
Create a marketing plan
February
Develop a detailed plan for how you will achieve your marketing goals.
Secure press coverage
March
Pitch your album to music journalists and bloggers.
Release singles
April-August
Release one or two singles from your album leading up to the release date.
Create promotional materials
May-June
Design posters, flyers, and other promotional materials for your album release.
Book live shows
July-August
Book live shows to promote your album release.
Launch a social media campaign
August
Launch a social media campaign to build excitement for your album release.
Release the album
September 28th
Release your album on all major streaming platforms and retailers.
Continue promoting the album
October-December
Continue promoting your album through live shows, social media, and other channels.
This is just a sample timeline, and you may need to adjust it based on your specific needs and budget. However, it should give you a good starting point for planning your publicity campaign.
Here are some additional tips for creating a successful publicity plan:
Be creative and original. Your publicity plan should stand out from the crowd. Think outside the box and come up with creative ways to promote your album.
Target your audience. Make sure your marketing messages are targeted to your target audience. This will help you reach the people who are most likely to be interested in your music.
Be persistent. Don’t give up if you don’t get immediate results. It takes time to build a successful publicity campaign. Keep at it, and eventually you will see results.
Bing Extra Credit:
2 months before the event: Send out press releases and begin promoting the event on social media platforms.
1 month before the event: Begin email marketing campaigns and reach out to local radio stations for interviews.
2 weeks before the event: Hang up posters and flyers around town and begin online advertising campaigns.
1 week before the event: Partner with local businesses to offer discounts or promotions for customers who attend the concert.
Day of the event: Host the CD release concert at The Sunrise Lounge on Lunar Outpost 261J3 at 8PM local time.
02/23/2021 /
Admin / Comments Off on PR strategy for a performing arts organization during the pandemic
The following is based on a presentation I recently did during a class visit at Dartmouth College.
When the pandemic hit, live in-person performances were suddenly cancelled, the phrase “force majeure” was thrown around to nullify contracts, and the organization had to quickly reevaluate its raison d’être as well as shift its PR strategy. In the beginning, we probably didn’t understand its severity, or perhaps we were in denial. What we had thought would be a few months became half a year, a year, and now we are hearing that normalcy, whatever that means, may not be back until perhaps 2022. It was, and still is, a terrible and difficult time for all of us. There will be no easy way out of this situation. Throughout it all, I had a job as the executive director of an arts organization. I looked at five criteria:
Visibility
Relationship with the audience
Community
Funding
Creativity
Visibility
Visibility today includes exposure in traditional mass media as well as social media where self-generated content can be disseminated to the masses. It is usually a symbiotic process on our scene; presenters or labels and artists work together to publicize events or album releases. For example, when I work with a festival, I will be in close communications with their communications team about when to announce (embargo), contents of the release including press photos, discuss press requests and promote the event to our networks.
Once the pandemic hit, the symbiotic relationship with presenters and their huge networks disappeared along with live in-person performances. However, new relationships quickly strengthened, namely arts organizations working with other arts organizations and amplifying visibility together. This was already going on before the pandemic because artistic collaborations are a natural part of our work, but I believe I am seeing an increase in number of requests our organization receives for collaborations, consultations and pedagogy. We are all searching for ways to maximize our new two-dimensional platform: the screen. Organizations working together meant a larger network and reach.
The focus of live performance is in the moment, with a medium length pre-event publicity often in the form of “what to do and see” articles, and a very short post-event publicity in the form of reviews. Now, events were live streamed or taped beforehand, and the post-event publicity has grown a very long tail. The International Contemporary Ensemble, NYPL and Tri-Centric collaborated to produce a Braxton75 event which was broadcast over Facebook and YouTube (I.C.E. was the lead organizer). That event produced the wonderful lecture on the music of Anthony Braxton and an interview with the ensemble Thumbscrew, both of which can be promoted independently. Tri-Centric’s Carl Testa and Belgian guitarist Kobe Van Cauwenberghe worked together for a live streaming EEMHM performance which was then written up in a wonderful interview article.
Basically, we moved to a two-dimensional digital platform sans geographical constraints, and an event format which could be synchronous or asynchronous. The more organizations work together, the wider our reach (and it’s usually more fun). We are definitely making more use of post-event publicity. I don’t see this as a replacement of the old; in-person live performances cannot be replaced. I see this as a branching off, with its own modest possibilities. We were also fortunate to be able to work with many artists and ensembles interested in performing Braxton works, of which a sample can be seen on this YouTube playlist.
Relationship with the audience
In-person events were where artists could interact with the audience, and we missed those moments terribly. Here, I had to rethink what it was that happened between audience and artists during a performance. I always felt that there was an exchange going on between the audience and artist, in the form of attention for experience. According to Wikipedia, “Attention remains a crucial area of investigation within education, psychology, neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, and neuropsychology.” For me, attention is a finite gift, zero sum, as explained by Michael Goldhaber in a recent NYT opinion piece. A performance space is usually set up so that the finite attention won’t be taken away from the action on stage: a bright elevated stage with the audience sitting in the dark. So, could I somehow distill this essence and apply it in another way?
The out-of-the-box idea was a tote bag with a musical score. A score, from a communication perspective, is music trapped in ink, a message which can be transmitted to and decoded by someone other than the composer. During the pandemic, we can’t interface with the audience in person. The tote would be a way for us to reach the audience, to disseminate the music, and for us to hopefully still be present in their lives. This bag was used as part of the 2020 year-end fundraising campaign and performed remarkably well. We were also able to communicate with the supporters while mailing the totes. It was not a substitute, but it was something. Otherwise, we kept up our regular newsletters to inform our audience of any activities such as online performances of Braxton works. (As an aside, an activity such as making a tote bag can help boost intraorganizational morale. Communication strategies should also take into account issues of communication among the board and staff of a nonprofit.)
Community
Without the community of artists, we would not have a scene. There is no solution to what is going on now during the pandemic, with artists out of work, moving away, going back to school, etc. Marshall McLuhan’s global village has encroached on a scene which thrived on propinquity, the in-person full-body experience of playing music together in the same room. For the moment, all we can do is to try our best to support each other, and if we can highlight each others’ works somehow, e.g., a newsletter, that should count for something. It’s similar to ingredient branding except we have become the ingredients. This is an evolving situation. We probably will not understand the full impact for a few years. Although it is important that we do our best to keep the community intact, the reality is that the community probably has become dormant and will certainly undergo a change. A desert bloom waiting to happen, waiting to rebound.
Funding
Another difficult area, but if all of the above somehow came together, then there might be wonderful people and institutions who can see value in what an organization does and be inclined to support it. I am always so thankful for donors who generously support arts organizations. At the same time, I see it as a responsibility for those who receive the money to keep delivering the best. And what is the best during a pandemic? That is a key question that I have no answer for. I also applied to grants and loans; got rejected by two grants but did receive two forgivable loans for the organization. For the moment, things are okay, but there is no guarantee for the future.
Creativity
An arts organization can’t stay static. I have no answer to the current situation except to say that crisis situations will always bring about change. Whether that is positive or negative or both will depend on the organization. In my professional experience, the ability to navigate crisis situations depends largely on the ability for the people involved to be flexible. Also, whatever issues that existed prior to the crisis will most likely be exacerbated. In some cases, one crisis may have already been brought about by preexisting issues but were somehow hidden or tolerated, while another crisis pushes the organization over the edge so that those hidden issues would have to be dealt with. The crisis may be a way to tackle those issues head-on and resolve them once and for all.
