As I grew up a child of the 1970’s and a teenager of he 1980’s, the word “internet” pretty much didn’t exsist. When home computers came out, they were very limited as to their capabilities, and beyond the price range of the “average Joe.” Of course, we used to talk about how computers were going to change the world, and it all seemed like science fiction. That was in the 1980’s, which when you think about it -was not so long ago.

     The first time I can remember hearing about the internet, was probably 1993. I was 26, and had just done the “unthinkable” (as far as my Dad was concerned). I quit my day job, signed my car over to my roommate, and went on the road with a band. Our road manager used to get us gigs by calling booking agents all across the country. He was quite the educated guy, and proposed this scenario to me: “Suppose we were driving a few hundred miles to the next gig, and the gig fell through. ” “If we had a computer,” he said, “I could simply contact another club or agent while in we were in transit, and get us another gig. We could even send out our band promo package.” I got to thinking this was a really good idea, but I never would have dreamed that it would become a reality.

The Double Edged Sword of Promotion

     The first time I ever experienced the internet, was only about  7 years ago. I was in awe over the potential power of the “information superhighway” when I had looked all over town for a part for a customer – the “old fashioned” way, for hours. I went online and found the part in a matter of minutes, had it paid for, and delivered the next day.  That being said, I thought to myself, an artist or a musician could reach the multiple millions, and potentially make a LOT of money- or perhaps even get rich, simply with a computer and an internet connection. This is true but not true at the same time.

     The dream crushing reality is this: Nearly anyone today can either afford a computer, or gain access to a computer with an internet connection, even the typically broke artist or musician. The equipment and software is affordable and within reach to produce stunning quality, whether it be audio,photos,video, or any other type of content. This has saturated the internet with an exponential number of  artists and “non artists,” almost making it easier to promote themselves the old way. In other words: Everyone is doing what you are doing. It’s lik Ebay. If you’re selling something that you think is unique, there are a thousand more people selling the same thing for less.

     I think the best way to have made it on the internet would have been , to get in early. Look at Youtube for instance. Quite a few of the people who have the highest number of views, have been there from the beginning. To make it on the inernet today, promotion would have to be an around the clock job. Although it can be done, the mighty internet  is a big place, and has crushed dreams, and made stars, thereby earning the title of : “The Double Edged Sword.”