Art Bell

[Freyja]

Ok, here is a report as I see it now. We have a damn good product, in my view easily the best product by a mile. We have quality programming, we have far better audio, we don't whore the show out with infomercials, we have a small number of commercials, the RSS feed is up to Industry standard and the audio on it is awesome. We are continuing to get subs at 7.99 so all is well.

The only thing we need is to get the word out that we are here, most Don't even know we exist, this is
changing but slowly, we need some way to get the word out faster, I know there are a lot of good thinkers here so any idea's are welcome. Most people joining now we're told by somebody and say something like Wow I thought Art was still in the Philippines. So at this point it's just getting the word out that we exist.

Art

Art, I understand that you want to keep what you offer as pure as you can to your vision. That said, sometimes compromise is necessary, both as a vehicle and a marketing tool.

I think that the majority of your long time listeners/followers have found you and MITD. A percentage of these ( and I know quite a few) will catch you live on the net/radio if available,  if they are able, however for whatever reason will not subscribe.

Perhaps you need to reconsider, as others have suggested, by opening a youtube channel not only with clips, but with a couple of knock out classic MITD shows. I posted this a little while ago, referencing how John B Wells, Rense and others do this. It's difficult to sell something to people that they can't touch, taste, feel or hear.

You also may want to reconsider your rules about commercial time to gain some other large affiliates. None of us here want to hear too many commercials, however a small increase in commercial time may be just what it takes to get MITD out there on the radio airwaves for those who don't know who you are, have never heard of MITD etc....and we won't mind.

Your long time audience is staid and true...you have us. What you need is a new expanded audience to make MITD a larger success. IMHO you can't just count on people who know who you are to get the word out. That pretty much has been done. You need new people to find you, promote you and MITD, love what they hear and get the word out...and "share"...a new biggie in this new tech world. You need to give them something to share.

One last point. You have been off the "airwaves" more of less for over a decade, give or take. This is a very long time any business.

We know who you are, your history, your legacy, the thousands + hours of pure joy programming you have given us, however for the last 10 years, there are so many who have no clue of who you are, nor the history and the past....and they probably don't care unless they stumble across what you are offering and fall in love with you and the show, considering the vast plethora of podcasts out there today, many of which are free live and for archived shows.

Sometimes you have to give a bit to get.

How about contacting John B Wells, maybe even Alex Jones....get on the air with them and plug the show.

What about someone like Stern and/or some of the other "heavy" hitters in audio media? Try to get on the air and plug MITD, however you need to give those listening something to go to, to check out like free audio via youtube or some other media.

Also, embellish your website. Establish a Youtube channel that people can go to, listen and "share". 

Your show descriptions are scant IMHO. The material before the show could be amplified to better follow big time with material relative to the show etc. and what you can refer to during the show. You were the pioneer doing this....it could be much better today on artbell.com depending on the guest and topic.

You could provide highlight audio clips of each show, for past shows on your website as an appetizer for those who come to artbell.com.

Anyway, FWIW, that's all I have.

There is a lot more competition out there these days in this genre then there was in years past.

Yes, people want audio quality, they want convenience of access, but they also want to "take a ride"....I hope. That's what you need to drive home and broadcast IMHO as no-one else does....and let them hear and know that you do.

I wish you nothing but the best of success in getting to the top of this list in this arena.











   

[FightTheFuture]

OR we start a guerilla ad campaign ala Howard Stern. Except not as obnoxious. Say for instance, someone calls the Rush Limbaugh show and says "While listening to Art Bell last night,  I thought of the following question..."

[AppealPlay]

How much are ads on Coast? 

I think I have enough change in my pocket for a Snoory live read.

I think we should be looking for smaller independent radio stations to see if they'll pick up Art.  Definitely couldn't hurt to send them some e-mails.

[ItsOver]

Way out of my area here, but are there not magazines, both print and electronic, that cater to readers of the subjects (UFOs, ghosts, cryptozoology, consciousness etc) discussed on MITD?  If so, couldn't a deal be struck trading either ads and/or stories about Art's return in exchange for Art interviewing those magazines' editors for the first hour of a future MITD show?  Money wouldn't have change hands, and the mutual exposure both parties would receive would benefit all concerned....Art, the magazines, and those interested in the topics both cover.

Along those lines, maybe work a deal with a major truck stop chain (Loves?) to display something about MITD in their stores and carry MITD merchandise (mugs, caps, ...) in exchange for mentioning the chain on MITD.  Love those truckers.  Almost as much as Jazmunda.

FTF:  I believe Art did have Carter on C2C.

[AppealPlay]

Along those lines, maybe work a deal with a major truck stop chain (Loves?) to display something about MITD in their stores and carry MITD merchandise (mugs, caps, ...) in exchange for mentioning the chain on MITD.  Love those truckers.  Almost as much as Jazmunda.

FTF:  I believe Art did have Carter on C2C.

Good idea but also sounds expensive and time consuming.  I wonder how much that would cost both in dollars and time?

If Art could do more interviews on other shows that would help dramatically, I think.  Just to get the word out there.  It's a damn shame Noory got the Ancient Aliens gig.

[albrecht]

Good idea but also sounds expensive and time consuming.  I wonder how much that would cost both in dollars and time?

A Bellgabber (sorry I don't remember right now!) came up with some great flyers. Even just printing a few off and putting them up at truckstops, cafes, community/college, grocery stores, etc (where they usually bulletin boards for advertising local event, concerts, etc) as one travels or goes about their life?

[AppealPlay]

A Bellgabber (sorry I don't remember right now!) came up with some great flyers. Even just printing a few off and putting them up at truckstops, cafes, community/college, grocery stores, etc (where they usually bulletin boards for advertising local event, concerts, etc) as one travels or goes about their life?

I could easily do that.  Does anyone have a link?  I'll plaster DC with the flyers.

[starrmtn001]

A Bellgabber (sorry I don't remember right now!) came up with some great flyers. Even just printing a few off and putting them up at truckstops, cafes, community/college, grocery stores, etc (where they usually bulletin boards for advertising local event, concerts, etc) as one travels or goes about their life?

I think that was Chefist, but I'm not certain. 

Hey Chefist!  Are you the one who printed and distributed the Art Bell flyers?

[BellBoy]

Art, I understand that you want to keep what you offer as pure as you can to your vision. That said, sometimes compromise is necessary, both as a vehicle and a marketing tool.

I think that the majority of your long time listeners/followers have found you and MITD. A percentage of these ( and I know quite a few) will catch you live on the net/radio if available,  if they are able, however for whatever reason will not subscribe.

Perhaps you need to reconsider, as others have suggested, by opening a youtube channel not only with clips, but with a couple of knock out classic MITD shows. I posted this a little while ago, referencing how John B Wells, Rense and others do this. It's difficult to sell something to people that they can't touch, taste, feel or hear.

You also may want to reconsider your rules about commercial time to gain some other large affiliates. None of us here want to hear too many commercials, however a small increase in commercial time may be just what it takes to get MITD out there on the radio airwaves for those who don't know who you are, have never heard of MITD etc....and we won't mind.

Your long time audience is staid and true...you have us. What you need is a new expanded audience to make MITD a larger success. IMHO you can't just count on people who know who you are to get the word out. That pretty much has been done. You need new people to find you, promote you and MITD, love what they hear and get the word out...and "share"...a new biggie in this new tech world. You need to give them something to share.

One last point. You have been off the "airwaves" more of less for over a decade, give or take. This is a very long time any business.

We know who you are, your history, your legacy, the thousands + hours of pure joy programming you have given us, however for the last 10 years, there are so many who have no clue of who you are, nor the history and the past....and they probably don't care unless they stumble across what you are offering and fall in love with you and the show, considering the vast plethora of podcasts out there today, many of which are free live and for archived shows.

Sometimes you have to give a bit to get.

How about contacting John B Wells, maybe even Alex Jones....get on the air with them and plug the show.

What about someone like Stern and/or some of the other "heavy" hitters in audio media? Try to get on the air and plug MITD, however you need to give those listening something to go to, to check out like free audio via youtube or some other media.

Also, embellish your website. Establish a Youtube channel that people can go to, listen and "share". 

Your show descriptions are scant IMHO. The material before the show could be amplified to better follow big time with material relative to the show etc. and what you can refer to during the show. You were the pioneer doing this....it could be much better today on artbell.com depending on the guest and topic.

You could provide highlight audio clips of each show, for past shows on your website as an appetizer for those who come to artbell.com.

Anyway, FWIW, that's all I have.

There is a lot more competition out there these days in this genre then there was in years past.

Yes, people want audio quality, they want convenience of access, but they also want to "take a ride"....I hope. That's what you need to drive home and broadcast IMHO as no-one else does....and let them hear and know that you do.

I wish you nothing but the best of success in getting to the top of this list in this arena.











   

Sound advice Freyja, bur Art is fundamentally, already "all-in" and has already rejected the terrestrial radio big-money-tit... principle. etc...

[AppealPlay]

I think that was Chefist, but I'm not certain. 

Hey Chefist!  Are you the one who printed and distributed the Art Bell flyers?

Chefist!  Hook us up with the flyer file.  If you can get me the file tonight I'll be able to put some up in Virginia Beach tomorrow.

[nika01]

The idea of becoming more commercial sucks big time. Dont sell more commercials, dont engage in normal marketing practices. Just let time do its magic, if it doesnt work out, it wasnt meant to be. I would hate to see this degenerate into a money driven scheme.

BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME

[gabrielle]

Also, I saw on some TV show that the star of that show The Big Bang Theory was the highest paid star....maybe Art could do a cameo appearance on the Big Bang  Theory?  It would be funny.

I have no idea how to make that happen though.....just thinking out loud.....anyone here with connections to Hollywood?

[AppealPlay]

The idea of becoming more commercial sucks big time. Dont sell more commercials, dont engage in normal marketing practices. Just let time do its magic, if it doesnt work out, it wasnt meant to be. I would hate to see this degenerate into a money driven scheme.

Art and company have to at least break even and hopefully more than that, otherwise it won't work.  Think positive!

[albrecht]

I could easily do that.  Does anyone have a link?  I'll plaster DC with the flyers.

There were several flyers made this is the one that was my favorite, by Bellgabber NXOEED (sorry I forgot who did it.) Would need to be edited to be more generic now (delete the date.) Would work well in college towns etc because like an ad for a band and just plain cool looking. There are other flyers in the "Blitz" thread....or make your own (assuming this is ok with Art and the gang.)
http://bellgab.com/index.php/topic,8019.msg423578.html#msg423578

[ItsOver]

How much are ads on Coast? 

How about getting ad time directly with stations that broadcast SIT on Saturdays? )

[ACE of CLUBS]

Just an observation ......

'The Chase' by Giorgio Moroder has been re-mixed, tweaked, and improved numerous times ...... there are some great versions that are more upbeat and enthusiastic .....

It would be great if Art chose one of these newer versions for his theme ....... and left the original version for the carpetbagger George ...

[AppealPlay]

I know it's unsavory but anyone know the going rate of paying for a celebrity to tweet out an ad with a link to artbell.com?  How would one go about even doing that?

Maybe he could do the conservative podcast circuit for a little while, too.  There are shows like Hagmann and Hagmann that pull major listeners on the Internet.  I'm sure there are leftist ones, too, but that's not my bag.

[Ms. C]

Also, I saw on some TV show that the star of that show The Big Bang Theory was the highest paid star....maybe Art could do a cameo appearance on the Big Bang  Theory?  It would be funny.

I have no idea how to make that happen though.....just thinking out loud.....anyone here with connections to Hollywood?

Or get Jim Parsons to could do an hour on MITD. After all, Sheldon Cooper, PhD. Sc.D. is a senior theoretical physicist on the show .....  lol

[albrecht]

I know it's unsavory but anyone know the going rate of paying for a celebrity to tweet out an ad with a link to artbell.com?  How would one go about even doing that?

Though I guess it would be considered a "plus" in this modern day of age to have scandal in many circles still what about searching the Ashley-Madison hacked data-dump and finding some famous people and inform them to "tweet" out about MITD and Art Bell, lest their better-half learns of their account. Kidding!

NXOEED needs to update his poster. I loved it and want to put some more up.

[AppealPlay]

Though I guess it would be considered a "plus" in this modern day of age to have scandal in many circles still what about searching the Ashley-Madison hacked data-dump and finding some famous people and inform them to "tweet" out about MITD and Art Bell, lest their better-half learns of their account. Kidding!

NXOEED needs to update his poster. I loved it and want to put some more up.

Oof.  Extortion isn't a good idea.

[Freyja]

The idea of becoming more commercial sucks big time. Dont sell more commercials, dont engage in normal marketing practices. Just let time do its magic, if it doesnt work out, it wasnt meant to be. I would hate to see this degenerate into a money driven scheme.

BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME

I don't think we are talking about any money driven scheme here. However that said, Art posted what he did for a reason don't you think?

Obviously what he is referring to is "marketing" of MITD, no? ...and sadly yes, doing something like he does costs$$ and I would bet he would like to make some too.

[chefist]

Chefist!  Hook us up with the flyer file.  If you can get me the file tonight I'll be able to put some up in Virginia Beach tomorrow.

NXOEED ! He probably would help with graphics!

[ziznak]

Why not do the "rounds" of whatever morning tv type (yes i know it sux) but try to reach the braindead tv talkshow people who have totally forgotten how much they loved yer show in the 90's?  Theres gotta be a crap-ton of people who loved you back in the day but maybe don't remember it so much... these people have given up on life and settled into that type of daily drivel programming...

when Cthulu calls... they shall come.

or we can Blitz again.  I mention my love of Art to any person I feel perks up when i make an alien or conspiracy joke around.  Word of mouth works wonders but I still think there's some commercial avenues that we shouldn't necessarily shun.

[bateman]

Also, I saw on some TV show that the star of that show The Big Bang Theory was the highest paid star....maybe Art could do a cameo appearance on the Big Bang  Theory?  It would be funny.

I have no idea how to make that happen though.....just thinking out loud.....anyone here with connections to Hollywood?

Oh kill me now.

[AppealPlay]

I don't think we are talking about any money driven scheme here. However that said, Art posted what he did for a reason don't you think?

Obviously what he is referring to is "marketing" of MITD, no? ...and sadly yes, doing something like he does costs$$ and I would bet he would like to make some too.

I feel like if we all work together and pool our experience and ideas we can collectively make the experiment work.  There are a lot of smart people here and if we work together we can see things happen.  I'm going to start looking for independent radio stations and send them e-mails educating them about the show.  Maybe we should create a template e-mail to send to PDs?

[gabrielle]

Art needs to interview Bianc....e!

[BellBoy]

The idea of becoming more commercial sucks big time. Dont sell more commercials, dont engage in normal marketing practices. Just let time do its magic, if it doesnt work out, it wasnt meant to be. I would hate to see this degenerate into a money driven scheme.

BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME

That whole "punk-rock-we-can-do-this-from-the-ground-up-and-make-it-on-our-own-terms-fuck-the-system" sensibility made exactly ZERO artist-billionaires...

The corporate bastards that fed off them however...

[littlechris]

Also: Art,  you know us fanantic will do anything to keep the program going, but noticed you are not doing a Bellgab shout out anymore on start of program.

Hey whiteCrow,

Miss you at the falkie thread. Hope your vacation is going well.

As to Art no longer mentioning BellGab anymore at the start of the show, I havent noticed that. But i did notice that the upper right corner is no longer a plug for Art's show. I hope all is well betwenn MV and Art.

-

[Freyja]

Sound advice Freyja, bur Art is fundamentally, already "all-in" and has already rejected the terrestrial radio big-money-tit... principle. etc...

Yeah, but he doesn't have to sell out. He can decide to bend a bit to get a bit....and to make sure he doesn't sign any bad contracts!!

IMHO he needs to get some "terrestrial radio" especially in the huge east coast market to pick up his show which may take some compromise.

The "all in" doesn't sit well with me. Haven't we been there before?.....

[chefist]

OR we start a guerilla ad campaign ala Howard Stern. Except not as obnoxious. Say for instance, someone calls the Rush Limbaugh show and says "While listening to Art Bell last night,  I thought of the following question..."

I think this would be great! I threw out this idea the Friday before Art's return...I couldn't get anyone to help me with it from BellGab.  I called all morning on Friday during Rush's show (open lines on Friday)...The phone just rang, then disconnected...I called for 3 hours straight!

We would need a team of people doing this, then you would have to have an interesting story to tell...at the time I was going to make the comment that there were two people that saved AM radio, Rush and Art...but we might have to come up with something else to get on...once on you can act all excited and then mention Art being back...