Art Bell

[sorefinger]

Well I got Skype figured out, a day late. I know people wanted Paranormal stories but in a show with a Jury it's just tough to ask them that BUT I will give it a try.

I like trying new stuff, sometimes it works, sometimes not so much. But if you never try new stuff you just end up doing the same old thing, I will keep experimenting.

Art

How about a truth or trash show with the audience as the jury?  A simple polling script placed on the artbell.com website would do the job nicely, where the audience could vote either truth or trash, the results displaying in real time.  The poll could be done stand-alone or even in concert with the on-air panel.  I think it would be a riot to know what the audience thinks about each truth or trash story.

[PB the Deplorable]

keith and art... they had to build the studio

That money's gone regardless of what happens going forward. 

They just need to cover current ongoing expenses (including whatever salaries they need from this)

[Faustina]

Best ideas I have seen so far-the youtube channel.  The reddit idea-just make sure people can find it.  An interview or article on/in a widely disseminated show or publication.

Of course buying ad space in specific youth oriented and other publications for an issue every couple of months  might help a bit.  Not every month.  One and then two or three months later another.  Use some of those dynamite graphics people created for the blitz. 

My idea about having an article or ad in alternative papers was based on the fact that all the musicians read them.  Seems like musicians make up a decent portion of late night listening audiences.  And honestly?  I've been trying to figure out a way to get the news into ads I put on craigslist or my neighborhood FB clone site. Getting close but haven't quite figured how to get around the no advertising rule.  Still sharing on FB, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+.  Unfortunately I do not have a huge friend or follower base.  Sorry.

Also, there are paranormal theme magazines and websites which I would recommend Art advertise MITD in all of them.  The long-running magazine 'Fate' immediately comes to mind.

I also think that Art should do more interviews, on TV and radio and podcasts.  The show that immediately comes to mind is Dave Schrader's radio show, Darkness Radio, and also Clyde Lewis' Ground Zero.  I believe that Clyde has a pretty big following and I know he's a fan of Art.

[Wade Collins]

Terrestrial radio is dead. That's why they are courting Art, as life support to hang on a little bit longer.  It's the 20 minutes of commercials per hour that has turned me off to terrestrial radio.  I simply can't deal with it anymore, & I wouldn't be able to deal with midnight in the desert, either, if it would have more commercials.  Joe Rogan pointed out, we are living in a new time, one where anyone can broadcast from the privacy of their own kitchen table. You don't need 10 million dollars to invest in a radio station, where 20 minutes of commercials is required in order to earn a return on investment. Anyone broadcasting from their kitchen table and inserting 20 minutes of commercials, is just way beyond a greedy, bloodsucking vampire, deserving of the wooden stake that the audience would drive through his heart.

Right, that's why 93 percent of the population listens to terrestrial radio. Joe Rogan is your reference? Are you kidding?
The average American listens to about 14 hours of AM or FM radio per week â€" more than the total amount of time spent per week using DVD players, streaming video on mobile devices and the Internet, using game consoles and using the Internet on a traditional computer, according to a survey of media use conducted by the measurement and data concern.  U.S. consumers spend more time only with TV, the study said â€" on the order of 35.1 hours per week.

Noory has a stranglehold on late night audience in every market as his affiliates are typically the strong local and regional
signals. Doesn't matter so much how bad Norry is, if the typical radio user can't A-B the shows.

Art's only opportunity is to build a sizable network of stations. I Heart & Cumulus won't touch the show, but smaller groups and Independents would likely grab it up with a slightly more favorable number of units per hour. The online and mobile aspects of the show are awesome, however the masses still use Terrestrial radio.

The weak link has been by far the news package. it sounds like a bad imitation of the 80s feature known as Earth News Radio. Good idea but terrible execution. I am a bit uncomfortable with a guest on a cell or land line yet some bumpkin calls in and pile drives directly via a strong Skype connection, of course Skype is inconsistent and at times sounds totally amateur.

[jazmunda]

This so made my day. Got subscribed to the RSS and now listen through my car radio offline as I motor around on fossil fuels.

I Time Traveled while Time Traveling.

[PaulAtreides]

Ironically, I did suffer numerous finger injuries as a youngster.  Little finger on left hand was 80% severed in a garage door but reattached, six other fingers and a thumb either broken or dislocated playing football.  Couple of them still ache, especially in cold, damp weather.

Head's fine though.

But his weenie fell off.

[AppealPlay]

This so made my day. Got subscribed to the RSS and now listen through my car radio offline as I motor around on fossil fuels.

Very cool!  I noticed, though, that it says unknown artist.  Maybe Keith has to do something special to tag the archives so it shows "Art Bell" as the artist?

[serenity]

Tim Weisberg who hosts SpookySouthcoast just gave bellgab a shout out on his show

[AppealPlay]

Listening to the 97 show with Mel right now.  I forgot how convincing he was.

Wish he had a drone back then.

[slippingaway]

Well I got Skype figured out, a day late. I know people wanted Paranormal stories but in a show with a Jury it's just tough to ask them that BUT I will give it a try.

I like trying new stuff, sometimes it works, sometimes not so much. But if you never try new stuff you just end up doing the same old thing, I will keep experimenting.

Art

I give you props for the experimental side. Thats how this genre of talk was born, eh?

There are some posters that have suggested some good promo ideas, best of all that I've heard is YouTube.  Terrestrial radio is dead dying, and I think the commercialism is killing it. 

A better way to advertise is banner ads and other website ad-revenue.  It would be so refreshing to just have visual ads pop up on the player, and that generates enough revenue that you wouldn't need more than a break at the top of the hour (out of necessity to get a drink, take a pee, have stations blast out their call letters, ect.)

YouTube though.  I think more people follow Youtube than any other media source at this point.  For instance, look at how Santilli is doing his show, where the player is there right alongside a chat session that his producer and a couple of trusted regulars moderate.  His show has a dynamic because of the chat that I think could be good.

The media has changed, with Streaming video reaching nationwide,  I really think CTM and Santilli's shows do great justice allowing the guests to share evidence via skype video and file sharing inside the skype session.

Oh, and Art, I sent you instructions to your wormhole right before break from Skype's online help, on how to make a group for up to 25.

[Marc.Knight]

Is it just me or is Art sounding increasingly pissed about technology problems and some discombobulated guests?  Last night's show was a perfect example.

[malliard]

Right, that's why 93 percent of the population listens to terrestrial radio. Joe Rogan is your reference? Are you kidding?
The average American listens to about 14 hours of AM or FM radio per week â€" more than the total amount of time spent per week using DVD players, streaming video on mobile devices and the Internet, using game consoles and using the Internet on a traditional computer, according to a survey of media use conducted by the measurement and data concern.  U.S. consumers spend more time only with TV, the study said â€" on the order of 35.1 hours per week.

Noory has a stranglehold on late night audience in every market as his affiliates are typically the strong local and regional
signals. Doesn't matter so much how bad Norry is, if the typical radio user can't A-B the shows.

Art's only opportunity is to build a sizable network of stations. I Heart & Cumulus won't touch the show, but smaller groups and Independents would likely grab it up with a slightly more favorable number of units per hour. The online and mobile aspects of the show are awesome, however the masses still use Terrestrial radio.

The weak link has been by far the news package. it sounds like a bad imitation of the 80s feature known as Earth News Radio. Good idea but terrible execution. I am a bit uncomfortable with a guest on a cell or land line yet some bumpkin calls in and pile drives directly via a strong Skype connection, of course Skype is inconsistent and at times sounds totally amateur.

  have no idea where you are gettting those numbers from

[slippingaway]

  have no idea where you are gettting those numbers from

82% of all statistics are made up on the spot. Including this one.

[slippingaway]

Is it just me or is Art sounding increasingly pissed about technology problems and some discombobulated guests?  Last night's show was a perfect example.

If he needs to test something before going live, I'm sure there's a forum somewhere, where he could find some beta-testers...

[sorefinger]

Right, that's why 93 percent of the population listens to terrestrial radio. Joe Rogan is your reference? Are you kidding?
The average American listens to about 14 hours of AM or FM radio per week â€" more than the total amount of time spent per week using DVD players, streaming video on mobile devices and the Internet, using game consoles and using the Internet on a traditional computer, according to a survey of media use conducted by the measurement and data concern.  U.S. consumers spend more time only with TV, the study said â€" on the order of 35.1 hours per week.

Noory has a stranglehold on late night audience in every market as his affiliates are typically the strong local and regional
signals. Doesn't matter so much how bad Norry is, if the typical radio user can't A-B the shows.

Art's only opportunity is to build a sizable network of stations. I Heart & Cumulus won't touch the show, but smaller groups and Independents would likely grab it up with a slightly more favorable number of units per hour. The online and mobile aspects of the show are awesome, however the masses still use Terrestrial radio.

The weak link has been by far the news package. it sounds like a bad imitation of the 80s feature known as Earth News Radio. Good idea but terrible execution. I am a bit uncomfortable with a guest on a cell or land line yet some bumpkin calls in and pile drives directly via a strong Skype connection, of course Skype is inconsistent and at times sounds totally amateur.

You're forgetting, Art said he wants no part of going the big corporate route. He's been there, done that.  Your stats can't be right.  Art is getting calls from all over the world, none of which calls originate from terrestrial radio.  No one with a smart phone or computer is bothering with radio, especially AM, which these days has horrible reception, especially at night, because of horrendous sunspots or whatever.  Art has said he wants to make a go of it on the internet, & I think he will, if he isn't already.  As for c2c, Art can easily grab those listeners, but they have to know mitd exists, first.  C2C's programming is just plain awful.  Noory must know his time is limited; he's using the show for multi level marketing of supplements now, for chrissakes, duping the audience in the process.  They are charging hundreds of dollars for supplements that cost pennies on the dollar, in my opinion.  When that cat gets out of the bag, C2C is going to have a huge public relations disaster.  You have to be fair to your audience. No one wants to be someone's conquest.

[sorefinger]

82% of all statistics are made up on the spot. Including this one.

Internet audio listening has surpassed AM/FM terrestrial radio
According to the Arbitron/Edison 'The Infinite Dial 2010' study Internet Audio listening has now surpassed AM/FM terrestrial listening.
http://www.healthylife.net/RadioShow/8truths.html


Internet radio audience measurement
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_radio_audience_measurement

[WhiteCrow]

I suggest that we use balloons, somehow.

I'm with you brother.... It's the brand thingie..
Art Bell rolling papers!

[WhiteCrow]

Some ideas. (Basically rehashing ideas already out there)

* YouTube. Clips or a full show (every now and again) on the official MITD channel. The "video" to go along with the audio should just be an image of Art with details on how to listen and subscribe. This would also be a source of revenue for the show through the YouTube Ads.

* Use Google Ads to spread the word. Google Ads works primarily based on a persons searching habits. If someone is interested in Ufos, Bigfoot and other paranormal topics then they will receive ads on those topics. Your ads can use those search terms to match up with those users. Ads could offer a "special" discount if they sign up by clicking on that ad.

* Take out Ads on Facebook. They are inexpensive and can reach a huge audience also based on interests. The way it works is Art creates one of the posts that advertise the shows and the time traveler information. You then pay to boost the post. The more you pay the bigger the reach. You use search terms for the paranormal that will display ads for those with those interests. You pay x amount of dollars for x amount of people to reach. Just $100 can reach tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of people. As above if people subscribe by clicking on the link then they get a discount.

* Use Facebook/Twitter/Instagram more. The sharing, retweeting and liking works as a great tool to reach people. I am seeing more and more posts in my feed of things that my "friends" are liking. Occasionally it will peak my interest and I will click on it. This is also where we, Art's Facebook friends can assist by liking, sharing and retweeting his posts and therefore our "friends" see it and that is a form of viral advertising.

* Get on as many podcasts and radio shows as you can. Some of these podcasters (Rogan, Maron etc) have huge followings. Also get these guys on your show as they may inform there audience that they will be on your show.

* Revamp the website.  Integrate it with your social media and YouTube. Splash your image on there. People should be subscribing directly on ArtBell.com. You should be listening to the show from ArtBell.com with a player directly from the main site. There shouldn't be a separate site for  subscriptions. Finding an archived show should be easier. Rss is great but the main site should list the shows primarily for new users to see that there is an archive and when they click on a show the see that they have to subscribe to get access to the growing archive. Perhaps they get to listen to the first x minutes free or a few clips to whet their appetites.

You should be able to go to Artbell.com and in the top corner there should be an icon that says On Air (if LIVE) or Listen to Archives (if not Live) there should also be a button to subscribe which is prominent on the website. Anyone stumbling upon ArtBell.com wouldn't be immediately aware that Art is currently broadcasting. The site needs a revamped/rebranded. There are many bellgabbers that could assist in this. B_dubb and Curtis come to mind.

Perhaps put the call out to Bellgabbers who have writing experience to write some features for the website like an online After Dark (perhaps this could be a subscribers only section). Seraphim27 is a writer. I'll throw her hat in the ring.

* Blog posts on certain topics whether on Facebook or on your website would be a good tool for people to share on their social media. If the article opens on ArtBell.com it's a good way to get people to the website and then show them what you've got to offer.

* Keep creating great content.

* I have a few other ideas that I will pass directly to Heather.

Mr. Jaz,   forget this non paying gig ... I'll hire you
Mr Bell is one special dude to get all this excellant advice from you and others for free.

BellGab shutouts Mr Bell!

[sorefinger]

Half Of U.S. Listeners Tune Into Online Radio
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/220860/half-of-us-listeners-tune-into-online-radio.html

[WhiteCrow]

This so made my day. Got subscribed to the RSS and now listen through my car radio offline as I motor around on fossil fuels.

That's great..but what Jaz was posting about .... Need to make everything work seamless. I gave up on the RSS feed.
To many steps for us click and go punks.

And one more time... Can't pay with a credit card only... That's alone should be the Red Flag that the web site needs work. No dis intended to Keith, he may just need to hire a short term web pro to help revamp. Keith got to be putting in a herculean effort every day and night.

[sorefinger]

Online radio is winning -- big time; terrestrial radio is losing.  At some point in the not-too-distant future, terrestrial radio will not generate enough revenue to pay the electric bill to transmit a signal.  The only reason people are still listening to terrestrial radio is because it's still there. But its days are numbered. It was the same thing with analog TV, people hung on to it, out of habit, until the very end but when they shut off analog and went to digital, everyone was forced to go out and buy a new digital TV. Once terrestrial radio can no longer afford its light bill, everyone will be forced to use a smartphone or a computer.  That's just the way it's going to be.  Meantime, station investors and stockholders will do everything to squeeze every last dollar they can get before the end arrives.  One needs to only look at what has happened to newspapers, worldwide, to fully understand what is now happening to terrestrial radio.  It's a dead horse, but people continue to beat it anyway. 

Need a new antenna in your yard?  Radio station broadcast antennas will be showing up at garage sales soon.

Pew Research Center
Monthly Online Radio Listeners Have Doubled Since 2010
http://www.journalism.org/2015/04/29/audio-fact-sheet/

[Juan Cena]

Some ideas. (Basically rehashing ideas already out there)

* YouTube. Clips or a full show (every now and again) on the official MITD channel. The "video" to go along with the audio should just be an image of Art with details on how to listen and subscribe. This would also be a source of revenue for the show through the YouTube Ads.

* Use Google Ads to spread the word. Google Ads works primarily based on a persons searching habits. If someone is interested in Ufos, Bigfoot and other paranormal topics then they will receive ads on those topics. Your ads can use those search terms to match up with those users. Ads could offer a "special" discount if they sign up by clicking on that ad.

* Take out Ads on Facebook. They are inexpensive and can reach a huge audience also based on interests. The way it works is Art creates one of the posts that advertise the shows and the time traveler information. You then pay to boost the post. The more you pay the bigger the reach. You use search terms for the paranormal that will display ads for those with those interests. You pay x amount of dollars for x amount of people to reach. Just $100 can reach tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of people. As above if people subscribe by clicking on the link then they get a discount.

* Use Facebook/Twitter/Instagram more. The sharing, retweeting and liking works as a great tool to reach people. I am seeing more and more posts in my feed of things that my "friends" are liking. Occasionally it will peak my interest and I will click on it. This is also where we, Art's Facebook friends can assist by liking, sharing and retweeting his posts and therefore our "friends" see it and that is a form of viral advertising.

* Get on as many podcasts and radio shows as you can. Some of these podcasters (Rogan, Maron etc) have huge followings. Also get these guys on your show as they may inform there audience that they will be on your show.

* Revamp the website.  Integrate it with your social media and YouTube. Splash your image on there. People should be subscribing directly on ArtBell.com. You should be listening to the show from ArtBell.com with a player directly from the main site. There shouldn't be a separate site for  subscriptions. Finding an archived show should be easier. Rss is great but the main site should list the shows primarily for new users to see that there is an archive and when they click on a show the see that they have to subscribe to get access to the growing archive. Perhaps they get to listen to the first x minutes free or a few clips to whet their appetites.

You should be able to go to Artbell.com and in the top corner there should be an icon that says On Air (if LIVE) or Listen to Archives (if not Live) there should also be a button to subscribe which is prominent on the website. Anyone stumbling upon ArtBell.com wouldn't be immediately aware that Art is currently broadcasting. The site needs a revamped/rebranded. There are many bellgabbers that could assist in this. B_dubb and Curtis come to mind.

Perhaps put the call out to Bellgabbers who have writing experience to write some features for the website like an online After Dark (perhaps this could be a subscribers only section). Seraphim27 is a writer. I'll throw her hat in the ring.

* Blog posts on certain topics whether on Facebook or on your website would be a good tool for people to share on their social media. If the article opens on ArtBell.com it's a good way to get people to the website and then show them what you've got to offer.

* Keep creating great content.

* I have a few other ideas that I will pass directly to Heather.

How about an Art Bell bumper music Spotify station? The station's ads could promont the show. Plus, you get to hear all of Art's favorite Yacht Rock in all its glory.

[WhiteCrow]

That's not necessarily true, if you love what you are doing then it should always be fun even when you don't turn a profit.  When you are following your passions like Art is with radio then making money is a happy side effect.

As a Banker, witnessed lots of people following their dreams and passions and end up in financial gutter. Few 'passion' businesses lasts long without profits. Only exception are the already wealth that have hobby businesses.

I sincerely doubt that Art is purly passion orientated, he now  has a staff to maintain. And with a lot of excellant advice if enacted will require additional help.

Art has stated he is financial OK for himself and family but isn't willing to lose his nestegg. I suspect that Art can see the writing on wall and needs more income to keep the show viable.

[Uncle Duke]

Is it just me or is Art sounding increasingly pissed about technology problems and some discombobulated guests?  Last night's show was a perfect example.

Yeah, my thoughts as well as I was reading all the posts talking about how much "fun" Art is having doing MITD.  MITD is experiencing more technical problems than "Dark Matter", and the guests have been no better on the whole than two years ago.  Biggest difference is Art hasn't booted any MITD guests yet and gone to open lines, although at least two of them probably should have been ditched.  The one bright element of MITD is the superior number/quality of callers compared to DM, particularly the international calls.  Art doesn't seem nearly as grumpy with the callers than last time around.

Depending on which recommendations, if any, Art takes for those offered here over the past couple days, it might become more apparent if his goals are money or ego driven. 

[WhiteCrow]

82% of all statistics are made up on the spot. Including this one.

Those numbers make sense too me... Most people that I know, listen to radios in their cars while driving... Even though I can make my smart phone play in my car... It's still way to much of a hassle to figit with while driving

[Juan Cena]

Art could always write another book. "The Coming Global Superstorm" was what, 15 yrs ago? Should be time for an update.

Heck "Art Bell's Big Book of Cats" would make for an interesting read. He must have tons of cat stories.

[WhiteCrow]

Yeah, my thoughts as well as I was reading all the posts talking about how much "fun" Art is having doing MITD.  MITD is experiencing more technical problems than "Dark Matter", and the guests have been no better on the whole than two years ago.  Biggest difference is Art hasn't booted any MITD guests yet and gone to open lines, although at least two of them probably should have been ditched.  The one bright element of MITD is the superior number/quality of callers compared to DM, particularly the international calls.  Art doesn't seem nearly as grumpy with the callers than last time around.

Depending on which recommendations, if any, Art takes for those offered here over the past couple days, it might become more apparent if his goals are money or ego driven.

I actually feel sorry for Art when he has these tech problems, on air and think " hey this Guy needs a better staff" to work out the kinks before show time. I can easily imagine the day when the tech issues and administrative load diminish the fun factor.

Any now we're back to the profit thingie... Profits ( money) allows Art to have staffing required to keep the show fun.

It's always follow the money... If it ain't there, nothing lasts

[Uncle Duke]

Art could always write another book. "The Coming Global Superstorm" was what, 15 yrs ago? Should be time for an update.

Heck "Art Bell's Big Book of Cats" would make for an interesting read. He must have tons of cat stories.

As fine a broadcaster as Art is, he's nearly as good as an author.  Sadly, few authors make a lot of money on books, and I think a new book by Art would face many of the same issues he's facing with MITD.  Unless he has a publisher that's willing to promote the hell of a new book, he's going to have to get the word out on his own.

[Paradox]

Also, there are paranormal theme magazines and websites which I would recommend Art advertise MITD in all of them.  The long-running magazine 'Fate' immediately comes to mind.

I also think that Art should do more interviews, on TV and radio and podcasts.  The show that immediately comes to mind is Dave Schrader's radio show, Darkness Radio, and also Clyde Lewis' Ground Zero.  I believe that Clyde has a pretty big following and I know he's a fan of Art.

Good ideas Faustina.  Not sure about Schrader though, it might queer his gigs on Coast.  But Ground Zero is a thumbs up.  All of this is my opinion of course.

[Paradox]

Some ideas. (Basically rehashing ideas already out there)

* YouTube. Clips or a full show (every now and again) on the official MITD channel. The "video" to go along with the audio should just be an image of Art with details on how to listen and subscribe. This would also be a source of revenue for the show through the YouTube Ads.

* Use Google Ads to spread the word. Google Ads works primarily based on a persons searching habits. If someone is interested in Ufos, Bigfoot and other paranormal topics then they will receive ads on those topics. Your ads can use those search terms to match up with those users. Ads could offer a "special" discount if they sign up by clicking on that ad.

* Take out Ads on Facebook. They are inexpensive and can reach a huge audience also based on interests. The way it works is Art creates one of the posts that advertise the shows and the time traveler information. You then pay to boost the post. The more you pay the bigger the reach. You use search terms for the paranormal that will display ads for those with those interests. You pay x amount of dollars for x amount of people to reach. Just $100 can reach tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of people. As above if people subscribe by clicking on the link then they get a discount.

* Use Facebook/Twitter/Instagram more. The sharing, retweeting and liking works as a great tool to reach people. I am seeing more and more posts in my feed of things that my "friends" are liking. Occasionally it will peak my interest and I will click on it. This is also where we, Art's Facebook friends can assist by liking, sharing and retweeting his posts and therefore our "friends" see it and that is a form of viral advertising.

* Get on as many podcasts and radio shows as you can. Some of these podcasters (Rogan, Maron etc) have huge followings. Also get these guys on your show as they may inform there audience that they will be on your show.

* Revamp the website.  Integrate it with your social media and YouTube. Splash your image on there. People should be subscribing directly on ArtBell.com. You should be listening to the show from ArtBell.com with a player directly from the main site. There shouldn't be a separate site for  subscriptions. Finding an archived show should be easier. Rss is great but the main site should list the shows primarily for new users to see that there is an archive and when they click on a show the see that they have to subscribe to get access to the growing archive. Perhaps they get to listen to the first x minutes free or a few clips to whet their appetites.

You should be able to go to Artbell.com and in the top corner there should be an icon that says On Air (if LIVE) or Listen to Archives (if not Live) there should also be a button to subscribe which is prominent on the website. Anyone stumbling upon ArtBell.com wouldn't be immediately aware that Art is currently broadcasting. The site needs a revamped/rebranded. There are many bellgabbers that could assist in this. B_dubb and Curtis come to mind.

Perhaps put the call out to Bellgabbers who have writing experience to write some features for the website like an online After Dark (perhaps this could be a subscribers only section). Seraphim27 is a writer. I'll throw her hat in the ring.

* Blog posts on certain topics whether on Facebook or on your website would be a good tool for people to share on their social media. If the article opens on ArtBell.com it's a good way to get people to the website and then show them what you've got to offer.

* Keep creating great content.

* I have a few other ideas that I will pass directly to Heather.

Great recap.  Best ideas so far.  The banners and ads though, a lot of people use ad blockers.