- Thread starter Big Poppa
- Start date
adouglas
Well-known member
Okay, let's try to move this beyond "I'm in!" to "What can we actually do to help?" I think BP wants it to happen, but is looking to us to come up with some ways to make it happen. If that's off-base, I apologize for overstepping the bounds.
Okay, so short of actually knowing someone at the Hall of Fame who has a sympthetic ear and/or who can be bribed, what exactly can we do?
We might possibly organize some sort of awareness campaign under our own banner (so that it isn't seen as EBMM self-promotion). Say, press releases to websites, relevant businesses and publications (music trades, Rolling Stone, Harmony Central, Musician's Firend [Wouldn't it be cool if there were a petition to sign at every GC store?], etc.). Perhaps try to seed some articles about Ernie Ball and his contributions to popular music.
This implies creating some sort of real organization to drive the effort, with people willing to run it, contacts for press, etc. This is not a trivial effort...not if it's to stand a chance of success, anyway.
I'm a professional marketing writer and can craft press releases, articles and such with suitable support and input from BP & Co., but I'm not skilled at outreach, organization or maintaining the momentum needed to carry something like this through to the end. Do we have any PR professionals on the forum, or anyone experienced at organizing petition drives?
Obligatory Superbowl Sunday metaphor:
BP has given us the ball. It's up to us to run with it.
Thoughts?
Okay, so short of actually knowing someone at the Hall of Fame who has a sympthetic ear and/or who can be bribed, what exactly can we do?
We might possibly organize some sort of awareness campaign under our own banner (so that it isn't seen as EBMM self-promotion). Say, press releases to websites, relevant businesses and publications (music trades, Rolling Stone, Harmony Central, Musician's Firend [Wouldn't it be cool if there were a petition to sign at every GC store?], etc.). Perhaps try to seed some articles about Ernie Ball and his contributions to popular music.
This implies creating some sort of real organization to drive the effort, with people willing to run it, contacts for press, etc. This is not a trivial effort...not if it's to stand a chance of success, anyway.
I'm a professional marketing writer and can craft press releases, articles and such with suitable support and input from BP & Co., but I'm not skilled at outreach, organization or maintaining the momentum needed to carry something like this through to the end. Do we have any PR professionals on the forum, or anyone experienced at organizing petition drives?
Obligatory Superbowl Sunday metaphor:
BP has given us the ball. It's up to us to run with it.
Thoughts?
mammoth
Well-known member
great stuff fella's!
calling all web nerds out there! get coding that petition on your page!
AWOOOOOGA!!!
AWOOOOOGA!!!
AWOOOOOGA!!!
AWOOOOOGA!!!
calling all web nerds out there! get coding that petition on your page!
AWOOOOOGA!!!
AWOOOOOGA!!!
AWOOOOOGA!!!
AWOOOOOGA!!!
captcolour
Active member
Long time lurker; first time poster.
Having actually had the pleasure of playing at the RRHOF, the first thing to do when addressing those folks is call it the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame AND MUSEUM. They are very particularly about the "and museum" part.
I found some stuff on the web:
"Candidates for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are nominated by a committee of "music historians" — currently numbering 75 people, mostly executives and journalists — and are then voted upon by approximately 750 people (formerly around 1,000) from "across the spectrum of the music industry, including artists, broadcasters, writers, historians, producers and industry executives who are involved with making music," according to the hall's executive director, Suzan Evans."
There are four categories of nominations: Performers, Non-Performers, Early Influences and Sidemen (session musicians mostly).
Non-Performers are defined as songwriters, producers, disc jockeys, record executives, journalists and other industry professionals who have had a major influence on the development of rock and roll. EB would have to go in under this category. I think the key here is using the old "mountain out of a mole hill approach". Basically, those on the nominating committee would need to be convinced that the electric guitar would not have been successful without the development of strings specially designed for it. Without the electric guitar, no rock and roll. So logically, with the development of EB strings, no rock and roll. That's sort of the approach that probably needs to be made.
Here's what I found about what to do next:
For questions about the induction process, write to the following postal address (the Foundation does not have an e-mail address):
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104
PLEASE NOTE: The Museum does not handle the Hall of Fame induction process; the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation does that. The Museum simply houses the permanent Hall of Fame exhibit.
So someone needs to write to the above address to get the details on the nomination process. I'm guessing it would be best to come from Sterling or someone within the company. Should get more attention and credibility on EBMM letterhead. Once the details are known, then the rest of us could either submit a petition or at least letters supporting the nomination.
Having actually had the pleasure of playing at the RRHOF, the first thing to do when addressing those folks is call it the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame AND MUSEUM. They are very particularly about the "and museum" part.
I found some stuff on the web:
"Candidates for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are nominated by a committee of "music historians" — currently numbering 75 people, mostly executives and journalists — and are then voted upon by approximately 750 people (formerly around 1,000) from "across the spectrum of the music industry, including artists, broadcasters, writers, historians, producers and industry executives who are involved with making music," according to the hall's executive director, Suzan Evans."
There are four categories of nominations: Performers, Non-Performers, Early Influences and Sidemen (session musicians mostly).
Non-Performers are defined as songwriters, producers, disc jockeys, record executives, journalists and other industry professionals who have had a major influence on the development of rock and roll. EB would have to go in under this category. I think the key here is using the old "mountain out of a mole hill approach". Basically, those on the nominating committee would need to be convinced that the electric guitar would not have been successful without the development of strings specially designed for it. Without the electric guitar, no rock and roll. So logically, with the development of EB strings, no rock and roll. That's sort of the approach that probably needs to be made.
Here's what I found about what to do next:
For questions about the induction process, write to the following postal address (the Foundation does not have an e-mail address):
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104
PLEASE NOTE: The Museum does not handle the Hall of Fame induction process; the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation does that. The Museum simply houses the permanent Hall of Fame exhibit.
So someone needs to write to the above address to get the details on the nomination process. I'm guessing it would be best to come from Sterling or someone within the company. Should get more attention and credibility on EBMM letterhead. Once the details are known, then the rest of us could either submit a petition or at least letters supporting the nomination.
Aussie Mark
Well-known member
Would be handy to be able to find out who those 75 people are, so we can SPAM, oops I meant "lobby", the heck out of them!
Alvabass
Well-known member
Of course I know it's very little what I can do from here, but anyway you can count with my unconditional support, BP!
adouglas
Well-known member
Here's a thought, if a factory-sponsored campaign is deemed acceptable:
Collect petition signatures from the people who actually use the product. Do this by putting a simple little insert in every pack of strings for a period of time (say, a year?), making the case for Ernie's nomination, and asking for people to sign and return it.
This could be done in conjunction with a website and possibly an online petition. Back it up with press releases announcing the petition drive, with periodic follow-ups on progress to keep people from forgetting about it.
IIRC a successful direct mail campaign (which this would be the equivalent of) generates responses in the range of one or two percent. I don't know how many packs of EB strings get sold every year, but it's got to be a lot...that's a lot of potential for generating public support.
Collect petition signatures from the people who actually use the product. Do this by putting a simple little insert in every pack of strings for a period of time (say, a year?), making the case for Ernie's nomination, and asking for people to sign and return it.
This could be done in conjunction with a website and possibly an online petition. Back it up with press releases announcing the petition drive, with periodic follow-ups on progress to keep people from forgetting about it.
IIRC a successful direct mail campaign (which this would be the equivalent of) generates responses in the range of one or two percent. I don't know how many packs of EB strings get sold every year, but it's got to be a lot...that's a lot of potential for generating public support.
I am very suprised that the name of Ernie Ball isn't already inducted. It would be my pleasure to help in any way to make this happen.
I think adouglas is on the right track with the inserts. I'd be more than happy to fill out and send in these inserts. I would also sign any petition for this purpose.
IMHO, if dj's and record executives can be inducted...why not honor the man who strung the world, and gave them something to listen to???
I think adouglas is on the right track with the inserts. I'd be more than happy to fill out and send in these inserts. I would also sign any petition for this purpose.
IMHO, if dj's and record executives can be inducted...why not honor the man who strung the world, and gave them something to listen to???
Mr. Weaver
Active member
that string idea does seem like a good one huh. and ol'adouglas is right about the need for a foundation. we need a backbone to start something like this,before any idea like the string deal is open for the public. like say a link to the EB website ect. if we do get the public to rally for this. you must be ready and able to handle the public support.
Is there a team being put togather for this undertaking? or is it still all on paper? anywho i would like to help this effort out.
Cody
Is there a team being put togather for this undertaking? or is it still all on paper? anywho i would like to help this effort out.
Cody
stretch80
Well-known member
I definitely think EB is worthy! ...and I agree w/ the folks who've commented that the first thing to do is to figure out who the people are, and what the system for nominating and choosing is. A little planning goes a long way for something like this. BP and his team may already know a lot of what needs to be known.
I also think support from some bigger-name EB users will help in addition to us diehards...
I also think support from some bigger-name EB users will help in addition to us diehards...
oldbluebassman
Well-known member
Sounds like a very worthwhile and noble proposal. What do we have to do to assist?
shamus63
Well-known member
I like the idea...will keep an eye on this thread to see how it shapes up!
Melissa
Well-known member
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bassmancb
Well-known member
I agree with stretch80, the bigger name EB users would help the cause. The idea with the strings is a great idea.
Rano Bass
Well-known member
I think that's the key to get this started, get some familiar names up front and then the rest of us as support.
Maybe we could get Luke, Tony Levin, Petrucci, and the rest to help.
IMO.
Colin
Well-known member
bump, lets keep this idea alive
cat_empire
Well-known member
im in for sure!
I'll start giving out an many sexual favors as need be to see this done.
I'll start giving out an many sexual favors as need be to see this done.
adouglas
Well-known member
I'll start giving out an many sexual favors as need be to see this done.
Okay, darlin', you're on! Bring that sexy white beard over here and give mama some sugar!
