The Tangled Web of Confusion – Community Part 2

While perusing International Wota I saw an article from Serenyty at Happy Disco lamenting the fact there aren’t too many idol fans who are speaking their minds about the music they listen to. Some may think that’s bullshit and there are a plethora of sites out there that cover idol music. That isn’t necessarily the case.

As Ray from International Wota mentioned in his write up of the Happy Disco article there are fewer long -term bloggers out there. When I started doing this thing I remember there were a lot of well established sites that I took inspiration from. 5 years later many of them have gone the way of the dinosaur.

Those disappearances can be because of a variety of  factors but the simple fact is that they’re gone and fewer are stepping up to replace them. Perhaps people are afraid that their opinion may not be taken seriously, perhaps there’s too much dedication involved with music industries that move a much faster pace or perhaps it’s just a passing phase and people decide that blogging just isn’t their thing.

Whatever the reason it’s quite sad that there aren’t more bloggers who are writing about idols. My personal experience with this is probably different from most. Having attended events as a member of the press I have found it disheartening that there are few idol knowledgeable web media outlets. Of course there is the small circle who actually know their shit but for the most part when I’m around other media many of them are clueless about the idol group they’re covering.

That’s not a knock against anyone, I’m just calling things as I see them. I’m thinking it would be nice to at least have more actual people to intelligently discuss all these artists with while waiting for their label to deny us access. Again, I’m in a different situation than most having worked my way up to where I can actually feel comfortable to show up as press.

For those of you who are thinking of starting an idol related site I think you should really take Serenyty’s advice and go for it. You are entitled to have your say as much as anyone else. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it or that it’s a waste of time. If you enjoy idol music & the culture that surrounds it why not let everyone know?

Before you start certainly pay attention to her bad points. You’re not going to gain a following right away nor is anyone going to comment on your initial posts. Some of you may find that discouraging but that’s the way it is. It took me a good 3 – 4 years to gain a following. That required a lot of experimenting with content, analyzing traffic and surveying to get an idea of what people wanted. Through that process there was a lot of success and failure. If  you can stick with it and find your niche you’ll see there is an audience who is interested in what you are presenting or saying.

My advice to add to what Serenyty has already said is this. If you are serious about blogging about idols (or whatever music or subject interests you) do your homework so you at least sound like you know what you’re talking about. Especially if you’re doing a commentary. Cold, hard facts are always a nice thing to have to help back up whatever point you’re trying to make.

Otherwise, do what you want and just enjoy the experience.