The Life of a Salesman

March 18, 2009 - Leave a comment...

I’m frequently asked, when new fans want to buy a track or album, “what method gives you the most money?” I’m touched that a lot of people want to make sure I get the most of their hard-earned dollars when they decide to support my music. The fact is, though, that I want you to pay the sales staff.

(Wait a second, he doesn’t have a sales staff, what is he talking about?)

Photo by <A HREF='http://www.flickr.com/photos/aroberts/2282881973/' TARGET='_blank'>Andyrob</A>

Photo by Andyrob

Here’s my official take: I want you to support the people that brought you my music. If you found me on Pandora, I want you to use their affiliate links to iTunes or Amazon. If you heard me on a podcast, use their links. If you’re at one of my concerts, buy a CD and a beer along with it.

If someone or some service is actually introducing you to my music, I want them to stay in business. I want them to get a piece of my good fortune. I want to reward anyone who is helping spread the word about my music, so long as they’re doing it legitimately.

So if you’re worried about the extra $2 per CD or 9¢ per track, don’t be. Please just do what you can to keep my sales people in business. If they’re making a living, then I’m making a living!

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  • kkevilus

    As a salesperson, of sorts, I'm kind of offended, sales people are professionals, and go to work, they drive success.

    Pandora et al are the pimple-faced clerk waiting at the register, the pimp letting you do the work.

    On the other hand, as a web developer I can appreciate where you're coming from. Any/all publicity is good publicity.

  • Anonymous

    As a salesperson, of sorts, I’m kind of offended, sales people are professionals, and go to work, they drive success.

    Pandora et al are the pimple-faced clerk waiting at the register, the pimp letting you do the work.

    On the other hand, as a web developer I can appreciate where you’re coming from. Any/all publicity is good publicity.

  • kkevilus

    As a salesperson, of sorts, I'm kind of offended, sales people are professionals, and go to work, they drive success.

    Pandora et al are the pimple-faced clerk waiting at the register, the pimp letting you do the work.

    On the other hand, as a web developer I can appreciate where you're coming from. Any/all publicity is good publicity.