So if you’re reading this, everything went thru OK with the site transfer.
Welcome to the NEW HBGOline.com!!! It’s been a long journey back and this is just the start of good things to come.
I’d like to start out by thanking Brian of Boomerlang Web Design for providing the templates we have used over the last 5 years. I also want to thank Casse, our new webmaster or webmistress (that just sounds kinky) for setting up the new design.
Since February of this year, I had a vision, of what the next decade of HBGOnline should look like. My first thought is that we needed to be more interactive with the site visitors. I know we have gained your respect over the years for calling it like we saw it from myself and the site staffers.
Unlike the mainstream media, we’ll give you the details from our own ears and eyes. We never rely on a press release or phone call interview.
Thus my line, “For the people, by the people”. We want our site visitors to rank and review, based upon their experiences.
I never forget that you, our site visitor, is the key to our continued success and will never lose that focus!!!
Please keep in mind this is only the start. Everyday we will be tweaking things out based upon your feedback and some other ideas I have, but have just run out of time to complete.
I can assure you by Sept., we will have the most comprehensive listings of Bands, Bars and Dining spots on the web for Central PA. We will also have a ton of money saving coupons and contests to help with those strapped for cash.
So spread the word to all your friends and let’s work together to get this beast up and running again for the betterment of the Central PA scene.
Speaking of the scene, there’s on common thing I’ve been hearing. That is, “Things have changed since you’ve been away”. Bull – Fuckin – Shit!!! There are more venues offering live music than ever before. I think the only thing that has changed is everyone is getting lazy relying on social network sites and not relying on doing the actual hard work of beating the street.
If you want success you need to promote!!! That’s doesn’t mean posting 4 bulletins on My Space a week and inviting every one of your friends on Facebook to your event once or twice a week.
I’ve seen lot’s of shows set up recently that can only result in failure. Here’s what I mean.
It seems most original shows have the same type of bands playing the whole night. So if 3 bands are lined up, you will be beating your head after the 2nd band to make it stop. It all sounds the same!!! Plus usually all 3 of the bands are inter-connected, so instead of getting 3 separate crowds, you get only 1 crowd to the show.
Perhaps bands and promoters don’t want to take a risk anymore. They want to set things up within their own comfort zone. I would highly recommend they take a risk. There is no crime in mixing a pop rock band with a metal or punk band.
Here’s what I’m talking about. I’ll put myself under the microscope.
Our website relaunch party will take place on Sept. 2nd at Dragonfly. (More details to follow soon) Bands confirmed to play the event are: Bon Fuhrer, Our After, The Jellybricks, Julian Fist and Hierosonic. That’s 5 bands with their own unique sound and crowds. Perhaps there might be a few crossover fans between Jellybrick and Julian Fist. But not that many, I can assure you.
So basically, I have 5 bands that will be bringing 5 separate crowds. Sure I’ll be pimpin’ the usual My Space and Facebook thing. But I also have a website that will spread the word. Most bands have neglected having a website and have opted instead for a MySpace or Facebook page. Bad move in my personal opinion.
I also have an email list with a couple 100 peeps that have been collected from our past shows. Do bands even bother to collect emails anymore? Damn shame, because it’s quick and inexpensive to do an email blast.
I will also have about 2000 flyers printed up. These flyers will wind up all throughout the local area. I’m talking other venue parking lots, 2nd Street parking garage, cars parked along the street and in my camera bag to hand out to everyone I see, once they have been printed.
I will also be reforming the HBGOnline Street Team. Anyone remember that one? A Street Team gives you additional help in promoting an event.
Finally, I must admit that the recent shows I’ve seen have been extremely boring. If someone pays money for a cover charge, they should be entertained for their money. There is no reason a set change over should take over 20 minutes. There is also no reason why the music in between sets, should not match the show and also work on firing up the crowd between bands.
Just like the Music Awards shows, our relaunch party will be a multi media event that will hit everyone’s senses. Many things are in the works that will happen between the bands and we will shock and inspire those in attendance. Stay tuned for more details.
I feel if anyone will give up a Thursday night to come out for our show, it is my duty to give everything I have for them to have a great time!
I could ask more than $10.00 in advance for a show of this scope, however I believe in giving all our fans something affordable and entertaining for their hard earned bucks!
This one is for you guys and gals and I give you my word that all the stops will be pulled out to make it the best show ever seen in the area for quite some time.
Perhaps this is my fair warning to venues, bands and promoters out there to step up your game. Give your fans value for the cover charge paid and keep them entertained throughout the night. Cause if you don’t, you know we will call you out.
So yes things might have changed. However you guys are the reason for the change!
I look forward to once again lighting up the area and creating a positive buzz that will showcase the true talent we are fortunate to have here in Central PA!!!
So stay tuned!!!!
Lator Gators!!!! – BigJim
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