New for '06

The last “On My Mind” article was my Top 10 Bands of 2005 list. Usually I got a ton of emails saying how bias my listings were and I don’t know what I’m talking about. This year I only got 2 emails. Both stated in their opinions, The Underwater should have been listed as number #1. Either I nailed the list or people were just to lazy to send an email.

Well here it is the start of another year. Each year I always list a bunch of things I want to do regarding HBGOnline. Usually I get about half of them accomplished. This year my list is bigger than ever. I’m never satisfied with the website because I always feel we can do more. I also feel I need to keep doing more to stay ahead of everyone else. Once you start feeling comfortable, that’s when things can take a turn for the worst.

One major change I made to the website this year is “closing off” the Message Board to the general public. Now you have to take the time to register in order to see the messages posted. Some comments were made that we are nothing more than a “porn” site disguised as an entertainment site. Also our “credibility” was called into question. I responded and received several emails stating the Message Board is what a first time visitor could see as a “sore eye” to HBGOnline. Our stats say that less than 10% of our 2000+ daily site visitors go into the Message Board. Depending on what day you go into the board, you can see some wild comments posted. I guess some of the comments could be perceived as “pornographic” in nature. So once again the Message Board has become a pain in my side and “closing it off” to the general public is my band aid solution for now. I should also mention that the Message Board pops up in a separate window because it is an extension of the website. I do not control the comments posted. Anybody can say what they want, unless it’s a personal attack.

I really want to broaden our reach in 2006 because there is so much going on in Central PA. Music will still be our focus, however I want to get into more of what the area has to offer. So I will be looking for more site staffers to assist in this mission. Anyone can be a site staffer. It is a voluntary position for now. Hopefully some day we can make a profit and start to pay people for their work, but for now free show tickets and a couple drinks are what we provide. If you are interested in becoming part of the site staffer family, send me an email with your interest.

Later this week a new website feature will be launched. “Vibez” will offer local and regional band MP3’s for purchase and download. It will be a little rough in the beginning but will be tweaked as we proceed. This new feature is an excellent opportunity for bands to make some money from their music. Think about. Whether local or national most bands have a handful of “good” songs on a CD, the rest are just filler material. So instead of getting a handful of people dropping 10 bucks for a CD, you could get 100’s possibly 1000’s, paying for your popular song. That one song could produce more money than you make selling CD’s. You also have no expense selling MP3’s, it’s pure profit to the band!!! Vibez will be a separate website from HBGOnline so we can promote to a broader audience. The store will feature music from current bands as well as music from bands no longer together. I also hope we will be able to get new music recorded by bands that is just laying around waiting for enough to make a CD. With the increasing popularity of MP3 players, digital MP3 downloads is the future of the music business. So if you have professionally recorded music, click here to find out more about getting your music listed for sale. Did I mention it was FREE to do so!

Before I go, I’d like to mention one hell of a show that will take place at Dragonfly on Feb. 17th. This is a 21+ show with 4 acts. The Gorgonites will start off the night, followed by our good friends from Baltimore, Agents of the Sun. Then The Underwater fires up followed by Hierosonic to close out the night. This will be an awesome show!!! You can see more show info and purchase tickets online by clicking here.

Well that’s all for now. Hope everyone had a great holiday!!! Buckle up your seatbelts because 2006 will be one hell of a ride!

Lator Gators - BigJim