Articles written by J. Michael Storey

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About me - J. Michael Storey

Hello, my name is John Michael Storey (most people just call me Jack) and I am a baseless optimist. I also happen to be an artist and author, but that's second fiddle to my desire to change the world. I will often write about political issues, music business

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Entertainment > Music Business Tips for effective street teaming and music promotion: 2 of 9
I have been promoting music, be it mine or others, for the past 11 years. I'm not sure exactly why people struggle with this because it is really a natural process. When we, as people, create something, it is only expected that we want others to see/hear/feel it.Part of promoting music, maybe the most important part, is the p... More..
Entertainment > Music Business Why most indie artists fail in the music industry: 2 of 8

As a former touring musician and eternal music business optimist, I always want to exude confidence for those who pursue their dreams in this industry now. However, that's not always an easy feat, and this is one of those topics where it's even harder to be upbeat.I want to start by saying that I don't believe that you can fa... More..
Entertainment > Music Business How the music industry is killing itself: 5 of 11

A year ago, CD sales were still moderately high, radio was hanging on, and major labels were still raking it in. Thank God, today is a completely different day! Being an 11 year veteran of the music business, I am absolutely stoked about the opportunities that major label fumbles have allowed the independent artist(s). By sim... More..
Entertainment > Music Business How to become a music business consultant: 1 of 2

Being a music business consultant, I have my own biased view of what it should take to become one. I am of the firm belief that nothing trumps experience. Nothing. I believe in education and I believe that you cannot be fully suited for this job without having a solid basis of industry knowledge. These two things are key...in... More..
Entertainment > Music (Other) Which is better, vinyl records or CDs?: 22 of 42

I want to keep this short, because I believe the reason for the superiority of vinyl boils down to one easy to explain fact: it's harder to duplicate. There are a few other reasons like larger cover art, truer sound quality, limited colored editions, cost-effectiveness, but when it all comes down to it, it's just harder to st... More..
Entertainment > Music (Other) The long tail: How the internet has changed the way people buy music: 6 of 11
What's odd about the title of this article is that I just finished read a book by the same title: 'The Long Tail'. It was an absolutely stunning read and I highly recommend it to any of you who took the time to look into this article, but on to more important nonsense.How the internet has changed the way people buy music. Hum... More..
Entertainment > Music Business Music piracy: Is downloading music ethical?: 40 of 72
This issue is one that is more insistently pushed by the super rich of the music business. I have yet to really hear an independent musician complain about people downloading their catalogs for free.The reason I feel that major label's and other major music companies are so anal about this issue is simply: FEAR! It is the fea... More..
Business > Entrepreneurship (Other) Personality traits necessary for success in self-employment: 30 of 47
In the new Web 2.0 world that is being altered and manipulated around us, I believe there is nothing MORE important than Personality when it comes to success in self-employment. I like to think back to when I was little (which wasn't too long ago...think 1986) and I had to go door to door selling chocolate bars for my little ... More..
Entertainment > Music Business How to become an indie record label owner: 2 of 3

Ah, the best and/or worst situation you could ever find yourself in: starting and running an indie record label. I have done this twice now: once with a group of partners, and once on my own. I have to say that the sole operation has been a lot more simplistic and a lot less stressful, however, they both have their pros and c... More..
Business > Leadership Strategies How to tell if you are an effective leader: 28 of 34
People often talk about "being a great leader" and "are you a leader or a follower?" It is especially true in my business: Entertainment. However, I don't agree that it is important for you to decide if you are an effective leader; that decision will make itself through your actions.I'm sure we've all had that boss that has b... More..