:: The Shattered Room ::

Official ARENA Forum => Talk to the Band => Topic started by: Clive on Wed, 2007-09-19, 13:52:57

Title: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Clive on Wed, 2007-09-19, 13:52:57
Heres a question. And I would be interested to see plenty of answers (I'm kind of wondering how many people really look in on this forum, despite the theoretical figure at the top). Is there a place any more for a real Fan Club... a solid, non-virtual. You know...quarterly mags, special offers, free CDs...whatever.
Would enough people join?
Would they be prepared to pay the fees?
What can make this something that can't simply 'downloaded' by some 'freedom for the people' moron?
What could we do to make it different?

Or should we just let sleeping dogs lie?

We may have a new album next year... I was just wondering...;)

Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Nicky007 on Wed, 2007-09-19, 14:19:19
Quote from: Clive on Wed, 2007-09-19, 13:52:57
We may have a new album next year... I was just wondering...;)

Best news of the summer, Clive. Keep it up, guys!

Quote from: Clive on Wed, 2007-09-19, 13:52:57
Or should we just let sleeping dogs lie?

Let's giv'm a proper kick ;)

I'm in for anything that has to do with Arena ...... except maybe selling my apartment (I have to think of Pusle - miau).

"Set them free!"

Nicky.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: funkster on Wed, 2007-09-19, 14:42:08
An interesting notion Clive.

I suppose a decent model would be The Web which is the marillion version, details can be viewed here - http://www.marillion.com/web/index.htm

It would not be something that would appeal to me personally , i think , but i know a lot of people on the MOLF who swear by the Web and the various bits and bobs that come with it.

As a relative newcomer to Arena and maybe picking up an old thread but .... howsabout enclosing a copy of Contagion max with the first years membership  ;)

Just an idea.

PS Clive , best of luck with the new album and thanks for making such amazing music and that inclues Pendragon another band i am a recent convert to. Cheers mate.



Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: mdread666 on Wed, 2007-09-19, 15:21:26
(Clive - is this in response to my thoughts of 6th September under Twilight of the Bands ?)

Yes, a return to a non-virtual (nay real !) fan club is the way to go in my opinion to run along side this site.

Something which is apparent from this forum is that the fans really want to support the band in many ways and as long as they feel they are getting something in return, value for money and things which can not be got from other avenues then I can see why the majority on this list wouldn't want to join. So yes I believe if the above points are met then people would indeed be prepared to pay the fees.

What would make it different ? - well I loved the nature of the previous fan club CD's - the acoustic versions, the medleys, rare live tracks and alternative vocals:- these are things which appeal to the real fans and probably not so much to the file-sharing-kids ! So more of releases like these I think, plus perhaps some cover versions etc.

Perhaps you could take a leaf out of Fish's book and make each release available months earlier to fan club members or even just via the Verglas website and enhance the package beyond just the music. By this I mean say full band-signed versions, limited artwork/packaging and perhaps have an accompanying 2nd CD of  alternative vocal versions/demoes or band jamming session which could be made available to fan club members only ?

Perhaps you could send all FC members a Christmas card aswell !!
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: maddox on Wed, 2007-09-19, 17:05:26
I truly support the idea of a Fan club. Actually i never really understood why the sudden change of direction in The Cage, which if i recall correctly was the official Fan club of Arena.
Would i become a member and would i pay the fees? I for one would, though i must admit that VoicesUK (Dream Theater) is the only fanclub i'm a member of. Never been a member of anything in my whole life but that's beside the point.

Every well known band, prog or no prog, needs a fanclub. And in my world Arena is well known.  :D
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: PH on Wed, 2007-09-19, 17:30:18
I say a big "YES" to a fanclub!
I'd pay for it!
And whatever this fanclub will bring us, I'd be happy to be part of it anyway.
Very much so.

-Paco
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Lake of despond on Wed, 2007-09-19, 17:53:30
I'm in :)
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: cabo on Wed, 2007-09-19, 19:45:08
I'm in  *horns*
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Teunis on Wed, 2007-09-19, 20:41:08
I'm interested too  *horns*
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Nicky007 on Wed, 2007-09-19, 20:57:44
Quote from: maddox on Wed, 2007-09-19, 17:05:26
And in my world Arena is well known.  :D

Could you explain that, Maddox?

Because in my world, the only people who know Arena are those who've had a bugger (me) accosting them with A-music, and after several such occasions, to their surprise, they end up liking it  :)

One of the advantages of knowing me (maybe the only) is that after a while people get their radio pop replaced by great music  :)

Nicky.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Nicky007 on Wed, 2007-09-19, 21:01:51
Quote from: PH on Wed, 2007-09-19, 17:30:18
I say a big "YES" to a fanclub!
I'd pay for it!
And whatever this fanclub will bring us, I'd be happy to be part of it anyway.
Very much so.

Sounds like you're interested, Paco  ;D

Nicky.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: JJ II on Wed, 2007-09-19, 21:46:10
QuoteI'm in 

Actually: I never was out!!

Clive, what about his: paying a subscription of 40 euro with the knowledge of getting the album advance, and something extra as well (bonus disc with outtakes or video, or an excli\sive live-compilation).
A magazine would be great, but it's a hell of a job to make it.

Just send us an e-mailnewsletter more often with what you're doing (and the others). Om Jem Godrfey's (sorry to mention him again) blog we can read about the coming-together of songs, which is great.

The great thing with advance payments is that you know exactly how many CD's to make, and I'd say only do so when you have a mimimum amount of people. Make BIG publicity around the new year or so....

Whatever you come up with: I'm with you....
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: HelenDo on Wed, 2007-09-19, 22:23:17
Hi Clive

Yes I would definitely be interested in whatever form the fan club takes.

A new album in 2008 - superb news  ;D

Helen xx
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: pealo on Wed, 2007-09-19, 23:01:34
100% interested.


Have to say, one of my favourite things in years gone by was getting a christmas card signed by pendragon.

Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Clive on Thu, 2007-09-20, 00:27:35
OK... so thats about ten people so far.... wake me up when we get to 100....;)
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: johninblack on Thu, 2007-09-20, 01:00:05
Quote from: Clive on Thu, 2007-09-20, 00:27:35
OK... so thats about ten people so far.... wake me up when we get to 100....;)


89 to go. I'm in, how could I not be interested? Not too bothered about what I got for my money, just pleased to be given the chance to support the band further. I think JJII's suggestion of more frequent email updates is good. I also think that making the release date early for FC members is a great way of saying 'thanks' to the bands most loyal supporters without it costing Arena too much money.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: bluepony on Thu, 2007-09-20, 10:34:59
Quote from: Clive on Wed, 2007-09-19, 13:52:57
Is there a place any more for a real Fan Club... a solid, non-virtual.
Well, I think there has always been a place for that... But then for whatever reason (Too much work with the printed magazine maybe? Which I must admit is a reason I would totally understand, having myself contributed to a magazine and all - it IS a lot of work, especially when it's not your day job and you're doing it 'just for fun'.) The Cage turned into this online thingy - which isn't a bad idea at all, but I must say, I personally prefer the 'real thing'.


Quote from: Clive on Wed, 2007-09-19, 13:52:57
You know...quarterly mags, special offers, free CDs...whatever.
Yes! Please!! How about 'Contagion - The Max'?  ;D  Yippee! :)
(Doesn't even have to come for free - I'm prepared to pay for it, as long as this means that it will finally be available. *nudge*)


Quote from: Clive on Wed, 2007-09-19, 13:52:57
Would enough people join?
I don't know how many you consider to be 'enough'... but I know I would!!
(And I think I know a few others who wouldn't want to miss their chance to join, too. Who knows, maybe we could even get Paco to buy some CDs. ;) )


Quote from: Clive on Wed, 2007-09-19, 13:52:57
Would they be prepared to pay the fees?
Again, I can only speak for myself, but yes, I would!


Quote from: Clive on Wed, 2007-09-19, 13:52:57
What can make this something that can't simply 'downloaded' by some 'freedom for the people' moron?
Hmmm... I'm not an expert, but I'm pretty sure that there are solutions to make sure that certain files are downloaded just once. It has to do with personal user IDs, passwords and codes that work just for one single download, files that are 'copy-protected' and can be used only on the computer or MP3-player they're downloaded to etc. Like I said, I don't know exactly how this works, but I know that it works...


Quote from: Clive on Wed, 2007-09-19, 13:52:57
What could we do to make it different?
Like others here (I think it was mdread666) said: be exclusive! Give fan club members the chance to get new albums in advance, maybe have special limited editions with a second CD available only for the fanclub members, etc... I quite like the idea with the cover versions, that could be fun :) and I love the existing fan club CDs with the acoustic versions and ghost vocal tracks. It would be great to have more of that!

Quote from: Clive on Wed, 2007-09-19, 13:52:57
Or should we just let sleeping dogs lie?
Never!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Bupie on Thu, 2007-09-20, 11:23:11
Quote from: johninblack on Thu, 2007-09-20, 01:00:05

89 to go. I'm in, how could I not be interested? Not too bothered about what I got for my money, just pleased to be given the chance to support the band further. I think JJII's suggestion of more frequent email updates is good. I also think that making the release date early for FC members is a great way of saying 'thanks' to the bands most loyal supporters without it costing Arena too much money.

I'm in too, of course.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Stuart on Thu, 2007-09-20, 13:15:02
I'd be up for this too. Some of the ways to enhance this and get over the downloaders have been mentioned, but packaging is what most fans pay extra for, the booklet, signatures, little extras like additional mixes, out takes and videos of the recording process.
As JJII mentioned Jem Godfrey's View From The Cube is a great way to keep interest and an information flow on what is happening. Fish does the same with his regular emails that are also available on the web site.

Pre-Ordering is another great way to raise funds to pay for recording. Make a limited edition Digipak with an extra CD of whatever (it really doesn't matter what it is - honest), and you can take money in advance.

So I think the summary is fans want information and extras from any fan site. They need to feel they are getting something special that isn't available to everyone and has a personal touch.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: keyboardistmatt on Thu, 2007-09-20, 14:12:44
To be honest I'm not so sure that there is a place for a 'non virtual' fan club anymore.  Although I would pay the fees, and join and I like the idea of special offers, magazines and special free cd's, technology seems to have developed to a degree where all of the above can be loaded onto a computer in one way or another and shared around. 
These things don't seem to be so 'exclusive' any more, and I would say that it would be a whole lot of work which could potentially be ruined by complete tossers.  :-\
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: bellanova on Thu, 2007-09-20, 15:05:49
Yep definately. Come on everyone even if you dont post on here regularly!!!
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: ironcow2103 on Thu, 2007-09-20, 15:40:24
Quote from: Clive on Wed, 2007-09-19, 13:52:57Is there a place any more for a real Fan Club...

Didn't we used to have one? :-)

Seriously, as it is Arena, yes I'd join (or join my son up) but as I regularly forget to re-sub his Iron Maiden FC membership the question is what is it going to offer to get people to join and stay joined (I was also in the Marillion FC for a while but the mags were generally pretty boring)?

Yes, the CD's are a good idea but how about killing two birds with one stone and having a Neo-Prog FC?

You'd have more interesting material to put in a mag (no more thoughts of the bus driver, tour caterer etc), CD's (hell even CD-R's to keep costs down, Twelfth Night do it) could contain all the remix's, radio edits (something Threshold are good at - got to be worth Arena trying it for these freebie CD's on mags, ProgPower etc), acoustics, rare lives etc, which not only giving fans something would also serve to introduce bands to fans of others (I like my Prog but I am pretty ignorant  of the likes of Gallahad and Jadis - the former I found on a CR CD and it sounded pretty good as did Black Bonzo who I'd never heard of).

Just a thought...

Steve
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: mdread666 on Thu, 2007-09-20, 16:11:35
To save on running costs (printing/postage etc.) instead of a 'non-virtual' paper issue, the regular 'magazine' could be either sent via email (as mentioned by others before) or perhaps be as a members only area of the web site. Surely this would be easy to do as it would only need to be an updated version of the Cage as it currently stands, but with a lot more regular updates, interviews, photos  etc. and with contributions from ALL members of the band  ;)

Perhaps you could then just limit an actual mail out to a once yearly Membership welcome pack/renewal pack, with signed photos, membership card (for discount at gigs) plus bits-and-bobs.

What would make it special would be for signed photos, CD's etc all to be personalised.

Ideas for members only merchandise which would really appeal to me (which would be fairly easy and cheap for you to do I believe) would be to re-release all the past fan club DVD's but in slightly better packaging with better picture quality (if possible) and proper chapter breaks/menus, and also to transfer the old videos onto DVD (and I do mean the 'old' videos - the likes of Lionhearted, Open Your Eyes and Story of My Life - surely, somewhere you still have the masters or at least copies of these ?). But the main thing I would really like (don't know about anyone else ?) would be for the audio of all of these DVD's to be made into proper CD's.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Stuart on Thu, 2007-09-20, 16:35:05
As Clive says - let's see who really reads these forums. Let's face it if there are only a handful of fans willing to read and contribute to a free forum, how many would actually pay money?

If you look at the forum activity, out of  the 545 registered members, only 60 have posted 40+ posts.

There are a staggering  192 members who have NEVER posted. OK some of them may lurk and read posts, but that's a huge number.

An additional 198 have posted 5 times or less.

HALF of ALL posts on the site are contributed by SEVEN people, yes only SEVEN.

Out if the 23585 total posts, 20,000 were contributed by only 45 people.

From this there is almost no way there will be 100 individual replies to this thread in support of a paid for fan club

Sad, very sad. What will it take to get fans off their rears and do something positive for the bands they will so quickly complain about were they to disappear?
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: mdread666 on Thu, 2007-09-20, 16:40:33
Quote from: ironcow2103 on Thu, 2007-09-20, 15:40:24
Yes, the CD's are a good idea but how about killing two birds with one stone and having a Neo-Prog FC?

Well, hopefully if the 'mag' is done properly and includes all members' side projects then it should cover quite a slice of the prog world  :)

Perhaps you could have a contribution from a different 'guest' artist each issue, but my view would be to keep it primarily Arena based.

A thought Clive - could you not also generate some revenue from the mag by seeing if you could get some advertisers on board ? - online CD/DVD retailers for example, specialising in prog.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: mdread666 on Thu, 2007-09-20, 17:13:22
Quote from: Stuart on Thu, 2007-09-20, 16:35:05
As Clive says - let's see who really reads these forums. Let's face it if there are only a handful of fans willing to read and contribute to a free forum, how many would actually pay money?

If you look at the forum activity, out of  the 545 registered members, only 60 have posted 40+ posts.

There are a staggering  192 members who have NEVER posted. OK some of them may lurk and read posts, but that's a huge number.

An additional 198 have posted 5 times or less.

HALF of ALL posts on the site are contributed by SEVEN people, yes only SEVEN.

Out if the 23585 total posts, 20,000 were contributed by only 45 people.

From this there is almost no way there will be 100 individual replies to this thread in support of a paid for fan club

Sad, very sad. What will it take to get fans off their rears and do something positive for the bands they will so quickly complain about were they to disappear?

But how many of those post were directly related to Arena ?

Personally I don't choose to join in a thread about the Afterlife, Yay, or the price of fish (OK I made the last one up  ;D ) I log on to the Shattered Room to find out things that are happening in the world of Arena and I suspect that the 192 who have never posted and the 198 who have only posted 5 times or less do the same. Sadly I think some of the blame lies at the feet of Arena - sorry Clive  ;D

When this forum took over from the official Cage fan club, apart from trying to reach a wider audience it was supposed to be to allow a closer connection with the band and find out things direct from them and a lot sooner than waiting a couple of months for the latest mag to drop through the letter box. Sadly (as I mention in my post under the thread Twilight of the Bands) I don't think this has happen.

An example would be that Keyboardistmatt posted a new topic in Talk To The Band on 21st June asking how the new album is coming along as it has been a long time and as yet there has been no reply from the band. Also the last Verglas newsletter was sent out nearly a year ago now (28th September - also last news update on web site) and what do we know about how the album has been coming along in that time - erm, not a lot !! As I had mentioned before, now that it's been left to just Clive to contribute to this forum and he has a lot on with many fingers in many different pies he obviously has more important things to worry about than updating us by way of this site. Hopefully if we can get a new fan club up and running and  it's the responsibility of others to do it (Marcel, Erik and guys ??) then the flow of information should return at least to the level it was before the Cage ceased, which is what I certainly want. If that were the case then I would certainly like to think that many of the lurkers out there would join, although that remains to be seen !!

So lurkers - can we have your thoughts please !! If a new fan club is to get of the ground we need you !
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Stuart on Thu, 2007-09-20, 19:19:04
Quote from: mdread666 on Thu, 2007-09-20, 17:13:22
But how many of those post were directly related to Arena ?

A great point, and the scary truth is over 18000 posts are in the non-arena areas, so only around 5500 max are Arena related, less than 25%.

So 'Now listening to', 'My Current Mood' and the 'Price of Fish' are 3 times as interesting to the forum members than Arena  ;)
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: jeffMc on Thu, 2007-09-20, 19:24:21
Hey,

I am always willing to donate money to good causes. Arena's music makes my day, worth the price of admission.

JeffMc

Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Nicky007 on Thu, 2007-09-20, 19:44:56
Stuart and Mdread666, for all of us, Arena is the main reason we're here, in any case considering all those who've posted. Apart from Arena, we have very different interests.

The setup of the Room, I guess mainly devised by the Captain, invites to discussions about a lot of stuff beyond Arena, and I personally have benefitted in the following ways, just to name a few, apart from Arena-related matters:

- I've been informed about many other great groups, which I've tested on i.a. MySpace, occasionally leading to a valuable purchase
- I've been involved in very interesting discussions within i.a. culture, history, politics and metaphysics
- I've found some "friends" (it's this "sort of" thingy) with whom I share a love of great music, religious involvement, outrageous humor, and many other things.

I post on subjects that interest me, and avoid (i.e. just read) the others. That works well with me and many other roomies.

I'd also like to use this occasion to thank Cap for having "built" a great ship, and skippering it well, which has given me many hours of enjoyment and edification, and I think I'm speaking for many other roomies here too.

Nicky.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: wagner on Thu, 2007-09-20, 19:53:39
Quote from: Clive on Wed, 2007-09-19, 13:52:57
Heres a question. And I would be interested to see plenty of answers (I'm kind of wondering how many people really look in on this forum, despite the theoretical figure at the top). Is there a place any more for a real Fan Club... a solid, non-virtual. You know...quarterly mags, special offers, free CDs...whatever.
Would enough people join?
Would they be prepared to pay the fees?
What can make this something that can't simply 'downloaded' by some 'freedom for the people' moron?
What could we do to make it different?

Or should we just let sleeping dogs lie?

We may have a new album next year... I was just wondering...;)



Just to show how the piratebay site deal with band like us on their site... and that it's just one of them...here some example of correspondence... It's not just with us it's with big names as well Microsoft, etc...I didn't know but what you create is yours and you have the right to do what you want with it... not other, no?




Hi,

I would think that you would have to not release anything to the public
at all in order to not let people spread the work if they like it. A bit
more boring alternative would be to make crap that nobody cares about.

// Peter

Nathalie lebreux wrote:
> Hi mate!
> What a stupid answer!  This is our music, if you don't have it removed
> soon, we will go to our copyright legal department and we will take it
> further... If peoples love Arena so much they should support them to
> keep them alive and pay for the right to have the music... I don't know
> what you do for living but would you do it for free? It's the same for
> the music...
>
> Nathalie Pointer
> Verglas Music


before we go to far here, i would suggest you go read our previous legal
threats and read up on who we are and what we do.
http://thepiratebay.org/legal
http://thepiratebay.org/about

It's not up to you to decide anymore how people share their music and
creativity. And note, i wouldn't think it's YOUR music, i would suggest
it's MUSIC and music should be enjoyed by everybody. I know you probably
don't understand the new world, but face it - it's reality. people share
stuff, always have, always will do. We don't even do anything illegal so
we will keep the legal .torrent-files on our website until our
harddrives break. And we backups for the new harddrives we will get when
that happens anyhow.

I develop web sites for a living. And they are all free for the users to
use. And I would do it for free since I love it.
And you know what? It's still possible to make money on stuff that's free.

// Peter
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Nicky007 on Thu, 2007-09-20, 19:59:27
I'm sorry, Wagner and Smegal, but even with the greatest effort, I usually don't understand your posts, and unless my intelligence is way below that of other roomies, I expect that this is a general problem.

If you would like us to benefit from your posts, then please be clearer  :)

Nicky.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Crownie on Thu, 2007-09-20, 20:35:54
Clive, You can count me in for Fan Club membership.  This would be an ideal way of getting news first!  More input from band members would be great 'cos there isn't a lot of that on the forum (not nearly enough).  And obviously, from your point of view, it has to be cost effective so I'm willing to pay a subscription.  And why not?  I already pay a subscription to the CRS.

Hilary
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: ironcow2103 on Thu, 2007-09-20, 20:42:00
Quote from: mdread666 on Thu, 2007-09-20, 16:40:33
Well, hopefully if the 'mag' is done properly and includes all members' side projects then it should cover quite a slice of the prog world  :)

A good idea - the reason I suggested a broader approach was:

i) Clive's post about Pallas and the gradual death of Neo-Prog. I didn't respond to it but it did occur to me that many fans are very particular to specific bands and not genres thesedays (in the old days I recall you pretty much liked everything from Maiden to Marillion and Metallica to boot - just look at the old Donnington and Reading line ups). I think fans need to develop wider appreciation and as Clive says support these bands (trust you are all coming to see the Twelfth Night reunion!)
ii) The fact that we don't all go out and buy stuff from all Neo-Prog bands and maybe a shared approach might get Arena fans supporting other bands like Pallas, Pallas fans supporting Arena, IQ ans supporting Arena etc. (...and maybe old Marillion fans could find life after Clutching At Straws)
iii) Clive is doing it with Neo as a band (not sure the song choices on Broadcast were the most commercially sound but I did enjoy it) so why not a Neo FC for the genre?

Steve
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: maddox on Thu, 2007-09-20, 20:54:45
Seven truly posters and a bunch of others aren't a reason why you/we/whoever shouldn't start a fan club. Maybe the shattered room is the official Arena-forum but the members on this forum aren't the only one who buy Arena's CD's. That's got nothing to do with how much someone post on this forum.

Idea: How about starting the fanclub and while doing that re-issue some albums, for instance the first three, with a bonus disk, doesn't have to be that fancy but interesting enough for old and new fans/listeners and while doing that put a subscription card for the Fan club in the CD case?

Just an idea on top of all the other ideas.  ;D
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: wagner on Fri, 2007-09-21, 10:59:29
Quote from: Nicky007 on Thu, 2007-09-20, 19:59:27
I'm sorry, Wagner and Smegal, but even with the greatest effort, I usually don't understand your posts, and unless my intelligence is way below that of other roomies, I expect that this is a general problem.

If you would like us to benefit from your posts, then please be clearer  :)

Nicky.

Hi Nicky007!

m sorry, m trying to use the best of my English for you to understand... What I want to say is that We have a lot of Arena songs and Albums being downloaded illegally and my point was to show all how this peeps deal with bands. That just one of the site I found. We are not the only one I know! but If all the musicians, record label etc... put their heads together m sure we can stop all that... I always paid for my music why not the new generation do the same??? I understand the this is how young people get there music now but is it not us who need to educate them on that?

Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Nicky007 on Fri, 2007-09-21, 11:03:31
Quote from: jeffMc on Thu, 2007-09-20, 19:24:21
I am always willing to donate money to good causes. Arena's music makes my day, worth the price of admission.

Nicely put, Jeff. I can subscribe to that too. And having been around on the net, I'm convinced that there are thousands of music lovers for whom "Arena's music makes their day". And isn't that better than having millions of people who can't distinguish between the one or other ham?

I want the Arena guys to realise that now while they're brainstorming for the album and when they go into the studio, all of us true fans are there with them  :)

Nicky.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Nicky007 on Fri, 2007-09-21, 11:06:12
Quote from: wagner on Fri, 2007-09-21, 10:59:29
m sorry, m trying to use the best of my English for you to understand...

Thanks, Wagner. This time I did understand your post, and it pleased me to see that you had an important point to make.

Just a slight correction: I couldn't quite get what your "peeps" were, but they seem to be "creeps"   :)

Nicky.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: HelenDo on Fri, 2007-09-21, 23:08:56
I totally agree with mdread66. I stopped visiting this forum & posting for quite a while until very recently because there wasn't any news from the band. I often just come on here as a guest, because I don't expect to post anything.

If this forum is to be the buzzing place it was when Pepper's Ghost was released & during the associated tour, we need something new to discuss about Arena!

Helen xx
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: wagner on Sat, 2007-09-22, 13:10:24
Quote from: Nicky007 on Fri, 2007-09-21, 11:06:12
Thanks, Wagner. This time I did understand your post, and it pleased me to see that you had an important point to make.

Just a slight correction: I couldn't quite get what your "peeps" were, but they seem to be "creeps"   :)

Nicky.

yeh! m using peeps but can't use the other name but personally I think the same... hihi!
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: JJ II on Sat, 2007-09-22, 17:22:20
Quotewe need something new to discuss about Arena

Indeed. Clive, your working on some great work, please tell us about it. John is recording for It Bites, which is interesting to write about, Rob does have some interesting news of another nature, I beleive. And Mick and Ian, what are they doing at the moment.

I'd even love to know more about Jowitt and Wrightson and their new Blind Ego thing. Fish's weblogs are quite interesting and even the small news-snippets of a mr. Nick Davis (producer for Genesis), who is keeping the fans up to date about the mixing of the live-DVD and the live album, are very interesting.

So please.... give us some news.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: wagner on Sun, 2007-09-23, 10:55:17
Quote from: JJ II on Sat, 2007-09-22, 17:22:20
Indeed. Clive, your working on some great work, please tell us about it. John is recording for It Bites, which is interesting to write about, Rob does have some interesting news of another nature, I beleive. And Mick and Ian, what are they doing at the moment.

I'd even love to know more about Jowitt and Wrightson and their new Blind Ego thing. Fish's weblog's are quite interesting and even the small news-snippets of a mr. Nick Davis (producer for Genesis), how is keeping the fans up to date about the mixing of the live-DVD and the live album are very interesting.

So please.... give us some news.

I have a little news... Mr Pointer and Mr Mitchell got together this week to write the next album.... :) hihi!
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Peter on Sun, 2007-09-23, 13:50:06
Quote from: wagner on Sun, 2007-09-23, 10:55:17
I have a little news... Mr Pointer and Mr Mitchell got together this week to write the next album.... :) hihi!

Wow, now THAT'S great news indeed!

1) I'm totally member of the fanclub-to-be(-again). And my wife, too, if just for the fee :)
I like things to be old-fashioned, sometimes. I don't like downloading individual songs from a label site, I like to buy a CD with inlay and everything. And I'd like to be a paying member of a fan club, that issues special stuff from time to time, and might still earn some revenue for the band.

2) I believe we're discussing several things in this thread, and the pirate stuff should definitely go in the Twilight of the bands (http://shattered-room.net/index.php?topic=1052.0) thread or even a new one.

3)
a) The problem we're running into is: fans might be interested in (almost) everything that goes on in band members' lives, but band members might not be so interested to share that stuff. That's a discrepancy that has to be bridged, may it be by a statement that it is either so or not so. Like that everybody would become aware of the attitudes.
b) As it turns out, by running this forum for a certain while now, Arena isn't the center of the band members' lives, but just one aspect. Still, this would be enough to create content for mags/blogs etc. to put in funny images or videos from tours, recording sessions, birthday parties, whatever. And: Yes, it would be additional work, making choices of material, putting it together, write something about that again, etc.

Might it be an idea to have a sort of Verglas-family-fanclub? More possible input is the keynote here...
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Highfire on Mon, 2007-09-24, 14:24:42
I have NO DOUBT.

I'd join since the first day, so my vote goes for the YEEEES PLEEEAAASE!!!
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Pascalj on Mon, 2007-09-24, 15:09:54
In the past i was a Cage's member, i join the new fan-club as soon as it start  *ola*
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: PH on Mon, 2007-09-24, 15:19:25
So that's about 10 lurkers/non-active forummembers to add to the usual hard core roomies.

That's already quite some subscribers!
And if there would be more advertising then I'm sure even more will think this is a good idea!
Be sure to have this in the progressive rock magazines (like iO Pages, or maybe some other fanclub magazines from other (related) bands) or maybe put it on the website and try to get it on the official websites of Marillion, Pendragon and other (related) bands. ;)

Also Progwereld, DPRP, ProgArchives should get to know this.


-Paco
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: mdread666 on Mon, 2007-09-24, 16:10:49
Quote from: PH on Mon, 2007-09-24, 15:19:25
That's already quite some subscribers!

And if there would be more advertising then I'm sure even more will think this is a good idea!

Perhaps even a just quick update on the main Arena web site about a possible fan club with a direct link to this thread would generate a few more responses - currently we are only advertising to this forum !
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: PH on Mon, 2007-09-24, 16:29:22
Quote from: mdread666 on Mon, 2007-09-24, 16:10:49Perhaps even a just quick update on the main Arena web site about a possible fan club with a direct link to this thread would generate a few more responses - currently we are only advertising to this forum !

Yes, we need to step out and reach as many people as possible.
On websites such as progarchives.com, perhaps insideout.de, or what to think of DPRP and Progwereld.


Oh wait, I said that before...


-Paco


EDIT: or progressive rock internet radio programmes!
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Stuart on Mon, 2007-09-24, 19:34:53
Someone must have an email list of folks who previously joined The Cage. Why not email that list and ask who is interested in a new fan club and ask for feedback on what they would like to see.

Anyone know how many cage members there ever were? I only found out about it and joined after it became free.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: mdread666 on Tue, 2007-09-25, 08:59:26
Well my old fan club membership number was 894 so there were considerably more members of the Cage than there are registered on this forum (even if the numbering started at 100 !)
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: mdread666 on Tue, 2007-09-25, 10:32:59
I have now joined and posted a new thread on the Pendragon forum so hopefully we'll get a few making the short journey over to here.

I will make the suggestion again here now that I think a quick update on the main Arena web site about the possibility of a fan club should be made - give us a fair crack at getting enough people interested to make it worth Clive's while. (if people don't know about it they can't say whether or not they'd be intereted !!)
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Tue, 2007-09-25, 12:56:27
Quote from: mdread666 on Tue, 2007-09-25, 08:59:26
Well my old fan club membership number was 894 so there were considerably more members of the Cage than there are registered on this forum (even if the numbering started at 100 !)

Hi there, I used to send the membership packages (magazine and fanclub cd's) to all the new members of The Cage until The Cage became an internet-only fanclub. I just wanted to point out that it doesn't say anything that your membership number was 894, thus implying there were at least 894 members in The Cage at the time.
For example, if there were 150 members in the first year of The Cage's existance and only 100 renewed at the end of the year, all the new members would get a membership number from 150 onwards. Even though there were already 100 existing members. Do you get what I mean?

To add to the discussion: I would find it really great if The Cage resurrected in one way or another!

Tom
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: mdread666 on Tue, 2007-09-25, 13:34:43
Quote from: The Butterfly Man on Tue, 2007-09-25, 12:56:27
For example, if there were 150 members in the first year of The Cage's existance and only 100 renewed at the end of the year, all the new members would get a membership number from 150 onwards. Even though there were already 100 existing members. Do you get what I mean?

I do get what you mean, that is to say that it doesn't necessarily mean that there were 894 current members, but it still means that there were at least 894 unique members spread out over the lifespan of The Cage. That is still quite an improvement on the 546 members listed for this site!
It would perhaps be interesting to see how it compares to the number of people who have registered for the online Cage - do you have access to that info ?

Quote from: The Butterfly Man on Tue, 2007-09-25, 12:56:27
To add to the discussion: I would find it really great if The Cage resurrected in one way or another!

Excellent !



Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: cabo on Tue, 2007-09-25, 15:34:28
One way to reach all members is to send an mail through the forum to registred members emailaddress. I don't know if this forum has such an option but if such a mail was send i believe more would sign up for a new fan club. In every forum there are a lot of lurkers that will show up f.i. whenever a new album of tour is on.

F.I. i have been on a Van Halen forum for 12 years, and every time there is some news about an album or a tour the forum explodes :)
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: erik on Tue, 2007-09-25, 15:48:46
Quote from: mdread666 on Tue, 2007-09-25, 13:34:43
It would perhaps be interesting to see how it compares to the number of people who have registered for the online Cage - do you have access to that info ?
Over a thousand, but the list is flawed as it contains many invalid e-mail adresses and double entries. Also, as it's for free, it doesn't give an indication of how many people would be willing to pay a membership fee. Still, it's an impressive number and it does give an indication of how many people are more than averagely interested in the band (just like the number of subscribers to the Verglas newsletter does, don't know what that number currently is).

What would fans be willing to pay for; I second what has been said by many others: give members something exclusive, both in terms of material (exclusive cd's/bonus tracks etc) as well as inside information (interviews, studio diaries etc).

A "non-virtual" fanzine is great of course, but it's a hell of lot of work! Writing, editing, lay out, getting it printed and then putting it in envelopes to send it out to the database you have to keep up to date, it's a demanding task I know ::) Also, the internet allows for news to be spread fast, so with a magazine you're always running behind and you will have to compensate this with (e-mail) newsletters in between. A magazine should then complement this with the more in depth stuff. Besides the effort that has to be put into a fanzine, keeping it "virtual" means you save printing and postage costs, which lowers the membership fee (this is one of the main reasons why The Cage changed to this).

The Marillion Web model is a prime example of how it can be done but is not easy to build and maintain: they have "sub-Webs" in various countries (The Web Holland, The Web Germany, etc.) that bring out magazines in their respective languages and all members receive an exclusive Christmas cd every year with interesting material. But for that you need a lot of members and a lot of volunteers to make it all happen! A worldwide club with a universal English magazine is a more feasible option.

Besides the Web fan clubs, Marillion have more acitivities that may serve as an inspiration: they offer a plethora of releases on their Racket label (live cd's, DVD's, making of's, Front Row Club series), they host great fan Conventions/Weekends which are attended by fans from all over the world and their website is excellent.

To conclude, I suppose the thing to reinvigorate the interest in Arena would be the release of a new album and a subsequent tour. As Arena are on a sort of hiatus at the moment, activity here on the forum and also at The Cage is running low (btw, we will soon be putting an interview we did a while ago with Mick and Clive on our website! I'll post here to let you all know when it's out).
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: dacook on Tue, 2007-09-25, 21:24:30
Hi, Clive

First, thanks to mdread666 for pointing this out on the Pendragon forums.  :)

I am more than happy to support the bands that I love to make this great music, including fan clubs, paying in advance for albums (the Marillion and Mostly Autumn model) and so on. I look forward to a new Arena album and would love to see you in concert, although to date, no venue you have gigged at in the UK have ever confirmed to me if they allow children in. I would never visit a gig without my (13 year old) daughter, as she's a huge music fan. As well as her "pop pap", she loves prog (since she first heard it in 2000, she's loved "The Butterfly Man"!).

I know how traffic on a website can wane as I help run www.ex5tech.com, a support site for the Yamaha EX5 Synthesizer, and traffic wise it is so quiet compared to 2001 when we took it over. But we still have a core of fans and new users, and so we still run it.

I tend to watch the Pendragon forum, but don't post too often when things are quiet regarding band activity and you don't hear often from the Pendragon lads on the forum, which is a shame. I'm sure it would be more active if they "dropped in" a little more often and took part in the discussions.

If this forum is active and it's a chance to interact with both fans and the band then I'm happy to give it a go. :)

And a fan club that gives the fans a little extra, I'm more than happy to support.





Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: mdread666 on Wed, 2007-09-26, 08:53:24
Welcome dacook - nice to have you on board  :)

Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: JJ II on Wed, 2007-09-26, 11:42:10
QuoteI suppose the thing to reinvigorate the interest in Arena would be the release of a new album and a subsequent tour.

I think this is too easy said. People tend to shift attention to other music and activities in silent periods. I think when there's a long hiatus, without news, you lose interest ánd a certain level of attention. I've spoken to people who simply 'missed' Pepper's Ghost. Let alone the interesting side projects the band-members do.

If you are Genesis, you can recreate that attention, if you're Arena or IQ or Landmarq, probably not. It's like on TV, people 'ZAP' away once there seems to be something interesting elsewhere.

There must be a way to create a news letter, even if it's not a paper one, but a decent pdf (like our Biography was), with lots of news, stories, reviews, etc. With a regulair update and pre-sale offers and other exclusive items. The original plan after the demise of the magazine wás to have a very active newsletter, frequent updates of the website and interesting offers (Contagion The Max, e.g.) but not much of that happened, simply because neither the band nor The Cage have provided the infrastructure or content to create this flow of information.

For example, it was fans who brought in the news about Blind Ego, the Caamore EP's, etc. from other sources. There is no addes values of being subscribed if your not 'the first to know'. I realize that not everyone is interested in all the side-project, but at least it keeps the flow of information going and you keep 'connected'.

Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Nicky007 on Wed, 2007-09-26, 12:58:37
Quote from: JJ II on Wed, 2007-09-26, 11:42:10
I realize that not everyone is interested in all the side-projects, but at least it keeps the flow of information going and you keep 'connected'.

I very much subscribe to this, JJ.

I must admit that I find Arena far more exciting than any of the sideprojects (although I'm not that familiar with Caamora, there seems to be a lot of depth to this one, if Clive spent 25 years on it), and therefore I've been pleading strongly for the guys to concentrate on A; but I certainly find some of the sideprojects - particularly Kino - very enjoyable, and I find all sideprojects interesting in some way or other.

I think it's natural for fans to be interested in the musicians, particularly their musical explorations.

So, to add up, imo the coming fan club should be open to all information about Arena sideprojects, but of course in a structured way, so that the people interested in solely Arena aren't bothered. Now that storage is no longer a problem, this inclusiveness oughtn't either be.

Info and discussions on other bands, metaphysics, whims etc. could suitably remain in The Shattered Room, at least initially.

Nicky.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: erik on Wed, 2007-09-26, 13:35:14
Quote from: JJ II on Wed, 2007-09-26, 11:42:10
I think this is too easy said. People tend to shift attention to other music and activities in silent periods. I think when there's a long hiatus, without news, you lose interest ánd a certain level of attention. I've spoken to people who simply 'missed' Pepper's Ghost. Let alone the interesting side projects the band-members do.

If you are Genesis, you can recreate that attention, if you're Arena or IQ or Landmarq, probably not. It's like on TV, people 'ZAP' away once there seems to be something interesting elsewhere.
I see your point and I agree that a long silence causes a loss of attention and interest, but I think you should distinguish between hard core fans and people with a more passing interest. The first group will stick around, the latter you may lose, but they're not the ones who will subscribe to a fanclub that has to be paid for anyway. I do not mean to say that long silences are no problem, quite the contrary, I think you should keep the interest very much alive, at least with frequent newsletters and an active website. If there's a period with more activity in related projects than the band itself, then report about those, I think there are enough people who are interested in those activities as well. Still, the best way to keep the flame alive is to release a new Arena album. That's what I was trying to say.

Quote from: JJ II on Wed, 2007-09-26, 11:42:10
There must be a way to create a news letter, even if it's not a paper one, but a decent pdf (like our Biography was), with lots of news, stories, reviews, etc. With a regulair update and pre-sale offers and other exclusive items. The original plan after the demise of the magazine wás to have a very active newsletter, frequent updates of the website and interesting offers (Contagion The Max, e.g.) but not much of that happened, simply because neither the band nor The Cage have provided the infrastructure or content to create this flow of information.

For example, it was fans who brought in the news about Blind Ego, the Caamore EP's, etc. from other sources. There is no addes values of being subscribed if your not 'the first to know'. I realize that not everyone is interested in all the side-project, but at least it keeps the flow of information going and you keep 'connected'.
I agree that there has to be a way to create a frequent newsletter and active website with exclusive news and goodies, and that this has not yet materialized with the new Cage set up. You need two things to achieve this: 1) a committed group of volunteers wiling to put time and effort into it and 2) a continued commitment of the band itself. The Cage team has had as many line up changes as the band itself, but there's still a group of people including myself who want to be keepers of the flame. However, lately it doesn't seem to have been on the priority list of the band, in concordance with their "Arena time out" and occupation with other projects and activities. Contagion The Max simply just won't materialize eventhough it's been promised ages ago and is basically ready, and the flow of information has been scant. I fully understand that Clive is absorbed by Caamora/the She project which is his long time dream fulfilled, but, as said before, such an important side project can also serve as a way to keep the interest alive and can also be channeled through the fan club. Add to this the technical problems The Cage has been plagued with (with the domain name of the website, the log in system and the newsletter tool) and it all dwindles. Indeed, this forum has now become the primary source for news about Arena and related projects.

Quoting Clive's initial post:
Quote from: Clive on Wed, 2007-09-19, 13:52:57Or should we just let sleeping dogs lie?
You should feed the dog, otherwise it starves! ;)
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Nicky007 on Wed, 2007-09-26, 13:37:00
Quote from: JJ II on Wed, 2007-09-26, 11:42:10
I think this is too easily said. People tend to shift attention to other music and activities in silent periods. I think when there's a long hiatus, without news, you lose interest ánd a certain level of attention. I've spoken to people who simply 'missed' Pepper's Ghost. Let alone the interesting side projects the band-members do.

I think you also have an important point here, JJ.

We are very fortunate to live in a time when an overwhelming amount of great music is being created. That's of course nice for us proggies, but hard for the groups, because we have literally hundreds of topnotch groups competing for the attention of a few million listeners, who mostly don't have much money.

Here in the Room, we obviously don't have the capacity to caretake for all these wonderful groups, so we should concentrate on Arena and sideprojects and do everything possible to bring their music out to all the people who can enjoy it, and as you stress, JJ, keep the fans tuned in.

Nicky.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Pedro on Tue, 2007-10-02, 21:47:03
Hi everyone,
Late to the party but still keen!
Yes I'd pay to be a member of a fan club that I thought was worthwhile.
Of course, that is a fairly open-ended statement but, to give an example, I am a paid-up member of the Rick Wakeman fan club and for that I get a well presented newsletter that doesn't really tell me much and what it does tell me is usually out of date....BUT I love Rick so I consider it worthwhile.
So, I love Arena and I would definitely be interested in a paid for fan club that provided something even marginally special.
I like the idea of fan-funded projects - pre-paying for CDs or DVDs.
Maybe an intimate gig, deliberately small venue, limited crowd - like the Magenta Gathering DVD project.
Anyway, enough rambling - I could have trashed all that and just said "I'm in"!  ::)
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: johninblack on Wed, 2007-10-03, 13:38:45
Quote from: Pedro on Tue, 2007-10-02, 21:47:03
I could have trashed all that and just said "I'm in"!  ::)



I don't think you could mate, short posts ain't your style!
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Nick B on Wed, 2007-10-03, 20:20:43
Quote from: dacook on Tue, 2007-09-25, 21:24:30

I tend to watch the Pendragon forum, but don't post too often when things are quiet regarding band activity and you don't hear often from the Pendragon lads on the forum, which is a shame. I'm sure it would be more active if they "dropped in" a little more often and took part in the discussions.


Steady on fella!  A bit unfair I think!! To be honest I can't think of any forum that has regular postings from ANY band members, except perhaps Frost* and Fish's mailing list.

I usually post something on Nick's Ramblings + News at least once a month and include personal and rare pictures, this is usually a fairly indepth thing with lots of news and views etc. I always read the forum and answer any questions that are put forward to me and always have done. This is something that has always been very important [remember back in the Mob days and hand written letters to fans?] and I certainly don't think people feel we just can't be arsed to get involved now.

And the response we get?

Very little compared to the 1,000 hits a day on the site and I really feel that most people simply want to check for  news. It is probably true to say that cyber world is a totally different place from the real world!

There is a stack of work that needs to get done at Pendragon HQ everyday, and we work long hours, but most of that time goes into  organising gigs, writing the new album and keeping the whole thing afloat . In the words of Merrill Osmond, "what the audience actually see is quite literally 1% of the workload that goes in to a show"

Regards

Nick

Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Nicky007 on Wed, 2007-10-03, 23:29:06
I was just about to complain that somebody had stolen my name, when I started reading the post and quickly realised who this Nick B is  :)

So, welcome, Nick Barrett. It's an honor to have you here.

Nicky (Brown).
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Lake of despond on Fri, 2007-10-05, 14:38:43
Welcome Nick!! :)

We actually appreciate very much your effort and time for all those interesting news in a diary form you provide us with, and no matter how 'dead' forums can look there are many people in the background who are reading it. On this forum Clive is involved too and it's always great to catch your posts from time to time...

Keep on rocking,
we love ya!
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: maddox on Fri, 2007-10-05, 14:41:44
Hey, welcome to the room, Nick B. It's a pleasure having you here!.  8)
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Appelmoes?? on Sat, 2007-10-06, 15:24:06
To be honoust, personally I could do without a fanclub actually, but I do think Arena should have one. Comparing to Ayreon Arena doesn't have a really big "internet"-fanbase so a fanclub would be very usefull to keep people updated and informed about the bands business.
I don't need because I will probably hear most stuff through this forum.

So I vote: To be.

(And good luck to the Arena-guys while they are working on a new album :))

Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: GERWING on Fri, 2007-10-12, 16:14:33
Firstly I will introduce myself, I'm Gerwin from the Nehterlands and for years a big Arena fan.

So, to give an answer on to be or not to be, for me it is to be!

Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Appelmoes?? on Fri, 2007-10-12, 18:34:41
Hi Gerwing *horns*
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: maddox on Sat, 2007-10-13, 00:41:04
Hidihow, Gerwing. Welcome to the Room.  8)
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: niggly69 on Thu, 2007-10-18, 12:06:49
You can count me in.Whatever shape or form a fan club takes,I would be happy to pay membership fees as long as it would be an ongoing venture and not something that folds just after we part with our cash.
A great idea would be fan club only CD's or limited edition packages containing an extra disc.
Why not mirror what Marillion did,get people to sign up for a new album,pay for it in advance,produce a deluxe version containing an extra disc and then print all the subscibers names in the booklet !
Either way,bonus stuff is always welcome by real fans which I think is the way to go.
As I said,count me in whatever happens !
PS - A new album - great !
A tour - brilliant - keep South Wales in mind - The Point in Cardiff is a great venue - www.thepointcardiffbay.com

Cheers,
Nigel.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Niquicho on Wed, 2007-11-07, 00:09:31
Maybe I'm an old fashioned romantic but I liked the magazine we had. There's nothing better than to feel the paper, smell it and put it away just to postpone the fun a bit. In other words, I would like to see The Cage once again as an active Fan Club with a real mag.

Regarding the online community thing: I just have to force myself and sit down behind the computer before I get on the net, go to some site, read al the previous posts and comment. (I'm behind a computer all day at work and that's already more than I'd like). I was informed about this thread a long while ago but it took me a few weeks to create time. What I want to say: there might be a huge potential of fans out there who don't check this forum (as I didn't until recently).

The coma of The Cage was a result of several aspects, a lack of fans NOT being one of them. (Just remember the last fanclub meeting at De Boerderij.). Some people inside The Cage are still up for it. If Arena are as well then what are we waiting for? Let's start preparing now and launch the new Cage mag together with Arena's next album.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Jannemannen on Wed, 2007-11-07, 21:01:52
 :) Greetings from sweden

I'll say a big YES to a fanclub, go for it. Looking forward to your next album.  ;)

mvh Janne Andersson
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: maddox on Wed, 2007-11-07, 21:05:24
Quote from: Jannemannen on Wed, 2007-11-07, 21:01:52
:) Greetings from sweden

I'll say a big YES to a fanclub, go for it. Looking forward to your next album.  ;)

mvh Janne Andersson

Greetings back.  ;D

Sorry, couldn't resist.  ;)

Well the votes for 'go' are coming in rapidly. Which is good.  8)
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: PH on Wed, 2007-11-07, 21:15:43
Quote from: Jannemannen on Wed, 2007-11-07, 21:01:52
:) Greetings from sweden

I'll say a big YES to a fanclub, go for it. Looking forward to your next album.  ;)

mvh Janne Andersson

Ahh great!
Who opened the can with Arena fans?
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: bluepony on Thu, 2007-11-08, 08:35:10
Quote from: PH on Wed, 2007-11-07, 21:15:43
Ahh great!
Who opened the can with Arena fans?
LOL!  :D
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Niquicho on Thu, 2007-11-08, 10:46:19
That was exactly what I meant: there are lots of Arena fans out there who never (or hardly ever) post on this forum. But they do exist. Maybe those are the ones who really need a non-virtual fanclub and a mag. (ok, that's me I'm describing. I confess...)
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Cálix on Thu, 2007-11-22, 13:57:45
Hi from Portugal
Fisrt post here.
I'm more a reader not much a writer, but i'm here to "say" that Arena can count on me.

Yes to the fan club.



Rui
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Jon Risby on Fri, 2007-11-23, 12:15:13
Hi Clive

A little belated, but I'd be up for a fan club.  Someone else mentioned the Marillion model, and I have to say that I would agree wholeheartedly with that sentiment.  Both their Web, where we get a free CD each Christmas and a magazine a few times a year, or indeed their Front Row Club where members can get live music on Cd (download from next year, not quite as good, but if I want to hear the music I am happy to go along with that) work excellently. 

As far as Arena are concerned I would be happy to support them 100% with whatever you proposed. If old live material was available, Making of CDs and/or magazines I'd be happy to pay for it. 

At the end of the day if I get more music, and the band get more money (to enable them to continue to make more music) then I feel almost duty bound to support them.  And I would be happy to do so.

Jon Risby
Ashford, Kent

Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: bluepony on Fri, 2007-11-23, 12:43:48
Quote from: Jon Risby on Fri, 2007-11-23, 12:15:13
Hi Clive

A little belated, but I'd be up for a fan club.  Someone else mentioned the Marillion model, and I have to say that I would agree wholeheartedly with that sentiment.  Both their Web, where we get a free CD each Christmas and a magazine a few times a year, or indeed their Front Row Club where members can get live music on Cd (download from next year, not quite as good, but if I want to hear the music I am happy to go along with that) work excellently. 

As far as Arena are concerned I would be happy to support them 100% with whatever you proposed. If old live material was available, Making of CDs and/or magazines I'd be happy to pay for it. 

At the end of the day if I get more music, and the band get more money (to enable them to continue to make more music) then I feel almost duty bound to support them.  And I would be happy to do so.
Jon Risby
Ashford, Kent



First of all, welcome to the Room, Jon!  :)

And second, see, Nicky, if only a few more fans were that dedicated...! It doesn't really matter if it's Arena, Pendragon, Caamora or NEO you're supporting - there's pretty much the same people involved, so I guess all their other bands would benefit as well!
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Appelmoes?? on Fri, 2007-11-23, 12:52:49
Spending cash on band stuff, is the least people can do in return for the emotions those bands treat us with.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: bluepony on Fri, 2007-11-23, 12:57:57
Quote from: Appelmoes?? on Fri, 2007-11-23, 12:52:49
Spending cash on band stuff, is the least people can do in return for the emotions those bands treat us with.

Quite right, so please, Clive, give us a chance to do so!! :)
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Niquicho on Fri, 2007-11-23, 20:15:49
Yeah, what is going to be?  ???
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Niquicho on Fri, 2007-11-23, 20:17:00
what is IT going to be, that is.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: gwf64 on Sun, 2007-12-09, 22:35:49
Clive,

Count me in too!

I think the fan club idea is great--I would be willing to pay for it.  For me living in the states and having never seen Arena live, any information that I can watch/hear/read about the band is welcome.  It would supplement all of your releases (CDs/DVDs) which I have already purchased.  I also like the idea of a virtual club--since I know how much it can cost for printing and postage, and the time it takes for the material to get to some of us who live across the seas.

Jerry F.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Clive on Mon, 2007-12-10, 08:51:36
So... plenty of support.... Great!  :)

Now then... who would run this 'all new, revamped' Arena fan club (Erik, I know you're reading this stuff...;)?
Who wants to take the responsibility of reaching out for members, putting together a regular magazine...reminding the band members to contribute... coming up with 'special deals' and maybe events.... staying on top of the membership fees etc etc etc...   ??
And most of all.... who would be able to sustain the energy and effort this demands.... for more than just a few months!!.....??
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Bupie on Mon, 2007-12-10, 10:44:24
Quote from: Cálix on Thu, 2007-11-22, 13:57:45
Hi from Portugal
Fisrt post here.
I'm more a reader not much a writer, but i'm here to "say" that Arena can count on me.

Yes to the fan club.
Rui

Hi, I just realize that you didn't get a welcome message. So welcome  :)  Nice to have somebody from Portugal here. Maybe you could tell us about your musical profile in the dedicated post (in order to stay on topic here) ?
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: mdread666 on Tue, 2007-12-11, 11:29:38
Quote from: Clive on Mon, 2007-12-10, 08:51:36
So... plenty of support.... Great!  :)

Now then... who would run this 'all new, revamped' Arena fan club (Erik, I know you're reading this stuff...;)?
Who wants to take the responsibility of reaching out for members, putting together a regular magazine...reminding the band members to contribute... coming up with 'special deals' and maybe events.... staying on top of the membership fees etc etc etc...   ??
And most of all.... who would be able to sustain the energy and effort this demands.... for more than just a few months!!.....??


I think wherever possible and if they are willing, then the original Cage team would seem to be the best way forward. It would certainly be the easiest option although perhaps some sort of 'think tank' from members of this forum could assist with ideas and suggestions.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Appelmoes?? on Tue, 2007-12-11, 12:44:41
Quote from: Clive on Mon, 2007-12-10, 08:51:36
So... plenty of support.... Great!  :)

Now then... who would run this 'all new, revamped' Arena fan club (Erik, I know you're reading this stuff...;)?
Who wants to take the responsibility of reaching out for members, putting together a regular magazine...reminding the band members to contribute... coming up with 'special deals' and maybe events.... staying on top of the membership fees etc etc etc...   ??
And most of all.... who would be able to sustain the energy and effort this demands.... for more than just a few months!!.....??

If I wasn't busy with Ayreon stuff (Fanmeet), I would seriously think about it. So sorry Clive. :-\
Title: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: RaelImperial on Wed, 2007-12-19, 13:32:23
I've only recently "discovered" Arena and Pendragon and have just finished buying all the back catelogue CDs and DVDs.  This is my first post on the Forum.

I would join an Arena/Pendragon fan club that provided enhanced access to the music - that's what it's all about for me.  Just tell me where to join!

I am a member of the Genesis fan club because of the DVD that's promised for early 2008. 

I'm also a member of Neal Morse's Inner Circle which has a different set up.  In return for regular monthly payments of $12 members receive either a CD or DVD every two months.  The quality of the CDs and DVDs has been variable but the good stuff ("?" live CD and live tour DVD) has easily been worth the money.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Niquicho on Wed, 2007-12-19, 14:24:23
Quote from: mdread666 on Tue, 2007-12-11, 11:29:38
I think wherever possible and if they are willing, then the original Cage team would seem to be the best way forward. It would certainly be the easiest option although perhaps some sort of 'think tank' from members of this forum could assist with ideas and suggestions.

The members of this forum should definitely function as a think tank, but I don't think it should be limited to just thinking. Active participation in managing the fan club and the magazine is needed. There are some of the original Cage team still interested in contributing (me being one of them). But we definitely need more people and some 'fresh minds' to run things smoothly.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: bluepony on Fri, 2007-12-21, 08:50:05
I would really like to contribute to the fan club (for example write for the magazine, do proof-reading etc.), but I cannot promise that I'll have time to do it on a regular basis...  :-\ I'd hate making promises that I can't keep!
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: johninblack on Sat, 2007-12-22, 14:15:58
Quote from: bluepony on Fri, 2007-12-21, 08:50:05
I would really like to contribute to the fan club

Me too!

Quote from: bluepony on Fri, 2007-12-21, 08:50:05
but I cannot promise that I'll have time to do it on a regular basis

Me too!

Quote from: bluepony on Fri, 2007-12-21, 08:50:05
I'd hate making promises that I can't keep!

Me too!
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: Zeno on Sat, 2007-12-22, 21:18:18
I will certainly join the fan club. I discovered Arena about 3 years ago when I bought 'The Visitor' at a local record fair and was completely blown away by the music. Next I bought the entire Arena discography and look forward to attend my first Arena concert ever in April (Ittervoort). Just want to add that I ordered (and already received) the 2 available Cage fan club releases this week and want to thank the Verglas guys for their excellent service.
Title: Re: Fan Club - to be or not to be
Post by: POM on Thu, 2008-01-03, 10:58:46
Quote from: Niquicho on Thu, 2007-11-08, 10:46:19
That was exactly what I meant: there are lots of Arena fans out there who never (or hardly ever) post on this forum. But they do exist. Maybe those are the ones who really need a non-virtual fanclub and a mag. (ok, that's me I'm describing. I confess...)

I must admit I'm this kind of fan.  I'm reading sometimes, but not posting a lot.  Beside, I check the Arena Website and the news to know how it's going, when they'll release a new album, and the tour dates of course because I wouldn't miss an opportunity to see them!!!  :)

I'm acting the same for other bands I like, it means maybe not really be a fan the way you imagine i, or maybe I'm too fond of too many bands ;D.  I like those bands, I'm always wainting to see them for gigs (and particularly when we can meet bands members after), impatient to buy new album...  now I'm just thrilled about the new Ayreon to come out end of the month, but also to the new Arena and seeing them on stage because I saw some gigs dates for April so... 
But I'm not the one going to follow the tour and taking part to gigs in Holland, Belgium and France on the same tour.

I hope my thoughs are understandable because it's quite difficult to explain.  ;D

Beside all this, it's very nice to see a band so much listening to people who like their music, and asking questions like this one by Clive, to make things go the best way it could be, taking into account of everyone ... So thank you very much for that too, because it makes Arena something more than "just" music!  *horns*