Playing the Popularity Game Without Caring if You Win or Lose
This started out as a response to Mundy Hackett’s recent article on his Journal , but like always … it got a bit long! So whilst it was originally aimed at Mundy, I’ve slightly modified to be aimed at anyone facing the same concerns:
Online popularity is near impossible when you consider the ever-changing face of the WWW with a million images, articles and myspace pages being uploaded every few seconds … I’d have thought you’d be too busy marketing, selling and enjoying your photography to have time to worry about commenting, reciprocal or otherwse! So it surprises me that this issue is of any concern to anyone at all.
Redbubble serves as a great gallery for our REAL-WORLD friends, family, plus potential and repeat clients to see what we enjoy, love and have available for sale. As for commenting and reciprocation … they rarely, if ever, equate to dollars in the bank.
Yes, the whole RB community is so overloaded that nobody can stay on the surface for too long without being drowned in the masses reaching up for their five seconds of fame. So be it. We enjoy photography, right? WE’re selling, right? WE’re still here, WE have an established face and name, and WE’re in for the long-haul. That’s what matters. You and Me. US.
As long as the minority (who have talent, skill, tenacity, and a ongoing desire to become better) continue to present their BEST work, they will succeed in selling their artwork on RedBubble. Not just showing off their artwork, but presenting to their clients what makes them good and how they are improving. Isn’t this what we are aiming for?
By presenting my response here, I realise I open this up for discussion. Play nice. Pretend Mundy is your next client.
DISCLAIMER:
This article probably doesn’t say any more than what’s been said a million times before. Yeah, well, sometimes it helps to rant a bit. This has been my turn. NEXT!!
Mundy Hackett
Well said Stephen, well said!
Stephen Mitchell replied
Thanks Mundy. I wasn’t too sure how you’d take it, but I certainly didn’t want to pussy-foot around the issue. Actually, you’ve inspired me to do a few other things on RB, which is being written about behind the scenes…
Mundy Hackett
Your welcome and good luck with whatever irons you have in the fire. Honesty and good discourse are vital in my mind to a properly functioning and stable community, and often times although the truth may hurt it makes us stronger, wiser, better, etc. Thanks mate.
Wendy Slee
great commentary Stephen and so true.
It is our celebration of how we see and express the beauty or our perceptions of this world and mankinds’ place in it, that will endure here, long after we have counted popularity (or not) or dollars earned (or NOT!!) or packed it all in and gone home…..
Leah Highland
I definately see RB as a place to convine with fellow artist more so than sell my work. Selling is an occasional perk. I enjoy the community, watching new art and artists, getting ideas, and honest critiques. if I don’t sell another item here on RB….........
I won’t be leaving!
EmeraldSun
Very insightful indeed!
Anthony Thomas
I don’t get it. You say WE are selling, and by that you mean you, because I’m not.
Stephen Mitchell
Anthony,
I’ve just checked out both your flickr gallery and the few pieces you’ve put here on Redbubble. Your work is stunning. I’m about to do something that won’t guarantee a sale, but may increase your chances…. I’ll link the results here when complete.
Stephen Mitchell replied
Check this out.
Anthony Thomas
Cheers Stephen, I feel kind of mean now, having had my little rant. However, you’ve cheered me up no end, noticing my work and giving me a showcase.
I think sometimes we don’t realize how big the web is and how easy it is to get drowned out, but I’ll keep trying, here, on (the fantastic) redbubble and elsewhere.
Thanks again, Anthony.
Stephen Mitchell replied
My pleasure Anthony.
But remember this (little mantra that I often say): “Redbubble is part of the journey, not the final destination.” Advertise, promote and market yourself everywhere, not just on the internet, but everywhere you can. It might make your next sale.
Epazia Espino
where do you post your admirable artist idea too, i like this idea I would do that but i am not sure how to get it out for people to see?
Stephen Mitchell replied
Hello Anthea, I have only published my ‘Admirabubble’ articles here my journal on Redbubble. But I don’t do it so much any more as:
... there are SO MANY great artists.
... I have many different irons in the fire of photography,
... and many people are doing the same thing on their blogs.
I may feature an artist occasionally, but only if they stand out in the crowd.