I think 37 Flood is a great blog. It covers live shows by local bands, touring bands coming through town, record releases, benefits, clubs, etc. The blogger who runs it loves music and bands and gives attention and support to both. It’s an asset to the music community here in Louisville. So why in the world would a local band have this local blogger kicked out of their show?
The bassist has been blogging about their tour and they have an active MySpace page. I point that out to say they’re not some old school band with no idea about social media. In other words they should know better. They should know that they have nothing to fear and lots to gain from supportive fans who want to photograph and write about their shows. Or in words that I and others have said oh so many times before “Photography is not a crime.”
There was a VHS or Beta billboard across the street from Ear X Tacy. Every time I passed it I thought “I’m going to pick up the new VHS or Beta record.” I hadn’t done it yet but fully planned to do so. Not any more. I’m a photographer and social media advocate. If you don’t want bloggers and amateur photographers documenting your shows then I don’t think I need to spend my money on your records.
ETA: I just don’t understand what benefit the band gets from banning photography.
** I’ll leave the door open here for the possibility that the fault actually lies with the club and not the band. Maybe the security guy was overzealous and thought that if he said it was on the band’s request it would go down easier. If that is the case I will happily acknowledge it.
September 30th, 2007 at 10:13 pm
Hey Michelle, thanks for your post and kind words! I somewhat knew I had it coming as there was a sign posted at the door but Headliners has been getting a little silly with photography lately and I thought it was their policy. When the bar back told me the band had a problem with me, that’s when I got a little peeved.
It’s over and done, my camera was removed at the Wild and Woolley 10th anniversary earlier this year at Headliners too so I want to blame lack of knowledge of the staff more than anything now.
If you were thinking of getting VHS or Beta’s new cd, go ahead and do it. It is a stellar disc.
Thanks again and great writing you’re providing the city as well!
Cheers,
kj
September 30th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
i’ve never had a problem photographing at headliners, not even with a flash. in fact i’ve been there twice in the past week and taken lots of photos. as a photographer myself, i agree with you. if you can’t share your music with the world through photography, why should i spend my money on your concerts and cd’s.
October 1st, 2007 at 7:49 am
Thanks for commenting on this Kory. I think it’s awesome that you still encourage me to buy the band’s CD. It proves just what a music lover you are and what an asset your blog is and can be to the music community here in Louisville.
I talked about this situation a lot yesterday until I finally figured out what’s bothering me about it so much. A band that uses MySpace and blogs to get attention is using social media and those of us involved with it. They want the benefits of social media but apparently they only want participation that they can control. That’s a deal breaker with me. If you think blogs, Flickr, social networking and the like are bad or will someway harm your band ok fine don’t use those things to promote your band and your music. But you can’t have it both ways. You can’t use those things when you can control every aspect of it and then be like “um no, we only want professional press people covering our shows.” You can’t have it both ways.
Thanks again for commenting and sharing your story.
October 1st, 2007 at 7:53 am
And thanks for commenting too danielle. I’m glad there are other photographers around here who feel as strongly about this stuff as I do.