What have the first twelve days been like? - The response has been far greater than any of the posters or myself imagined, with the traffic, hits and comments far exceeding what the contributing artists experience posting on their individual websites. Early returns validate the model of many artists helping to lift the collective tides of all.
In discussions with artists and trying to explain what this site is/isn't, I see a pattern of questions that I'll try to answer here.
The Collective is a group of like-minded Independent artists that wish to gain exposure of their art. The basic idea is that going it alone doesn't bode well for success and that independent artists linking together can mimic some of the benefits of traditional publishing methods without giving up the main point of remaining independent- control of your content.
Each artist will drive traffic to the common site, achieving a far greater awareness for their brand than if the artist performed these actions as a lone wolf. For example-- say the collective numbers ten artists. If all ten point their readers towards a central location, the ten will achieve a total audience that is greater than the combined sum of their individual sites.
I went indie to ensure my books are produced exactly as I wish. To those out there going at it alone and wanting to remain independent. especially for the purpose of keeping control of the entire process, the Collective might be the right place for you.
That leads to the 'what now' part. The collective needs more blood, more art, especially in music and visual arts. The more artists that link their independent brands, the stronger the collective will be. Try a guest post and see the reaction you receive.
Enjoy your Saturday night.
Stephen Moran