Swindon Music

Posted that as well

cheers matey

I said this a while ago, about getting more people to the site.


An easy way to infiltrate the newer generations, without much work regarding the site would to simply advertise it to the younger generations - ask a venue / promoter to let you sponser / curate an event - and invite the kids, and go from there.

I will happily Advertise all of my shows, as in cooperation with swindonmusic.co.uk if you like!!

Adam - you could possibly ask a new college student / music fan who is doing some computer related course to get involved, isn't that how you started?


It's weird, I thought this forum was a bit quiet, but didn't see this thread...

Anyway, I don't think we should give up on this forum, as I came across a few forums recently that were very popular, so they still have their place.

I don't know most of you on facebook, so like coming on her to communicate with you all - for me this forum is vital in many ways.


Let's make this popular again!

I've had a late working night and haven't switched off yet, so I apologise if this may come across in business speak but...


I think the core unique selling point of this site in it's short-ish history and even (while quiet) at the moment is the fact it's the place to go if you are a Swindon area musician / music lover to:

1) Maturely discuss music appreciation with other local musicians / music lovers
2) Gain musical learnings you can only get outside of the classroom by speaking with others (ie: tips on performing live, writing, recording, etc)
3) Start to make good friends in the local scene (in the last four years, and after being away from local music for about five years, a lot of the people I am now friends with I initially got to know through posting on here in 2006/07).

I also think central to the site's demise in the last 18 months was the in-fighting that in the most part had actually started on the scene spilling over onto the forum (and I am probably as guilty as anyone of being involved with this), therefore dividing those on here involved in various squabbles and causing the rest to 'run to the hills'! The knock-on effect of this being potential new posters feel like outsiders before they've even posted, and therefore don't bother.

In business the best way to grow something is organically (ie: sustainably), and certainly the best way to build something sustainably on the local music scene is by word of mouth from having a quality product. To do this I believe the site needs to inherently adopt again a set of almost unwritten guidelines that says 'I may not agree with your view but I won't belittle you for it' - it's the feel the site had in 2007 (probably it's height) and something we need to get back to...

People, particularly younger people, will only start posting on here if they feel they can do so without drawing derision, and (while not pointing any fingers) this is a feeling I think this site may now accidentally be portraying due to the older nature and familiarity of the handful of regular posters.


In conclusion I hope that no-one takes this as a judgement - as I previously stated I'm probably as guilty as anyone - rather as a reflection on the way I believe we can encourage all the silent people I know view the site and newcomers to actually say hi, start getting involved (or renew their involvement), hopefully start telling their mates about this site and build it back to where we all want it to be.

And my final thought... Swindon "music" .co.uk should incorporate everything from discussions on local and national alternative music, to covers bands / tribute artists, to top 40 bands like Scouting For Girls, to big brass and jazz - the key unwritten rule being if a thread is not your thing, don't knock it, just start one that is (although don't get upset if no-one replies because they have no interest in it!)

As always you managed to get to the heart of things. I agree that the bitching and the trolling activities have probably put people off, not only do less established members want to post for fear of percieved bullying, those better at dealing with such antics probably also find that they don't want to be associated with the childishness of it all. It becomes a lose/lose..no new members and regular posters distancing themselves...I know I have deliberatly not been here much in the last couple of months due to such hassles.

I think the key thing is is people's perception of the forum, I'm sure there are plenty of existing and potential members who are browsing the forums but choosing not to post, this is down to a few possible reasons which have lead to less posts appearing which has further compounded the problem.

It never even occurred to me that a local music forum would attract trolls. And s**t ones, at that. Fuck off back to 4chan, Bruno. Roflcopterz @ my ability to reference boring troll sites lolololol man. I remember when trolling was subtle. An artform, in fact, where people didn't even realise they were being trolled. Off you pop to dontevenreply dot com for how to Do It Rite. Speak You're Branes is for adults only, so you may have to wait a few years before you understand the jokes, sweetie. Kids, eh?

Anyway, check out a soon-to-be-created exciting and thrilling thread in the most relevant forum section re: M4 tour and local support required and other amazing stuff I'll write over the next few days.

^ hey i like this guy