I really do appreciate the cautions. I *AM* listening. I'm just thinking it over, thinking it through. Brian, would you also advise not hiring a publicist because it might not pay off?

The comparison to a publicist is pretty compelling. A publicist could be hired on retainer (or for a monthly fee) for a 2-6 month campaign for a new release but there would be NO guarantee of editorial coverage or press of any kind, right? We take it for granted there are no guarantees of press coverage when it comes to promo and publicity. That's the nature of the business. Isn't that that comparable to the deal Countdown offers?

For instance, I am just winding up a new CD publicity campaign with The Press House. I loved working with them but it wasn't cheap! $1650/month for 3 months. A lot of leads, a lot of maybe's, but no significant results (yet). Sometimes these things take awhile. So to me, it was worth it.

Perhaps paying a monthly fee to Countdown Entertainment, to be repped to music supervisors and tor receive industry Leads, is an equivalent gamble.

Couple of things about Emily's post: I don't see signing up with Countdown Entertainment as "paying money for someone to look over my work." Heh, that's what JPF sponsor TAXI does! It's a choice lots of people make. Back to me point: according to Countdown, you are paying for Leads and for being personally repped to labels, publishers, music supervisors, who are looking for your style of music. Also, Countdown Entertainment is in NYC, not Hollywood. And as for being seduced by "false promise of a contract," I thinks that's a misreading of what they do. They do not promise deals. Neither does TAXI. No reputable business does, because it's dishonest.


Patti

Patti Witten | Potent Folk
http://www.pattiwitten.com