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In an ideal world, Jim, a contest like that would be possible... somewhere. But that's not what OurStage is actually about. They WANT artists to solicit their own fans. So yes, if you have a fan base, you are completely entitled - and encouraged - to use it. If you're personally using OurStage as a thermometer, that's great for you. But PLEASE don't put down others' integrity who are in it to compete and still playing by the rules. It's a little rude, frankly.
Here are a few samples from official OurStage emails about soliciting your own fan base to join in, if you need convincing:
Top 10 email, 5/29: "You've earned the right to show off: Recruit everyone you know to check you out on OurStage.com. Show them how far you've come and get them interested in the next great revolution in music and video. You, my friend, are at the forefront of that revolution."
Top 10 email, 3/29: "A little encouragement can go a long way Now's the time to make sure your fans are doing all they can for you. To help facilitate the possibility of you moving up a notch, we've included a sample email you can send out to your fans, or post as a bulletin, or have tattooed on your forehead. However you use it, it's there to encourage your fans to register for OurStage if they haven't already done so, and to come back and vote again for next round.
May luck shine on you,
The OurStage Team Hey fan of us,
It's Semi-Finals time at OurStage.com, America's great independent music and video discovery destination, and we're shooting for top act of the month. There's quite a bit at stake here, such as gigs at festivals and other career-making goodies.
And this means, of the thousands of bands competing to be #1, (your name) stands a decent chance of taking it. If you already voted us into the Semi-Finals, we hope you'll come back and support us again. If not, hope you'll vote for us now.
So thanks for your vote, if you did - it means a lot. And please vote for us again. If you're not yet an OurStage member, you can easily become one right now, right here. It's fast, easy and free.
Yours very loudly,
(your name)"
Top 20 email, 3/25: "Most of you, I suspect, have fans who are not connected to you by DNA or marriage. As much as you depend on your fans, we here at OurStage also need their involvement to see us on to bigger pastures. So here's a special opportunity, offered exclusively to our esteemed quarter finalists. Between now and the end of March, any artist who adds 20 or more new fans into your fan club will be automatically submitted to AOL for promotional consideration (musicians only), not to mention a passage in our beloved newsletters and other promotional announcements.
The best way for you to earn the honor is to tell ALL your friends and devoted fans who are not on OurStage to register for OurStage ASAP and join your fan club."
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