From time-to-time I receive requests from individual artists to join
their “fan club” on Facebook. I’m often floored by these requests, as the
artist offering this position usually isn’t someone well-known in the field-or
at least known enough that their hired PR firm sent the request instead. This
doesn’t mean their work isn’t good or even awe-inspiring-but my point has to do
with perception. I wonder if the individual offering the opportunity for me to
become their fan realizes how pompously grandiose their gesture appears?
Facebook means to me that you’re electronically “face-to-face” with the public. I doubt if some of these artists who created an instant fan-base for themselves would ask someone outright-face-to-face in public i.e. not online-to be their fan. I mean would you approach people at a party, at work or on the street and flat out invite them to be your fan?
I think not.
Facebook comes with a lot of bells and whistles and many partake in the games and quiz sections, but to put it out there that you’re fan-base worthy is a turn off for me. To be fair, I think some artists do this thinking they will attract new buyers, or to seek feedback. And I’m sure there are some recipients who kindly oblige and sign up-but on the whole I think many might be put off by the imperious presumption- especially another artist-that they're considered as nothing more than an adoringly-loyal follower.
Ironically, some very famous Facebook members-(and I know one individual)-don’t approach the public in terms of idol vs. worshipper on FB, they just put themselves out there like the rest of us. But if someone that is generally known to the public either regionally or globally asked me to be a fan-and I really am– or a professional group- well, in that case I’d consider the offer.
Perhaps my take is a little harsh, but after a few emails to join so and so’s fan club and I’ve never heard or seen the artist nor know the artist personally, I get a little grumpy.
About the picture and post: ©2009 Post and drawing Suzanne Urban all rights reserved.
I agree completely. I noticed the same thing the other day and it certainly made me raise my eyebrows. When individual artists solicit Facebook fans it is extremely poor judgement and it connotes the idea that one doesn't really have the time or, worse yet, the inclination, to be friends. It also sends a message about status--theirs and yours-- and the message is not very nice.
Emily Post would be horrified.
Posted by: Barbara | July 09, 2009 at 10:27 AM