Hi,

We are in the process of launching a new publication!

OMB Magazine - The Journal for One Man Bands and Solo Entertainers.

This is a periodical aimed expressly at the OMB musician. Some sample articles have been posted here and elsewhere. And we need your help. What would you like to see in such a publication?

Article title ideas?

Which areas are most important to you-
Performance/Staging tips
Technical Audio/MIDI/KB how to
Music chops tips
Music business tips
Recording tips

Should we have product reviews?

Tutorials with free MIDI example files?

Videos of popular OMB's?

???

Would you be willing to subscribe to a print magazine?

How much would you be willing to pay?
$19, $29, $49

Should it just be a eZine and free supported by manufacturers or a web site in addition to a print version with exclusive content?

Are you interested in writing for OMB or getting involved? Please send us an email or PM.

Looking forward to hearing from you as we explore the possibilities to help solo musicians and one man bands take their unique talents and music to the next level.

Thanks!

Tom @ OMBM
reelcom1@earthlink.net www.OMBmagazine.com
'Coming Fall 2007'

brilliant idea!! i would prob have to use just an e-zine format as magazines from overseas to australia get very expensive when you add shipping...but i would be happy to pay an e-zine subscription fee though..
good luck, and i hope it gets going..
dennis

The link doesn't work.

Tom, do you or associates have publishing experience? Is the focus also on single acts using guitar, non-arranger keyboards, etc. ?

This is a BIG DEAL to do it right.

Russ

Tom,

I've always been a big fan of yours, and IMHO you are an outstanding, articulate and creative writer. I've read just about everything you've posted along these lines, and every article has been top notch.

Beginning a publication, as you are aware is in incredible undertaking, one that is very time consuming, and extremely expensive. And, during the past decade, the print media has really taken a financial beating. One of the nation's largest newspaper conglomerates, The Tribune, which owns and operates some of the country's largest newspapers, was sold today to a real-estate investor for $8.2-billion. Rumor has it that some of the newspapers sold will soon be shut down and others will be reorganized.

While I sincerely belive a publication of this nature is really needed, I'm not sure if the demographics will support it financially. As you are aware, all publications, including those that are online, can only exist with advertising support. Unfortunately, these funds seem to be waning at an alarming rate. In the industies that I still write for, recreational boating and fishing, most of those publications are hanging on by their fingernails at best. Several have went belly up, and some of the larger ones, such as the Washington Post, have nearly eliminated all boating and fishing coverage. A decade ago I was writing for 25 publications. Today, I only write for a single magazine. Fortunately, the music biz has exploded to the point where it makes little or no difference in my income.

I have confidence in your ability to make a success of any project, especially this one. And, I would be more than happy to help you in any way I can.

Good Luck,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

[QUOTE]Originally posted by captain Russ:
[B]Tom, do you or associates have publishing experience?

Over 25 years in publishing and have won a few awards too. Editor of 4 major A/V related Magazines. So yeah we've been round da block!

Is the focus also on single acts using guitar, non-arranger keyboards, etc. ?

Yes... "OMB Magazine - The Journal for One Man Bands and Solo Entertainers"

>This is a BIG DEAL to do it right. >

You said it... We look forward to your ideas and support!

Thanks so much. And the feelings are mutual. We'd like to have you on our staff and I have sent you a PM to that affect.

The challenges are significant for print pubs and we are in discussions with several OEM's about support. However wanting to remain independent and platform neutral... Then there's the net... The web also allows us to do video, MP3's, MIDI's and more so maybe we are just looking at a web ezine...
The idea would be to offer exclusive content folks can't get elsewhere. One thing is for sure to me... OMB's and solo musicians using MIDI and other technologies ARE here to stay, they have specific needs and challenges and there is no publication... in print or online... that specifically addresses them.

I am looking forward to the great ideas patrons at the SZ Bar & Grill come up with!

The web site is not turned on yet and won't be till later.

If you want to help please get in touch!

I'd love to write for (with) you on this project ! ......as long as you "spell check" !

Great!

Yeah I know but sometimes in the heat of
realtime online comm. there ain't time sure wish
SZ had a spell checker

Any input on the above questions?

You should take a look at the german print magazine Tastenwelt. They also have the OMB entertainer as their main target audience, however recently they have expanded the coverage to also include hobbyists. It is a very professionally produced magazine that I have subscribed to for several years. Read more here:

www.tastenwelt.de

Kind regards,
Tommy

[This message has been edited by TommyF (edited 04-02-2007).]

Well Tom, I think it should be a free eZine with product reviews and performance/technical Audio/MIDI/KB tips as the main focus.

I rarely buy print magazines anymore and neither do most of my friends...the Internet has changed all that type of purchasing.

While my present employment with Yamaha as a Clinician/Product Specialist would surely be a conflict of interest, I would be glad to help out in any way I can.

Good luck and best wishes on the new venture.

Ian



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Common misconception...size and weight equal quality and performance. Don't be fooled.

Free? Not much chance of that unless advertising revenues are FAR better than what they say they are, nowadays.

And then, with an advertisement based model, it's tough to get honest reviews, because the primary advertisers won't want to see much criticism, especially if they are basically bankrolling the operation.

I think a subscription model gives them a far better chance of survival and independence....

yep, gotta agree with diki...subscription model works best for me too...no fear or favour shown!!...(in fact i will declare now that if tom gets it up and running put me down for a years subscription now!!just thought i would add that as i do not believe there is ANY publication anywhere that will address our needs and thoughts/desires in the way that tom is suggesting)
dennis

[This message has been edited by miden (edited 04-03-2007).]

I would be interested as well. If the articles were good, I would subscribe to an e-zine. I would subscribe to a hard copy magazine if the articles were good. I have a lot of things that are competing for my dough, so I would subscribe for a year, and then take a hard look at if I'm getting what I want out of it.

Some areas that I think would be of interest to me would be business and music related:

1) Developing a website
2) Mass mailings
3) Exploration of how to penetrate different markets: 1) senior circuit, 2) private parties, 3) weddings, 4) corporate events, etc.
4) Reviews of small sound systems including detailed comparisons.
5) Reviews and comparisons of arranger keyboards
6) Resources for styles for various brands of keyboards (Of course I'm interested in Yamaha). Many keyboardists work with styles more than they do with midis.
7) Reviews and comparisons of other accessories such as mics, keyboard stands, carts and dollies, etc.
8) Tips on dealing with record keeping, taxes, etc.

Anyway, it's a great idea. However, I might be deluded, but I feel like I know a lot about this business already. For me to be a continuous subscriber, the publication would have to have things that make me go, "Wow!" If it does, I am on board.

Beakybird

Larry,

Great list of topics. In fact, I liked it enough to print out a copy to have on file for future reference.

Thanks,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Tom,
I've been pretty preoccupied with school this week, but we're on Spring Break now, so I re-read your post. I think the subjects should include:

key feel
on board speakers
best PA's for OMB use
Arrangers in a "real" band
61 notes - enough, or not?

Just a few thoughts.
I'd expand greatly on the usage of styles vs SMF, and whyt each has their distinct advantage.
I'd also have a setup of the week to spotlight a cool rig.

Good luck !

Thanks very much!

Anyone else?

How much?

I would subscribe.
Would not pay more than any typical mag subscription - $20 for 12 issues.

Would also be interested in writing a couple articles, if needed.

You may want to consider starting off bi-monthly (every other month). You don't want to bite off more than you can chew...