Why I don’t promote

Fair enough. I think anyone who has followed you knows with 90% certainty that you're probably going to say no, unless it really gets you excited anyway. But a flatline rule makes total sense.
Thanks Kat! It was your email today that inspired me to finally make this a public post instead of private form-letter. — Derek

Talking about curation. This kind of solidifies my image and identify about myself and my website. I am the ultimate curator. I love reading and absorbing every idea. I love hearing every track. I seek and discover every day. That's why I love my website so much. Thanks for making me realise.
You hear that everyone? Find and contact Alexander Sandalis. ☺ — Derek

Well, fair enough! You've done more than a little for us other musicians already by inventing CDBaby + all these blogs etc etc.

Don't feel guilty for not feling guilty!
We apprecilove you!

Props to you for staying true to YOU! There's no need to apologize for that.

Good on you.
Wish more would think through the ramifications of their actions.

Derek, you are so cool. Truly. I love that you know who you are, and that you stay YOUR course. And you set & follow your own rules. Very inspiring. Thank you!

I wonder if the comment section will be loaded up with people posting links to their stuff.
Nah… ☺ — Derek

I am following you Derek.
I like your opinions about many things.

Derek,
You are the man. You know what floats your boat.
You are kind and you are fair.
Sigh, I need more boundaries.
I would rather make than curate too.
Hope all is well in your world.
xo
Pamela

Saying no is not easy, especially when the request is made by some good friends. 😁

thanks as always dude

How real. It sucks that people are asking you to do that.

I work with relatively popular people in my industry, so I see them struggle through the same thing...

I'll point then towards this post, next time!

Good stuff, Derek! I love the picture in the post, because I think it represents so well what you do instead (and happily offer) by helping others one-on-one through email.

It also reminds me of a story Seth Godin told about someone wanting to guest post on his blog. His response was something to the effect of "which other of the guest posts on my blog did you enjoy?" (Because there are none).
Ha! Brilliant response. I get that request all the time, too. Even people asking to advertise here. Funny. — Derek

Or rather, you were a promoter, heart and soul, for a long time in your last chapter. Bless you for it.
Nah. CD Baby was a tool I built, that people could use to distribute their music. Very different from choosing and championing particular artists. I had more in common with Leo Fender than David Geffen, if you know what I mean. — Derek

very clear and very fair Derek. I am like you...I NEVER listen to other peoples things (unless I have to learn it for a tour or show of course) as my head is always too deep in my own creations

SOOOO with you on this....
Thx for sharing

If you're creating anything but music, it's ok to get into the songs of James Brown while you're making making making. : )

I think we would rather you being a creator than a promoter. Thank you for being the inspirational spark in many of our lives! :)

Makes sense, and this post is in keeping with your previous post, which I found to be a very helpful reminder, about saying "no." I deeply value all of your posts, which consistently give me concise insights into ways of rethinking problems or plateaus and focusing my energy productively.

Always clear about what you will and won't do. I like that.

I imagine you as a Willy Wonka type, Derek. In the best possible way.

Good for you - I love your honesty. It's so refreshingly direct without being disparaging.

Great post, Derek. And so great to hear you share my same philosophy about other music. I don't listen to the radio in my car when I drive (and I drive 60,000km/yr). I prefer to create.
I totally understand and respect your stance on not promoting artists because it would just become another billboard platform but..... nice plug for Alex though! Haha! And, truth be told, I will check out his site.
And one more thing....am learning HTML and CSS thanks to you...loving it too.
All the best.

i think you NOW idea is a good way for people to promote THEMSELVES, so that was a big contribution to promotion from YOU! not direct promotion, but facilitation, which is HUGE.

http://joescoffeefix.blogspot.com

Thanks

I can't say I'm surprised. This is consistent with your character. I suspect you don't promote for the same reasons why you rent furnished accommodations and don't collect things as you mentioned in a previous thread.

Smiling, because I can relate to what you are saying, Derek. A wise choice you have made.

The power of no is strong. Respect.

Thank you for this post, Derek. For a long time I've been accused of being selfish because I practice saying no to a lot of things.

Now that I have more time being free from other obligations, I have time to create and give back - helping the young professionals find their dream jobs at http://www.personaledge.org
I work much better and happier in this position.

Thank you for all the wise words, ser. They resonate so much. You are truly a gift to this world.

Hi there - finally someone who speaks the truth! love this - I am not a promoter either!

This is a lesson hard to learn. Being artistic and creative often involved empathy and it's so hard not to be codependent about stuff. But it is a good example of setting boundaries, a necessary survival skill. Congratulations on achieving it!

I really liked this post, because I share a similar view. I used to own 1000 vinyl discs. The thing I enjoy now is making and listening to my own music.
This what African music is about, creating music and listening to it being created.

Thank you

Jack Gates

good for you. thoughtful of you to explain too ...

What resonates will reverberate by its own accord ;)

Derek , mate... There is something about your quirkiness and rock solid stances that is missing in a lot of nancy pansy, will I won't I non decision makers.. I love how you define your belief as opposed to just saying hmmm I feel blah blah blah.

Derek you immerse yourself into projects. If you ever feel the impending need to do a video series on anything at all creative, engaging and next level in NZ. Contact me. No charge, so many things are bigger than $$$ let's make shit happen.
☺ Thank you — Derek

Truth. I've always said there are basically two types of people: producers and consumers.

Some people dabble in both, but most are one or the other, and it takes both to satisfy the other.

I've worked in Music, Television, Film, Printing and Electronics industries, creating or making things. I just don't have the time to 'check out' that much because I prefer spending my time creating, or experiencing things in person.

I've had many people rebuke me, saying, how can you create things unless you expose yourself to things in that market?

But isn't that really the point?

I like to be as spontaneous as possible when I'm creating and have as little influence from other created things mucking up my intuition.

Well said sweet Derek.
honesty is such a powerful human behavior. with mind that is so clear
cause you know what you don't want. that way you are in focus of what's important in your life.

Fair play Derek :) Life's too short for a link fest....

Just say and feel: May that which is good and joyous within this, blissom and thrive where it is already appreciated.
Then, say no. They'll feel the yes in your no.
Mel

Thanks for the clarification.
I don't think that it is a problem neither for your friends nor for your audience.
I appreciate your blog for the high-quality content.

Totally respect this!! Derek you already sacrifice your own "making making making" creative time when you use that time to offer SOOOO much to SOOOO many already, thereby giving everyone all the tools they'd need (and more) to promote themselves! Thank You again for that and for your honesty, integrity and refreshing transparency. Could not respect you more!!

In case anyone's interested, that picture is of the stepping stones at Bolton Abbey, just up the road from me as I type this comment!

http://boltonabbey.com

I admire you for doing this Derek.

Exactly. It's like other people's kids you can appreciate them but you'll never love them like your own haha :D

I think of sharing dreams and partaking in dreams through activities and acts of creation and construction etc. I lean agnostic on who the originator and in some ways on who the dream activator is. So I see myself as in a shared space with my own dreams and as a participant in the dreams others are creating. So there's no conflict for me in experiencing and sharing my own dream/building and that of others as acts of invitation. I too respond negatively to promotion and advertising. I do see it as an opportunity/responsibility to share what I love, and that can be my work or your work or the work of many others. As a consequence of this openness, I may not focus very single-mindedly on only my own work and dreams. Such a bright light between my making and your making makes less sense to me than being in the making coexistently, collaboratively or cooperatively and that too is a kind of making. Minds and dreams and the making of one person do exist alone but also exist in relationship.

Right on. Love you, Derek. You inspire me.

Absolutely understandable.

You're being rational here while the feeling of being upset is coming from your heart (which is rarely rational).

As a reader I prefer high quality content over spamming recommendations all day. Like you, I love creating, creating, creating, so I don't want to read all the spam.

Respecting your decision, it's a good choice from my humble perspective.

ok. i get that. you are a creator. and a very busy guy!

so, what about creating something anonymously?

hatchingunknowns.com

We have to do what we think is right for us or be overwhelmed by others. Sometimes that tunnel has a bright light not to be ignored.

I didn't take it personally when you did not. As a self-promoter, I expect a lot of no's! I'm only sorry not to be able to share with you. I do appreciate the explanation!

Hey Derek,
send them over to me. I feature companies at www.delpino.net! :)

There’s something about you, Derek… Your openness, frankness, makes you seem like a close friend. Many times I’ve had the urge to write to you and say: “Look at this thing I’ve done!” And many times I hold back. Often this has nothing to do with the fact that you’re a person of influence with a large network. Mostly it’s a heartfelt urge to share with someone I admire. That’s what prompts me to reach out to you. It’s the fact that you are genuine, interesting, wise. As much as you share with us - I have the urge to share with you and have to suppress it often. I think many people can relate to this.

This makes complete sense and reminds me of something I have wondered about what it would be like to be very wealthy. I imagine very wealthy people are frequently asked for money. I imagine some of them find it interesting and satisfying to make it their main work to sift through those requests and choose which to agree to. But for very wealthy people who prefer to spend their time on other work, such as running a business or bringing up their children or writing or programming, IMO they'd be justified in having a blanket "sorry, no" response like your response to requests to promote. It makes sense to me that they couldn't afford to spend time looking into each request. I think if I was very wealthy, I'd want to share some of my wealth quickly and easily, e.g. by a making donations to a few charities I trust, but I wouldn't want to give up my work in order to work at assessing requests for money.

Great book. One of the best if not the best advice I've seen. Tired of giving my copy away and had to finally tell people to get their own. I'm trying to make a comeback at age 63 from a biz failure and some serious health issues. Even though I don't really have a hobby to turn into a biz your book inspires me to not give up and every time I feel down I spend an hour and reread your book. Thank you
Larry

Well said. You're a true inspiration to another INTJ musician entrepreneur!

That's avery respectable stance, Derek.

Do you actually reply to everyone (for this instance cold requests) saying no? Or your no is simply ignoring it?

Cheers
I always reply to every email. — Derek

If only a certain reality family felt the same way the world would be a better place

Great post Derek!

Doing what makes you happy, what is true to you and what keeps you free from obligation is the message I take away from your post.

It's inspiring! :)

Symbolic to many of my everyday social struggles.
Simply written. Loved it.
Thanks for sharing, Derek.

Hey Derek I need your help on promoting my product.. Lol.... I'm just playing.. We really APPRECIATE, RECOGNIZE & like to COMMUNICATE to you. How much we admire you sticking to your core values, BEING FAIR TO EVERYONE.. We read, listened & understood every thing you wrote.. Because the ARCLiiNK first core value is LISTEN 2 UNDERSTAND. Thank you again Derek..

Hell ya!

I love your integrity. It is refreshing in this "new world order".

Actually, in this day and age when everyone and anyone promotes pretty much everything, I seriously admire your authenticity. Really. It's just a pity more people aren't like you. At what point did we agree to sell out? And is it worth it? I seriously doubt it to be honest.

I really liked your answer!

WTG It's great what you have done and what's next, so great job. Noah dared people to say hello so,hello how you doing today? Thank you sir.

Hey, Derek --

I think we all realize there are all kinds, and mavens and sharers all have their place -- and the creators need them just as the sharers need the creations to share! I think it's the Hindus/Buddhists who say it is better to not do so well in your own dharma than it is to dow well in someone else's -- you do your thing, the promoters of the world can do theirs, we all benefit.

Well put, as always . There are people who get paid to "check it out" and promote. You are not them. I suppose it's a sign of respect for you when someone makes this request, but they (we) shouldn't get upset when you say no. Btw, I drove to Vegas today ( 5 hours) & listened to your interviews the whole time. Great stuff! Thanks for sharing. (So much for writing just a 3 or 4 line message. Sorry! (Not)

Your title should read, "Why I Don't Promote Anymore" :) <3 Thank you for promoting my music and getting it to the international markets anyway you could. It was a sacrifice for you but you would prefer to make it happen than watch it happen. Apprecialove and respect, always!

Maybe you should just make a sive.rs/checkitout sub-blog and post them all

I'd check in on that!

Love your honesty. Being who you are is great.

That's great Derek! Knowing yourself enough to see that being a "Curator" or "Promoter" would stifle your "Maker" is wonderfully liberating I imagine. I have recently been wrestling with being more of a consumer than a creator and it has been stifling to my creative process. Reading this post is very helpful. Thank you!

Hi Derek,

Just an idea... but, maybe for those people who make up your fanbase community, you could create a page on this website where your site users (will elaborate below) can share their content and ideas with one another. That way it takes no effort from you to share their information for the rest to see, but they can do it themselves.

Elaboration on site users: You could also create a function for your site that allows visitors to create a username and password so they have a site account. This would allow regulation of posting on your community page so as to prevent spam and trolls... again, just another idea.

Thank you for your reply to my email, I respectfully agree with you with admiration, more perspective and insight.
I am continuing to embrace the journey of completing and promoting the project.

All the absolute very best to you Derek!
I will continue to read the informative goodies you post!.

Best,
Sandi

Brilliant post! I really like your philosophy on promoting. I feel for myself that I am a "thoughtful promoter". I will only promote something I have tried, used and found value in its service or use.

I appreciate this a lot about your site. I come here to read and learn YOUR thoughts without any other interferences

Derek,
This post confirms to me the importance of choosing the life I want. Not to make other people happy, but myself. And like you, what makes me happy is making, making, making, making.
Best wishes,
Pamela