Long time lurker here, very occasional poster.

First let me congratulate everyone on all the fine work y'all do posting links to new Elliott items, poll/troll alerts, and general updates. I try to keep up-to-date as much as I can and help out on polls/purchases every once and a while.

That being said, I'm wondering if the Etrain might start thinking more strategically now about how best to maximize Elliott's single and CD debuts, beyond the fanbase buying multiple copies on our own. :) I do understand that there is that more formal "street team" out there, but it sounds like not everyone is having luck with it. And honestly, I'm impressed with the regular ole grass roots efforts here, so I think it would be great to use our own skills/teamwork.

Some notes:

(1) It's *incredibly* useful to have certain threads pinned. Ohioguy's recent list of places to purchase CDs online is a great example. Do all of the other Elliott sites have access to a list like this?

(2) Radio airplay--particularly on pop, urban/r&B, and adult contemporary--is going to be majorly, MAJORLY important. I remember there already being an excellent thread on here some months ago that laid out tips about how to maximize airplay by making strategic requests to different radio stations. Can we resurrect that thread/discussion ASAP?

(3) Internet "muscle." I think some of the polls are definitely worth voting heavily on, like the current AOL poll. Anything closely linked to potential sales needs as much positive E-vibes as possible. But we should also keep a list of common internet sites to leave comments/reviews/etc. (such as USA Today, TWOP, etc.) And it would be great to centralize a thread just on the comments issue alone, since I've noticed some discussions about proper "etiquette" in comments posting. Occasional E-trainers (like me) need to find this stuff quickly so we know where to go and what to say.

And are there places we can send Internet requests to increase airplay? It might be nice to have a list of these types of places as well (or at least put this in another list).

I also think it's important to comment, favorite, and rate any Elliott videos, PARTICULARLY on the same day so that it goes "front page."

And lastly, is it worth trying to google bomb elliott's name? I'm not sure how much the "top internet searches" on yahoo or google matter, but this might be worth some consideration.

I want to help out Elliott some here, and I think it would be helpful if the E-train could centralize, streamline, and prioritize the main stuff fans should do to help spread the word and increase album sales. There are a lot of good ideas on this site already, but many of them are scattered out into individual threads.

Sorry to sound so "political" (if that's the best word), but I think you guys have a good thing goin' fo sho. And I just wanted to start some discussion on this matter here!

Thanks,
Alien

P.S. I agree with Ohioguy (I think) that "Movin' On" would benefit even more from getting a heavier, "club-ready" mix to be released for the dance charts. Is there any way to send some fan demand Elliott's way? I really think it would be a good fit for that genre.

Shoot, wish I could edit that post . . .

To clarify, I meant that Elliott fans should target any all new YouTube videos with comments, favoriting, and rating all on the same day (I'd assume the first day of a video's appearance) since youtube will chart the top 20 or so on their front page of the sections (top rated, most discussed, etc.) This is something to think about in the future, particularly if Elliott releases any official videos.

(Any word on that, btw?)

:goodpost: I'm reporting for duty- what can I do? I have been voting on AOL all day but want to do whatever it takes....

I'm reporting too! Are there stations other than the ones here in RIchmond playing Elliott's single? If so, maybe we need to be encouraging those stations by requesting there..

I'm almost finished with a complete update of the radio station listing which is pinned in the Music Folder. It now has the top 24 Radio Markets plus other requested markets and Satellite Stations in the formats likely to play Elliott's new music which IMO go beyond the Adult Contemporary label. The list includes Album Adult Alternative, Adult and Urban Adult Contemporary, Contemporary, Hot and Adult Hits, and Urban. I've included the codes for all stations as well so people can make their own choices. Since I've gone to the websites of each of the more than 200 stations included, I think they're all posssibilities - with some a better shot than others.

I am more than happy to update and improve the list as suggestions come in.

I'm hoping people find this resource to be an important and helpful tool in getting Elliott's voice heard.

I agree with you alienhamster! :goodpost:
We need to maximize the sales of Elliott's CD and single. I think Elliott should also do TV apperances to promote his single and CD. I wonder if they have list of TV shows that Elliot intend to guest for his Cd promotion. We definitely need to spread the word so that Elliot will gain new fans.

Do you think Elliot will have better numbers of CD sales than Kelly P?

Another idea: Can fans have any impact as far as what stores are planning to stock/advertise in their stores? I'm just wondering if it makes sense to ask managers at music stores things like, "When is Elliott Yamin's CD coming out?" or "Will you be selling Elliott Yamin's stuff here?" I'm sure a lot of this is decided at higher levels in the big chains, but smaller stores might be more impacted by this kind of consumer demand. (Creating buzz, etc.)

I mean, in Richmond, I'd say y'all should ask every single soundscan store to stock 3 zillion Elliott discs. Maybe they'll be doing it anyway, but maybe not. But a lot of people who don't obsessively use the internet like us might just need to know that the CD actually exists, and that's all it will take to buy it (esp. in Richmond).

I don't know. I'm just ramblin' :)

Movin': that's great news about the radio stations. And a heck of a lot of work. Bravo. I'm just curious, what types of stations (genre-wise) do you think will be most receptive? We may not know until we try.

BTW, should we already be calling now?

A couple of final thoughts for now (regarding organization):

(1) Might it be helpful to pin one thread that's clearly labeled something like "Help spread E's voice!" (or something less corny) where we have a very clear, short list of "things to do," including hyperlinks to the different parts of this site (such as the radio request advice, polls to target, etc.)? I only say this because we have SO many thread sections here, and the most read part seems to be updates and news. It would be great to catch the eye of any stray E-trainers who visit only infrequently.

(2) It sounds like this is already happening, but are there clear "go-to" people for the different acitivities? What I mean is, it seems like Movin2thabeet is the one in charge of radio requests info and such. What about other roles? It might be a good idea to delegate leadership on these matters.

Okay, I'll stop with the team-building talk now.

May the force of E be with you!

--Alien

Some of you may remember a thread in The Man Forum that was:

If You Were Part of Elliott's Team, What Would You Do?

We had a lot of fun with that thread. But today is a time to pose the question more seriously.


For example, I become extremely disappointed when I go to a site like AOL or Best Buy and they do NOT have pictures of Elliott as yet. I would think that his team would be all over this, but this is just a very small example of where we can help. Perhaps we could have a photo "strike team" that sends in "approved" photos of Elliott from his recent photo shoot?

I'm sure there are other more strategic "missions" to consider, but this is great to start the brainstorming. Anything else?

Sk8888

Alien,

On the subject of formats, I think all the variations of the Contemporary format are good starting candidates. The Urban format, I think will play Elliott too. The Hits stations will start playing Elliott as long as he gets a good initial response on TV, advertising and airplay elsewhere.

I agree that a focused, central, simple place for people to go to that link our many resources supporting Elliott would be very helpful. I would be happy to be a Radio contact as I've gotten very knowledgeable in this arena. I would also be happy to help create this easily accesible place for info on spreading the word.

I will help out any way that serves best.

Well you know I always do what I can, and I also know someone who works in a pretty important position at the Virgin Mega Store in Orlando FL, and I have been talking to her about getting his music front and center, with posters, billboards, etc..whatever she can help to do!! I think it is so wonderful and important, that we as his fans and supporters, do everything, and anything we can, to put his name, and his music out there!!

Great Posting and WELCOME!!!!!

xxoo

One of the most helpful things you suggested alien is that we have a thread or threads pinned for Helping spread Elliott news and music. I know that some visitors to this site get really frustrated with having to wade through a lot of our chatter to get real news. I don't want us to give up the chatting but certainly understand the need for an area where occasional visiting members or visitors can go for current updates and instruction as to how to help/buy/promote etc. Elliott. I'm just not sure how to set a thread up like this were we can keep it "clean" for lack of a better word.

movin - you've taken on a huge task and I really appreciate all of your efforts to help us help Elliott.

Nancy,

Since you're already doing such great work finding E-updates and mentions all over the net, perhaps you could start a (pinned?) thread that selects all the major places you're finding that have comment sections worth leaving comments/reviews on. That includes blogs as well as newspapers and music sites. We also shouldn't forget the more obvious ones (such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.) For the purchasing pages, maybe we could just link to Ohioguy's post of places to buy E with the encouragment to leave positive comments there. And reminders such as "don't call out other fanbases" and "stay positive" are very, very helpful.

Do you think something like this would work/be useful?

I'm not sure where this would go now, but once we get a central thread for Elliott activism (Elliottivism? Nah, doesn't work), your thread could be linked from there.

BTW, I might be able to take charge of something small on this site in the future (maybe Youtube vids?), but my schedule is really inconsistent right now with work. I just thought I'd help with some of the brainstorming/organizing while I'm avoiding, er umm, I mean, taking a break from my studies this evening. :)

Hmmm. Is there anyone here with magical internet site architectural powers that can suggest a way to do a centralized thread more "cleanly," as kagey suggests? Maybe we could just have a thread titled something like, "Promoting Elliott" or something catchier. (I thought of adding the subtitle, "Movin' (him) On!", but that makes it sound like he's dead or that we're all tired of him.) One way to keep it cleaner is to only allow mods to modify the pinned thread, but that puts a heck of alot of work on them if the thread needs constant updates (which it likely would).

While I'm in brain dumpage mode anyway, some other ideas occurred to me. Some of you may remember my username back from the (scary) AI main boards on Elliott. I was one of the ones pushing hard for maximizing blocks of callers for Elliott and getting his name out to people who might not watch the show regularly.

A couple of helpful ideas back then:
(1) We contacted national and local levels of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. They were great in terms of promoting Elliott on the show, and I don't see why they couldn't plug his new single and CD, too. Anyone here have ties to the organization?

(2) We also contacted some of the hearing loss websites and foundations. I never got any official feedback from the few organizations I e-mailed, but maybe these folks are worth a try again.

At a minimum, it may be worth announcing the CD on open forums in these types of places. But then again, you run the risk of it seeming more like a solicitation than an announcement. I'd advise folks to always work within communities that you're already members of first and foremost. Use local and personal connections (like yellin4yamin did there w/ her friend at Virgin). AND make sure to report back here to let other folks know what you did, how you did it, what did and didn't work, etc.

Okay, tightening the brain faucet back up. :)

I've sent everything there is to the JDRF. Keeping The
River City Blog updated (by request), and The Richmond
Homecoming Team. I have also sent everything to the two
reporters at The Richmond Times Dispatch. Hope this
helps.

Clear Channel is incredibly important to get playing Movin' On as soon as possible. They run all of the stations where I am in Maine that would play Movin' On. They have mostly syndicated shows that are all over the country up here...and they repeat the same songs over and over again. So getting Clear Channel to play Movin' On will give Elliott MAJOR airplay all over the country. That should be the first step in any radio efforts because it will cover so many areas.

Well I emailed EVERYONE in my address book those links this morning :)

But seriously, I am not a big radio listener and was hoping the I Squad would give me a list of the local Philly stations I could call or email a request of Movin On. I now subscribe to emails from one of the local R&B station.

Now how do you let them know so soon, how do they get copies? Is it just I tunes? Can you send them a link of the AOL site? Do you email them a ripped copy?

Please I seriously don't have a clue, but want to help out.

Okay, I sent an email to the head of Clear Channel Radio asking that they add Movin' On the their playlists on their stations. I also mentioned his involvement with JDRF and his early success on amazon. Here is a link to the page of email addresses.

http://www.clearchannel.com/Corporate/Pres...D=1169&p=hidden

Radio station locator for the United States:

http://www.radio-locator.com/

Please also check out the Radio Station List I've compiled as well. It focuses on the most listened to stations in the top markets in the country. It includes all those stations that are likely to play Elliott's new music. I think you'll find it very helpful. And contact me with any ideas for additional cities to add.

It currently includes the following cities: 1. NYC; 2. Los Angeles; 3. Chicago; 4. San Francisco; 5. Dallas/Ft. Worth; 6. Houston; 7. Philadelphia; 8. Washington DC; 9. Atlanta; 10. Detroit; 11. Boston; 12. Miami/Ft. Lauderdale; 14. Seattle; 15. Phoenix; 16. Minneapolis/St. Paul; 17. San Diego; 18. Nassau/Suffolk; 19. Tampa; 20. St. Louis; 21. Baltimore; 22. Denver; 23. Portland, Or; 24. Pittsburgh; 34. Orlando; 41. Norfolk/Virginia Beach; 50. Hartford, Cn; 52. Buffalo.

>> http://etrainstation.com/index.php?showtopic=914 <<

Wow, that's what I was looking for. But can you request the song now? Will they have copies?


I just got an email from Mary J Blige's website and it got me thinking. Something this professional would need to be sent out by E's team, but what about this site. Is there a data base from all the Etrainers email addresses? I was thinking maybe some etrainers have gone other ways and it would be nice to send them the AOL links etc. Spreading the word. Of course this would have to be sent by the mods.

The list is great for people who live in or near cities. But it you're like me and live outside of radio range from any of those places the zip code search helps a great deal. So...if you are in an area near a city...use the list if you can...if you don't then enter in your zip code and walk those fingers through your yellow pages if you have to! :)

I'm sure they are working on putting up an official website for Elliott as part of the promotion.

This is really cool. :etrain:

Yeah, this list originally came about to promote MMFL with the idea of contacting the top markets in the country. There is controversy around the subject of contacting stations outside of your listenening area. An important change has happened over time with the increase of web streaming offered by the majority of radio stations now so one could potentially be a regular listener to a station that is nowhere near where you live.

That's why you'll find the codes to let you know which stations have streaming available so you can decide for yourself. Songs playing on especially the top 5 or so listed markets will reach an astounding number of people. Just something to ponder in making your decision of whether or not to contact stations outside of your listening area.

I already wrote to Clear Channel, which operates over 1200 radio stations in the US. With companies like that...if a song gets on their playlist it is on the playlist for 1200 different stations in one shot. It's like hitting 1200 birdies with one stone! :)

I like you. :friends:

lol...I am good at promotion. ;)

I can tell. :rocker:

There is little doubt that Clear Channel will include Elliott's single in their distribution downloads. Whether and how much any particular radio station plays the song will have alot to do with how many requests the station itself receives. So contacting Clear Channel itself is just a piece of the puzzle.

Elliott is going to be "da bomb"! :woohoo: :rocker:

All of these are from the list that was already compiled...and I only did the first few cities on the list. A lot of those stations are owned by Clear Channel. :)

Clear Channel NY

1. WLTW 106.7 www.1067litefm.com 212/603-4687 (AC) L
2. WHTZ 100.3 www.z100.com 800/242-0100 (CHR) L
6. WWPR 105.1 www.power1051fm 800/585-1051 (UR) L

Clear Channel
Los Angeles (#2)
1. KIIS 102.7 www.kiisfm.com 800/520-1027 (CH) L
2. KOST 103.5 www.kost1035.com 800/929-5678 (AC) L
5. KHHT 92.3 www.hot923.com 866/468-5269 (UAC) L
6. KYSR 98.7 www.star987.com 800/STAR-987 (HAC) L
7. KBIG 104.3 www.kbig104.com 800/KBIG-104 (HAC) L

Clear Channel
Chicago (#3)
1. WGCI 107.5 www.wgci.com 312/591-1075 (UR) L
2. WLIT 93.9 www.litefm.com 312/591-WLIT (AC) L
4. WVAZ 102.7 www.V103.com 312/540-2000 (UAC) L
5. WKSC 103.5 www.kiss1035.com 312/591-1035 (CHR) L

Clear Channel
San Francisco (#4)
2. KMEL 106.1 www.kmel.com 800/955-KMEL (CHR) L
4. KYLD 94.9 www.wild949.com 888/333-9490 (CHR) L
5. KISQ 98.1 www.981kissfm.com 888/547-7366 (UAC) L
7. KIOI 101.3 www.star1013fm.com 800/800-1013 (HAC) L

Clear Channel
Dallas-Ft. Worth (#5)
1. KHKS 106.1 www.1061kissfm.com 214/787-1061 (CHR) L
5. KDMX 102.9 www.mix1029.com 214/787-1029 (HAC) L

You did a really nice job. :yes:

Yep...and since Clear Channel owns a huge chunk of the stations on the list you compiled, the first step is to make Clear Channel know we want to hear Elliott's single. If they know then they will get the song to their stations. Then we request like breeding rabbits from one end of the country to the other.

We write to entertainment writers, periodical, internet sites, television stations and we tell them about Elliott's single and his amazon sales. We tell about all he does to help the JDRF.

We join every forum online that we can find and post links to the AOL preview and Amazon pre-order page. Look at what his fans pimping him has done for him so far. He's in the top 50 at amazon over a month before his CD is even out!

Email everyone in your addressbook...call your family and friends, tell your co-workers and your boss. Tell the person in front of and behind you in the grocery store. Tell the cashier and the bag boy. Tell the bank teller. Tell the McDonald's drive thru teenager. Tell anyone who will listen.

We CAN do this...and we WILL do this.

I am so glad that we have some really smart and knowledgeable people here. :wub:

I'll do whatever I can to help. However, I work two (2) job so I don't have a lot of spare time.

Just let me know what I can do. I already e-mail the locate radio here.

Power 92.1 and 105.7 (Richmond)

Central IL covered here...already called one of the most popular pop/rock stations here this am and they told me they'd be playin E next week. But will be calling frequently for requests too. Have night job, kids, etc too but will do what I can to get his music heard!

Terrific news BigE! Thanks!

You know my best friend thinks I'm nuts because I'm so fangirly over Elliott. She's like gawd girl, you need to get a life :blink: