Thrive on Hive: Tally 1000
Key Points: The focus of this blog shifted from a small part-time endeavor to earn extra money for food. When I came across this information, my perspective shifted. In fact, I found that I misunderstood the hidden power I have here. So let's look at my problems.
The Problem
This idea of "the long tail" focuses on the fact that aside from critical mass, a guy like me just won't make the big time. "Fenty Fentasia" can top charts cuz she's a superstar. It also benefits consumers and major aggregators like Amazon and Netflix. They just pump stuff out by the boatload and for numbers I can't match.
The problem is, in a world like that, I cannot compete. Determination be damned, it poses challenges for individual creators due to increased competition and downward price pressure. A 4x6" frame from Target is $4. Even printing my photos out to fit it comes out to $12 to $20. To make a sale, on a print I can't breakeven when department stores are just a step ahead.
I hadn't considered how effectively my platforms could output physical and digital goods, given the right framework.
In short, the challenges for creators involve some hurdles that have solutions. The long tail doesn't significantly boost sales for creators but adds competitive pressures. Without becoming something like a Wal-Mart for mediocre wares, creators find it hard to escape minimal sales. I sold one collection out but couldn't I do more? I'm writing a book. I could release prints more regularly, via NFT's first.
But who wants this stuff from me?
The Solution
I was told, my endeavors might benefit from the support of 1,000 true fans. That's the solution. A creator needs just 1,000 True Fans to make a living. I'm convinced that they are here. I'm convinced it's you. Essentially, True Fans are devoted followers who buy everything the creator produces and provide direct support.
My little caveat involves the fact that an upvote, a follow, a reblog and most of all, a delegation from followers like you on HIVE could help me accomplish a slew of endeavors, much how the Decentralized Hive Fund (DHF) supports protocol-wide proposals.
For example, your support could help me:
- publish my pulp fiction drama novel
- print a coffee-table photobook
- release a limited run of graphic tees
- serialize a cultural fanzine
How could I, you ask, help you do all that? The idea behind true fans is decentralized patronage. True Fans spend significantly on the creator, attend events, buy merchandise, and eagerly await new releases. You anticipate my latest blog posts, look forward to my replies to your comments, and appreciate my visits to your posts.
The real magic comes from another step altogether. You'd be right to think, Kyle, we already do that for you. Sadly, not everyone shows the same love.
So, the goal is to convert Lesser Fans into True Fans.
Opponents have said: "Kyle, you can't make a living off of HIVE." 
But then again, I don't have to spend a ton filling landfills either.
Assume each of you, a True Fan, spends $100 annually. Better yet, you delegate 100 HIVE. 1,000 True Fans could generate the amount of 100,000 HIVE, making a way for all that above and a living for the creator.
The question goes, do you all trust me, as a 6-year member of this community to actually accomplish those things and not run some illicit scheme instead? Ha, I don't have to answer it. I just write and take pictures. The mental heavy lifting is yours, dear reader.
I want to maintain though, that through this platform, I have a direct connection to you all. The article stresses that maintaining direct contact is crucial. Technologies like blogs, social media, and online platforms facilitate that, and what's more, with some help I could even overcommunicate. For example, my website's down for lack of the 60 bones just to maintain the domain. With HIVE super fans, I could hire a website developer for a quote or brainstorm session instead.
Think about it. If delegations allow me the value, I could set up shops for prints, T-shirts, and more. Small-scale manufacturing and digital platforms enable the good stuff: cost-effective creation, distribution, and duplication. Better yet, the proceeds from sales of an NFT might go towards printing those images onto clothing for the holders to claim.
In the end, the need for millions of fans to justify new work is eliminated, making 1,000 True Fans a feasible goal for me, and most here, on HIVE.
The Catch
This model is primarily for solo artists. Group dynamics might require more fans but it follows a linear growth. So your team grows by 50%, just increase the number of fans by the same amount.
I'm particularly interested in this model, because I want your support to be hands off. I don't need to make you complete Google surveys or write comments on every post.
Besides, not every artist may be inclined to nurture fans directly, requiring mediators. I'm crazy, so I do derive fulfillment from composing long written works for readers to read and respond.
I believe in crypto as the platform for only one reason. Direct fan support is preferable for economic viability. I just don't believe in the performance of raising an unowned audience on a platform like Instagram, to then market a line of shirts with photography on them. What happens when I get banned for a post? Where do I share the inspiration and motivation for my design?
I'm willing to admit, there might not be 1,000 of you lined up to read my stuff. Yet. Still, I'm happy to see support from a few familiar faces. Please forgive the inclination to tag you all.
That's about 20 people. But tell me, did I miss you? Let me know in the comments below.
If you only took one thing away after this read, consider this: the True Fan model enables micro-patronage, leveraging digital technology for diverse support structures.
People have successfully leveraged a system like this. Examples include Lawrence Watt-Evans, who used True Fans for chapter-wise financing, and Jill Sobule, who financed her album through fan contributions.
For a couple of HIVE a day, you too, could support an underfinanced creative's underdeveloped ambitions.
The Takeaways
If you wanted more practical takeaways, I've got those too:
- Focus on True Fans: Nurture a dedicated fan base willing to provide direct support.
- Utilize Technology: Leverage digital platforms and tools for direct engagement and cost-effective creation.
- Diversify Support Models: Explore micro-patronage, pre-financing, and other innovative ways fans can contribute.
- Strive for a Middle Ground: Aim for a sustainable living between obscurity and blockbuster success by cultivating a manageable number of True Fans.
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by leaving a comment, an upvote or even a delegation. Delegators are eligible to receive post rewards as beneficiaries, too!