This Little Writer Went to Market
This little writer stayed home…
I remember a very old comic strip I saw once, in which cartoonist, Johnny Hart depicted Thor, one of his cave-man characters, as having just invented the wheel. He was showing it to his cave-man buddy, B.C.
As I recall, B.C. was not impressed, but the fact is, he would not have known about it at all if he had not been informed of its existence.
I guess today, that would be called marketing.
Four-letter word
Today, some artists and creators frown on marketing as though it were a four-letter word.
Admittedly, some forms of commercial marketing are overdone to the point that we tire of the message, but that does not excuse the painting of marketing with a broad brush of dislike.
Marketing is absolutely necessary for two situations.
1 Creator unknown — introduction
2 Creator known — maintenance
For the general public, there is a period of ignorance of a creator until his work is introduced to them.
For the part of the public who do already know this creator, and perhaps enjoy the creator, they would not know of additional works from that creator if he did not tell them and give the introduction.
Additionally, as a creator becomes part of the circle of experience for a member of the public, a friendly “hello” or a nod of the head from time to time reassures all of their continued existence. This is what I would call maintenance of the friendship or relationship.
Profit
The ugly topic of sales and profit also enters at this point. If a creator I enjoy makes money at his creation, I have no idea if hoards that money, tithes on it, or gives it all away. It is not my concern.
What is my concern is that sometimes a creator is like a parking meter at a spot in front of the restaurant. If you like it, you don't mind putting in a couple of coins.
If you enjoy a creator, you might show it. You might drop a buck in the jar of the busker out in front of the restaurant, too. You want to be sure they get a meal that day and live to work tomorrow.
Marketing is introduction, discovery, and ongoing friendship. It's natural and needed. If you’re a consumer, don't be a hater. If you're a creator, get to it!
Thank you for your time!
