Sunday, September 18, 2011

Last Month's Poll Results & This Month's Poll!

It's the 18th of the month, and you know what that means: It's time for a new poll at the SMS! But first, we have the results of last month's poll to unveil, and if you remember correctly, I posed this question to you guys: What would you like to see more of in the local metal scene? Only 24 votes this month, which isn't bad, and thanks to everyone for voting! So, which choice won out? Here are the results:

More support for the scene/bands (5 votes, 21%)
More bands playing live (4 votes, 17%)
More Essar Center/Kewadin Casino concerts (3 votes, 13%)
More local music festivals (3 votes, 13%)
More all ages shows (2 votes, 8%)
More out of town headlining bands (2 votes, 8%)
More variety (2 votes, 8%)
More band reunions (1 votes, 4%)
More battles of the bands (1 vote, 4%)
I like the scene as it is (1 vote, 4%)
More concerts in general (0 votes, 0%)
More new albums from local bands (0 votes, 0%)
More new local bands (0 votes, 0%)
Other (0 votes, 0%)

What do you guys think? Well, in ascending order, here's my thoughts. Of the choices with no votes, I'm surprised more people didn't pick wanting more concerts or albums, but there were some other substantial choices that could have got preference from voters. Three choices tied for eighth with a single vote, with someone actually saying that they like the scene as it is. As much as I enjoy what we have, I'm really surprised that someone out there isn't hoping for more of something! The three choices tied for fifth with two votes don't surprise me a whole lot, but I could have saw "More variety" getting some more attention just by individual genre preferences. A desire for more major Essar Center/Kewadin Casino concerts and local music festivals tied for third with three votes each, both high where I expected, as I know many fans out there want some bigger shows! In second with four votes was wanting more bands playing live, which makes sense, as some bands don't gig nearly as much as their talent and sound would assume. But in first place with five votes and 21% of the total, the winner is "More support for the scene/bands". I figured this would win, as we could always use some more attention, coverage, and fans for our local bands and shows, and it's good to see people wanting that!

Thanks to everyone for voting! This month, I thought the poll should be an extension of the highest voted choice in last month's poll, sort of to place some more specific emphasis on an element of the local metal/hard rock scene that could use some attention. That said, we know what won, so we're building on that this month with this question: What would you like to see to help increase support in the local metal scene? I picked 10 choices that hopefully cover the important bases, so here are your choices for this month's poll!

Better concert advertising: Some local concerts get well advertised with coverage in newspapers and news sites, posters around town, and online coverage like on Facebook event pages. Others might not get much advertising beyond online word of mouth. Might an increased effort to promote and advertise local concerts encourage people to support local bands and concerts?

Better/larger concerts: Might fans turn out for concerts more if they were bigger, better, and more of an "event" than current ones could be percieved as? Could support be more prevalent for the scene if the concerts we do get had bigger bands, scopes, venues, or attractions? Vote for this choice if you think so!

Higher band awareness: The fans we do have are dear and loyal to our local bands, but are they as known throughout local and metal communities as they could be? I'd say awareness of our local bands could be higher, but how about you guys? If you think a larger effort to get the names and sounds of local metal bands would be beneficial, pick this option!

Higher concert attendances: Many local metal shows that we have locally have great attendances. Others, not so much. Be it pre-show advertising, individual schedule conflicts, band awareness, or (sigh) "My friend's band isn't playing!", there are many reasons the fan count at a show might be lower than hoped. If you think an effort to boost concert attendance would help the most, vote here!

More booking opportunities: This could apply to either individual concert bookers & agencies, or active concert venues. Some bookers in town may not book shows as consistently as one could like, and some venues might not host concerts as much as you'd expect. Should more people and venues get to hosting great metal shows? If so, this is the option for you in this poll!

More CDs/merchandising: If a local band has some output (musical or otherwise), they're bound to have some more awareness locally. Plus, if you have a band's t-shirt, CD, or any sort of purchased good, they benefit, and you can show your support! Should bands go this route more often to ensure high local support levels?

More concerts in general: What if there was just more local concerts in general in Sault Ontario? Maybe if there was a larger, more consistent, and earlier-announced slate of shows (in your opinion), awareness and support would be larger? Pick this choice if you think so!

More local press/coverage: Do you think support for the scene would be greater if local news sites, merchants, newspapers, and radio stations gave more attention and coverage to local bands and concerts? I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to have more, but would it be your top choice?

We have enough support already: Let's say you think our local metal scene gets enough support, coverage, or attention as it is. If you think nothing could be any better, vote here!

Other: Did I miss an element of the local scene that could be adjusted or raised to increase support? This is your choice if one is missing!

VOTE TODAY!! You have until October 18th to cast your votes, and you can do so in the red voting form on the upper left of the page. These should be interesting results, so make your voices heard over the next month! That's all for today, but I promise to have more news early this week, so keep an eye out! Thanks everyone!

No comments: