Social Networking Benefits to Independent Musicians

[Andy Brown <andyjamesbrown@googlemail.com>]

Hi there.  How are you?  I hope you're well.  You don't really know me
or anything, but I was recommended approaching you guys by a friend of
mine named Phil (MyOneManBand)!  I have a small favour to ask from
you.  I'll start by
setting the scene:

I currently work in the Adelphi Club in Hull, in the UK, which is
among the last truly independent music venues in the UK.  I'm at
university in the city studying in computer geekery.  I'm working on
an assignment at the moment which I think you
might be able to help me with.  Little academic research already seems
to exist in the field, which means I really need all the help I can
get!

I have to write a report investigating technologies in relation to my
working environment.  I've managed to steer this towards an
investigation of the effects the internet (particularly the social
networking phenomenon) has had on DIY music.  Would
it be possible for you to answer a few questions for me regarding this 
subject?

1.  Firstly, when did you discover the Internet?

2.  If so, how has the Internet been of a benefit to you as an artist,
or other artists you know?

3.  Can you think of any negative effects internet technologies have
had on artists (for example, say, people getting annoyed by the
e-flying that swamped message boards on MySpace or perhaps very
expensive and very annoying advertising campaigns by the majors)?

4.  Do you think the way artists use the internet has changed in the
last 10 years, and do you think this will change in the next 10, if
so, how?

I really hope you can help me out, and if you do, you'll be cited in
my report:)  So far I've managed to get a handful responses - of which
most are from UK artists, although I have managed to get a couple of
willing New York antifolkers involved, as well as my boss at the
venue.

Thanks for reading, look forward to hearing back from you.

Andy