WHY IS THE OFFICIAL MEAT LOAF WEBSITE SO TERRIBLE?

[nightinr]

I've thought this for a number of years that the official website is nothing short of a disgrace for an established star such as Meat.

Surely one of his management team could at least update it every few months. To still be advertising the Las Vegas shows is embarrassing and is hardly encouraging new young fans in this digital era.

[CarylB]

Originally Posted by nightinr

I've thought this for a number of years that the official website is nothing short of a disgrace for an established star such as Meat.

Surely one of his management team could at least update it every few months. To still be advertising the Las Vegas shows is embarrassing and is hardly encouraging new young fans in this digital era.

Meat has tried a succession of companies in the running of his official website. For many years he had an international fan club run out of Seattle, and his international website was run by a fan, who despite serious ill-health kept it up to date out of personal love and commitment until she died. Since then he has tried a succession of companies who run websites for artists and has not been served well by any of them. The first promised much and delivered nothing; in fact took membership fees and failed to deliver anything promised in exchange. He got out of that contract as soon as it was possible, and the next was somewhat improved. (It had a forum, but that was poorly moderated, and he had it closed down.)

Since then it has been hard to track who actually runs the site, there have been I think a few companies, none of whom seem to have shown much interest in anything save merchandising. Currently that is still managed by Live Nation. Who run the main page is difficult to see .. it seem to rely on automatic updates from his FB page. I don't think his "management team" had direct input into the sites, and may not have now either?

Three years ago he was exploring the possibility of a new website, one which would have had amongst other things a platform for people at shows to make donations to The Painted Turtle. That never came to pass for what reasons I don't know. Perhaps though at this stage in his career he feels that Facebook is a simple, and easy vehicle he can access and control himself, and fairly comprehensive in its reach? It is a medium which so many people (particularly the young) use now, and he has over a million followers who have "liked" the page and get automatic notifications of information posted, plus additional fans who simply visit the page.

The "Official website" now is a page which offers any visitor the opportunity to get alerts on tour dates and directs people to his FB page. I don't know who "runs" it. It would be good to see the main banner updated, but it seems to be simply a foothold to direct people to FB now.

[Adje]

Meat Loaf and the digital era is a chain of poor decisions. And if you listen carefully to Meat Loaf it's mostly because he doesn't (want to) understand the value of the internet. He considers it a platform of abuse and negativity. Hence his poor website. If you don't understand the value of something, you just don't care about it. And meatloaf.net is clearly a place that lacks the love and interest it deserves.

If he wasn't so oposed against it, Meat Loaf could get so much more revenue from platforms like YouTube, his website and many more places. It's a shame he refuses to embrace this important media.

[nikox1]

Originally Posted by Adje

Meat Loaf and the digital era is a chain of poor decisions. And if you listen carefully to Meat Loaf it's mostly because he doesn't (want to) understand the value of the internet. He considers it a platform of abuse and negativity. Hence his poor website. If you don't understand the value of something, you just don't care about it. And meatloaf.net is clearly a place that lacks the love and interest it deserves.

If he wasn't so oposed against it, Meat Loaf could get so much more revenue from platforms like YouTube, his website and many more places. It's a shame he refuses to embrace this important media.

I agree in the fact that it shouldn't be so difficult to find a company to run your website for you, especially an established artist like Meat, but I don't think you should just say Meat has no interest in a proper run fan community, he has said he hates the Internet trolls etc etc, but who doesn't? Tell me what celebrity or star does? It's not nice to have shit wrote about you. Look at the focus in the media the last few years about cyber bully's, it's effecting everyday life. The plumber, the baker, the candlestick maker. So I can see why he dislikes that side of it. Keyboard warriors as such, I have received crap like that on here in the past!! So have many others ( including Meat ). Also saying he doesn't understand the value of the Internet? It's a bit insulting imo, again I agree maybe the management team should step up their game.

[CarylB]

Originally Posted by nikox1

I agree in the fact that it shouldn't be so difficult to find a company to run your website for you, especially an established artist like Meat, but I don't think you should just say Meat has no interest in a proper run fan community, he has said he hates the Internet trolls etc etc, but who doesn't? Tell me what celebrity or star does? It's not nice to have shit wrote about you. Look at the focus in the media the last few years about cyber bully's, it's effecting everyday life. The plumber, the baker, the candlestick maker. So I can see why he dislikes that side of it. Keyboard warriors as such, I have received crap like that on here in the past!! So have many others ( including Meat ). Also saying he doesn't understand the value of the Internet? It's a bit insulting imo,

I agree. And to say " He considers it a platform of abuse and negativity. Hence his poor website." doesn't make sense to me at all. Yes, he does think the internet offers huge scope for abuse, and for spreading untruths .. can't see that he's wrong in that belief either. But that isn't directly linked to having "a poor website" imo .. and he has embraced Facebook which is I think a platform that is far more accessed than a lot of websites, certainly no less. He reads the posts on his FB page, comments and responds as time allows.

I agree maybe the management team should step up their game.

Not knowing exactly who comprises his "management team" I'm not sure that his website is something they are involved in. Nor I suspect do any of us So saying they should step up their game is a bit empty as we don't know that they are players in this area

[Adje]

Originally Posted by nikox1

but I don't think you should just say Meat has no interest in a proper run fan community

Also saying he doesn't understand the value of the Internet? It's a bit insulting imo, again I agree maybe the management team should step up their game.

I haven't said he has no interest in a proper fan community. I said that Meat considers internet a platform of negativity. Which is a complete different thing.

That Meat doesn't value the digital era isn't insulting but an observation. Best example is the HiaH release. When he was questioned about the early Aussie release he compared it to the Bat2 release and how well that worked for him. We had a whole discussion about how the World is so much different from 1992. But Meat believed in a same kind of strategy as 1992. Same with the value of YouTube. Meat seems blind to the benefit of such a platform and only points out the negativity about it.

If anything it's a shame for him and his fans that he doesn't invest more in this World Wide Oportunity. Especially as big networks doesn't seem to have any interest in what he has to offer. Meat isn't the A-list artist we want him to be. Even that latest BBC documentary, people cheerde about, focussed on the old Meat and hardly gave any insight in today's Meat Loaf or his music.

So Meat could use this internet thing to his advantage. And that starts with his own website. And when that looks like crap... well... If Meat invested the same amount of energy into positive on-line revenue as he does on hunting down people/fan websites/youtube videos that he dislikes, he would certainly benefit from it.

[nikox1]

Originally Posted by Adje

I haven't said he has no interest in a proper fan community. I said that Meat considers internet a platform of negativity. Which is a complete different thing.

That Meat doesn't value the digital era isn't insulting but an observation. Best example is the HiaH release. When he was questioned about the early Aussie release he compared it to the Bat2 release and how well that worked for him. We had a whole discussion about how the World is so much different from 1992. But Meat believed in a same kind of strategy as 1992. Same with the value of YouTube. Meat seems blind to the benefit of such a platform and only points out the negativity about it.

If anything it's a shame for him and his fans that he doesn't invest more in this World Wide Oportunity. Especially as big networks doesn't seem to have any interest in what he has to offer. Meat isn't the A-list artist we want him to be. Even that latest BBC documentary, people cheerde about, focussed on the old Meat and hardly gave any insight in today's Meat Loaf or his music.

So Meat could use this internet thing to his advantage. And that starts with his own website. And when that looks like crap... well... If Meat invested the same amount of energy into positive on-line revenue as he does on hunting down people/fan websites/youtube videos that he dislikes, he would certainly benefit from it.

I can see some of your points, but you again have made reference to something you can not back up ( he spends all he's time hunting down people and websites? ) he has openly said that there are certain things he doesn't like or want put up, but to say he has hunted down people etc etc, is a bit far fetched imo, there were videos ( fan made ) recorded at concerts that have been allowed stay up? I think he objected to the poor quality ones, and in fairness I wouldn't want half them to stay up, they can make you sound pretty bad.

The web is a very important tool to promote yourself, it can spread the word faster than any format. I agree, there are huge benefits. But it's not the b all that ends all, example - Dolly Parton, Barbra Streisand, bette Midler, all released albums prior to xmas, they have all gone platinum? Legends of course, but not mainstream anymore to say, and most of the promo done was not through the Internet. It's all about timing imo, radio is still so important aswell, and the record company's need to take a chance just like in 1993. Plus the main buying fan base of any artist will always snap up a greatest hits package before a new studio album. Majority of people don't like change, sad but true

[nikox1]

Originally Posted by CarylB

I agree. And to say " He considers it a platform of abuse and negativity. Hence his poor website." doesn't make sense to me at all. Yes, he does think the internet offers huge scope for abuse, and for spreading untruths .. can't see that he's wrong in that belief either. But that isn't directly linked to having "a poor website" imo .. and he has embraced Facebook which is I think a platform that is far more accessed than a lot of websites, certainly no less. He reads the posts on his FB page, comments and responds as time allows.



Not knowing exactly who comprises his "management team" I'm not sure that his website is something they are involved in. Nor I suspect do any of us So saying they should step up their game is a bit empty as we don't know that they are players in this area

Fair point, but I'm just pointing out IF they are involved? Maybe it's something that needs to be looked at.

[Adje]

Originally Posted by nikox1

( he spends all he's time hunting down people and websites? )

I partially agree.

And again! I never said the above.

'Same amount as'... is not nearly the same as 'all the time'
you try to make me sound more negative than I intended to be

As for the 3 artist you mentioned... how did they do globally?

[nikox1]

Originally Posted by Adje

I partially agree.

And again! I never said the above.

'Same amount as'... is not nearly the same as 'all the time'
you try to make me sound more negative than I intended to be

As for the 3 artist you mentioned... how did they do globally?

Words can hide meanings

Well Dolly Parton has had the best selling album of her career in the UK, it done pretty well the other side of the pond

Barbra Streisand has passed 1.6m ww in less than 3 months, ( more than some teeny bop bands )

Bette Midler hardly releases much stuff anymore, but has reached out to 250,000 fans so far across the UK. 2 tv appearances only

Album sales are nothing like they were,

Plus other example last year - Annie Lennox,

[Adje]

Originally Posted by nikox1

Words can hide meanings

They can, but I think, in this case, you were trying too hard to find something behind them

Golbally only Streisand did very good. But she is like one of the last of the Mohicans.

Anyway, If it was up to me they all got a lot of media attention and do well on the charts. Fact of the matter is that some need other platforms to promote their material. Especially if the mainstream media is denying you. Bette Midler and Meat Loaf could use such a platform.

And I completely agree on timing (and even luck). Major factors.

But one thing is for sure. Nobody buys your CD if they don't know about it's existsence.

Which brings me back to the OP. The very least you can do as an artist, is making sure you put effort in your own website.

[nikox1]

Originally Posted by Adje

They can, but I think, in this case, you were trying too hard to find something behind them

Golbally only Streisand did very good. But she is like one of the last of the Mohicans.

Anyway, If it was up to me they all got a lot of media attention and do well on the charts. Fact of the matter is that some need other platforms to promote their material. Especially if the mainstream media is denying you. Bette Midler and Meat Loaf could use such a platform.

And I completely agree on timing (and even luck). Major factors.

But one thing is for sure. Nobody buys your CD if they don't know about it's existsence.

Which brings me back to the OP. The very least you can do as an artist, is making sure you put effort in your own website.

Some good points, some fair points, but we can't comment on what Meat does in regards this? Not knowing all the facts etc etc,,

[GenoJLaw]

At least they updated the copy rights to this year. It depresses me the lack of updates Meat's website gets. That's why I've been coming here I get better updates It was this fan site where I first found out the title changed from Brave and Crazy too Braver Than We Are. I know Meat posts a lot on FB but I have been avoiding getting on FB something I might finally do this year so Official websites are what I rely on for news.

[nikox1]

Originally Posted by GenoJLaw

At least they updated the copy rights to this year. It depresses me the lack of updates Meat's website gets. That's why I've been coming here I get better updates It was this fan site where I first found out the title changed from Brave and Crazy too Braver Than We Are. I know Meat posts a lot on FB but I have been avoiding getting on FB something I might finally do this year so Official websites are what I rely on for news.

There should be an official website 100%,, that is kept updated. On this we all agree, but I can see why Facebook is a more handy promotion device

[Breeze]

For many years he had an international fan club run out of Seattle, and his international website was run by a fan, who despite serious ill-health kept it up to date out of personal love and commitment until she died.

good heavens Caryl, you aren't talking about Wezzie are you? I know that goes way back but she did run a site for him for some time. Of course so did Susan for sometime ( and for Jim later ). Have to get in the "WABAC Machine " ( pronounced WayBack - Rocky & Bullwinkle show ) for this stuff.

[lorenzoduke]

If someone catches say, the BBC doc or a bit of a ML song as they're going about their day and think 'hmm, I used to like/quite like Meat Loaf. I wonder if he's up to anything lately' the first thing they will do is Google 'Meat Loaf official', head to his 'official' site, see a worthless mess and probably give it up as a bad job. There's no way that that isn't a shame.

Let's look at an older veteran artist who's recent albums have sold less than Meat's for comparison. Check out JerryLeeLewis.com

I don't think I even need to say more. If Meat wanted a decent website he could find a way to have one. Hell, if I wanted a decent website (and had the money) I could do so for myself. Anyone could. I would imagine a Vegas residency, a new album with Steinman, a movie career, record contracts etc. are all far trickier things to arrange than getting up an up-to-date web presence with good archival and current information and photos. It honestly surprises me that such a perfectionist is content to have www.meatloaf.net on his recent albums and be represented by such a shoddy, half-arsed website branded with his seal of approval.

[CarylB]

Originally Posted by Breeze

good heavens Caryl, you aren't talking about Wezzie are you? I know that goes way back but she did run a site for him for some time. Of course so did Susan for sometime ( and for Jim later ). Have to get in the "WABAC Machine " ( pronounced WayBack - Rocky & Bullwinkle show ) for this stuff.

No, I was referring to Vee who had her own fansite, but then was webmaster for the Official International Fan Club site until her death. Wez only managed the chatroom there.

[nikox1]

Originally Posted by lorenzoduke

If someone catches say, the BBC doc or a bit of a ML song as they're going about their day and think 'hmm, I used to like/quite like Meat Loaf. I wonder if he's up to anything lately' the first thing they will do is Google 'Meat Loaf official', head to his 'official' site, see a worthless mess and probably give it up as a bad job. There's no way that that isn't a shame.

Let's look at an older veteran artist who's recent albums have sold less than Meat's for comparison. Check out JerryLeeLewis.com

I don't think I even need to say more. If Meat wanted a decent website he could find a way to have one. Hell, if I wanted a decent website (and had the money) I could do so for myself. Anyone could. I would imagine a Vegas residency, a new album with Steinman, a movie career, record contracts etc. are all far trickier things to arrange than getting up an up-to-date web presence with good archival and current information and photos. It honestly surprises me that such a perfectionist is content to have www.meatloaf.net on his recent albums and be represented by such a shoddy, half-arsed website branded with his seal of approval.

Some valid points again, but we don't know who's to blame in fairness

[CarylB]

Originally Posted by lorenzoduke

If someone catches say, the BBC doc or a bit of a ML song as they're going about their day and think 'hmm, I used to like/quite like Meat Loaf. I wonder if he's up to anything lately' the first thing they will do is Google 'Meat Loaf official', head to his 'official' site, see a worthless mess and probably give it up as a bad job.

Actually I think anyone who did this would see they can sign up for tour updates, and also see the invitation to join him on Facebook.

It's not really a "site" as such now; as I said, just a foothold to direct people to his FB page .. which attracted a significant number of new people in the days after the documentary and a sharp peak in "likes", so perhaps people didn't give the search up as a bad a job as you might imagine.

The site you reference makes it clear that you cannot contact the artist .. on FB fans can and do. They don't always get replies .. but they're in with a chance, and Meat often picks up on questions (Just recently someone posted a request for permission to play some of his songs at her son's funeral. Meat responded very quickly, offering condolences and saying she had no need to ask, but was welcome to have any songs played she wanted. Personally I find that kind of personal interest and interaction far more impressive than a slick website. And Meat DOES sell albums, sold out the Last At Bat tour, was invited to do two more residencies in Vegas on the back of the success of th first one .. and if he announced a set of tour dates on his page tomorrow he would fill those venues.

But fine .. let some say he doesn't embrace the internet, digital technology, YouTube etc, doesn't put effort into into an impressive website. He remains a successful artist, does what he sees fit, manages his affairs his own way, and perhaps feels that's his choice and works

[Julie in the rv mirror]

Originally Posted by lorenzoduke

If someone catches say, the BBC doc or a bit of a ML song as they're going about their day and think 'hmm, I used to like/quite like Meat Loaf. I wonder if he's up to anything lately' the first thing they will do is Google 'Meat Loaf official', head to his 'official' site, see a worthless mess and probably give it up as a bad job. There's no way that that isn't a shame.

I agree with this. As effective as Facebook can be, there are people (I know many) who won't have anything to do with it (for various reasons), strange as that may seem. I can imagine there are plenty of competent companies out there (or even a willing intern) who can do a decent job updating a website. IMO, I don't think an official site needs to be slick, but it should at least be current.

Originally Posted by CarylB

Actually I think anyone who did this would see they can sign up for tour updates, and also see the invitation to join him on Facebook.

I signed up for updates long ago- I've never gotten a thing from the official site. I'm on Facebook, though as I mentioned above, I know many people who aren't.

[chairboys]

Originally Posted by Adje

Even that latest BBC documentary, people cheerde about, focussed on the old Meat and hardly gave any insight in today's Meat Loaf or his music.

It was aired on BBC Four, no less. That's the Beeb's fourth channel. They don't currently have a fifth TV channel.

[nikox1]

Originally Posted by chairboys

It was aired on BBC Four, no less. That's the Beeb's fourth channel. They don't currently have a fifth TV channel.

They put a lot of their music on this to be fair, bats been back in the UK top 100 the past 3 weeks, maybe it's the reason? Anyway regarding proper promotion, I would say if we hear nothing by end of February, it's most likely the album won't be released until later in the year

[Breeze]

Originally Posted by CarylB

No, I was referring to Vee who had her own fansite, but then was webmaster for the Official International Fan Club site until her death. Wez only managed the chatroom there.

I vividly recall Vee's death. It was so sad. We made a huge online card for her - which is still up I imagine. I think when I came to this site that is how you or someone found my pic I had taken with Meat b/c I posted it on her card. She was a lovely self sacrificing person.
Then what site am I thinking of?? , I believe it was called The Room at the Top ]( reference to one of Meat's songs of course). Wezzie ran it ( I thought) . I know it did have a chat room too. as you can see my memory is not all that great. I am lucky to remember what I ate for breakfast. I was only sporadically involved in the fan club and chat rooms however b/c I had so much going on my on life and not too much time left to spend online. the first thing I did when I got my first computer in 96 was type in Meat loaf and find anyone who had a site up. fun times.
These are names from so long ago and it makes me feel sad to think about all these people. The 90's was a great decade to be a Meat Loaf fan, the net was new and it was all so exciting.
RIP VEE.

[Wario]

I wish he'd let me run it. Nuff said.

[samurai7]

Originally Posted by Wario

I wish he'd let me run it. Nuff said.

Yeah, you could have given us a remastered 'extened' version