Published by Joe on 10 Jan 2010 at 02:40 pm
January 10, 2010
” Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” -T.S. Eliot
When explorers thought the world was flat, and that if they went to far they would fall off the edge, some of them still tested how far they could go. It was only in that way we discovered the earth was round.
Sometimes, metaphorically, I feel like I’m in danger of falling off the edge of the earth. I appreciate the feedback from everyone so much, but there is sometimes feelings of pressure for this to succeed in the capacity that everyone views as success. I’m attempting to start something at a grassroots level. So that means, not convincing a couple of TV executives that your ideas are good and should go out there, but convincing thousands, if not millions that the cartoons on Kaboing are worth taking up space on the creative landscape. You need the permission of the marketplace to truly move forward. Just as a politician has supporters when he announces his candidacy for president, he or she needs to start winning primaries to gain the momentum for others to jump on board.( and to see if their message is one that resonates with enough voters to make a run at the presidency realistic.) I have just over 500,000 readers to my blog equaling over 3 million hits a year. But I will need to reach much more than that to make Kaboing TV start rolling. If the content connects with enough viewers, it will work. I mean, lets be realistic. Rocko has it’s cult following, but nothing close to mainstream numbers like Spongbob. Lazlo was one of the top shows on Cartoon Network, and won two primetime Emmys’ but it could have been the case of a big fish in a small pond. Will my reach be enough to bring others to give the shows a shot?
Thanks so much to everyone who is so supportive. I will give it my all to accomplish this. But there are many ways the creative Gods could say it’s not right. But hopefully, I will see what went wrong, try it again, or hoist someone else up on my shoulders to reach the golden ring.
Dave on 10 Jan 2010 at 4:44 pm #
Success is fleeting as is fame. The important thing here to do is make the effort towards your end goal. How do you get the word out about Kaboing to a true mass audience? I don’t know. One aspect of it could be to produce great content and the viewers will follow. Another could be mass promotion. No matter what happens, do your best.
david essman on 10 Jan 2010 at 7:57 pm #
Build a grassroots street team(much like politicians do to help them with their campaign) to help you spread the word to blogs, forums, social networks.
Joe on 10 Jan 2010 at 8:11 pm #
Thats a good idea David.
Joe Murray
Chris D. on 10 Jan 2010 at 10:18 pm #
When it comes to focus groups, if I may use that ugly term, those who read your blog are not the best people to get straight up answers for. We are all kind of biased.
However, that doesn’t mean this won’t work out. Twitter, FaceBook, Reddit, Stumble, Digg, MySpace, DevianArt, Bebo, Flickr, message boards (ToonZone, etc.), blogs (Cartoon Brew), all of these are all means that can utilize and promote your site and easily gather the people you need to start the ball rolling.
If you need help establishing a reliable and constantly updated sections of all these sites, I know them all like the back of my hand and can definitely aid you in making sure they reflect what you are aiming for. Just volunteering if you need help.
sarah on 10 Jan 2010 at 10:56 pm #
i tihnk you should trust in the idea and take the risk. allt he best ideas i know come from taking risks.
also, it might sound harsh but it’s meant with good intentions;; i sincrely hope it does not offend- i faithfuly read and love your blog every time you update- i have about 8 or 9 other people who (to be honest) can’t be bothered to read your blog- however, very much care about your animation, what you stand for, and have been super exited and eagerly awaiting to watch kaboing TV made by you!!
basically a blog is one thing, but a good cartoon in a way is quite another- i think it’s pretty certain you’ll have a lot more people willing to watch stuff than read it (as lame as it sounds haha!) i’m pretty sure like me everyone reading this blog has already spread the word. we can’t wait to see the result!
also, rocko and lazlo seem small at the moment, but as far as i remember they were pretty big (well at least over here) and they just aren’t played anymore- if they were i’m pretty sure kids today would lap it up, if they lap up flapjack and chowder they’ll lap up kaboing TV =D
Ty Code on 11 Jan 2010 at 3:01 am #
you mentioned spongebob, but if you recall, spongebob started out as a cult hit also. no one on the crew expected it to get a second season, let alone a 10th.
Only time will tell. but remember one thing, if you put quality stuff out there, the people will come. there are a billion reality shows out there, but there is a reason why american idol is #1
Heidi Pesterfield on 11 Jan 2010 at 10:12 am #
hi joe! lovely blog…very inspiring. i only have a few minutes so i only got to read a few entries- i’ll check it out more later. my publisher is on my butt to start one, but i’ve been dragging my feet… so it’s fun to browse and get ideas. not certain this is the best spot to leave a personal msg, but here it sits. how are you! i guess we lost touch a few yrs back…i tried to find you on facebook but i imagine all your energy goes into this site. hope this message finds you well, joe. i can’t complain a bit about my life-i am blessed in so many ways- great job, living the mountain lifestyle, C & S, and continuing to open my heart & mind to new learning experiences. FB is actually the best way to keep in touch w/ me, although so is my email, which you now have!
My best,
Heidi
Arturo on 11 Jan 2010 at 11:39 pm #
I have recently read about advertizing, and they said that people didn’t like to be aproached by mass, that you have to reach them one by one. I don’t know how to explain it in english, but it is something like “Hey you guys come and see my cartoons” it’s not the same as reaching people like “Hi! This space is made for specially for you”.
I find this idea really interesting and if it will be succesful or not, you’d be able to tell it when Kaboing is “on air” already. As you say take the risk to be an artist, and to share what you know with others (well, you’re already doing this, but this words from you always cheer me up when i find hard to keep going) Good Luck!
Cubits on 21 Jan 2010 at 8:13 am #
All of the big fad sites that exist (facebook, twitter, youtube…google!) started as small sites that only the hardcore followers visited. Google used to be the background app for Yahoo!
These sites have no original content, they rely on amateurs posting digital garbage at each other (Ooh, a celebrity is eating toast!), yet they are so engrained in modern culture that they have become recognised verbs of the English language. Chaucer would be proud (or disgusted, or would mention the word nosethriles…).
What you have is a great idea, with probability of great content (i have faith, i really do!). The details will make or break it in terms of economic viability, but it’s not as if lesser services haven’t become sustainable. People use the internet, people pay for cable cartoon channels… (then they twitter their inane thoughts about it all).