|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
Let me start by saying I was wrong on my perception of Facebook at least after I learned that I did not have to do the “friend” thing but instead put up a "business page". As this and the mindset that as long as I had a credible website Facebook was a waste were the only reasons I stayed away. But here is what I learned very quickly . . . it's bigger than all of us!
In fact my website has been up for 10 years or so with numerous notifications and invites send to many of the people who have been hiring me for all of these years and some have still not once visited the website. But I start a business Facebook page and BAM!, these same people tend to find it on their own within days.
I am not working for this giant (and that is what it is) I am just saying that I have received more feedback and/or interaction with booking agents and the general public within the six weeks or so I have started my Facebook page than any 3-4 year span of my website.
I am however curious as to how many of my fellow BIAB'ers are also using this medium to promote their music business and their take on their experience?
Thanks,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,564
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,564 |
Facebook is the main method of publicity for bands in my area. I've had a website for 18 years but far more people now see my gigs from Facebook - the regular personal one, not my Band page. Invites from the Band page do get pretty good response, but I reserve that for major concerts.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
I left Facebook last summer and have not looked back. It was turning into a second job.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047 |
I just terminated facebook, also terminated Linkedin.
For regular business folks, both are probably pretty good sites.
Just don't have the interest and time.
Enjoy you folks much more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
I'm not a big Facebook fan but I do have an account just for staying up with family members.
If I were playing professionally I'd milk that sucker for all it's worth. It's free and once you get a following built up you could definitely increase your turnout, even if it was only a few extra heads per show.
I can't see a downside for a performer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250 |
Quote:
I left Facebook last summer and have not looked back. It was turning into a second job.
And way too invasive!
When I went back and read some of the drivel on there (some of it mine, your Honor) I decided that those precious seconds I have left in my Life should not be taken up with this crap.
I quit Farcebook too and got hours of my life back per week!
(enough time to go making Music! - BONUS.)
Ian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I'm on facebook. Family in the UK and British Columbia, music friends, and publicity for the Plumbing Factory Brass Band.
I don't see a downside. I read what I like. I post lots of shots there for family, if you friend me, you see them too, dog, grandson this week. Dad's birthday party tonight when I get around to it.
My son is an executive with a large Canadian banking organization, and Linkdin got him his last job. I don't know about it for music.
I have at least 20 casual friends who stay abreast of my comings and goings on the Facebook though. 2 from my high school days in the 60's, that found me!
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365 |
We have a business page, but that's just a commercial decision. Generally, I'm not a great fan. Someone posts what they had for lunch and about another twenty people either "like" or comment. What? Life's too short for that.  ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
Quote:
We have a business page, but that's just a commercial decision.
Generally, I'm not a great fan. Someone posts what they had for lunch and about another twenty people either "like" or comment. What?
Life's too short for that.
ROG.
That is exactly the reason for me taking so long to get involved, but with the business page you have none of this "Friend" BS and of course more control of what and when something goes on the page.
Maybe I was just afraid I could not make friends. 
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
OK, Danny... you got my interest
How would I go about setting up a business FB account as opposed to personal account?
Can personal accounts be "ported over" to business?
I exited FB for the same reasons mentioned above...but what might be invasive in a personal context could also be seen as PERvasive, and a good way to get attention for a business... especially a music performance business
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,792
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,792 |
No actually right now I'm on the couch. But I'm sure that doesn't matter.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
Quote:
OK, Danny... you got my interest
How would I go about setting up a business FB account as opposed to personal account?
Can personal accounts be "ported over" to business?
I exited FB for the same reasons mentioned above...but what might be invasive in a personal context could also be seen as PERvasive, and a good way to get attention for a business... especially a music performance business
Pat,
I think when I clicked on start a page it gave me the option if I wanted a personal or business page. If memory serves me correctly I clicked the "Cafe" Icon". And that is the only difference in setting up a business page.
You can also follow the steps that take you through the different stages of what and who can post on your page. You also get email notification with every post. I like this feature as it affords you the ability to delete or in some cases even edit post. But the thing I like the most is that is is business and you do not have to get into that "friend me" trap.
Re: Personal accounts, I am not sure about that but here is a link where you can get all of your questions answered Ask Emma .
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
I'm a huge FB fan, and I was 'forced' on it when I went back to school at 41 and felt like and old f$#@ because EVERY other perosn in the school was using it....I'll be sending 'friend' requests to every one of you whose name I can find ; )
I think it's a great way to get to know people a little better - especially those that you've never met in person. IMHO it is a socially appropriate place for sharing little things that mean very much to people, create bonding, and are typically not shared in more professional relationships or internet forums. Yes - some people go a little bit overboard (I don't really care what they're eating at any given moment either).
But I will give you my perspective - all those of you looking to use it for your business, which is a fine use of it. I go on FB, as well as many others, to see people that I either care or pretend to care about me personally in some way. I'm very turned off by people that are using it solely to attract me as a paying customer for their business.
Take that for what it's worth...one person's opinion : )
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
Quote:
But I will give you my perspective - all those of you looking to use it for your business, which is a fine use of it. I go on FB, as well as many others, to see people that I either care or pretend to care about me personally in some way. I'm very turned off by people that are using it solely to attract me as a paying customer for their business.
Take that for what it's worth...one person's opinion : )
Hey Joe V,
1st of all I was the one who said I would never be on Facebook for many reasons with the main one being all the phoney BS that comes with it. But I am now saying for businesses it is a viable method of getting your message out there. I know you said that this turns you off, but with that in mind if ads turn you off you must be turned off everytime you turn on a TV, go to movies, see outdoor boards, printed media and listen to radio. Heck all media, because that is what they are trying to do, get you to buy something. It's called advertising, it's everywhere and it is called good old US of A capitalism.
So I call my website and/or Facebook Business pages advertising, no hidden agenda. Because they are seen by booking agents, people who might be thinking about throwing a party and might need entertainment, restaurant, bar owners, people who see you "liked" by a friend and think hey I will stop in for a listen to this cat's music and maybe I might like it as well. And hey I might want them to write a commercial or jingle for my company. This is really going to turn you off . . . I have been known to stoop so low as to purchase TV ads for my business as well.
But here the disconnect with you statement above . . . you stated you have no problem using social media to see people you care or "pretend to care about you" and you have no problem with that. But if someone places an upfront no hidden agenda ad in front of you you are turned off? Big disconnect here man.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 430
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 430 |
My family pushed me into facebook!
I now have 35 friends.. That includes my grandson and one of our dogs....
Through facebook our class of '73 got connected (one old toppie created a page for the "class of 73" and we all found each other.
We now have a re-union planned for 6th April, 40 years later..nearly 80 of the 170 in the class that year
I must admit i only check facebook now and again and chhose to only accept friend requests of my real friends...
(I know of one of my family members that have 2100 "friends"?) how in the world is that possible?
I'm doing allright for Country Trash ....
I used to care, but things have changed (Bob Dylan)
BIAB 2026W + RB
M-Audio FastTrack C600, Rode NT2-A
Digitech VoiceLive 4
Epiphone Sheraton, Ibanez 12str, Washburn 6str, Cort 6Str Nylon
Yanagisawa Tenor Sax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,449 |
I'm not on Facebook, nor do I ever intend to be. If I need to contact a friend, I'll phone them, or send an email. Or visit them. I don't need to know what they had for breakfast, or what they're watching on the TV tonight.
Having said that, Danny, if it works for you, Go for it. If you only pick up one or two gigs, it has been worthwhile.
Cheers,
Keith
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
Quote:
I'm very turned off by people that are using it solely to attract me as a paying customer for their business.
Danny - I miscommunicated what I meant - nothing wrong with using it as you describe.
What I should have stated, and what I meant, was that I'm turned off by people that were friends or colleagues in the past and with whom I've lost touch (e.g. people that care or pretend..) sending VERY numerous posts, e.g. 'advertising' on my wall, either for their business or personal agenda. Remember, once you're friends with people, every single post you make is seen by your 'friends'). Nothing wrong with a few posts on these topics. But continually and excessively (emphasize: EXCESSIVELY) clutter my wall in an effort to promote their buisiness or personal agenda - political or otherwise, in a way that doesn't promote friendship or dialog - well, that's what turns me off.
Again - just one person's opinion : )
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
BTW - for those of you interested in being friends with me on FB - send a PM (or indicated right in this post, if you're comfortable) the particular name on need to search for to find you - that is, your Facebook name.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,459
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,459 |
I've got a personal page that I use fairly frequently (all my friends from LiveJournal are migrating there) and an artist page I really should use more. No incentive to give up my regular web site, though.
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
Quote:
Quote:
I'm very turned off by people that are using it solely to attract me as a paying customer for their business.
Danny - I miscommunicated what I meant - nothing wrong with using it as you describe.
What I should have stated, and what I meant, was that I'm turned off by people that were friends or colleagues in the past and with whom I've lost touch (e.g. people that care or pretend..) sending VERY numerous posts, e.g. 'advertising' on my wall, either for their business or personal agenda. Remember, once you're friends with people, every single post you make is seen by your 'friends'). Nothing wrong with a few posts on these topics. But continually and excessively (emphasize: EXCESSIVELY) clutter my wall in an effort to promote their buisiness or personal agenda - political or otherwise, in a way that doesn't promote friendship or dialog - well, that's what turns me off.
Again - just one person's opinion : )
Big difference.
later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,191
Posts801,778
Members40,063
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean