So, I am one of those performers who HATES to market themselves. To promote an upcoming show or some good fortune is really hard for me. I’m never sure if the person wants to hear it, even if they just asked what was up… I assume they are just being nice and not really being curious. Well, since I have to promote myself or I don’t get anyone in the seats for my shows, I have a mailing list that I send upcoming events to. I figure these are my friends or at least are people who know who the hell I am and might give a crap about what I am doing. I don’t send out information via large anonymous email lists where I am hitting all sorts of random people…I don’t want to bother anyone.
Well, I thought I was safe with this practice, until today.
I sent out my usual, “This is what is going on this month” today, although right now, since so much is going on, I sent out a “This is what is going on this week” message to my mailing list. Remember those people who are supposed to give a crap?
This was what I got in my inbox a few minutes after I posted the update: A letter from a guy not directed at me, but sent to me...
“I sure wish there was a way to block emails from Suzy, Claudia, Rob, "Dame" and Laura.
when it nothing but me me me messages.”
Can you believe that? Ok, he isn’t really a friend; he is more of an acquaintance. I mediated a class for beginning performers and he was one of the attendees. He is someone who would love to perform more than he does. But, he doesn’t want to put himself out there. I did open mics in this town for years before I got my own night. I say yes to everything, whether is pays or not. I just try to meet as many people as possible. He doesn’t really do much of anything and he’s obviously a pain in the ass, so people don’t choose to work with him.
So, I am sure there are some sour grapes there. But, come on. Can you imagine writing that to someone? Not even addressing me personally. Like he was complaining to someone who wasn’t me. Crazy. Maybe he doesn’t know how awkward it is for me to send those things in the first place. Maybe, he thinks I am some kind of egomaniac.
I am not sure what I should learn from this. There are people who are bothered by you and your self promotion. They don’t want to know about your good fortune, unless they are experiencing some themselves. Sad.
I sent an email back apologizing and promising to take him off my mailing list. What else could I do?
