Another idea crossed my mind...maybe it sounds quite megalomaniac, but hey, apart of my visions of ruling the world... <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

Why not compiling CD´s with the faves of the members? They could have different themes, like hair, punk, synth...and who else knows better about 80s sounds than we do? <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

Let me explain this a bit: I´m simply bored with most of the 80s compilations which regurgigates the same 20 (or 40 if it´s a DCD) songs again and again - heck, the 80s were more than those numbers of respective tracks!
Second, it might help to raise some funds for this site. Plus, this site might be even more popular (as it is right now... <img src="wink.gif" border="0"> ) when possible fans will see that these CD´s are compiled by fans who really care about music, and not some fat exec in a climated bureau on the 20th floor thinking about flogging dead horses.
Last...this might be something that we had brought on the way...that is something we could be damn proud of IMHO.

I know, this can´t be done in a week or so, in fact, this could be a stony way with contacting labels and stuff, but just imagine it works...

What do you think about it?

Actually, I like your first idea best Wavemeister. Let's take over the world instead.lol

I think the compilations could be quite fun. Good idea Wavey. <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

Great idea, Wave. I already said this in the operator forum. It could be done. Not easily, but it could be done. I have done it through work for another private society. It is possible to make an 80sxchange greatest hits. I wouldn't mind donating the time and effort, since I already deal with the greedy bastards...ehhh...incredibly nice people from labels already. It would however be easier to obtain rights to use one-hit wonders or bands from smaller labels. All we have to do is start a list of songs and then work from there.

I like this, let's do it <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> Tho' it'll probably end up being a 20+ CD-set <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

I agree it's a great idea, since you already deal with those people Flixfan <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

Well, of course, I really love this idea. Let's try to one-hit wonder thing first. If it makes any money, then we could buy the rights for more expensive music. Right? Maybe we can actually get a real CD on the market with all of the contributors names on it. That would be cool. Wouldn't it? In the process, it would help support the costs of running this site, and advertise us as well. You never know, from there it could go on to even more. Imagine this is the beginning of the Eighties Entertainment Network? <img src="tongue.gif" border="0"> <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

That is a wonderful idea, wave. Definately a way to promote the site. It is so true that lots of the same songs end up on complations of all sorts. I have a few right now that have similar songs on each.

First of all - If anyone are intested in putting little, some or a lot of work into this - please say so. I don't mind doing the work at all, but this was Wave's idea and it would be great if he and others would help. No obligations, naturally. <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

Secondly, we need to make some decision before even thinking about contacting artists/labels:

1. Who would we want to be on this CD?

2. Will it only be sold through 80sxchange or do we aim for something bigger?

2A. What kind of print-run are we talking? What's realistic? (As soon as we have decided on this, I will figure out the production costs)

3. How much should the CD(s) cost?

4. Some artists will ask for some kind of percentage. Some for more, some for less. How many percent of our earnings are we willing to share? We need to be firm on this to have an idea on how much to offer different artists/labels.

5. Cover art. I hope we can convince Roem to get in on this. Should we spend the extra money on pics of artists or should the cover/booklet be our own creation? It would be cool to have different thoughts/memories/whatever from different members in the booklet.

Sorry about this being boring-business-like, but that's how we have to play if we want this to be for real. The more input we get, the more of the spirit of 80sxchange will be included.

Let me know what you think?

Originally posted by Flixfan:
<STRONG>
5. Cover art. I hope we can convince Roem to get in on this. Should we spend the extra money on pics of artists or should the cover/booklet be our own creation?</STRONG>

What about the same design thats on the shirt? That's unique....

Originally posted by Flixfan:
<STRONG>First of all - If anyone are intested in putting little, some or a lot of work into this - please say so. I don't mind doing the work at all, but this was Wave's idea and it would be great if he and others would help. No obligations, naturally. <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
</STRONG>

So! <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> Ha ha. I'll help......just let me know what you need help with.

Originally posted by Flixfan:
<STRONG>First of all - If anyone are intested in putting little, some or a lot of work into this - please say so. I don't mind doing the work at all, but this was Wave's idea and it would be great if he and others would help. No obligations, naturally. <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

Secondly, we need to make some decision before even thinking about contacting artists/labels:

1. Who would we want to be on this CD?

2. Will it only be sold through 80sxchange or do we aim for something bigger?

2A. What kind of print-run are we talking? What's realistic? (As soon as we have decided on this, I will figure out the production costs)

3. How much should the CD(s) cost?

4. Some artists will ask for some kind of percentage. Some for more, some for less. How many percent of our earnings are we willing to share? We need to be firm on this to have an idea on how much to offer different artists/labels.

5. Cover art. I hope we can convince Roem to get in on this. Should we spend the extra money on pics of artists or should the cover/booklet be our own creation? It would be cool to have different thoughts/memories/whatever from different members in the booklet.

Sorry about this being boring-business-like, but that's how we have to play if we want this to be for real. The more input we get, the more of the spirit of 80sxchange will be included.

Let me know what you think?</STRONG>

Many serious points to consider...Flix is right, this project needs well thinking and acting.

to 1.) Of course it would be quite daring to pump out separate editions regarding each style of music. I think the first release should contain about 15 songs selected by the members (if possible), no matter of the style.

to 2.) At first it should be exclusively distributed via 80sxchange. This is of course more work for the admins of this site, but they´re also in control and don´t have to bother with record stores, plus, more cash would remain at 80sxc.

to 2a.) A production of an edition of 300 CD´s are about 1500 DEM in Germany (that´s roughly about 750 $), containing a folded booklet, a backsleeve and a mirror (in 4 colours). I don´t know what about royalties and fees for organizations like the RIAA, that has to be requested, as I think the CDs will be produced in the USA.
It´s also depending on the manufacturer...so we need some serious numbers.

to 3.) We can´t compete with CDnow, amazon etc. Not only, that the costs for the production must be covered, something countable should remain for 80sxc. For an edition of 300 ea., some 5$ should be the profit of each sold CD - but first, the total of costs need to be calculated before thinking about the profit.
It might even happen that the first CD comes out with a plusminus 0...think of it also as a kind of extra advertisement to this board. If it´s a minus after calculation, we should drop it then...sad, but that´s reality.

to 4.) That´s the point where I have to admit I´m completely clueless.
I just bear the slight hope that some of the mentioned "one-hit-wonders" are that generous to leave their songs for little, even free if we inform them about the cause.
Sounds harsh and exec-like, but we should strive for one-time payments.

to 5.) I´m willing to throw my 2 cents in and offer to do a free cover artwork. The only condition I ask for is my name and the URL on the sleeve... <img src="wink.gif" border="0">
If you want to look on my earlier works, here are two URL´s of mine:

wavelenghts.com (http://www.wavelenghts.com/) (click on the 4th button from the left) or
c(EINS)fiction.de (http://www.ceinsfiction.de/) (click on "portfolio")

I have also contacted a German synthpopband (it´s SYNTEC, if anyone knows them) for the release of an earlier track one of them made under the name NEW SCIENTISTS.

That are my suggestions and inputs so far... <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

Hmm. This is all sounding pretty good so far. Any costs involved should be taken care of by me. Hopefully, it wont be too much money. It might be too costly to sell anywhere but here for now. If it sells here, then maybe I can assume it'll sell everywhere and spend some more money to get it out there. I saw a $5.00 profit for each CD mentioned somewhere. That would be cool. 100 CDs sold would mean $500.00 which would be very helpful and pay for our hosting for about 10 months! Or maybe that would be enough for the rights of a few non 1-hit wonder songs. Whatever I can do to get this rolling, please let me know. I have lots of hopes and dreams for 80sxchange and if this works some of them might come true...

A few responses:

I would look into getting the CD's printed in Asia, where we can get more for the money regarding print-work and sound-quality. I will send out for bids for the job for 100, 500, 1000 copies. I will let you know the numbers asap.

There's no way we can settle with one-time payments for artists. Simply because 80sxchange will own the rights for future reprints, which means that Sal can sell to national distribution should he choose to do so. A up-front payment would mean that the party would be over as soon as the 100-300 copies were sold. This could be a steady source of income for a long time, so let's keep all options open.

If a $5 profit is what we're aiming for, then that would mean that we have around 50-60% to split into royalties for the artist - with a sale price of $13.

I think the shirt-idea is brilliant, Myst. It's unique and looks cool. I'm also thinking ideas for the booklet. Might as well go all the way and promote this community as well as we can. I will definitely recommend a insert with advertisements for the other 80sxchange merchandise.

That was just a few answers/thoughts. Keep the thoughts/ideas coming.

Whatever we choose to do, let's make it beneficial to the whole. We'll have everyone in the literature who participates. URLs and all.

Originally posted by wavemaster:
<STRONG>2a.) A production of an edition of 300 CD´s are about 1500 DEM in Germany (that´s roughly about 750 $), containing a folded booklet, a backsleeve and a mirror (in 4 colours)</STRONG>

Waaaay to much money Wave. We had our run of 1,000 CDs pressed here for a buck apiece, four color inserts & two color labels included. Also, if you run them off in Germany, now you have to add the shipping costs to get them over here.

Just playing devil's advocate here, but everyone's forgetting something. If you sell them here on the ineternet, the good ol' IRS will find out about it eventually and you will have to pay income tax on them. Who pays this? Sal? Not fair. Everyone? Not feasible.

As for the rites to the songs. I doubt you'll find ANY artist that will give you the rites to their bread and butter for free. Some won't charge that much, but some will go for your throat. Believe me....been there, done that. We got lucky that Ronnie Montrose didn't rake us over the coals to let us use his song on our CD.

Just trying to help. I'd love to get more involved in this, but I have my hands full trying to sell my own CD! <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

Thanks for the input, Pagan. P.S. I still wanna get you hooked up with PayPal to sell your CDs! Otherwise, I suppose I would need to register 80sxchange as a business. In that case, it would be okay to pay the taxes on revenue. That would be fine. As long as I'm taking in more than I'm putting out, whatever that may be - it would be okay. Every little bit helps. The big question right now is how much it will cost to obtain the rights. I suppose if it's a REAL lot, maybe I'd need some help. But first things first - let's see what it costs. MAYBE we'll get lucky.

Okay...I have to admit that the flash I had seemed not to be the brightest one, as it was carried more by idealism as by sober thinking.

But before we are now listing up reasons why it maybe not will work, we should go as far as we can...researching, asking, begging, stealing, the whole way... <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

At least, it was just a suggestion how to support this board.

Why not compiling CD´s with the faves of the members? They could have different themes, like hair, punk, synth...and who else knows better about 80s sounds than we do?
---------------------------------------------

Maybe we could include the user name of the song picked by the member? Something like this---&gt; song...favorite pick of wavemaster)???

Thinking up ways why this isn't possible is very important at this stage. It will force us to deal with things before they become real problems.

The tax part isn't a problem. There are lots of ways to deal with it legally. That's the reason why I took $3 out of the $13 for prodution and taxes. I doubt that 1000 CD's will cost more than a 80 cents a piece incl. S/H if we choose a foreign producer.

Pagan is right. We won't get anything for free. That brings us back to the reason we go for one-hit wonders. Most labels take whatever they can squeeze out of the rights for these.

Sal, maybe you should set up a poll here? How many members would be interested in purchasing a CD like that and so forth.

Since we would deal with songs that most people know and legally on top of that, there's no reason why members couldn't push this to local CD stores. Sell 5-10 to a local store for $10 a piece. Lower profit, but then it's out there. We could also promote this through a free copy to local radio-stations. We have the advantage of selling music people know. We are not a new band trying to break through and we should keep that in mind.

Originally posted by topcat1970:
<STRONG>
Maybe we could include the user name of the song picked by the member? Something like this---&gt; song...favorite pick of wavemaster)???</STRONG>
That's a great idea. Or, we could put a little blurb about each one in the booklet (if we make a bookklet, i know i know...that can get expensive).

Flix - I'd love to help out. Even if it's just helping type things up or whatever, count me in. Also, I have access to a CD Print shop through my company. Let me know if you want me to get a quote. I can probably get them at cost, with no mark up.

We are so corporate! ahhh!!! <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">

I like Flix's idea about using the Nike model. Cheap asian production houses and then sell to the U.S. market for cold-hard greenbacks.LOL Just kidding Flix.

I think at the very least we could have an awful lot of fun trying. At best we'll get to spread the 80s gospel.

If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know. <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

Hey, even if it doesn't make a penny - it WOULD be kinda fun. Wouldn't it? We might as well try... As for the poll, I love the idea. BUT, I just sent out a mass mail to our ezBoard accounts asking them to take a look at the new page and vote! Perfect timing, right? Let's give it a couple of days and then I'll throw something up on the front page. Okay?

I think that's the right attitude, Sal. If we did this for the money, then we would be pretty horrible businessmen.

Xis, get a quote from your company for 100, 300 & 1000 CD's - if you don't mind. I already faxed a few companies in Asia. Now we have to wait for the one guy there who speaks English to come to work. Then he has to contact the decisionmaker, who then ponders an answer for a week. Then he will wait for the guy who speaks english to come back, so he can translate their bid.
This is unfortunately NOT a joke, but based on my experiences with a very different culture. Refreshing that not all of the world suffers from stress-related diseases, isn't it? <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

Here are the prices I can get:

100/300: $6.50 a CD w/jewel case. $6.35 in paper envelope.

1000: $2.80 a CD w/jewel case. $2.65 in paper envelope.

This includes any black ink we'd like printed on the cd (track listing, logo, website, etc).

If we want to add color ink, it's 8 cents a color.

Shipping is free and we can have them shipped anywhere in the US.

What about artwork? Would one of us assemble the CD and artwork, or should we have someone do it for us? From personal experience, I know that inserting J-Cards into jewel cases is a major pain in the ass. Although, if we all met for a day and sat around together, it could be fun. I think there are a handful of us on the east coast (roem, flix, sal, me, not man....i think). I wouldn't mind driving to DC, or up to Boston for a weekend.

While the idea is nowhere near original, it is still pretty good.

Now the main problem: copyrights.

You can't just throw together a compilation CD for sale without the legalities involved.

As much as some of us do this in our homes, that is different. You aren't selling it to make a profit. More importantly, if you didn't get permission from the copyright owner, you could be sued for THOUSANDS.

There is no easy way to do this. I wouldn't mind burning a few CDs, but as for mass production, not a chance. First you would need to get permission, then pay some royalities, then produce the CD and market it somehow.

A lot of red tape involved.

But you are right... most of the 80's compilations out there are the same songs. Nothing wrong with making several of them. You can't even fit half of the 1 hit wonders onto several discs.

Hey Aaron,
as you can read in earlier posts - we are very much aware of the red tape involved. But that is not a problem. We just need to come up with artists now. I already have a hole through to some companies. So any suggestions?

All of the majors have divisions (usually called "Special Markets") that handle these projects. They handle all the licensing, manufacturing, etc. However, they have unit minimums - you'd be hard pressed to find a company willing to press only 300 units of a compilation. They usually require you to place a guarantee of 7,000 - 10,000 units over 3 years. After the song list is compiled, you need to figure out which label has the biggest percentage of songs on the comp, then go to the Special Markets division of that label.

SurlyOne, most labels are more than willing to license small print-runs to closed communities. Most contracts have separate agreements for major distrubtion which of course requires a larger print-run.

Lets go underground! ;)

Sal you might want to consider registering this place as a non-profit agency. You pay yourself a decent wage but roll the rest back into this place. its Legit, and it could be a tax write off for you. You could write off the cost of renting the site space etc.

Someone has probably suggested this too you before but think about it :)


I think this is a great idea!!! I would by the CD. I know lots of people out there that run to the store when an 80s compilation comes out.

Even if we distribute mainly from here. What if each of us bought 10 and took them to a record store, a local coffee hang out where our age cohort frequents, at the local bar that has 80s theme nights. Give one to radio stations to give away on their 80s sets. We used to give away indie CD's all the time in my college radio days. :)

This could work!

I do have to admit I'm not keen on the Nike idea but it would be cost effective.

Zel, could you send me a private message or an email ( claziano@optonline.net ) about the Non-Profit agency you mentioned? Nobody has said anything like that before. If there is any way that I could help ease the costs of this site, it would be great.

I don't want to burst into this thread and change the subject but I'm very interested in your idea. Thanks for bringing it up...

Being that I know nothing about this stuff I have nothing to contribute to these ideas :( But I think this link may be of some assistance as far as certain song rights are concerned, I hope :)
http://www.rockforever.com