Comments on: OurStage Raising More Funding In Quest For Profitability http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/ Startup and Technology News Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:54:45 -0800 hourly 1 By: Steve Winter http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-3062227 Steve Winter Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:43:00 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-3062227 We were blessed to get a tip that our now deleted Ourstage fan page was still cached on Google. Now all can see the content that the corrupt staff at Ourstage lied about! Please WARN any and all you know who are participating on Ourstage about the corruption and dishonesty there. Post the link to our site in channel comments and song and video comments at Ourstage and in blogs. Details and now documentation are available at: <a href="http://www.ourstage.ws" rel="nofollow">http://www.ourstage.ws</a> Or <a href="http://www.winterband.com/Ourstage.html" rel="nofollow">www.winterband.com/Ourstage.html</a> Regards, and thanks for your support! Bro. Steve Winter We were blessed to get a tip that our now deleted Ourstage fan page was still cached on Google. Now all can see the content that the corrupt staff at Ourstage lied about! Please WARN any and all you know who are participating on Ourstage about the corruption and dishonesty there. Post the link to our site in channel comments and song and video comments at Ourstage and in blogs.

Details and now documentation are available at:

http://www.ourstage.ws

Or

http://www.wint...m/Ourstage.html

Regards, and thanks for your support!

Bro. Steve Winter

]]> By: Steve Winter http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-3017157 Steve Winter Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:18:26 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-3017157 Note we are the winner of the Nov 2008 Hard Rock Video category and came in #2 in the finals AOL's Ourstage has deleted the WinterBand fan page on behalf of a handful of false-christians who didn't like what we teach and filed frivolous "complaints" Details and documentation are available at: http://www.winterband.com/Ourstage.html What has happened is outrageous religious censorship and discrimination. Whether you love us or hate us consider the precedent that this situation establishes. If anyone you know is investing time and effort building a presence and network of connections on Ourstage you owe it to them to make them aware of what is going on. Note we are the winner of the Nov 2008 Hard Rock Video category and came in #2 in the finals

AOL’s Ourstage has deleted the WinterBand fan page on behalf of a handful of false-christians who didn’t like what we teach and filed frivolous “complaints”

Details and documentation are available at:

http://www.wint...m/Ourstage.html

What has happened is outrageous religious censorship and discrimination.
Whether you love us or hate us consider the precedent that this situation establishes.

If anyone you know is investing time and effort building a presence and network of connections on Ourstage you owe it to them to make them aware of what is going on.

]]> By: David http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2999135 David Wed, 23 Sep 2009 02:05:20 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2999135 I agree, myself and others are leaving Ourstage. None of us like the recent changes in the format. Most musicians I talk to in Boston just roll their eyes at it. We are going elsewhere. It has lost the respect of many artists in New England. I agree, myself and others are leaving Ourstage. None of us like the recent changes in the format.

Most musicians I talk to in Boston just roll their eyes at it.

We are going elsewhere. It has lost the respect of many artists in New England.

]]> By: Cendrine Marrouat http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2890875 Cendrine Marrouat Thu, 30 Jul 2009 22:40:03 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2890875 Hey Johnny, I am glad that you agree. ;-) Have you tried ReverbNation? They don't host any contest but their options are very neat and you can export all your music and videos everywhere you have a page with neat widgets... Hey Johnny,

I am glad that you agree. ;-)

Have you tried ReverbNation? They don’t host any contest but their options are very neat and you can export all your music and videos everywhere you have a page with neat widgets…

]]> By: Johnny Limbert http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2876939 Johnny Limbert Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:51:02 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2876939 That algorythm concept completely SUCKS. Is not 100% democratic but rather an application that allows shitty music to win some of those contests. If the voting system was actually democratic and allowing great talented artists to earn their win I wouldn't be so against Ourstage. Although the design makes it difficult to navigate too. That algorythm concept completely SUCKS. Is not 100% democratic but rather an application that allows shitty music to win some of those contests.

If the voting system was actually democratic and allowing great talented artists to earn their win I wouldn’t be so against Ourstage. Although the design makes it difficult to navigate too.

]]> By: Johnny Limbert http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2876932 Johnny Limbert Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:47:04 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2876932 Because their revenu models are those that don't work anymore. Pleanty other sites depending on those revenue models have long-gone. Because their revenu models are those that don’t work anymore. Pleanty other sites depending on those revenue models have long-gone.

]]> By: Johnny Limbert http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2876915 Johnny Limbert Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:41:59 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2876915 I must agree with you. And on another note, a lot of mediocre music wins at Ourstage because the f****g voting system they claim is 100% democratic - B*****t Ourstage corporate team is the same people with old habits of the major labels. I see no improvement. What we need is a site that honestly shows support for the music business. That is not about the board of directors and stock holders. Music business is about the music and not the f*****g money. Ourstage is a corporation using the same major label tactics by hiding their tru identity. I must agree with you. And on another note, a lot of mediocre music wins at Ourstage because the f****g voting system they claim is 100% democratic – B*****t

Ourstage corporate team is the same people with old habits of the major labels. I see no improvement.

What we need is a site that honestly shows support for the music business. That is not about the board of directors and stock holders. Music business is about the music and not the f*****g money.

Ourstage is a corporation using the same major label tactics by hiding their tru identity.

]]> By: Johnny Limbert http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2876898 Johnny Limbert Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:36:51 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2876898 If they raised $17 million in 2007, series A then $3 million in series B 2008 and plan on doubling 2008's series B funding the total is not $23 million. The total would be $26 million if they double 2008's funding request. If they raised $17 million in 2007, series A then $3 million in series B 2008 and plan on doubling 2008’s series B funding the total is not $23 million. The total would be $26 million if they double 2008’s funding request.

]]> By: Cendrine Marrouat http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2864328 Cendrine Marrouat Sat, 18 Jul 2009 07:28:20 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2864328 Hello, I have used ourstage for a while. I want to share my experience. After the Spoken Word/Poetry channel and a dozen others were deleted, many artists were forced to enter their tracks in other categories. It was obvious that the choice that was left us was very limited. But we tried to compete nonetheless, because we live for our art. As soon as one of my tracks started ranking in the top 50 of the new category it was in, I received a pre-formatted email from staff at ourstage explaining that many people had complained about my tracks not being a good fit. It was removed with no warning. This happened twice in one week. I discussed this situation with a few other Spoken Word artists and they told me that they had encountered the same issue. Ourstage is a money-hungry website that uses hypocritical ideas to get publicity. They want to help independent artists and save the world from mediocre music. Give me a break. We have complained countless times about rappers and other musicians spamming our channel with tracks that did not belong to the Spoken Word category. Nothing was done, no track was ever removed. Instead, they delete our channel! Ourstage is a joke that has no respect for independent artists... Hello,

I have used ourstage for a while. I want to share my experience.

After the Spoken Word/Poetry channel and a dozen others were deleted, many artists were forced to enter their tracks in other categories. It was obvious that the choice that was left us was very limited. But we tried to compete nonetheless, because we live for our art.

As soon as one of my tracks started ranking in the top 50 of the new category it was in, I received a pre-formatted email from staff at ourstage explaining that many people had complained about my tracks not being a good fit. It was removed with no warning. This happened twice in one week.

I discussed this situation with a few other Spoken Word artists and they told me that they had encountered the same issue.

Ourstage is a money-hungry website that uses hypocritical ideas to get publicity. They want to help independent artists and save the world from mediocre music. Give me a break. We have complained countless times about rappers and other musicians spamming our channel with tracks that did not belong to the Spoken Word category. Nothing was done, no track was ever removed. Instead, they delete our channel!

Ourstage is a joke that has no respect for independent artists…

]]> By: pedalpete http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2852923 pedalpete Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:31:53 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2852923 Based on what you said Robin, did they get the $3 Million earlier, or are they still trying to close the series B and have started looking for a larger round? I'm a bit curious if this is them needing the money (doesn't sound like it if they are so close to profitability) or if this is the VC's trying to grab a larger share by getting the company to raise more. I was hoping to hear more about TRAVis, and what it's all about. Based on what you said Robin, did they get the $3 Million earlier, or are they still trying to close the series B and have started looking for a larger round?
I’m a bit curious if this is them needing the money (doesn’t sound like it if they are so close to profitability) or if this is the VC’s trying to grab a larger share by getting the company to raise more.

I was hoping to hear more about TRAVis, and what it’s all about.

]]> By: JLW http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2852895 JLW Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:23:55 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2852895 If I had a nickel for every time I'd heard that a startup would be "profitable sometime next year", I'd have a good start on a nickel mine. Many of those startups were companies I actually worked for! If I had a nickel for every time I’d heard that a startup would be “profitable sometime next year”, I’d have a good start on a nickel mine.

Many of those startups were companies I actually worked for!

]]> By: davebroham http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2852354 davebroham Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:45:16 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2852354 the hits mentality is the problem...an artist doesn't need a hit to be successful, many don't realize that. the hits mentality is the problem…an artist doesn’t need a hit to be successful, many don’t realize that.

]]> By: Drew http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2852238 Drew Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:33:44 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2852238 ''So how do they monetize the service? By focusing on three good old revenue streams that seem to work well for them: sponsoring, advertising and data services." Wonderful. Another music website utilizing old revenue streams. Ask Myspace how that's working out for them... Have you guys checked out a website called Mybandstock.com? The website has an actual purpose for artists, and its not just another social network. Artists need funding for recording albums, and most of the funds can be raised from their fans through a pre-sale of the album, or other exclusive artists services. One artist on the site said if you bought 100 shares ($100) that they would write a song about you! ”So how do they monetize the service? By focusing on three good old revenue streams that seem to work well for them: sponsoring, advertising and data services.”

Wonderful. Another music website utilizing old revenue streams. Ask Myspace how that’s working out for them…

Have you guys checked out a website called Mybandstock.com? The website has an actual purpose for artists, and its not just another social network. Artists need funding for recording albums, and most of the funds can be raised from their fans through a pre-sale of the album, or other exclusive artists services.

One artist on the site said if you bought 100 shares ($100) that they would write a song about you!

]]> By: Tom http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2852054 Tom Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:00:03 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2852054 What ever happened to the VC backed Music Nation? What ever happened to the VC backed Music Nation?

]]> By: Cinger http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2851622 Cinger Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:00:40 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2851622 A great idea and execution! I love what they did for the music industry. They let you vote for music by choosing which of two songs is better, thus creating a user-generated chart. A funny song on there, My iPod Killed My Girlfriend. http://www.ourstage.com/play/track/GOXPVZICWSBE-my-ipod-killed-my-girlfriend A great idea and execution!

I love what they did for the music industry. They let you vote for music by choosing which of two songs is better, thus creating a user-generated chart.

A funny song on there, My iPod Killed My Girlfriend.
http://www.ours...d-my-girlfriend

]]> By: jacob http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2851605 jacob Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:28:10 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2851605 For the love of god, that's the worst design I've ever seen. How are they spending all that money? Come on, they've been spending almost $1m a month during the last two years. For the love of god, that’s the worst design I’ve ever seen. How are they spending all that money? Come on, they’ve been spending almost $1m a month during the last two years.

]]> By: chiyee http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2851562 chiyee Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:44:18 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2851562 why i can't reply my comments ? why i can’t reply my comments ?

]]> By: chiyee http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2851561 chiyee Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:43:47 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2851561 It impresses me It impresses me

]]> By: Nathan http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2851555 Nathan Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:37:12 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2851555 Just another group of jaded industry guys trying to throw money at something for a corporate write off. The name and branding are pathetic and amateur, and it's a joke that these puppets actually think partnering with all the other ahole corporations (that don't give a crap about creative expression) to promote another corporate machine to force feeds music they control down the throats of a 'passive music interest' consumer profile. It sure isn't worth $23M. Dumb. The process is completely unorganic and lacks soul- the two things that are essential to a true independent movement. Here's a company that doesn't suck the corporate popsicle, if you know what I mean- www.101d.com Just read their mantra at the bottom of the page. Pure organic, anti system and real as hell. It's just a matter of time before companies like this invert the music and film industry. Just another group of jaded industry guys trying to throw money at something for a corporate write off. The name and branding are pathetic and amateur, and it’s a joke that these puppets actually think partnering with all the other ahole corporations (that don’t give a crap about creative expression) to promote another corporate machine to force feeds music they control down the throats of a ‘passive music interest’ consumer profile. It sure isn’t worth $23M. Dumb. The process is completely unorganic and lacks soul- the two things that are essential to a true independent movement.

Here’s a company that doesn’t suck the corporate popsicle, if you know what I mean- http://www.101d.com Just read their mantra at the bottom of the page. Pure organic, anti system and real as hell. It’s just a matter of time before companies like this invert the music and film industry.

]]> By: T-Break http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2851375 T-Break Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:15:45 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2851375 How much the users will be benefited by this venture? How much the users will be benefited by this venture?

]]> By: bruce warila http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2851363 bruce warila Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:10:09 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2851363 Previously, I have written positively about OurStage on Music Think Tank (I still like the effort). However, I have come to believe that consumers as a crowd can't 'make' hits. Falling in love with music is a complex imprinting process and most music consumers would (sadly) just rather have songs fed to them (as in FM radio). It's one thing to use crowds to pluck out decent songs (I'm skeptical of this also), it's an entirely different challenge to popularize a song afterward. I would love to see a list of songs that were crowd-picked on sites like OurStage (and with no label support whatsoever) that sold more than 10,000 downloads. Previously, I have written positively about OurStage on Music Think Tank (I still like the effort). However, I have come to believe that consumers as a crowd can’t ‘make’ hits. Falling in love with music is a complex imprinting process and most music consumers would (sadly) just rather have songs fed to them (as in FM radio). It’s one thing to use crowds to pluck out decent songs (I’m skeptical of this also), it’s an entirely different challenge to popularize a song afterward. I would love to see a list of songs that were crowd-picked on sites like OurStage (and with no label support whatsoever) that sold more than 10,000 downloads.

]]> By: @MattWilsontv http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2851302 @MattWilsontv Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:02:33 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2851302 Love the name--it's literally a platform for people who need one! Love the name–it’s literally a platform for people who need one!

]]> By: Tom http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2851285 Tom Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:40:07 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2851285 I'm more impressed with their ability to raise $23M than what they do. I'm curious how much cash reserve they have, their allocations and how they determine profitability. I’m more impressed with their ability to raise $23M than what they do. I’m curious how much cash reserve they have, their allocations and how they determine profitability.

]]> By: Matt http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2851280 Matt Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:33:14 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2851280 Not a bad service, however, not a fan of the design. Not a bad service, however, not a fan of the design.

]]> By: Hunter Acton http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/12/ourstage-raising-more-funding-in-quest-for-profitability/comment-page-1/#comment-2851250 Hunter Acton Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:47:33 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=81739#comment-2851250 I've always loved them. Great service. I’ve always loved them. Great service.

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