News/Announcements: Happy 11th Anniversary JOVM!
I started this site exactly 11 years today. 11 years. In terms of the blogosphere, anything lasting that long is an eternity and some. This site has been the best fucking job I’ve ever had. (True story: I’ve pretty much hated every other job I’ve had at some point.) And although I’m not naturally prone to be nostalgic, if there’s one additional day of the year to reflect on what I’ve done, how I’ve gotten there and what’s next, today would be one of those days.
When I started this site, I didn’t think i’d have readers in New York, let alone readers across Canada, the UK, the European Union and elsewhere. I certainly didn’t think I’d make any money off this thing. Granted it ain’t a lot of money but who’s going to say no to money, right? I’m not, that’s for sure! Nor did I think I’d have most of the experiences I’ve had during this site’s existence.
It’s been a wild ride and I’m excited to see what the 11th year brings for the site and for me both professionally and personally.
Since this site has long been a DIY labor of love, I’ve often felt that I’ve had an intimate — and deeply personally — understanding of the financial and emotional plight of most of the artists I’ve covered throughout this site’s history. Through my own experiences and conversations with artists, I’m constantly reminded of several things:
- Art costs money — and without money, it can’t exist.
- Artists are small businesses. So supporting artists is supporting a small business.
- A small bit of support can go a long way. A $20, $30, $40, $50 or $60 purchase of someone’s work can often mean the purchase of groceries, paying off a bill or covering the cost of a subscription they need to continue their work.
- That same $20, $50 or $60 doesn’t really mean shit to Amazon.
- Supporting an artist/small business can keep money within your community. Amazon and the some other mega-conglomerate simply don’t give a fuck about your community or your neighbors.
- Lastly, you won’t be giving your money to companies that actively fuck over their neighbors, the environment or their employees. And that alone should make you feel better about the decision.
Throughout the 11 years I’ve been doing this, I hope that my work has led you to “listen in technicolor” as a friend said to me about how I listen to music; that I’ve led you to an eclectic array of artists and bands whose work has become part of your lives, as it has become part of mine. And I hope that my photography has managed to add some beauty to your day, inspired you to see the world in a new world, to take a moment to appreciate something beautiful — or make you want to go and see a live show.
As I’ve done over the past year or so, I’m asking you kind readers and friends for your support. And there are a handful of ways that you can support:
You can buy photographic prints — from my live concert photography to street photography and even some outdoor/nature photos. I also still have a shit ton of JOVM bumper stickers. All of this stuff is beautiful and could use a loving forever home. You can check out the store here:https://thejoyofviolentmovement.wpcomstaging.com/shop/
You can support by becoming one of my Patreon patrons. Every dollar means something. Seriously, it does. There are different patronage levels and different rewards for your support. For more information, you can check out the Patreon page here: https://www.patreon.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement
Of course, while I’m on the subject: I want to send shout outs — and thank yous — to those folks, who have supported me and my work throughout the past year with their patronage.
Sash
Alice Northover
Bella Fox
Jenny MacRostie
Mike Held
Janene Otten
Thank you, y’all. Your support means so very much.
If you’re in the NYC area, you can hire me for photography work. Seriously. I do headshots, portraits and event photography. You can hire me through Photobooker. My listing is here: https://www.photobooker.com/photographer/8582abd8-f01e-43eb-b2be-0ed57157687e?duration=1?duration=1 (If you’re outside the NYC area and you’d still want to hire me, we can talk.)
If you’re not already a fan of this site on Facebook, please feel free to become a fan here: https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement
Of course, I’m aware and sensitive to the fact that many folks are struggling to survive in what may arguably be the most difficult personal and economic period many of us have ever seen or personally experienced. There’s other ways you can still support:
- Keep reading! Please, keep reading!
- Pass the word on to friends, family members, associates and anyone else, who will support independent journalism, music and criticism.
- Retweets, Facebook shares and reblogging things you might dig. Sites need active eyeballs and clicks to survive. And everything pair of eyeballs reading and clicking on JOVM means some ad revenue in the coffers. And those hardworking artists I cover will also be grateful for your love and support, too.
- Towards the bottom third of every post, there’s a related post section. If you dug the post you’re looking at it, feel free to check out the related posts. You might find something else you could love.
In the meantime, I’m looking forward to live music — and to maybe seeing some of y’all are a show, drinking wildly overpriced beers.