There were 21 responses. I've emailed everyone individually, but here are some general thoughts and summations.
VOTING RESULTS:
You already know the vote totals, but I thought it would be cool to copy and paste the actual bar graph that they use into this blog post. Good work Neil Diamond. Good try everyone else. REMEMBER: you can write a review for any album that's every lost the Christmas poll if you feel like it. Check out the bottom of this blog post for the full list from the past five years.
DOES WRITING BRING YOU JOY?
No charts or graphs for this one, since it was open-ended answers. I'd say generally that the main response was "sometimes." Which is actually a good answer. My theory is that the more you write, the more that answer will morph into "always." There's only one way to do that: WRITE MORE.
WHAT'S STOPPING YOU FROM WRITING EVERY WEEK?
I won't get into everyone's personal answers, but the majority of people said some version of "life is getting in the way." (Then mostly everyone else saying "nothing, I'm already writing every week, you fucking asshole.") That makes sense, and I was glad people were honest about it. Sometimes I take for granted having a full-time job that allows me to pick away at writing blog posts while I'm on the clock. I know it won't always be this way. There will come a time when I'm right there with you, unable to blog every week because life gets in the way. Well, okay, that's not totally true—if there's ever a week in which I skip Record Club, then you can assume I'm dead.
I think my response to this survey question and its answers would be: I believe writing is worth making time for. Take that as you will.
CHANGES TO RECORD CLUB
Answers were all over the board for this one. Specific responses to the three most popular answers:
"Less pressure to write what is generally considered a 'music review,'" five responses. This one is my fault. I don't know where else the so-called "pressure" would come from if not for the dude emailing you every week, calling his friends' writings "reviews." But let me absolve you of this pressure now. Write whatever you want. I'd say about 50% of the time, I'm not writing a traditional review. What helps is including a grade at the end. You can write whatever you want and still provide your subjective opinion on the art by including a grade. Otherwise, have at it, gang. (AND, if you still don't feel comfortable in this space, then I'd recommend checking out this year's upcoming Yearlong Song Challenge, where we write about music creatively and it has nothing to do with reviews whatsoever.)
"Different music," three responses. This is an easy one—become a Record Club captain! There will be some news rules regarding who is eligible to choose an album next year, but they will not be restrictive. If you've never chosen an album or it's been a while, then you are eligible! Hit me up! Be the change you want to see in your blog! We try to be as fair as possible here. The more you write, the more you are choosing albums. So it makes sense that the people who are writing every week are shaping what music we typically listen to. Participate more!
"Knowing the album choices farther in advance," three responses. Another easy one. If you chose this option, or didn't but still feel this way, then you are in luck. Starting next year, you are going to know what the next four albums are at any given time. I'll send the email, and include this week's album plus three after that. This way, you'll have time to spot an album you are interested in, and give yourself up to a month to explore it and gather your thoughts.
EMAILS
More than 50% of you said that you aren't opening the emails right away. Fair enough. I expected it to be worse, to be honest. I don't know if changing the frequency of the emails is going to change anything about this outcome, but I am going to try to change the content in the new year.
Starting the first Sunday in January (which ends up being the 7th), I'm going to change the look and function of the emails. Primarily, they are not going to be just for Record Club anymore. They will instead be marketed as a "Puke on Your Birthday newsletter." At the top of the email, I'll still include past and upcoming RC info, but below that, I'm going to link to all of our regulars columns from all our illustrious column writers. I'll also include updates on the Song Challenge there as well. It'll be streamlined (no more of the "Hey folks! Welcome to another week..." and all that shit). Just the facts, and a request to check out what you're interested in.
I will make sure the option to opt out is loud and clear on this one.
FUTURE NON-RC SHIT
I already linked to the Song Challenge in this blog post, and so know that anyone can and should participate. I also asked in the survey whether you have any ideas for regular columns. We're going to be starting over a dozen regular features in 2024. If you'd like to add you name to the list, and write about a subject of your choosing every week next year, then now is the time to let me know!
A SELECTION OF THE BEST INSULTS LOBBED MY WAY
- "skin and bones" (not even remotely true)
- "I have never known a man who could write so much and say so little." (the truth frightens me)
- "fart knocker" (old school!)
- "Your particular mental illness is both a source of inspiration and a burden to us all." (I try)
- "GUNKY!" (I have never heard this one, I like it)
- "Kane Kalas" (see you opening day for my annual rendition of the Nat'l Anthem)
- "poo head!" (Q: is that supposed to be one word or two?)
- "tall sober elf" (R.I.P. JuicyCampus)
- "like Frank Zappa but with a really teeny tiny moon unit" (good joke, subpar music)
- "Andre the giant" (I wish I was as good an actor)
- and a few more I'm not printing for various reasons
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