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Take a look, if you have a minute or two, at this website for ASCAP's 100th Anniversary: https://www.ascap.com/100. ASCAP has been a wonderful partner to Section 101 since we began the company in 2009…and if you're curious on learning about OUR genesis, you can look at our written timeline but I digress. We are so excited by what ASCAP has done and wanted to not only share their website, but utilize the site to show how important a timeline can be.
From the very first entry, in 1914, highlighting the creation of ASCAP by composer Victor Herbert in New York City on February 13, 1014, each entry grabs you. The year showcases a notable moment in music, be it a fact, movement or an artist, complete with both a visual and musical illustration that you can listen to while browsing. You also have the choice to click on "world history" so you could see that in 1920, not only did ASCAP and PRS (Britain's Performing Rights Society) sign the first agreement for representation of ASCAP members abroad, but also that the Treaty of Versailles formally ended World War I that year too. ASCAP is unveiling one historical year a day, for the next 100 days.
Of course, this site piqued my interest completely. Beside being a bit of a history buff, and loving any music program that can teach me something, a big part of this website appeals to the marketer in me, the same one who tells all Section 101 clients to treat your website, and what you put on it, like you're a total rock star. By creating a digital timeline, you not only keep yourself up to date on everything you have accomplished - and more than once I’ve heard a client say, "wow, seeing it all laid out like this is pretty impressive" - but it is also a great way to engage your fan base, who can then look back on their fandom and say "I was at that show!," "I remember when that interview came out, " "I loved hearing that song on the radio for the first time!!"
Once you get started, it's really not a lot of work - no more so than keeping a diary. Some of our clients do just that and then make a major update every 6 months. Others add to their timeline every month, every week or even every day. It's a great way to use the web to showcase historical content. You may not think you're a big enough artist right this minute to warrant the attention, but not only do we want every Section 101 client to 'walk the walk,' we have faith that you WILL have that type of career and you will be so happy you have this point of reference. Several of our clients such as Laurie Anderson (her site will be launching soon), Aimee Mann and Duran Duran all have TIMELINES that are so much fun for their fans to scroll through. And hey, we took our own advice - look for an update to the Section 101 Timeline in January!
Watch the latest trailer for ASCAP’s Why We Create Music here.
