How The Orchard Staff Start Their Day
NEWSSomeone at music distributor and marketer The Orchard has created a comprehensive multi-tabbed start page using Netvibes that aggregates music industry news from a wide variety of web sources in an easy to scan format.
I was happy to see Hypebot in a top position under the Music Industry news tab. But more revealing was a "Competition" tab where alongside news from the competitors you'd expect like IODA, INgrooves and Sony/Red, you'll also find Topspin and TuneCore. Tabs include Technology, Mobile, Marketing, Distribution and Music News among others.
It's probably not fair to read too much into the web intelligence sources chosen, but The Orchard News provides an interesting glimpse into how the staff of a company finding success in a difficult sector start their day. So, grab a cup of coffee, put your feet up and enjoy. Oh, and don't forget to check your stock options. Enjoy.
I cant believe that RouteNote isnt in the Competition tab. Im sure we will be in the coming months though!
Greg here. We’re touched that busy people are interested in our RSS feeds! And FWIW, since our focus tends to be on marketing and selling our clients’ music, we haven’t spent a lot of time refining the categories – so sorry to ruin the scoop, but we don’t consider e.g., TopSpin our competitor. If anything, TopSpin is a future partner … we like Ian & Co. and think what they’re doing is interesting. Bruce, if your readers are interested, I’m happy to send my bookmarks for acoustic guitars, how many windings make a great PAF, and vintage recording gear 😉 Steven: we’ll add RouteNote forthwith and no slight intended …
I see The Orchard more of a valued asset and potential partner than a competitor in regards to WaTunes.com. I can see many synergies in which The Orchard and WaTunes could work together. I’m opened to any ideas if Greg is game! 😉
Kevin Rivers
CEO, WaTunes.com.
There is the Half-Empty view of business – a narrow definition of the competitive set, do everything to shut out the competitors (and nick their ideas at the same time). This is also an approach that involves 20 page NDAs, 100 page contracts, and a protectionist attitude, plus a belief that ‘we can do everything’. Very much iCulture.
The other view is the Half-Full approach, where everyone is a potential partner, trust is nurtured, and ideas are shared and improved upon through collective effort.
Greg’s response only goes to show that The Orchard sits in the Half-Full camp. Having connected with Scott in the London office through my business citizensound, this is not a one-off either.