The Unsigned

I want to watch a twist on the show “The Next Great American Band”, where the really good bands disappear over time, and are replaced by new bands. An everfresh show that always has new talent.

• Any unsigned band could upload one or more videos to a website (think youTube).
• The public votes on the songs, as well as industry experts (whose votes count higher).
• The top 10 bands by vote on the web would compete each Saturday night on TV.
  Bands can be signed at any point by record labels.
• Once a band is signed, or their song/album sells 50,000 copies, they are removed from the show. (Of course, they then get moved to a “winners” site.)
• The website pays the ASCAP/BMI charges for the use of cover songs.
• At set times of the year, a “best bands” compilation CD would get released. (Christmas, 4th of July patriotic, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, etc)
• Of course, all of the videos would be available on iTunes Music Store.
• The songs and bands can be broken down by genre subsites
• Merchandise would all go to the bands.
• Concerts would be promoted. Lalapaloosa-like traveling shows could be created.
• There could be a “trainwreck” section where the worst are noted and discussed.
• Bring in a local venue tie by letting venues have “tryout nights”, where bands can go play, and get their video produced.

Wire Your Business

I would like to see a business makeover show where a team of tech, web, and design folk descend on a needy business, and turn them around in one week.

The businesses should be non-profits or do-good companies that need a little help.

The crew would include hardware, software, website, and design services.  A Nerd Herd as they say on Chuck.

New computers and software and training to run the business.

New devices (phones, copiers, specialty devices, pdas, barcode readers)

New website for the business

New design (signage, logo, letterhead, business cards, email, marketing, web design)

Marketing and Business Development (search engine, directories, social networking, etc)

Donation and product placement provides much of the items.

Spinoff:  a rentable team of experts that can come and do this for your business for pay. Maybe a franchise. Certification, training, uniforms.