Last week I sent out an email with a shocking subject line.
Do you hate me?
And wow, did it get a lot of responses.
Here’s a response to that email I sent, from a reader named Gary:
Are you crazy? Do you always send inflammatory emails like this? I think you need a little help.
I’m not crazy. It was just a survey. I was just asking people who didn’t sign up for the course why they didn’t sign up.
Here’s part of how I responded to Gary:
Hi Gary,
Do I always send inflammatory emails like this? You’ve been on our mailing list for months – you should know the answer to that question is no.
Yes, it’s a shocking subject line, but I did it for a reason.
Many of the people who received that email have been on our list for months and have been fairly unresponsive. I noticed that you have been on our list for over a year and have never responded to an email before or purchased anything from us.
I don’t want the people on our list to passively consume information. I want them to take action. I want them to sign up for a course, hire me as a coach, or, at the very least, implement what we’re teaching and tell me about the results that they got.
You’ve been reading our emails for a year and never responded before. Why do you think that is?
The Danger of Passive Consumption
I’ve been running TAA for 7 years. There are people on our mailing list who have never purchased anything from us in that entire time. I pay for my very expensive email service based on the number of people on our mailing list. People who sit there and never buy anything cost me money, thought admittedly its a very small amount on a per-person basis. But that’s not a big deal to me. I’m happy to support those artists who can’t afford our courses and help them make a few sales so that they can get more training.
The bigger problem is how many people I see who join a bunch of mailing lists and never actually do anything with the information that they are consuming. This is a big problem in the information marketing business in general.
If you are one of the hundreds of artists who have emailed me and thanked me for the blog posts, and shared stories about how you tried something that I suggested, and it worked, then THANK YOU and way to take action on what you are learning.
But for the rest of you, here’s the deal: there are 3 things that prevent artists from making a living from their art: knowledge, support, and mindset.
That’s it.
TAA provides knowledge. That’s actually the easiest of those three problems to solve. We also do our best to encourage the community to support each other, and to provide insights into the mindset of successful artists.
It’s not about how good your art is. It’s not about making the right connections. It’s not about being given the right opportunity. Those things matter, but are not the ultimate arbiter of successful art careers.
We’ve interviewed dozens of successful artists on the podcast. None of them had their artistic careers handed to them. They all took massive action and didn’t give up until they made it.
Did I Make You Uncomfortable?
Most of the artists (600+ and counting as of this writing) who responded to our “Do You Hate Me?” subject line had a sense of humor about it. They got that it was tongue-in-cheek.
But there were a few people, like Gary, who had a strong emotional reaction. If you had a strong emotional reaction to that subject line, and you’ve never made a sustained, concerted effort to implement the advice from our hundreds of blogs, podcasts, and videos, then I would challenge your assessment of me. I’m not crazy.
I might be a manipulative marketer who is intentionally making you uncomfortable. You could probably make that case. 😉
But I also recognize one thing that is common among most artists: you might be scared, and that might be why you had that reaction.
But that’s ok. You can be scared. Art is a tough career. It’s not easy to pour your soul into something and have people reject it over and over again. Only the very strong have lifelong careers in art.
But don’t let the fear consume you. The knowledge is free for the taking on this blog. Find people you can rely on to help you, and decide that you are going to take action every day to move toward your goal.
I don’t blame them for being surprised or angry.
Hello all,
Not much conversation happens between a set of Zen monks. Anger, on the other hand, is a great conversation starter but it will invoke a certain kind of consciousness in us.
As for artists, most mat be clasified as lateral tghinkers or in slightly dated language, “right brianers” . However, these classifications do not fit well because each individual is created or had evolved (as you choose) to be so unique that no personality is ever repeated.
In reality, creative people often cycle through lateral and linear thinking modes. In other words, meandering ways cretivity must soon be excicuted through specific inteted ways or diciplines. Tecnology has changed us as well.
Just thinking.
Das Menon
SPELLING…?!
Uh, right??
Just checked my horrible spelling mistakes and other errors of editing. It is bad. It made me think … Regular interaction with people does not have the luxury of pause and corrections but these postings allow much time for afterthought and changes. So I will be doing better .. and … most unwittingly, it is applicable to our discussion : ) What do you think?
I can relate to the frustration one must feel when not everyone has the time to respond or fully digest all the information you present. Time to respond is inversely proportional to the need for a response.
Agreed. It comes across as unprofessional or begging for business.
I appreciate the perspective Susie. I’ll keep that mind in the future, though it wasn’t my intent and I certainly don’t need to beg for business.
Hi Cory
I am signed up to your mailing list and very much appreciate your advice. After taking your online course which was fantastic and helped me to design and build my website and focus on marketing.
The result is that I am very busy and realise that it takes time and lots of hard work to build a business.
However I was surprised and a bit shocked to receive your email, since I do not consider myself a consumer of information. If I don’t read blogs I unsubscribe. You offer this information free of charge or obligation and can remove names from your blogs if you feel that they are just consuming your information.
As a marketing professional I know that there are various methods of getting attention but this is not one of theme, and suggest that this is not a great strategy either for your business or your personal image and therefore I agree with Susie. It just looks desperate.
If you are following your own advice you are an Abundant Artist so don’t need to resort to these tactics. You might consider instead targeting different segment outside the US with more professional communications than the one you just sent out.
If you feel that sending me emails is a waste of your time please feel free to remove me from your mailing list.
????
Thanks for your feedback Susan.
I don’t think it was Cory’s intent but there is a popular idea that negative emotions can stir a massive conversations / “Buzz”.
Part of the problem is with our present mass approach to communication. With the evolution of intelligent systems, our communications will be more user or customer specific. Information about the individual, big data and algorithms in the “cloud” (servers on the ground) will make this sort of personal personal and more meaningful contact possible.
Cory,
I’ve been getting your blogs, emails etc. for months. I was taken aback by your subject line. Frankly, I think this was a definite miscue on your part. Your other communications seem confident, kind, and helpful. This one seemed frustrated, angry, and defeated. I have a background as a psychotherapist, so maybe that screwed my response. I am glad it was just a marketing error ( at least from my perspective).
The responses to that email are absolutely fascinating. Honey Lea, as a therapist, I think you’d be incredibly intrigued at the range of responses. With over 700 data points, I can confidently say that the response has far more to do with the receiver’s own mindset than my own intentions.
Interesting! I wonder if it’s possible to group the responses by theme and then see if there are any common data points among the responders, for example, gender, age, years as an artist, other occupational background. Clearly, my research mindset is working overtime.
In my experience, intention and outcome are always related, although sometimes not obviously so. But, if your intention was to create a stir, it certainly did and therefore, was not a marketing error after all. 🙂
Honey Lea,
I am no psychologist but two things are apparent. One relates to a group perception of artists with specific tendencies attributed to them. The other is the idea that they all need assistance on those perceived common issues.
Looking within meditatively, as an “artist” I see components of linear thinking, an organized approach and a whole lot more. There is a people component as well something transactional. In other words, it is possible that we no longer fit any one label.
What are your thoughts?
Hi, Das,
I have many artist friends and colleagues. They don’t fit any particular profile except a need to create and a willingness to express themselves in their art. There is as much variation in personality among them as there is any group.
But I don’t coach artists. Maybe there are common themes that people who seek art business coaching are struggling with.
Cory,
I think the marketing strategy is genius, obviously creating a stir has got people interested and talking. Topic wise, it has hit people emotionally which is how you purge a response
You got me interested
Keep up the fantastic work, big fan from Australia
Dax Knight
http://www.onepalmart.com.au
The more Australians I talk to, the more I like. Take care Dax.
Thanks Cory for the kind words. Gotta work on my marketing too. First stop get ya website address correct!! oooopsy
http://www.onepalmart.com
Big love to all
Dax
I didn’t get this email, but if I got a by-line that said “do you hate me”? and then read what was the gist of your email, I’d laugh. We Australians get irony, whether in person or in print.
We have a thing called “shit-stirring”, it’s a very Australian way of interacting where we mercilessly rib one another. It’s a form of endearment where the more we heap shit on each other the closer the implied relationship. It’s a lot of fun, but can get us in trouble, particularly in print because people from other cultures tend not to get it.
I would have definitely read your by-line as amiable shit-stirring.
Passive consumption is a big problem for me. The info looks to be useful, but it keeps piling up, and after a dayjob, gym, chores, etc, there’s very little time for me left over to finally get to it, AND to also be an artist…the creative ideas I need don’t run on a normal time clock. I don’t know how to get out of the hole. Because it seems like every other day, there’s a new email (not just from you).
I get that Matt. I’m a passive consumer on a couple of email lists myself. Sometimes there’s just more than we can actually accomplish. 😉
Yes, exactly. I keep your emails and try to deal with the information they offer one at a time. But they keep coming, and I’m still working on the assignment from the class I bought a year ago! I’m just about to open a gallery/studio so I can sell my work from one place and stop carting it all over to shows. I’m very excited and would probably not have taken the chance without your excellent site. So, thank you, but maybe let up a little!
Thanks Melissa. I appreciate the feedback, and we will be looking at our email frequency.
Matt, it might help to remove yourself from all the other emails and just focus on one. Schedule yourself a couple of hours one day a week to read what sounds to be of help to you. Then try to implement just one idea until you see it working and then move on to another. I’ve been on a number of lists and Corey seems to have the best ideas to help artists. With a day job myself that has been more demanding than ever, I’ve found that simplifying my life has made more room for art. My work has been in 3 shows since last October and 3 more coming up very soon as well as a large commission. Purge, it is freeing.
I liked your subject line. It did actually get me thinking “hmm, why HAVEN’T I joined a course. Really, it’s because I want to use money I make from my art to support my art career investments. It’s hard for me at the moment since so far I generate a lot of interest and comments about my work but not many sales yet. Your posts have helped me take some good first steps! Thanks for your work to educate artists like me : )
What kind of things are you investing in Carrie?
I’m confused, which email was it? Now I feel left out now, I don’t think I got it.
The email only went a portion of our audience Maria. It was essentially asking why you may not have signed up for the How to Sell Your Art Online course.
I’m completely with you on what evah you sent out Cory.
Maybe cause I’m not American.
Anyway whatever the mail was it didn’t seem to bother me.
I do love people especially artists that have the gumption to push all the boundaries.
R
Where are you from Robyn?
I had been thinking about taking a course. I need help with establishing a better online presence. The email you sent last week, however… made me rethink taking a class. It sounded needy- I don’t need an on-line presence that creates a on-line needy artist persona.
I have a good sense of humor and did not find that funny. This is a business. And most creative artist have trouble negotiating the waters of running a business. It is not in our nature. I’m looking for help from someone that can ride those waters- with out ruffling patrons.
Do you really think that artists sell without ruffling feathers?
no, ruffling feathers is what successful artists have done since the beginning of time.
I think it’s safe to assume that if those of us who have not signed up for a course still think your information is valuable or we would have already unsubscribed. Just because we don’t always speak up doesn’t mean we are not digesting or implementing your very valuable information. It was your choice to post free information. If you don’t like people consuming it without paying, there are solutions other than sending inflammatory-oh-that-was-just-a-joke emails. A lot of little things add up, for example, have you considered a subscription based newsletter that was only 99 cents per month? I’d pay for that, but timing has to be right for me to drop $300+ on a course. With 600 subscribers, that’s a nice bit to help with your business expenses, yet its almost nothing for us.
If you are reading and implementing, I have no problem with that. I said as much in the blog post. But apparently you missed that part.
I agree with Silent but Reading’s points and thought they were very well worded and with good, fair suggestions, too that you didn’t respond to… and must admit i found the response you did make a little patronising and sarcastic?….
As a bit of an introvert (reading, listening and digesting is not a passive contribution – well, maybe financially so for you :-)) and being quite new to your site I am hugely grateful for all the information you share and have learnt such a lot. I have responded to a few threads (i didn’t miss your point :-)) but am still formulating what i want/can afford re courses etc. i love that it has opened up a new world of possibilities to me and also I know about other successful artists such as Melissa Dinwiddie and have been following her work too. The effect of this, however is that i feel a little guilty now! The business part shouldn’t eclipse the art part, for me…although i know your work is dedicated to self-promotion and my mindset is changing…thanks to you and your colleagues on TAA – but it’s quite a slow change for me – I’ve only just joined Twitter!! hee…
I think what’s interesting is that the headline (of an email i didn’t actually receive, but i did receive the follow-up) echoes how artists themselves feel…argg it’s so scary when you put yourself out there and in the beginning get little response and the tendency is to take it personally…
But I am very grateful for your site and the wealth of helpful knowledge and practical advice…
It was meant to be sarcastic Rowena. Silent said I “don’t like people consuming it without paying.: I said I don’t like people consuming without taking action. I said that I don’t mind people being on our mailing list for free as long as they’re doing something with it.
I’m not going to turn my mailing list into a paid list, at least not for now.
Reading & digesting without taking action is pretty much the definition of passive. That’s not always a bad thing. Good ideas need to ruminate. But far too many artists email me and tell me that they want to sell their art – but then don’t follow through on what they know they need to be doing.
I agree with Silent. Particularly about the cost. Virtually every serious beginning artist out there is struggling financially. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s a necessary part of the game, because human nature is inherently lazy. My art didn’t improve much until I had a financial dependency on it. Literal hunger, the threat of foreclosure, and the prospect of having no electricity, et cetera, has motivated me to become a better artist.
To better illustrate this, I’ve passed up a lot of my peers in sales years ago. Not because I am inherently more talented than them. But because I’m literally starving at times. They are financially supported by spouses, or a day job, or if they’re in Europe, their government. I am not. If I want to eat, I have to sculpt better. Faster. And with more compelling themes. I have to constantly hit the books, and learn better technique. I have to network, on places like Facebook and DeviantArt. I have to stay up all night, and work, even when the needles of exhaustion are stabbing my brain.
At this time, I make about $1200 a month, and it’s extremely hard-earned money. $300 is a big deal. If I had $300 extra, it would go towards fixing my truck. Not towards a course which may, or may not, help my sales.
I’m noticing more and more pro artists get this about upcoming artists, probably because they have been there. For example, they’ll offer a two hour long video tutorial people can download for $4. Small tutorials for $1. Because their prices are low, their downloads are in the thousands.
I personally would forego a much-coveted cheeseburger for a great $4 video tutorial by an artist I admire and think would improve my work.
I agree with Brutal Sun! The content on your site is excellent, but if you’re not generating enough sales, you should take a closer look at your own marketing strategies. What can you tweak to generate more sales or sign-ups? You came across as blaming your readers and whining about their lack of action. You need to take responsibility for your own marketing issues.
I, personally like a simply worded to-the-point question. “Do you Hate ME?” was just that. Artists cannot afford to be thin skinned or not have a sense of humor.
Linda, do you think that the fact that artists create from an emotional place makes it harder for them to hear things they don’t want to hear?
right on linda – everyone needs a sense of humor and to be less thin-skinned, not just artists, but all entrepreneurs.
Ha Ha…never opened the email. Truth is, I got a lot from the course I took. It pushed me to quit my art business because I realized that the kind of work that went into online marketing was just not something I could enjoy or continue to do. I realized too that my business model wasn’t geared to make any money – the market for what I was doing didn’t really exist and rather than create it chose to re-orient my life and energy in a different direction.
I also learned tons from the FB page – about what does work, what drives the artistic spirit and how incredible artists are for stepping up and doing what they love.
This indirectly opened a door to my new project – still art but a different medium that has much more the heart of the viewer in mind. I can collaborate on this one with great friends and do something I actually I believe in more than my previous art business. Everything I learned will be incorporated in the future of this project.
There are many pathways out of your classes!
Wow. That’s a big change. Congratulations Carol.
love your attitude about changing your direction rather than trying to invent a market – smart and savvy. congrats and good luck with that approach!
This is meant solely for the author and not intended to stir the pot*
I don’t think anything was wrong with your subject line. It actually got my attention immediately. You made me feel as though I may have actually hurt your feelings by not joining, that you genuinely cared about each of us on a personal level- and thats a GOOD thing. You want your followers?participant?customers? whatever we are, to feel like we matter and we are not just one more in a large crowd. I think it was a brilliant tactic, actually, whatever the intentions may have been. But, I’m also only 21 and I know my generation tends to have a more… sarcastic approach to life.
There is certainly a generational difference in the way that email is read.
Now you stumbled into something! The generation gap…older artists struggling to bridge the verbal, cultural difference….yep it’s tougher for those of us who dodnt touch a computer for the first 20 years because they didn’t exist except at work!
Wow! Ditto, except I’m 53, & have always been sarcastic,
I love this reply. I think this is a genuine viewpoint. The people whi are shocked and taken aback about seeming unprofessional want to come from a safe place of conformity-well that’s how it seems to me. Everyone needs to realize that there is nothing wrong with genuine need and all of us want genuine feedback-then we can sort out if it’s all more good than bad and what that means. It takes guts but sometimes you have to find a way to reconfigure aspects of what you do.
Age wise, I am ancient but I am current on technology and what all goes on. Paradigm shifts used to be generational. Now nothing is predictable past just two years. Millions of inventors are working through crowd funding, collaborative efforts and global prospects. Days of isolation and obscurity are gone. Design is shifting in two directions. One is universal design which is meant to suit a variety of customers. That is, a jacket that fits most. The other is in the direction of individual differences. Best example is where Nike trying to evolve a system where a customer designs a pair of shoes that is just printed for her from scratch.
Of all types of people, artists are probably the most individualistic. That means each is so different and different each time art is produced. Most unfortunately, we are evolving from a time when all artists were calously categorized under convenient labels. In my view, it is time to reconsider our whole approach to artists; from their innate tendencies, skills, methods; all the way to execution. What are your thoughts ?
.
Personally, I enjoyed the (what I considered to be) light-hearted humor of the “Do you hate me?” email. I guess I can understand how it might have made some people feel a bit defensive, but I don’t understand why it seems to have made some people actually ANGRY. I thought it was a great way to get some feedback from us “lurkers” and happily filled out the related survey.
I hope to one day be able to afford the course, time- and moneywise!
As I mentioned to Honey Lea, I think that the responses say far more about the psychology of the reader.
Hi Cory, congratulations on your very effective email. For some reason I didn’t receive it, but am glad to have gotten your explanation. It gives me a chance to tell you how much I value the information you provide. I wanted to take your HTSYAO class in January, but didn’t have a website for my art. I’ve been using this time to create one and it’s almost done. I’m very excited about it. But my timing’s off and I just missed the beginning of your next class and I wanted to do it with a group. So, I guess I have to wait until September…I think that’s when you said your next class will start. Unfortunately, I’ll be sailing in Turkey. Are you sure you won’t be starting another HTSYAO in the summer?
We’re doing the Conference this summer, and I just don’t have time to do both. Sorry!
I don’t think I got it either, but nevertheless… the information from your blog posts is invaluable, whether I act on it or not. In most cases, I read it, save it, reread it, jot down some action steps that I feel are doable for me. Then I research those particular steps further. I haven’t purchased your course yet, but I’m hoping to…some day. For now, I’m building my knowledge base from the information you provide. Thank you for being here and caring about the rest of us. You ARE appreciated!
Thanks Christie!
I just took it as a marketing thingy to get a reaction and thought it odd but not insulting – I don’t have a problem with it but I get the feeling you are getting miffed with people like me who have not bought a course yet? – I totally understand – maybe we should all pay a yearly sub of £20 to continue with you? I am happy to to do that…
Best, Gill Bustamante
Hi Gill, no need to pay for the subscription. I’d rather have all of you around and let artists who can’t afford it learn something.
Lol! Well, I never received the email either, but it would have made me laugh. I do intend to take that course…eventually. I have just not gotten my website up and running yet. Waiting for my photographer to come back from holidays. But in the meantime I have been at least taking steps towards it every day…well, almost everyday, I tend to do art one day and work on marketing, learning, business stuff the next. Plus…still coming to the conference!!
In any case, yes, I too should say thank you for all the information that you have shared. It has made a difference, and given me direction, and that is priceless. Thanks, Cory.
Thanks Brenda!
Corey,
I was more worried about you than anything else! I like to think anyone who replied to that email felt the same. Keep up the great work. Dont be afraid of house clean your email list. That would be more effective then shocking us! LOL.
We definitely clean the list regularly Sean. Just dropped 2,000 folks who haven’t opened our emails in 3 months. This was more about shaking things up a bit.
Your subject line made me smile because I knew it directed right at me. It also made me smile because, as a full-time PR/marketing person, I appreciate how difficult it is to break through the crush of messages we receive every day — and in this case, it worked!
Keep up the good work, Cory. As a passive consumer (right now) and part-time artist, my goal is to build my skill and my art business as I slowly ease into retirement from my day job. Your info keeps me inspired.
Fellow marketing pros unite! 😉
Inflammation gets attention. Just ask your body.
I’m sorry you had people get riled up by that subject line, but…it gets attention. It makes people care. It evokes an emotion.
And isn’t that what art, at its best, is meant to do?
^^winner winner
Cory, I agree with Mr. Caelan. One of the first things we were taught in art school was that, any emotion your art evokes, positive or negative is always positive! This whole situation only proves how in tune you are with artists and how good you are at what you do. I’m saving my pennies right now to take your course. And if buying a notebook in anticipation of being able to take the course can be considered an action, then consider action taken on my part. This mother of 5 plans on being one of your glory stories if God wills it and given the fact that I do religious art, there’s a good chance He will! Looking forward to getting my monies worth out of you!
Megan
Hi,
I did not get that ‘shocking’ email, but I’d love to comment. I have modified my path a lot since I signed up for your newsletter, Cory, but your emails and website were crucial in keeping me going for my dreams! I was completely lost when I got the idea to google some resources for artists and your web came up. I have tried to implement many many things I’ve learned here and discovered I don’t have to only sell my paintings. The artist path has lost the painting side for now, but I keep going, learning and trying to make this all work. Thank you so much! You have been my inspiration and hope.
I always read your emails, and implement your excellent suggestions, although I apologise for not having taken the time to say so and to thank you.
Last week’s email is the only one I didn’t actually read, the subject line made me cringe (maybe that’s a typically British reaction!) so i deleted it immediately. I get now what you were doing, and in some ways it has worked.
Anyway, thank you for being so generous with your knowledge, it really is much appreciated.
Thanks Nic – I appreciate the kind words, and I think it’s not just a British thing. It made LOTS of folks cringe.
I guess you shouldn’t take it so personal with “do you hate me line” let’s face it there are a lot of “you’s out there. Everyday I receive constant emails regarding just what you are selling. It’s like you have my interest but you just haven’t convinced me that choosing your program is the perfect fit for me…. yet. I have listened to your podcasts and I follow your blog and read other people’s comments on taking your programs but … Just not convinced yet.
Hi Rachel – what would it take to make you take that step?
Well Cory probably something that you cannot give me … a guarantee. A guarantee that choosing your program would catapult me to where I want to be making a living off selling my art. That and a instalment payment program ????
I took last week’s email as being tongue in cheek. Today’s letter was very well expressed and clever. Kudos to you for shaking things up and getting the conversation going! I may take a course at some point. I may not. In the meantime I thank you for the info…most I’m already familiar with , but I do scan emails briefly for useful tips I may not have used. Chhers,
Barb
Thanks Barb.
Hi Cory, I did not receive the email in question but I do know that I enjoy your website. Most artists are concerned about price and getting value for their money — I would love to take your selling art online course at some point. I am starting to get serious about Instagram so your course on that topic looks interesting to me. Not a hater — just frugal!
Hi Mary, would love to see you in there. I totally get frugal. Carry on as you will!
O dear, Cory, I didn’t find anything inflammatory about anything you wrote, it’s quite understandable you should get frustrated. You’ve been generous and patient and much valued, but I suspect that most of your recipients are still struggling with the problems of just staying afloat, are probably doing 2 or more jobs and still barely making enough. There just isn’t enough time, cash, or head space to cope with anything else.
The problems are immediate and do not allow leeway. What most of us need is an active agent who will take over the marketing totally. You can have 50% of anything of mine if you ever go down that route.
I’m not frustrated though. Clearly there were things communicated that I didn’t intend. Thanks for the feedback!
Hi Cory
I am guilty of being passive. I do mean to read your articles but it does get lost in my mix of kids, full time work, procrastination, and fitting in slots to get my art on whenver I can. You have awoken me with this email…though I totally missed on the ‘do you hate me’ article…I think you offer alot of value which is why i continue to subscribe but I will work on not being passive. Thank you for all your knowledge and hardwork to maintain .
No worries Jeff. We’re all busy. All I ask is that you do the best you can. 😉
I responded and explained that I wasn’t sure which course was best for me since I’ve only sold 3 paintings, my intentions are to be a full time artist but I’m not sure which course to start with and I haven’t gotten a response just yet.
My apologies Ashley. Its certainly possible that I missed your email. I have lots of unread emails. If you’re just getting started and on a budget, I’d recommend checking out our Facebook course.
You’re totally fine! The title of the “crazy email” really got my attention. Wasn’t offended at all. Btw the link didn’t work 🙁
I have been a follower of TAA for quite some time. I find that it has consistently good content and I highly regard you, Cory for all that you do for artists. Consider me as one of those laggards who has never purchased anything from you, if you like. I am sorry. I did not see any obligation to buy when I signed up for the email list.
There are a lot of marketing gurus who advocate a sort of bait and switch model when it comes to blogs. They suggest that you offer free content, then pressure people up to a purchase. You want more sales, so make people feel guilty for accepting the original premise that it was “free” content, and maybe they’ll buy.
I understand that you need sales to stay in business. But if guilting people into sales is the method of getting there, it makes me question the value of your offerings. I want no part of manipulative marketing, so if that is what you have to offer in your classes, I will no longer consider them for future budgeting.
I don’t really think that though. I have followed you long enough to know that your offerings have more integrity than that. I do hope to purchase something someday. I know your content is good, and I know I will get more good when I finally pull out my wallet.
When you offer content for free, you have to accept that some will go no further than that. You can’t get mad and punish them for it.Offering free content may end up getting you some freeloaders. Accept that. It also distinguishes you from others offering similar fare. When you share free content on your blog, people know you and know that your work is of value, and they will be more comfortable spending their money on YOU instead of someone else when they are ready.
I have a lot of freeloaders on my mailing list too. But I get benefit from them being there. They recommend me to their friends even if they are not in the position to buy my artwork. They may wait to buy, but when the time is right, they know me and my work, and they’ll buy from me instead of someone else.
I just sort of ignored your email, as I figured you were trying out something new. Please, wait people like me out. We may surprise you some day, if you don’t try to push us off.
Thanks BZ. You’re definitely one of our longest-tenured readers, and I’m glad you’re around.
Maria, maybe you didn’t get it if you have previously signed up for stuff?
Cory, this actually cracks me up. Kudos to you for your anti-complacency posture. Dealing with artists is like herding confused cats at times. A lot of them are highly sensitive and wounded, making it difficult to be clearly heard and not misunderstood. As someone who runs an arts organization, I get it and am rolling my eyes. Having said that, at the end of the day it is still mutual respect and trust that are what we build our businesses on; something for us all to remember.
That’s correct – our goal was to send just to people who haven’t signed up before.
Hi! Cory, I was out of the country (Canada) and was intentionally unplugged for over a week, so I did not see your email. I take no offence to your tag line – I love TAA and have been following you for over 4 years. I did take one of the courses – it was very useful and co to use to be. Keep up the excellent work – you are embodying artistic leadership. Bravo!!!
Thanks Coleen!
I did not know it cost you to have subscribers. I therefore should unsubscribe until I am ready to take a course. I truly do not want to be a burden. I should say that it was good to get the information and to know there are tools available when I am ready to commit. People are in all sorts of places in their lives; for me marketing my art has not been a focus. I am just trying to get back on my feet after my partner passed away from cancer, then the two other closest people in my life within a span of 2 years. Subscribing has been a way to remind myself about what mattered in my life before it all fell apart and it sort of gave me something to look towards for the time I may be ready to engage again, but when that is I can’t say. I am working on other things in my life, like just wanting to be here at all. This is all to say that it’s best not to take it personally but I can see that when you devote so much of your time and effort and get little return either financially or emotionally it can get frustrating. I am sorry I never thought to thank you!
Hello Karin,
I read your post here. I want to say that I don’t know if you have heard of him already, but there is an author and speaker named Eckhart Tolle that you might find interesting. He talks about subjects that include how to deal with painful things in our lives. You might find some of what he has to say interesting. I wish you the best with everything. Take care.
Hi Karin, it’s up to you if you want to unsubscribe. The cost of an individual user is negligible, less than a penny per user, but the point is that its not actually free.
If you want to stick around and learn, I’m ok with that, I just want to see people implementing what they learn.
Cory, thanks for explaining. I didn’t get angry, but I did get a little put off. To me, it seemed a bit manipulative, though that was unintended. I also thought, “What’s up with him? This isn’t his normal approach.” Problem is, I’ve had people in my life who would use lines like that to try to make me feel guilty when I wasn’t giving them what they wanted. So, to me, it was very off-putting.
I have really appreciated the information you have shared so freely, though I haven’t said anything before. I think my biggest problem in implementing has been that I’ve signed up for too many blogs with too many ideas, and I’m overwhelmed! I’m going to cut it down to 1 or 2, and develop a manageable strategy using the ideas that seem doable at this point in time. I’m pretty sure yours will be one I keep reading. Hopefully, I will have some results to report on in the near future.
YES! Elva, narrowing down and focusing on implementation is EXACTLY the point of this blog post.
Well it worked didn’t it? I personally love and appreciate your site and I get a lot out of it. I can’t afford to take courses right now cuz I don’t have the money. If people get bent outta shape over that email well that’s their problem. There’s a LOT of other things in the world to bitch about. Keep on keepin on…
Thanks Elaine.
I didn’t get the email. From what I read here it sounds like a guilt trip to those who don’t purchase something from you. I’ve noticed this more and more in many blogs I have followed from others, too. Before I read your post here about it, I have been thinking how disappointing it is when an artist/coach offers free “things” and at the end there is a hook to pull you in to purchase the complete story or answers. I know that is marketing. I also know I have to choose where my finances go for my career. Being guilted into it is just not the energy I need to have presented. Good luck with your endeavors to coach. But maybe you need to step back and think of how it comes across with an unprofessional post. If people want to buy, they will. Should we apply the same tactics to selling our art….oh do you hate me, is that why you aren’t making a purchase? Perhaps you stumbled on a major faux pas with this line of creating income. It gives your readers something to consider. Just not the professional presentation I had come to respect from you. Hope you have a good day.
Hi Susie, I’m not suggesting that artists try the same approach – but that’s not saying it doesn’t work. There’s an intentional strategy going on here, sending these emails specifically to people who have been putting off making a purchase for months or years.
Don’t write me off your email just yet. I have plans to take your course this year. Cleaning out some clutter in my life first and getting organized. 🙂
Excellent! See you there Jani!
Hi Cory,
I wasn’t offended by your email. I just understood it as a marketing technique to get people’s attention to act on your course and get a response. Well, it worked! I’ve been reading your articles and emails. Finances have been tight, especially when you are submitting work for juried exhibitions and paying fees, so it’s all a juggling act. I would love to take your course at one point, but I’ve had priorities with bills and a 2015 year in real estate that wasn’t the best. Thanks for your articles and insights and pushing art. thanks for “The Abundant Artist” It always reminds me of the need to take action and strategy. I can definitely push myself a lot more. Yes art isn’t easy! Warmest regards, Len
Thanks Len. You’ve been a positive contributor to the community for some time. Thanks!
I was unaware that it costs more money depending upon how many people are on your email list. While I have found many of your posts helpful, I admit I’m one of those semi-beginner artists who thinks that I could benefit more once I am better at what I’m doing. I would probably sift through the posts for tips that don’t involve too much technology, since I don’t think I want to go in the online direction. I’ve always been impressed with your content.
Hi Oceana – do you mind if I ask why don’t want to pursue online marketing?
Hi Cory – when I got today’s “about that crazy email” email, had to check and see what was up. The last message I got last week was about as far from inflammatory as you can get (“How to package your art for shipping”). But I’ve read “Ask” and embrace the philosophy. Especially since I’m one of the guilty ones who sign up for a lot of lists, but don’t purchase from many. 🙂
The great news for you (and Layne & I) is TAA is one of the few that I have taken action on and spent money with. TAA is a wealth of needed information and HTSYAO was a fabulous course – well worth the money (and the needed kick-in-the-pants). even if it was a lot of work. But stay tuned! Layne’s new completely overhauled ecomm-enabled website should be launching very soon.
I’m guessing that’s why I didn’t get that “shocking” email. 😉
Keep up the great work Cory!
<3 Thanks Sondra, and yes, you didn't get the original email.
Seriously? People got upset about that? I’ve bought one of your courses in the past, but for the most part haven’t been as engaged in your emails lately as you’d probably like. While the recent email didn’t get me to take your survey, it did get me to open that particular email.
If you want my opinion on the subject line, I actually would have gone with something even more inflammatory like “Are you sick of my s*** or what?” and then most of the same copy asking readers to fill out the survey. I think you’re sometimes a little milquetoast, but if people actually got upset about the “Do you hate me?” subject line, maybe that’s the face you have to put forward. On the other hand, showing some of the sharper edges in your character — “Are you sick of my s*** or what?” — would have caused you to resonate more with me and people like me.
Ultimately, you have to look at who the people are in your customer base whom you most enjoy dealing with and figure out which presentation of yourself will most resonate with those people. If some people don’t like the face your putting forward and choose to leave your email list, so be it: you’ve saved on autoresponder fees and made your list more valuable and targeted.
LOL.
I often wonder how many of the folks offended by this email have any experience with marketing.
Oh, and next time, I’ll be sure to include more profanity. 😉
I am one of those that read and use some of the information you provide, however I rarely comment as the info is clear and concise. I have not signed up for any of your courses because I am on a limited income and need to spend the money on other things at this time. I am starting to sell more work now and who knows, maybe someday I will be able to attend. Until then, I appreciate the info you share.
Thank you
Cory, Not sure I got the email in question, but I did see this post and it made me curious. So you got my attention! I am another passive consumer, and possibly costing you money. I don’t always click through on each email (too busy, too many other emails, etc) but when I do I usually find some little nugget I can apply to my situation. I generally find your website interesting and have watched a no. of videos, etc. I also follow your facebook page and I have recommended your site/page to others. I am unlikely to avail of mentoring or a course at this point as I am attending a course locally. Like others have mentioned I would be happy to pay a small annual fee for the subscription option ($5-10).
Hi Ester, thanks for the comment. An annual subscription for the emails seems to be a pretty popular choice. I’m not sure I want to go that direction – but I’ll keep it in mind. In the meanwhile, we’ll keep things free.
I was not offended. Rather I assumed you wanted an honest answer and so I emailed you back with one. Have not heard from you since. So now I can only assume that the email was just another marketing ploy as opposed to a request for honest feedback.
Hi Linda, I haven’t responded because I’ve been sifting through the 600+ survey responses. I’ll get back to your email eventually.
Awhile ago I asked a question about a course and you didn’t respond and then I received an automated repeat response, and it turned me off. I think I had responded to a question you had emailed out, but I guess you weren’t expecting anybody to write back. I wouldn’t have felt the need to bring it up, but since you asked. . . 🙂
Hi J, we do our best to respond to every email, so if you didn’t get a real response, please let me know and I’ll get you a response. Sometimes emails slip through the cracks. Feel free to email me directly cory@theabundantartist.com
You need to be aware that people sign up for email lists for different reasons. Some of us WANT to move forward eventually, but aren’t at a stage yet where we can take definite action. However, we CAN begin to educate ourselves by reading as much as we can of what others are doing. We may not have the money or time to take a course, may not have the internet at home to do so on our “free” time, etc. We are taking what little action we feel we can at this time, and hoping the knowledge we gain will help us move further down the road later.
Don’t be impatient. You may still make a sale from those “passive” people later on when they have the money and time. Your name will be on their minds from all those emails and they will remember you when the time comes to get more serious.
You are correct LB – but I did want to call out people who are just passively reading and not actually doing **anything** to move forward. There’s a surprisingly large number of artists who are too afraid to make any forward progress.
Hi Cory, It’s pretty simple. I did try to sign up for one of your courses but the sign up process would not work. I tried several times, entering my credit card info, finally emailed for help. The answer from your help desk was “We’re so sorry, try using another browser.”
I’m sorry, but that answer left me feeling that if it wasn’t a priority for AA to have the bugs in the process worked out before putting the product out there, then perhaps it wasn’t a priority to me to sign up for the course.
I do understand where you are coming from. I have been an active art blogger since 2007, and I too pay for my subscribers. I have also learned that it can be those little nagging things that might seem unimportant to some that can turn an interest in buying into an “I’ll think about doing it later” kind of thing.
And “later” never seems to come.
Hi Sue, actually, the response from our support team was “I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble signing up! You may try using a different browser or clearing your browser cache and starting a new session. I looked at your record with us and don’t see that you’ve purchased the Facebook course so it looks like it didn’t go through. Let me know if it works for you again after you’ve tried the troubleshooting I recommended.”
and we never heard back from you.
It’s not always clear what the problem is until we can get an actual error message or a screen shot from you. If you had responded to the support email, we would have done our best to help you through the process.
I didn’t receive the email, which is odd, but a non-issue. If I had received the email, I certainly would have opened it because of the subject line. I wouldn’t have been offended in any way. I personally think that it was a good marketing device. I have taken some of your classes, for which I am very grateful. Perhaps having taken the classes, and being involved with you on that level gave me a different perspective of the subject line than what others have expressed. I am consistently impressed with the information that you share, in the lessons that are paid for, and for the free information as well. I also understand the frustration regarding passive consumers of your info. If we have done any marketing, we have all experienced some of that. How to convert people to buyers of our “product” is a difficult thing to figure. I know that I am still struggling with it, and likely always will. No matter, I thank you for the info that you generously share in your classes and online in your blog.
Thanks Lynn.
Was I offended? No. I’m a grown up. But I did think it seemed desperate and a bit tacky. I responded because I thought someone who does this for a living would want to know what a receiver thought (that just seems like good business practice to me). As another who makes art but also has a psych background, please understand that is where I’m coming from when I suggest that perhaps you are responding without really hearing those who weren’t thrilled with the email subject line. In this current moment of political drama and anger, the subject line felt waaay too much like part of that vibe. Your responses seem to be yay if someone agrees with you or a you-don’t-get-it-you’re-too-old-you-have-no-sense-of-humor if someone doesn’t. That’s fine and that’s your choice, but I think it’s too bad because it’s missing an opportunity to perhaps connect to people who think differently than you do.
I will admit that I think people who were upset by it are rather over-sensitive. Not wrong or stupid, just perhaps a little too thin-skinned.
Extrapolating this one subject line into the broader political context without looking at the body of TAA’s work is also unfair, I think.
Cory, I think that you are missing the point here. I appreciate your information and I know you want to help artists. I read many, but not all of your posts and find them to be of overall value. I also know you are in business and need to make a profit as well. I received the email – and I have made a small purchase in the past. I have considered making other purchases in the future. Your comments about this email going out to those who have not purchased anything is not completely accurate. I agree with the comments concerning the “free” subscription and then the feeling that your post made it feel like you were trying to weed out the people that didn’t purchase anything… Knowing now that it cost you about a penny per person, I wonder why you would chose to try these tactics. All this for a penny/person. Keeping customers is so important. You never know when a “free-loader” will become a paying customer. I am an educated business person who happens to also be an artist. I understand the shock value of words and know that this is exactly what you were intending to do. Just because it has provoked many people does not necessarily mean that it is a good thing. If your business thrives because you change your tactics then congratulations! If that is the only purpose, then I wish you success. However, if your character is truly about a genuine desire to help people take action and succeed, as it seems to be in the many, many other posts, then this does not seem authentic. I think that is what is the disturbing part for me. Your comment about hating you is not insulting because of course it is just a ploy. I don’t think people took that literally. You keep stating that artists are too sensitive. You keep blaming people for their responses as though it is our fault that you “insulted” us. Really? Can’t you see beyond the marketing move you made? I was insulted because you were not being authentic. I was insulted that I had to take the time out of my day to read that post, your follow up post and many, many of these comments. Having to now take the time to try to explain my response. I am also disappointed in some of your comments to peoples complaints. You are not taking any responsibility for offending any of your subscribers. If you wanted to evoke a response, you have done so. Now to further blame us for being “thin-skinned” or sensitive or that we are missing the point, that is even more frustrating for me. Your comments about people not taking action…that you want them to basically respond to your comments, take some action, buy something from you or unsubscribe is interesting. You are making the assumption that just because they don’t respond to you means that they are not taking action. That is a huge assumption that is simply not reasonable. If you want people to respond to you, then let them know. You could have sent out a more productive, honest post that told us of your concerns. At least for me, that would have been effective without being insulting. We are not stupid. We get marketing. I think we just want a genuine conversation. You are providing us with much valuable information and I see no reason that you can’t just ask us for some honest feedback. If you mentioned what your needs are, and people don’t respect that, then drop them from the list. All of us that have taking the time to respond to you must show you that we care enough to do so. I think that if you were to apologize for this tactic and how it has created such a negative taste in some people’s minds, that would be helpful. Not an apology with an explanation of why you did this. Not an apology laced with blame. A true authentic apology may go a long way in repairing some trust here. I realize that this didn’t offend all of your subscribers. It did offend enough that you are addressing it however. Maybe you think that offending people is motivating. Maybe you think offending people is going to help them take the action you are assuming they are currently not taking. That assumption, by the way, feels to me to be a little self-centered. If you feel that it is okay that you have insulted people, then I too will unsubscribe. My point here is that even though you did this for a reason, the result was that some of us are insulted. Even if you think we “shouldn’t be” we are. My point here is that we care enough about you to take the time to let you know we didn’t like the tactic. If you keep blaming us for our response to you, then you really are not taking responsibility. If your intention is to continue with this marketing method, then I will unsubscribe. I am too busy for marketing games. I read your posts for a genuine authenticity that I think (or thought) you were about. If I am wrong…my bad.
Hi Cory!
I do have a sense of humor and would never get offended by question: do you hate me? ????
But thank you for great way explaining it!
Honestly I could not afford buying anything for now but I would love keep receiving your emails and advice!
Looking forward to it!
Thanks Maria. Glad you’re around.
I didn’t like it at all. It made me want to unsubscribe. I stay on the email list for one day when I might subscribe to something I can afford and briefly read free info.
If you don,t consider quite users of your email list as the cost of doing business, then take me off the list, thanks.
It’s up to you Marie. Feel free to unsubscribe. If you think you’re going to take that step in the near future, feel free to stick around.
I’m a passive viewer, a free loader. I admit it.
I read the comments ahead of me and I can’t believe people actually got mad over this. I know this is a business but really? Ya get mad about a subject line? My business philosophy is simple, I will never work with someone I do not like. I have worked with enough dishearten people to learn this. If it where me, the people who got upset are probably the same people who will get upset with decisions they make and try and blame these mistakes on you. Red flags are waving.
For me, I am seeing if I like you (Cory) or not. I started with the Podcasts, but they ran out (I love Podcasts and listen to many while working). I do my best to read the emails and blog posts. The hard part though, are the hour long webcasts you put out. If I could listen to these in my car, as I do the dishes pr while I paint, I would do so. Unfortunately, I am not set up to do this right now so I have a lot of emails from you stacked up waiting to be listened to. As far as buying something from you, I probably will. I am almost a year into my fine art career and I have a lot of “feelers” out there. I’m play’in the game and seeing what I like and don’t like. I have signed up for many things and I have already removed myself from many of them. With meeting my short term goals, you should see action on my part in about a year. If you keep allowing me, I will free-load until then. This career change for me is huge and I have put a lot of thought into it and will seek outside help when I am ready, when I have time for it and, most importantly, when I have time to enact upon the knowledge you pass down. I’m just not ready yet. There’s just not enough hours in my day – to make art, to sit in a class, or to even sell $50,000 dollars of art on Facebook. I wish there was and this is something I am sorting out. Thanks for what you are doing Cory. You’re helping a lot of artists. I know you have dreams too, I just hope you can bear with some of us for a little longer.
In the past, I have not responded to any of your emails or blogs because I did not think it was right of me to take up your time. You taking the time to read my comment. If I did leave a comment, and you responded, then I would feel really guilty because I have not supported you (financially) in any way.
Thanks Larry. I’m glad the podcasts have been interesting. I’m glad you’re sticking around!
This is all very interesting. I didn’t leave a comment. I had things going on and no time to agonize over what this may have been about, or not, and what I thought about it. Also, so many of the things I open anymore with helpful information or subject lines that promise helpful information lead to an end game of a product/package in order to fully optimize and complete that information.
After awhile it gets tiresome.
Hi Margaret, where are you at in your art career? Are you making forward progress? At some point you can only get so far with free information.
I didn’t receive the “inflammatory” email in question, but that’s probably because I just subscribed to your email list a few days ago. Regardless, receiving today’s “about that crazy email” message ensured that I take this opportunity to thank you for setting up such an awesome resource. Like a few others here, I was entirely lost as to my next step on my artistic path until a podcast about your website popped up in a Google search. I’m looking forward to learning all that I can, and once I have funds available, I definitely intend to take some of your courses.
Thanks Nes, and welcome to the circus. 😉
Hi Cory,
I didn’t receive that email, but if I had the tag line would have made me chuckle. I’m a full time artist and I am so grateful for all that you have put together. I have taken a few of your courses, love the TAA FB page so much that I have it pinned to the top of my feed, I appreciate all of your emails and love the podcasts. You give so much, it’s unfortunate that there was a negative reaction.
Thanks Michelle! Glad to have you around.
I didn’t received that email, but sometimes we are just like volcano, things happen.
I agree with:
Susie King says
March 29, 2016 at 7:47 pm
“From what I read here it sounds like a guilt trip to those who don’t purchase something from you. I’ve noticed this more and more in many blogs I have followed from others, too. Before I read your post here about it, I have been thinking how disappointing it is when an artist/coach offers free “things” and at the end there is a hook to pull you in to purchase the complete story or answers. I know that is marketing. I also know I have to choose where my finances go for my career. Being guilted into it is just not the energy I need to have presented. Good luck with your endeavors to coach. But maybe you need to step back and think of how it comes across with an unprofessional post. If people want to buy, they will. Should we apply the same tactics to selling our art….oh do you hate me, is that why you aren’t making a purchase? Perhaps you stumbled on a major faux pas with this line of creating income. It gives your readers something to consider.”
My own -honest- reply to your e-mail is I am conflicted about getting into social media. (The one day I joined, I got so many crank wannabe friends and wannabe groupies that still are coming years later. The one day my husband joined, he was bombarded with old high school friends who still want to date him. I don’t like social media except for closed forums, I like my privacy, and I don’t have the time.)
My own experience with selling online is that prints sell but high priced originals don’t so much or often. People want to see and experience originals in person. And that goes for me as a buyer as well as a seller.
I have to say I DO NOT like guilt or hard sales techniques. And your post, today, just plain turned me off. It sounded very amateurish and whiney.
I don’t need multiple e-mail come-ons. So I will stop considering -that maybe someday you will have something I might benefit from and that you definitely will- and now no longer accept mails from you.
You get your wish.
Thanks but no thanks.
Thanks for your thoughts R. For what it’s worth, I’ve seen plenty of original works selling in the $10k range selling online. Whether that’s high end or not completely varies based on where you’re at in your career.
I happen to be one of those that have taken a course or 2 and have commented a few times. (I know- don’t break my arm patting myself on the back, right?!) But I think what is off-putting to me is not your first email but your response to it. That I need to even wonder to myself if I’m of the 1st group (passive) or 2nd (responsive)- it makes me ponder a little about who you are and what you’re about. I’m being very honest here which I hope you’ll respect. I don’t think I’ll be unsubscribing because I do really value the info and resources you provide. (That packing and shipping art post was just what I needed and I think I told you so!) But it will make me a bit more cautious in the future. It’s probably just my personality, really. I’m one of those that had never liked those “If you don’t like me then tough” posts on FB. You can think that way but why feel the need to say it? Anyway, keep on posting all those good things and avoid the negative- that’s my 2 cents. Thanks!
Thanks Dawn. I can see why this response would alienate some. I’m learning as I read through everyone’s responses.
Really? Are people that sensitive with all that’s going on these days? I took your subject line as a bit of creativity to call attention to your email. You provide a lot of valuable, free information that we OPT INTO! Keep up the good work. You can’t please everybody.
Thanks Carol.
I felt that you were trying to provoke a response. I saw the heading, but chose not to open it up because it seemed too confrontational. I also thought that it could be a hack as the heading you both extremely emotional, kind of upset, and rather informally intimate. An angry partner might ask such a question.
Perhaps you both got what you wanted and what you didn’t want. In any case, it is an interesting experiment and perhaps you got a lot more work answering all of these comments than you had planned for.
I’m certainly learning a lot reading through all of the comments.
Informally intimate is a pretty good way of describing most of my own communication. I often cross that line…
I believe I received the email and replied that it was time/cost issues for me at the time, but I didn’t feel anything negative regarding the email… except maybe that you were wondering why your marketing attempts weren’t working with me. However… I do appreciate your input and apologize for my silence. I purchased your book after an artist friend suggested it to me. I’m at the beginning of my art marketing experiences… and feel a bit overwhelmed with everything. So I try to work on it a little at a time, with an attempt to not get too frustrated and want to go out and get another day job. I love creating my art… and I’m passionate about what I’m creating… and I have a wonderful niche that has kept me going for a few years now. So keep it going Cory… and I suspect that eventually I’ll be getting more on board.
Sweet! I hope the book is helpful!
I am 48 and was well aware of what you were doing so I am not sure that it was a generational issue. You were trying to illicit a reaction that would cause people to actually open the email and read it. That is quite common. People may not agree on the way you did it apparently but I was not offended and actually smiled because your intention was obvious to me. By the way, I read it.
Thanks Cynthia.
Hi Cory,
You’ve been very helpful to me, both through our one-on-one coaching and the multiple courses I’ve purchased from you, including the previous iteration of your HTSYAO program. I would only suggest that in the future, after updating a course, you cross check both lists and not send previous buyers of the course the promotional emails for the updated version, especially when it comes to asking them why they haven’t signed up yet or if they hate you because they haven’t signed up and to fill out a survey.
As a confirmed buyer/customer, it made me feel like I didn’t qualify yet to be recognized as a customer…so I decided it had to be a list issue instead. 😉
The whole “why didn’t you sign up and what do you need instead survey” after a launch is extremely popular these days. That and monthly subscription masterminds instead of single purchase offers. OMG. Trends in the online marketing space are fascinating to my inner cultural anthropologist, but they’re going in a direction I have no desire to take any of my own offers. It’s only safe to assume that however someone markets their offer to me, will be the same way they’ll teach me to market my art. So I watch how they do it. It needs to feel good to me from A-Z without relentless email sequences, reminders, ticking clocks and upsells.
I’ve stopped following several influencers I once admired in the online marketing space. There’s an aggressiveness that’s seeped into their delivery. But you’re creative. And a nice person. I encourage you to take a different tack from the pack especially since you’re appealing to creatives. We’re about doing things differently. We want to be inspired, moved, transformed; not chased, patronized or guilted into something. And more to the point, we don’t want to become the chasers, patronizers or guilters in order to sell our art.
I can’t wait to see what you come up with! 😉
Thanks Michelle. Certainly I have rejected out of hand several marketing techniques that have been suggested to me by the most aggressive marketers I know. Following the trends is a sure way to screw up – time will tell whether that’s what I did here.
I didn’t get the “Do you hate me?” email, but even if I did I wouldn’t have gotten angry about that headline. That’s surprising to hear that there are so many people with no sense of humor. On second thought, maybe that’s not really so surprising.
Anyway, what’s really surprising to me is the news that if someone joins your mailing list but doesn’t buy anything that it actually ends up costing you money. I had no idea that it works like that, and I still don’t understand the process of how that costs you money. I thought this was like Youtube where I was actually helping you out merely by signing up for you mailing list, similar to subscribing to someone’s Youtube channel. But I’m really shocked to hear that I am actually costing you money just by signing up to your mailing list. That might really be what shocked and upset so many people. The news that they actually took money out of your pocket and gave you nothing in return. In other words, a lot of people found out that they essentially robbed you a little bit. That might really be what this is all about.
My financial situation is a mess right now, and I can’t afford to take course or buy anything. But I really appreciate all the info you provide and I feel like you definitely know what you are talking about and I hope to be able to take a course or buy an ebook in the future. But I will unsubscribe from your mailing list for now because I don’t want to negatively affect your income in any way. I really wish they would change the way mailing lists work so you don’t lose money from people signing up. That’s really weird how that works. I honestly think that’s really the major and shocking part about all this. Not the line “do you hate me?”. I might be wrong, but I think the news that people are actually costing you money just by signing up is the really shocking part.
Hi Bob, it’s rather a very small amount per subscriber, usually less than a cent, but overall, yes cumulative subscribers do make the emails add up.
I hate you Cory. ( just joking.) Well I think you got the desired result, lots of activity and attention going on which is what I saw you set out to do with that headline.
It’s a marketing course, right? You were marketing. You were showing the students a type of marketing. That’s how I saw it.
Cheers
Lew
Indeed. Thanks Lew. I love the Australians.
I was not upset about it. I like getting the info you provide. But My problem is lack of money, and when I got some to advertise or promote with I am censored. I’m still look for a way past this problem.
Thank for the info that you provide please keep it up.
Are you doing nude sketches or paintings Adrian? You have to take a roundabout way of marketing those. Promoting stuff that doesn’t show genitalia, and then let people find your other stuff on your website.
AMAZING, I tend to take lots of things way TOO seriously, but it was a marketing email for crying out loud. This is whole conversation is another reminder that life is too short to spend my life getting wound up over “a subject line?!” It is also reinforces that when I am reacting to someone else it is first time for me to check myself before I worry about the other person. Thanks for your work and the free stuff.
David
Thanks David.
I was surprised by that email heading but then very soon after you posted a great video about shipping art work that was so helpful. I take such small steps in my business but that helped me feel like I was going forward!
Thanks for the good help and encouragement you provide, I appreciate it.
Jennifer Brown
AMAZING, I tend to take lots of things way TOO seriously, but it was only a marketing email for crying out loud. This is whole conversation is another reminder that life is too short to spend it getting wound up over “a subject line?!” It is also reinforces that when ifci feel the urge to react to someone else it is first time for me to check myself before I worry about the other person. Thanks for your work and the free stuff.
David
Hi Cory – you probably don’t need any more responses, i think they’ve all covered just about every take on your email, but i just want to weigh in anyway, and say, wow, the most hostile reponses seem to have come from the “passive” non participating non responding set.
you don’t owe them anything, and if they don’t like the tone, the message they inferred from your subject line, or anything else – they can unsubscribe!
i for one, was not offended, took it as tongue in cheek and also thought provoking – and not in anyway off putting. it made me take a second look at the email, so was effective if your point was to get me to open it.
i too get a little frustrated from the “passive consumers” of my marketing emails and fb, instagram and pinterest posts – but it’s all part of it.
i, for one, was intrigued and provoked and prodded by your subject – and yes, i have purchased one of your marketing courses last year (i got a lot out of it) and am an occasional contributor to the TAA mastermind FB group discussions. i think your info is great, very useful especially for beginning artists.
you rock – keep up the good work and provoking subject lines! we all need a little shake up from time to time, to get us out of our complacent mind sets.
Thanks Laura – and you’re absolutely right about the responses.
Be careful what you wish for…you might get it.
Hi Cory… I wish you much continued success with TAA. I found out that the fundamental of your teaching is Artists sharing their artistic process with prospective clients. As that doesn’t work for me (what I do is similar to Wade Guyton)… so instead of following through and signing up, I’ve just gotten a few helpful tidbits of info here and there.(Divi wordpress, etc.) I don’t understand why people are upset with that email ? Hey… you can creatively express yourself on your Blog as you see fit. Clearly, you were looking for a reaction, and you got that ! And you’re not taking things over then edge like Trump ! I wish you & TAA only the very best ongoing… Richie Kessler
Hi Richie – what is it about sharing insights into your process that makes you think it won’t help with your marketing?
The fundamental ability to help people find a “way in” to your stories is part of every marketing strategy everywhere.
wow, a pissed off email from you followed by a pissed off blog post. sigh. I can imagine that it is frustrating to have passive consumers, but a quick – “hey, I have to pay to keep you on the mailing list, so if you don’t really need to hear from me, then unsubscribe’ would have probably worked fine to encourage people to take action or get off the list. In today’s world, bullying people into buying your products is a pretty piss poor approach if you ask me (and you did). I was on the fence about your products but continued to consider them each time I came to a point in my process where I needed such advice. You’ve convinced me now, that I won’t be a customer. I don’t need your anger in my life. I will hit the unsubscribe button and make sure you aren’t wasting any money on me any further, and I have one less product to pay attention to and consider – cleans up my plate a bit too. Peace.
Thanks Juli. I didn’t quite mean it as an “FU pay me” but you obviously took it that way. Best of luck.
After about year of getting your emails I finally took the plunge. I’m still working on your assignments and still looking for that insight…… and sales. I know its all up to me and it will all come together with a little more grind. But I don’t believe you would have sent any misinformed emails. Your a pretty savvy guy, just look at all the response you have gotten. Seems like it all worked out according to plan. And I think thats great! Another lesson from Cory!
Looking forward to the day my writing skills get as much response towards my Art/Web.
Still plugging’!
Still plugging away. Thanks Darien.
Cory, Your email did not offend me. it did pique my interest but being busy i don’t get to read my email in a timely fashion. I do appreciate your blog and hope at some point i can afford one of your classes.
Thanks BJ.
Take me off your list. I dont want this anymore!
I thought the line was great. I’m not worried about whether or not you are hated because I know you’re not.
being a member of your FB group and having taken your course, I KNOW how good it is, and how much both you and it have done for me.
your good subject line certainly had me wanting to open the email, which really IS the point of a subject line. I was actually more concerned about YOU than whether or not the line was professional, needy, manipulative or any of the worried-about-me responses I’ve read here. for heaven’s sake, lighten up!
Cory, never doubt that what you do has value to hundreds of us.
Thanks Angela. Love having you around. 😉
Yeah, marketing 101 I guess, I was like is something wrong with Cory? LOL! I actually use the business tips you provide. I’m just a painter right now but I hope to be a painter and successful business woman very soon. I see you differently now. From what I understand when you ask people to sign-up for your email list it’s your responsibility to be the care taker. You can’t blame people for not paying for a course, it’s all part of the game. If you feel like you’re giving too much valuable info away then start charging.
I guess you could have just taken a survey and clean your list. It could have told you where people are in their creative journey and if they are ready to spend money on a course like the one you offer.
Hopefully you got some sign-ups from this excitement. Not everything should be free or cheap. Maybe creating courses at a few different price points will help. 20$ a month to be in a special email group or membership site? I don’t have near as many followers as you do but I’m sure you (and us) could benefit from something like that.
Hi Danielle – we offer several products at a range of prices. From $15 for the book on up.
But your response tells me that I should obviously do a better job of communicating that. 🙂
The artists are being too nice. If your product isn’t selling like it should – then that’s 100% on you. Laying a guilt trip on artists for not purchasing your product is ridiculous. Why don’t you stand up and shout “Stupid Freeloaders.” It also sounds a little like whining. It’s like when artists say “I get lots of compliments but no sales.” That’s on the artist. I’ve been painting for only six years, but I’ve sold close to 200 paintings on a part-time basis(don’t get too excited – 70% were less than $200. I’m now able to command higher price points). When I can’t sell a painting, is it the potential buyer’s fault. No – my painting isn’t connecting for some reason. As far as “Do You Hate Me?” – that’s just a “click-bait” type of marketing strategy – not particularly creative but effective (I personally can’t stand it). Definitely “lowbrow” marketing. My point is this – artists, you need to be obsessed with selling. It bothers me when I go through a dry streak – so I constantly think about how I can sell. It doesn’t make you less of an artist to think about selling. It your art isn’t selling – it’s on you. Cory- if enough people haven’t purchased one of your products – then it’s on YOU to convince them that their career will take off if they follow some of your coaching. Give us some real stats – not just the occasional success story! We don’t want to pay money for what we can get via “passive consumption.” Sorry – but the internet is filled with helpful articles – what are you giving us that can’t be gotten their – or from one of Jack White’s books? Thanks, though, for everything you do.
Do yourself and favor and UNSUBSCRIBE to the emails if they “offend” you so much.
Congrats on the success John. Sounds like you’re full of hustle and are doing quite well.
You’re absolutely right that if things aren’t selling, that’s on me. We’re doing well enough to have a small staff here at TAA – that’s not the problem. This was just information gathering.
Jack White is a great resource. There are lots of books and other resources out there, each with something useful to offer. I’d encourage you and other artists to learn where you can – here or otherwise.
Just to be clear – I wasn’t ‘offended” as Lee misconstrued. I just pointed out some salient points. In a nutshell, all of us have to be responsible for our success. I’m seriously thinking about going to the conference. In fact, I’d just sent out your website url to a small group of motivated artists that I meet with the day before the “great email controversy.” If we’re going to be in the arts, we all have to grow some thicker skin. As an actor, you know that – As a musician/songwriter/artist, I certainly know that. But I’m 58, so I’ve had a few more years for it to develop. Have fun…
Hi Corey I did respond via e-mail
No furthest thing from my thoughts Hate you! that would have been a bit strong.
But I guess we are in the same boat. How much do we market and how often? how do we do it? and via what media? And in the end do we make any sales? Or generate any responses, interest that may lrad to conversion sales.. No guarantees right?
In my case being Online is a grest presence . And with your help , yes your help! I have garnered a few followers on Instagram and Twitter and know that fb works to promote my website once I am going to” pay to play” learnt that from you ????
But I do not churn out work fast enough for the online market my process is slow and I guess I am not as disciplined as I should be.
I do know my work sells just not enough and not as fast, but as I just said I do not produce it fast enoug so that maybe a factor.
I do not have a day job at present so budgeting gets tricky! And altough I garner a few likes and a few comments most positive it hasn’t generated any Sales or commissions. All my sales came from close friends and family but they did see my work initially of my website or on my fb page so I guess it takes time.
Being Online is great for a presence and I get a few Likes and Followers thus far but no Sales.
So yeah Finance my catch 22. Proof is in the pudding yes? Maybe if I did get a few sales I could take few of your courses.
But I will keep working Art and Design is what I am in this world to do but finding my right marketing niche is still trial and error for me, much more of a daunting task.
Nevertheless thank you thus far for all your advice . I am afraid TAA is the only e-mail I have subscribed to a the others I book marked.
Thank you
Stephen
Whew! It took a long time to get to the end of these responses! Listen you provide a place for artists to learn, grow and gather. Like a parent, sometimes my kids need to know that mommy has hit the end of her patience. And she’s human. Thank you being human!
Sally
Thanks Sally – certainly feeling my humanity today. :p
Which was the inflammatory one? I must have missed it, and I’ve read each email I’ve recieved so far 🙂 and I didn’t sign up, so I probably got it.
I don’t mind when entrepreneurs step up and share their opinion now and then. It lets me see that you’re human.
I don’t mind when you ask why I didn’t sign up either, as long as you can handle the answer 🙂 Some entrepreneurs can’t.
Thanks Linda. I appreciate having you around. 🙂
Lol! My two cents? It worked and worked well. I love the follow up post as well. Nice explanation and dead accurate on the hold backs we face as artisits. This is really good content thank you! Oh, and just so you know , personally I remove inactive subscribers from my list after sending them a re-engagement series with on effect. So you’re much more kind than I am 🙂
I remove people as well. We dropped over 2000 subscribers who haven’t opened emails in the last 3 months.
Haha, no worries Cory! It was definitely an attention-grabbing subject line in my gmail inbox. I jumped onto your list a few months back- I still have to catch up on all the great stuff in your emails.
I was very tempted to take the course, but I’m working on another project that’s close to my heart right now: making, publishing and marketing my webcomic (www.tolcraft.com if anyone’s interested).
I know there will be definite cross-over applications between the 2 fields, but I’m a believer in not trying to do everything all at once. After I’ve got the webcomic thing up and running, I want to go back and start to focus in on selling my traditional artwork. I expect your course will play a part in that.
Thanks again for all you do!
Whoo-hoo! I love webcomics. Just bought Sarah’s Scribbles’ new book.
I completely understand why you sent that email!
You are obviously a very knowledgeable person when it comes to marketing because I am one of those who haven’t responded for months. Your “hate me” message caught my eye due to being a people pleasing person, I can not deal with someone being upset with me or someone thinking I am upset with them for long!
I am a full time art student, athlete, and have 3 jobs. How did I think I could have time to do these online courses? I have no idea..but I was truly inspired by all that you have to say, and I do actually read a majority of your messages! So keep doing your thing! Even if I’m not responding, doesn’t mean I’m not listening! <3
Wow Cory, lots of responses here. I did get your email (and I am being 100% honest here and I’m sure that is what you are looking for from us), my immediate reaction was – I’ve seen those sorts of headlines before from other marketers (which I then normally unsubscribe from – but didn’t from you)…. because I actually really love your content, your voice and your vision. I have to say, that normally those emails with those sorts of headlines – I’m not their target audience… so that’s why I end up unsubscribing…. I guess really at the end of the day, it’s about who YOU want to speak too. and who YOU want to take action on your blog posts/FB posts/ Courses etc etc. And judging from the variety of responses you have received, then you will be able to narrow that down even further now. Either way, I’m sure you are looking at this from the positive exercise as a great learning curve to see which direction you personally want to move forward in your own business..
I actually love your site and have listened to your podcasts and implemented… but I am being 100% honest here again and will tell you that I signed up for Natasha Wescoat’s Academy instead. And I will again tell you why. Even though I truly do appreciate you and everything you have done, in the end my decision was based on the fact that 1) she is an artist who I have been following for years 2) She is a woman (albeit younger than me) who has kids and is juggling art and family life and I just resonated an can relate to her more.
I truly do think what you are doing is fantastic and really do appreciate all that you do for us ‘artists’… xx Thank you xx
Didn’t read all the comments, got half way through, and just wanted to say that I need to read the blogs and emails and get involved more. It may help me get better and sell some work.
Well, here is my two cents/sense….I didn’t respond to the first email, not sure I got it to tell the truth. I also get overwhelmed by all my “Life” stuff and sometimes don’t look at all my emails. BUT! I did open this one and I kind of think it’s hilarious! It’s a microcosm of everyone out there. I started reading all of the responses above and then realized I had been reading them for over an hour, SHIT, I’ve got art to make!
People take things and themselves too serious, it’s all made me want to get involved with TAA. I’m not sure how long I’ve been getting your emails, but I do need help marketing my work! I can’t afford much right now, due to some health issues, but I can read and comment. I sell my art in 3 stores and want to get an online presence as well. So, you’ll be hearing from me soon.
Great conversation you’ve started!
Since Ive found your site I have made a website, started posting my art on fineartamerica, opened a shop on Etsy which has taken months and followed your advice in many areas. I too appreciate all your advice and help. I have signed up for a few courses or modules to teach me how to use pinterest and etsy and Facebook to help my site. I was not offended but it sure did get my attention. It’s taking me awhile to do things but I work on it daily. Im trying to find more time to do my art. Thank you for your help.
Glad you’re making forward progress Carol.
holy moly. that sure generated quite a response! I don’t think your subject heading was incendiary at all. obviously intended to evoke a response. I took your course and found it extremely valuable. and your prices are quite reasonable compares to some exhorbitant amounts that some others are charging for similar courses and coaching.
I have only myself to blame for not following through with your myriad great suggestions, although, it is important for each artist, each human to find their own way. certain marketing ideas that may work beautifully for some or even many may not suit another artist’s mode or personality.
you are a very hard worker and have put a tremendous amount of energy, time and great thoughtfulness into your courses. they are abundant 🙂 with invaluable information. you are a great asset to the art community. and, i can see why it may be a struggle to get people to sign up because there are so many people teaching this stuff now. I am daily overwhelmed with newsletters that are full of possible valuable advice for artists. it never use do be like this.
what you have to offer is valuable and generous and more people should take advantage of all you have put into your offerings. bravo for you, robin
Thanks Robin.
ps. there is one thing I had a problem with. at the end of the note in this email you alluded to the idea that the person who was criticizing you might be coming from a place of fear. that sounded defensive to me and also making an asssumption that may not be true at all. I am aware that you carefully worded this idea as if it were a possibility but I did not think it was necessary because it still felt defensive. thanks, robin
That was really funny–the guy reminded me of Jeff Goldblum
I bought the course last July and have access still for a few months.
However, I continue to get email solicitations to purchase courses I’ve bought.
Really enjoy the platforms you’ve put together. I’ve made an effort lately to be current
with and participate in the FB group. I will try to be more responsive to blog and podcast discussions. I read the group comments and that’s helping me to start to work on the lessons I didn’t do yet. My immediate goal is to be able to achieve sustainability and afford someone who will do the marketing for me. I very much admire Angela Treat Lyon, who started when I did and then she made $12,000.–by now probably more!
Having someone do it for us is definitely the dream Lesley. Keep plugging away – you’ll get there.
As several people mentioned above $300 is a lot to me, I pour my cash directly to the mortgage company and to the nice people who make dog food for my rescues. I also am an art league president in the middle of a website upgrade and some major changes in organization, teach classes, try to squeeze in painting time…and, my poor family gets what time there is left. I have no TIME to even read most blog, emails, or newsletters…or to take a class …right now. So I speed read (thank you Evelyn Wood) emails, answer what I absolutely have to, try to retain some of the best advice from various sources, including yours, and keep a mental to do list about maybe signing up Someday. All I can do is all I can do.
I do know that email lists can get pricey so I can unsubscribe so as not to be rude.
I totally get it Lauren. Take care and best of luck with the site redesign.
I have family member with a personality disorder, so would avoid responding to an email like that, like the plague. Glad to hear you were not serious.
Like the lady above I have just launched my website and am about to start selling on Etsy, everything takes a while and it is happening in manageable stages.
Sorry about your family member Sally Jane. Take care.
The title of the email didn’t offend me at all. I think it’s fair for you to ask why someone who signed up for your newsletter isn’t buying the class. It made me really think about why I haven’t signed up yet. Reading your emails has got me thinking about how much time and money I need to commit to my art career. As I direct result, I have boosted the amount of postings to my social media sites which got me one commission already.
I do plan on taking the class, my wife and I overspent on vacation and Christmas last year, so I need to do a little catching up. And for the stats: I’m white, female, 57, worked full time until 5 years ago when I retired to focus on art and writing. Since then I’ve had some success selling, but would like to boost my sales.
I think the work you’re doing is awesome and I’m so glad someone recommended this site to me.
Thanks for the response Cat. And way to take positive action and congrats on seeing immediate results because of it!
I didn’t get the first email, but the headline is a great attention-grabber! In the past few months I’ve signed up for a number of email lists, mainly to research what goes into them. Yours is one of three that I continue to actively read and find useful tips in. I’ve canceled most of the others. I’ve watched webinars and Creative Live free courses. But it’s your marketing courses that I’ve actually bought. FaceBook marketing helped me triple my page likes. HTSYAO is driving me a bit crazy trying to keep up with the lessons. But you’re also challenging me to really consider what I want and what I need to be doing with my art. What I like about your approach, both in your emails and your teaching, is that what you say is down-to earth, straightforward, practical, and doesn’t involve hyperactive, cheerleading tactics to get your message across. So this is just to say thanks, and I’m glad I discovered what you have to offer.
Thanks for being a part of the community Rennie.
Well to be honest I almost unsubscribed. I thought “what a needy… so-n-so…”
But I only get replies from about 6 people that follow me and I have a following of a total of over 6000 people if you can imagine. But I hear crickets everytime I post a blog post or write a newsletter… apparently it’s a big ol’ snooze fest! (a bit annoyed and wanna give up on art)
Congrats on having 6,000 followers Cindy!
I saw that email, and it rubbed me the wrong way, but not enough to immediately unsubscribe. I just rolled my eyes a bit (hit me as manipulative, needy, demanding), but then I just basically deleted it and forgot about it.
However, seeing your follow up post today, and the way you have responded to these comments, you’ve reinforced that initial perception. So, putting on my marketing hat, I’d consider this a successful experiment. Some people liked it, are publicly telling you that you’re great and thanking you for your work, and that’s awesome for you! They will probably be more loyal customers now. Others (like me) now realize you aren’t a good fit for them, and may be moved to unsubscribe as a result. As long as you feel you have been representing yourself accurately, this is a good thing — you can’t be all things to all people, nor should you try to be.
Thanks for the feedback Sarah – and best of luck to you.
I didn’t receive that particular email but I would not have dismissed it for using that sentence in the subject matter line. I come from the days of when one didn’t have the Internet to promote your art. So I would send PR packets out to everyone I thought might give me exposure. I found national art publications (some now defunct) that would place a write-up about me and my work for free. I worked the art festivals for years. I always had business cards and brochures. I painted in front of my tent, talked to everyone who stopped for even a minute, kept a catalog of art supplies to show people how much an artist has to spend before she/he even created the art. Framing was another subject. I let children touch my pastels and explained the difference between them and sidewalk chalk. (Lots of dirty fingers. lol) I asked people who had brought their dogs if I could photograph the dogs for a portrait. People were flattered and would take a card or brochure. I gave out hundreds of cards and brochures only to receive a few commissions. But people remembered me years later and would commission me or participate in my workshops and classes. I blasted my friends for not buying my work after telling me how much they liked my work. If your friends won’t help you out and purchase at least a small work, then they might as well stop telling me how the love my art. I purchase small pieces from other artists because I believe artists should support other artists. As far as money, I have supported my child and myself on my art alone. I made sure she had everything she needed. My only splurges were on art supplies, paying for booth spaces, and PR materials. I have had a happier life than most of my friends. I haven’t signed up for any of Cory’s coursed yet (There is a piggy bank for the change fairy to fill.) However, I do participate in his free webinars or at least watch the videos. I sent an email message about a concern of mine and he responded quickly. I have read many books on promoting your work but have never gotten as much useful information as I receive from Cory. If someone is providing as much free information as he does and people aren’t taking advantage of it, then they should consider removing themselves from the mailing list. As to his desire to have people sign-up for his courses that have fees, I can relate…every time someone compliments my art but walks away empty handed. By the way, I am not a personal friend of Cory’s. However, I am an artist who has been in the trenches for 45 years and I know when someone is providing solid advice and help.
Thanks Debra – sounds like you know how hard it is, and I appreciate the insights.
I can see why people would feel it’s inappropriate, but I actually appreciate the transparency. You’re being honest. There is nothing wrong with that. It’s a part of a business and I can understand that. I think many can be too sensitive when it comes to asking for business but if you do it in the right way it comes across as welcoming, which is always how I feel when I read everything you send. Packed with great info, community, reality and honesty. I’ve asked people to buy my work as well, some say no and others are lead into a conversation about my work. Can’t make everyone happy but if you mean well, I think that’s what really counts.
I didn’t find it offensive at all. In fact, I got a giggle out of it and then it intrigued me enough to open and read. Never thought it would have a negative reaction from so many.
hi Cory, I have just started your course and I think you give the wright tools to go further with our Art marketing. And it is up to us( me) to take action and responsability. I just want to say MERCI
Hey Cory,
I’ve been building my Divi website because of your recommendation… and your instructions! I also love to hear from you and read some of the info you give away for free. There’s so much to take in and I’m not always ready to implement everything right away.
I’m also helping my husband with his self-publishing business and he transitioned his website over to Divi. It’s a large website so it was quite a project, but now he can make his way around Divi and even uses shortcodes. We’re trying to add ecommerce to my site and that’s not as easy as I thought. Setting up shipping prices is a little daunting when I have different sized paintings. I’d love to see some hands on YouTube training for the ecommerce side of Divi.
You’re doing a great job. I understand sometimes it helps to use sensational titles to get people to open the email and spur someone to action. We’re learning a little bit about this ourselves.
Blessings!
I did get it and it didn’t bother me at all but admittedly it did sound a bit like the political emails I get asking for money – and I get a LOT! But no worries! And it reminded me to be more actively engaged. I do read your email blasts but I have not commented…so now I will when I feel like I have something to contribute. Keep doing what you are doing.
It’s all good.
Hi Cory, Your subject line prompted me to immediately respond to your questionnaire. I thought it was brilliant really, I laughed at the cleverness. Risky, yes, as this comment thread shows a wide range of reactions to it. I admit I’m totally a lurker, an introvert unless I’m pushed. I rarely chime in, because it’s not quick or easy for me. Although I consider myself an artist, I enjoy making my art, but I’m primarily a design consultant (I enjoy that too), that’s how I pay the mortgage. I subscribe to your list because I want to learn more, if not for myself, for other artists I know who are trying to sell their work. I know that some artists are making a living with their art, I’m curious to know how they do it. I’m happy to point them to your site as a resource and am appreciative of the effort you put into your free content. I’ve signed up for your conference, and am looking forward to it!
Cory, your “Do you hate me” email made me smile. I think I know you well enough to see it as just as a way to get our attention. And seeing all the variety of responses above I think you did just that. But also, not surprisingly, some responses you didn’t expect.
Here are some thoughts I have had about the “Selling Your Art Online”course. It is my experience that most artists still do NOT believe this can be done, that practically no artist can even come close to doing this. In the past I was on several Linked-In discussions where I was advocating online selling and artists heatedly challenged me to list anyone being successful. and even when I did they were still skeptical, thinking I had made it up. This attitude still exists although more artists today are willing to try. But a course in online marketing to many artists still seems like a long shot. I think you will first have to convince artists that it can be done and that there are many artists out there doing it successfully. In fact I have read that since 2002 more art has been sold online than art through older more traditional sales venues (auctions excluded).
Why didn’t I take the course? I think I am fairly well along with online marketing and I expect the course to have mostly if not all first timers starting from scratch. Topics would cover a lot of territory I am familiar with and am already traversing. What I could use is an advanced class of artists already actively involved in online marketing who could share ideas and experiences.
Hey Stan – offering an advanced class seems like a pretty good idea. 😉
I just ignored your comment, because I have signed up for your classes. I had just recommitted myself to getting back to doing the exercises. I moved about 6 months ago and after all my commitments before moving were kept, I decided I was going to take time off from doing “shows” stay home and actually build my online presence. I commit to reading your blogs again and staying in touch with the facebook group. Thanks
I am one of those lurkers who reads and watches podcasts and reaps so much good inspiration and inforamtion but then you never get feedback from me. I did purchase coaching in the past, but then I had a major life change and I was unable to use the purchase. So hopefully I will be in a position to do that again soon!
Anyway, here is some feedback. Yesterday, myself and another artist took the day to go to some galleries to build inspiration for our own artistic practices. We ended up talking at length to a gallery worker/artist who droned on and on about how we, including himself, would always be “starving artists” and we will always need other income and it is basically impossible to be able to support ourselves on only our art.
In the past, that would have deflated me and any vision I had of marketing myself would have dissolved. But because of your posts and podcasts, I just listened to what he had to say, took in his opinions about which social media worked best and nodded.
After we left the gallery, I reminded my artist friend of your website (which he remembered but had never explored!) and we discussed how that kind of negative thinking was certainly not a help and we had compassion for that defeatest artist/ gallery worker and hope the best for him!
My artist friend went home, looked up theabundantartist.com, and is now so reved up and inspired, he is like a new person!
Thank you for the information, support of artists and positive inspiration!
Thanks Cynthia!
I have to admit that I am one of those who subscribe to your blog but haven’t signed up for your courses. I started selling my art online in 2002. Since that time a lot has changed and I have had to adapt to the constantly moving target that is the internet. Much of what I have learned about marketing my work online has come from research that I have done over the course of many years. I have talked to many other artists about selling online, but only a few have committed to the time and effort it takes to develop an online presence.
Truthfully, I was a bit taken aback by your approach in that last email, but I recognize that it was your way of getting a response. We don’t hate you, Cory.
Cory, I find all your information valuable and interesting. I look forward to getting your emails and have been so impressed with the massive amount of information you supply in various formats including the interviews with successfull artists. I’ve even enthusiastically referred your website to artists who I thought would appreciate all that you have to offer. I will gladly pay for this information in the form of a newsletter or other format you may come up with. I do hope you keep me on your list for it’s not only the amazing amounts of information you’ve been generously sharing but just as importantly it’s the warmth and sense of humor that comes through from you. Peace and love Cory, Roxanne : )
Thanks Roxanne. You’re welcome to stick around. 😉
Well Cory, I have to say your comment at first seemed a little childish…BUT, !!!! it did get my attention. I am one of those people who often receive your emails and store them for future reference. Your response to the email at least got my curiosity aroused and I actually looked at some of the free information you offer. I am one of those starving, underpaid, very low self esteem artist who have a hard time believing my art will go anywhere. At this time I do not have $300.00 to take one of your classes, but I will show more interest in your emails. I thank you very much for the information that you do give, and for your interest and concern for artists in general. Tara
Thanks Tara. I appreciate the comments.
I have a vague recollection of seeing this email and just deleting it, although I took the HTSYAO course, so maybe I’m just imagining that I received it.
I’m surprised people actually took the time to complain. I’m a pretty sarcastic person, and it sounds like obvious tongue in cheek. People waste a lot of time getting offended. Although I will say a tagline like that sounds overly “market-y” to me, like something that would have been suggested during a marketing course. It doesn’t sound like you. But, maybe that’s the point. I guess it gave you a blog topic.
Hi Cory,
Thank you for sharing your information, thank you for all the emails. I love following your blog and thought your email was great! I love it when a person is straight forward and frank. Your email made think about why I am not ready. It even inspired me to write a blog post about why I and some of us artists aren’t ready. It also provoked me, a shy person to post a comment about it. Your email didn’t make me angry or judge you, only I can do that to myself so I think you hit the mark for a specific audience. Who knows maybe those are the ones you needed to target at this time. I think you sell yourself well and if and when I’m ready to buy, I believe you will provide a service every penny is worth.
I hope through my blog posts and experiences I can inspire and help other artists like myself get ahead to become ready. Everyone subscribed to your blog wants that and I want to help myself and others get to that point more quickly so that’s why I want to blog about this kind of thing in the future.
I can send you the link to my post when I finalize it.
In summary my reasons are that I don’t have any art to sell yet! You keep saying “sell your art online” can’t wait to get there and I’m working hard.
Another reason is prioritizing money for your course. Just not ready.
Another subconscious reason I can provide you is that I’m not sure if my art suits your course….not sure if I’m selling art or just market booth type items. But this thought wouldn’t stop me from taking your course, it will most likely provide a lot of direction.
Thank you, yes I was a bit taken aback but I kind of understood your email on do you hate me. It’s a very risky move and you are very brave! I couldn’t do that, not sure if I could. Anyway I did respond and explain my reasons for not being able to sign up for the course. As I am from Australia where we currently have the most pathetic shitty government ever in history that have stuffed up our dollar, so to convert from our pathetic weak dollar, it would cost me almost double the amount to sign up! Makes me very angry! I can’t even be allowed to sign up to your course cos of the weak dollar and lack of money! Maybe have a think about how you can make it more affordable to some of us?
I actually chuckled at the image, but I have a sarcastic sense of humor.
Seriously though I read only a few art instruction blogs and yours is one. I don’t hate you, you make me laugh and think. But I just forcibly retired for health reasons from one job and lost the new one I left it for when they shut it down overnight a month later.
You are on my wish list and I’ll make you a deal, if you can send me some buyers, I will pay you your share by taking your classes. LOL. Told you I was sarcastic, but at 63, I do not take offense easily anymore.
Hey Cory,
I did have to click over and read this one further! I know (if I got the first email) I thought to myself, “no, I don’t hate you” and deleted it because whatever was in it didn’t apply! But I wanted to comment and say, again, that your email subscription is definitely a keeper and I made sure I moved it to my “Primary” tab in gmail. Also, I am part of a little group of artists that get together and talk about what is working and not working in growing their business, and hopefully some of them have signed up over here, because you come highly recommended and have a reputation as having good, solid info!
By the way, I did not realize that there is a book available till I was reading through the comments…probably due to the fact that I don’t read EVERY email you send!
Have a great day and continue with all your good work!
Hi Cory,
I didn’t get the email but if I had it would have made me feel a bit guilty but than I am easy to guilt trip. I have followed your blog for a long time without buying anything and stored your emails in my gmail for months sometimes before I could get to them and I did implement some things as I could. What captured my attention however was your serious on the false paths of an artist. I am 51 so I have been at this a while and although I have always made a living in the arts, (I was a scenic artist for the theatre for 10 years, I am an art teacher now and last summer I even worked on the painting restoration of the Astoria column), deep down I never believed I could make a living as an artist. Everything you said in those blog posts was true and I had done it all, juried shows, art fairs, online art malls, contests and trying in vain to get gallery representation. Your assessment of the relationship between art collectors and critics blew me away because it is so true yet I had never heard it before. You cut right through all the puffed up BS I had been taught all my life like a machete through hot butter. And I wondered why no one was brave enough to say anything before. So I consumed everything I could last fall from TAA and over the winter break built a website from what I learned. Recently I also just got out of debt which made it possible for me to sign up for the conference and the selling your art online class which is happening now when I actually have time to take it. Thank you! I am sorry I haven’t said this before. You have made me a believer and I am very excited to see what the future holds! Gotta go now because I am behind on my homework! 😉
I thought it was funny, provocative and it DID get me to reply. I understood the question to be in reference to not signing up for your latest course. Which was a good way for me to articulate those reasons for myself. Thanks!
Hi Cory, I love art, I love learning but I work hard and hardly have any time to enjoy the great information that usually passes in front of me. I appreciate your point.
Hey Cory,
First, I was pretty sure you were just trying to get our attention, and yes, especially with those like me who have been on your lists over a year and are either inactive or passive. I can relate to Sharon’s comments above.
Second, I definitely have you to thank for helping me build a website with WordPress a few years back (on Weebly now), after I took my website over from someone else (this alone was a huge leap for me at that time).
Third, I also have to thank you for all of your posts, blogs, podcasts, etc. that have encouraged us artists in our creative endeavors. A number of times I was fearful, doubtful, and so full of questions that I was almost frozen in moving forward. But you helped us conquer the monsters! And I just conquered a huge one.
I have always been a bit nervous when it came to shipping my pieces, and how to charge for it. Through my shop on Etsy it is much easier with their shipping setup. Between Etsy and my current website that I use mainly as a portfolio, (I am going to work on a storefront on my site eventually), I actually had a lady contact me from Bavaria, Germany, with a commission! It went out in the mail yesterday! If I had not found TAA, I would probably not be able to do this due to pure fear. Your information has given me and so many other artists the confidence to jump past our monsters and live a creative life. I am looking to purchase your book soon too. Thank you and God bless!
I just signed up to something of yours a couple days ago, listened to a podcast, and came back to take a look at your blog. This post alone is making me unsubscribe. As artists we are drowning in information. If yours is so great, you don’t have to shout.
Weird. Do you delete comments that don’t align with your marketing goal? I left a comment and thought I’d check back just in case their was a response and it’s now gone.
Am I losing my mind/blind or did you hide/delete it?
Maryanne, there are over 200 comments on this post, a few of them critical. The only comments I delete are the ones that are spam or that are mean without contributing to the conversation. I didn’t delete your comment.
Ha ha, Yes, I realized my mistake right after I posted and my other comment popped up from a few days before saying it was still under moderation. Sorry about that. I left a comment to let you know my mistake – which isn’t showing up – perhaps it’s still in moderation too – ahem. Cheers!
Hi Cory – I received the email, and just deleted it. I did think it was a little off for you and didn’t sync with your other emails. I have used a lot of your content and would love to take a course. The problem is money – we have one child in college and another starting in the next year. Every spare dime goes to tuition. So, with a bare bones budget, I have to use my art money for supplies so I can keep creating!
I see everything as a basis for communication. Too many are quick to judge. Language at best is ambiguous. I always take it with a grain of salt. Good job Cory.
Cory. I took your course a few years ago as the seed of me becoming an artist was planted. Over the last few months I have set more intentional goals of not only doing art daily but the initial steps to jumping into the social media creative stream. I have always had the big vision and now excersising my voice is great. I have never responded because I made the assumption you were too busy to read all the comments. Plan on hearing from me in the future. Sometimes we all need to shake things up to see what holds value.
Mind binding