I think in many ways, a 'simple storefront' as opposed to an efficient promotional site, might be more detrimental to an artist's brand, such as Haley's, than a help. Haley is in that limbo of limited resources but has media name recognition. There is an expectation, a certain level of professionalism that might be trivialized by being represented by a 'simple storefront'.
A small example of that, compare the views between a well video'd and edited Haley performance to one made on a shaky cell phone... People return to view the former, not the latter...
As many might know, putting up a 'working' website, one intended to assist in your career and not one for posting your thoughts or posting pics of your dog, requires much more than just buying a url (website name/address) and slapping pictures and videos up.
If much of what has been posted is true, Haley has no "Team", no label, is not enthusiastic about social media or computers, is learning about the music industry by taking classes run by her lawyer, meeting w/ like minded artists, expanding her artistic experience.... Not much time to put into what could be a time intensive project as setting up a website, it's content and security.
I have said the url's have been offered to her, not necessarily the 'team' or plan/design/matrix of setting it up. That would require some dedication. As much as fans may mean well by offering help in that regard, you cannot rely on what their level of experience is, their dedication, their trustworthiness with your 'secrets' and how long they will stick w/ the project.
As helpful as we might like to think it would be, a poorly executed website, perhaps frought with virus traps, would be much worse than no website at all. If you want it done right, you probably have to pay for it and work with people whose expertise is in building a professional website. That means paying for it, which we don't know Haley can put resources to, yet. Especially if there's no new activity to speak of at the moment.
I understand what you're saying, at least have a 'starting' point on the web, build on it as you grow. But w/ little news to update with, only one album to sell, Haley has shown she doesn't supply much content beyond an Instagram here or there, there is not much incentive to return to the web page. Many of Haley's appearances come with little advanced notice, so that negates that utility. On the web, a web site with no activity, update or incentive to return might have the negative effect of being a monument to just how little is going on...
I have wondered if the fact that HF and my Youtube exist, is viewed by them as 'sufficient' in regards to web presence. Content probably comparable to what might be posted on an official website (current events, upcoming shows), given the low to near no professional activity of the past year, plus, there really is no incentive to put a lot of emphasis on that phase of her career, yet. We are 'unofficially' her 'web presence'. She doesn't have to pay us, we administer our websites, ourselves, and she knows she can rely on us to put her in a good light with what we can get.
Perhaps if we didn't 'exist' she, or her 'team', might be more incentivised to put a website up....?
If there was a way to combine our efforts into one formulized web page, my videos and HF's blog/chat as sub parts to a larger web Haley gateway, then that would suffice.
I studied web design over 10 years ago, but the technology has made quantum leaps since then, even then I had a 'working' knowledge. I don't have near the experience required to create one that I would be satisfied with in representing Haley.
I think Pia's site is fan run, but it's obvious by looking at it, the guy knows what he's doing. I believe he was running the site independently for awhile before Pia officially signed off and referred to it. There are a number of Haley dedicated blogs and sites, but none to the level of the one run for Pia.
Bottom line is, at this point in time, if there is to be a website like the one Pia has, it will have to be initiated by a well experienced (group of) fan(s). Then if it builds traction, perhaps then, Haley would be behind it.
Haley has dedicated fans as well, "Team HaleyFans" comprise of fans who want to help and have helped me with videos that might have never been made, or look as good. THF spent their own money, bought their own equipment, flew to location, put in the hours. The result is some of the only representation of how great a live performer Haley is. Otherwise, think of it? Practically no 'presence' at all without the vids. But that so relies on whether THF members have the time, effort or resources to continue supplying what we have enjoyed this past year, despite no 'professional' movement in Haley's career.
Before BGDays, people were saying she could not front a big band in a large venue, what a career mistake it was to perform with her family, a laughing stock....
That night, Haley and Midnight BLEW DOORS on that chatter. She proved she could rock the stage backed by a full band in front of thousands for a 20 song set, and we had the privilege of capturing that 'watershed' moment in how Haley is perceived as a performer, her potential. We showed it to the world.....
Pia may have a great website, but she doesn't have the catalogue of videos Team HaleyFans and I have compiled for Haley (over 140). Haley is best when she performs live, and we have brought that to her fans, Pia cannot say the same with her web site.... So there's that...
In October of last year, I had 205 subscribers in a year, as of this writing, I just gained my 890th, which speaks to what I've said, Haley's fans and interest are still there, just waiting for her 'next move'.
(Let's not forget that the videos have extended Haley's reach around the world)
If you think about it, we have had a wealth of fabulous performances to enjoy, despite no label
I think fan 'motive' must be considered if Haley were to bring in help. Over the past 3 years, I think Miguel and my motive to sustain Haley's web presence and conversation has spoken louder than anything we might say, actions speak louder than words.
When I say
'my' motive,
I include Himm2 (who I could credit that meeting him put me into another 'gear' when it comes to supporting Haley) and others of Team HaleyFans who have done much to support Haley, of their own volition and cost, but don't want specific recognition for. That's why I haven't charged for the countless T-shirts, Blu Rays and DVD's I have passed out. Even for cost and shipping, I want no doubt that my motivation is to help Haley, not create a sub industry of selling Haley paraphernalia. I think it is our actions to show support and not help ourselves, that have led to the Reinharts being comfortable w/ us, sometimes, giving us unprecedented contact with them and their family (see Halien Shindig)
So we have a decent core, just no one with the required expertise and dedication to wrap it all together in a professional, career building website for Haley
I guess, my point is, because she has not accepted, does not mean she doesn't want it. Just that there is more to consider before saying 'yes' to a website run by fans you don't know are able to represent you the way you want to be represented.
PS. F8's consistent recording of Haley's activities in his
Haley Times is also a much appreciated web resource for Haley as well
