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Wednesday, December 23. 2009

1,000 True Fans

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Kevin Kelly has done it again. In his post about 1,000 true fans he details how a designer, artist or any independent creative can make a living as long as they have 1,000 true fans. If you would like to make a living in a long tail world where anyone can make anything and anyone can design anything then please read this post. If you want to use tools such as 3D printing to make a living, then please read this post. If you are a designer, artist or creative on Shapeways, and would like to make a living on our platform, then please read this post. Or if you just want to start a business at one point, then please read this post. I don't know how he does it but Kevin Kelly has through the morass identified and described quite possibly the most important element of becoming successful while using todays democratizing technologies. It is also a quite clear path forward for anyone wanting to turn a hobby and/or a dream into a living.

"I am suggesting there is a home for creatives in between poverty and stardom. Somewhere lower than stratospheric bestsellerdom, but higher than the obscurity of the long tail. I don't know the actual true number, but I think a dedicated artist could cultivate 1,000 True Fans, and by their direct support using new technology, make an honest living."

I can not stress this enough, please read this post.

Pictures under Creative Commons, Attribution. Gungue (first two), Romainguy and Notsogoodphotography (I beg to differ by the way.)

Posted by Joris Peels in Art, Community, Gadget Lab, Gadgets, Inspiration, Shapeways, Tutorials, What's Hot at 12:32

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That gives me an idea. Looking for true fan Number 1 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mikes-Shapeways-Shop/250111165294?v=info
#1 Michael Williams on 2009-12-23 14:07 (Reply)
one down, 999 to go.
#1.1 Joris Peels on 2009-12-23 14:13 (Reply)
I'll be expecting your weeks pay per year by the 31st.
#1.1.1 Michael Williams on 2009-12-23 15:27 (Reply)
What a wonderful, inspiring read. Thank you Joris.
I've enjoyed your blog for a while and have neglected to give you my appreciation. I want you to know, I appreciate it.

Robert
#2 Robert Carlsen on 2009-12-23 21:26 (Reply)
I suggest you read Jaron Laniers new book- "WE ARE NOT GADGETS" He like I, refutes many of kevin Kellys ideas and asks "wheres the beef?"

The 1000 fans article is one of Kelly's most un-researched religious blogs.

I may add the Starbase C3 ships to your site, although Ive been offering the same with a partner for over 4 years and even with the SL mania for avatars, We know what actually SOLD in terms of 3d models.:-)

The idea is good, but please be honest about the actual money made by your "clients". Kelly isn't, and has been called out on it many times.

How many make a "living" from your web2.0 "platform" and what do you consider a living?

Consider this reality checking in;) Kevin Kelly posts fantasy.
#3 larry rosenthal (Homepage) on 2010-01-05 21:10 (Reply)

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