date: 05/07/2007 07:05:19 AM
name: Gideon - ArtistServer Admin
url: www.ArtistServer.com/SonicWallpaper
mmm..a bit of cheating goin on i think,
hi - this is Gideon, site Admin and Owner of ArtistServer.com
How the charts work...
1. when you are signed in and listen to your own songs, it is not tracked
2. Each IP address (listener) can only be tracked for one stream, one download and one preview per 24hr period
3. Upgraded accounts can deeplink to their music, which creates more points if you are active on other sites or have fans that post your songs on their sites.
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In the case of the artist you are referring to, I believe he is indeed very active at Yahoo 360. A little investigative work (reading his blog), and you can find out a lot about people. Here is a quote from his blog,
"I do most of my bloggin on Yahoo360 where I've managed to build a good and varied bunch of links with pals across the globe"
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And, there's always friends who could be streaming and downloading because 'they' want his music to do well. In that case, each and every stream is cataloged according to the rules listed above, meaning, they are are all legit.
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I've been doing the online mp3 'thing' since 1999, and in that time, I can tell you that the top/number 1 song is almost never something people would consider to be the 'BEST.' Since mp3 sites based charts on song activity, you get an effect where a song gets shot up the charts simply because people are listening to it to find out why it's going up the charts. Then, the song will get stuck at number one for several days to possibly a week, as more and more people keep clicking on the #1 track to see why it's #1.
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Personally, I don't think it's an issue of cheating, and if you are serious about thinking he is cheating, then it would be better to simply contact the artist and ask them about it directly that to accuse him of something when there is only speculation.
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If you are looking to have your songs climb the charts, you can do it - you just have to promote your music, stay at it, and most likely - you'll be heard :)
I put some tips and ideas together here: http://wiki.artistserver.com/index.cfm/ArtistPromotion
Enjoy the site - and be kind to others,
Gideon Marken
