Blogging our Research: Content Development

Early on in this project we decided on the sort of content we would like to include in our feature. Each topic was chosen after a consideration of our anticipated users (musicians, producers and those with an interest in the music industry).

So, without further ado, here is our plan for the web feature’s content:

TOPIC: Is the Internet a Help or a Hindrance?

•  This section is what makes the entire feature newsworthy, particularly in the context of Internet music piracy and file sharing. We will explore both sides of this issue, through interviews and short research posts.
• An example is the interview with ENA.
• Interviews: in this section, we will have video and written interviews with key persons, who have a strong opinion on the issue of online music.
• Presenting interviews in a manner other than simply written is vital. Interviews in a visual form will add colour and humanity to our feature, for the user’s enjoyment. 

TOPIC: One to Watch

• This section will examine artists who have already found success in the music industry through the online sphere.
• This will be particularly appealing to users who identify with human stories.
• The online medium will contribute to the entertainment value of this topic. It is possible to include audio and visual clips of the artist’s work.
• The posts on Azealia Banks and Chief Keef are examples of how this part might look.

TOPIC: How To

• Under this topic area, we will explore how artists and consumers can use specific aspects of the Internet to share music. One example might be a ‘how to’ guide for Napster.
• This will be particularly useful for musicians aiming to gain exposure in the online realm.
• We don’t assume that our users are automatically familiar with all aspects of the Internet. This section will guide the process of learning.

TOPIC: What to Do

• This section will examine the practical aspects of the relationship between the music industry and the online sphere. For example, how does an Internet music artist approach a record label? How can they gain industry representation? These questions are particularly pertinent for musicians and producers.
• The online medium is especially useful in this regard. We can make use of relatively simple tools, such as hyperlinks, to direct people to appropriate sites.
• The post regarding Viral Spiral is an example of the sorts of content featured in this section of our project.