FAQ

What is the Collective?

The collective isn't a label, or an internet distribution site, or an internet label. We like to think of the Collective as a family of artists who help each other out whenever they can, and who make music because they love to make music.

The Collective is a place where artists can reach people that, otherwise, would never hear their music. A magical place, where the trees are made of sugar and the grass of licorice, where the clouds smile and wave and the little people laugh.

It's true, there are plenty of other places where one can get music, legally or illegally. But the Collective prides itself on having a roster of exceptional artists that are new and interesting; that way you don't have to wade through a hundred bad songs to find one you like.

Why should I put my album on here?

Well, first of all, you'll get exposure! If you had a choice between a thousand dollars and a thousand fans, which one would you choose?

I would rather have people listen to my music and love it. If you're making music for the money, well, you should probably become a lawyer or something. Music is an art, not a business. It's possible to make money from it all, of course. But that's second to the sound.

Can I put up my release?

Most definitely! We'd love to have you as part of the family!

Can I put up someone else's release?

Only if they give you permission. If they don't want to take part in the glorious revolution, then we don't want them on here.

Can I make an artist page for someone?

If you need to, it's probably okay. You should probably contact them, first.

Oh, and don't go submitting artists willy-nilly! A good reason to make an artist page would be if you did a collaboration with them and wanted to give them credits on a release.

Someone already submitted my stuff!

Well, did you give them permission?
Either way, go over to the "Claim an Artist/Release" page and follow the instructions.

Just don't forget, they did what they did out of love for your music. You should be proud (and polite). If you ask them nicely, I'm sure they'll try and help out as best they can.

What about rights?

Don't worry, we're not some evil entity that'll use your music for car commercials. All rights are yours and yours alone, we'll do nothing with your music unless you say we can.

What do votes do?

Well, if you like a release, you vote for it. The more votes that release has, the more recognition it will receive.

Also, we use an algorithm to show you what you'd like, based on what you've voted on. So only vote for releases that you like, but don't be too sparing with your votes. If a release has 0 votes, it can't be recommended!

What about my favorites?

If you really like a release, then you should add it to your favorites. This is your own private list, and nobody else will see it.

What are Personal Tapes?

It's your profile, only with a cooler name. You're welcome.

What happened to feature X?

In the spirit of minimalism, we've been trying to cut back on stuff that isn't needed. The focus should be on the music, not on tropies or pictures.

What are points?

Points are awarded for doing stuff on CLLCT! Basically, they indicate how active a member is. We like to think of the internet as a video game.

Can you make it so I can download a zip of a release?

Not at the moment, no. I'm sorry, but we can't afford the extra bandwidth, plus it would be far too much work for such a small thing.

If the submitter is so inclined, however, they can include a link to someplace like archive.org so you can get that ZIP.

Can I use the music for a project?

You mean, for a film or something? You should contact the artist about this, but I doubt they'll say no.

Who runs the Collective?

That would be me, of course!

Go look at the staff page to see all of the wonderful people who help out. Give them your thanks!

What do you have planned for the future?

SO MUCH.
We plan on turning the current industry business model on its head and becoming the king of the internet-music-DIY scene. If we aren't already.

What can I do to help?

Anything and everything!

You can simply download the releases and send them to other people. You can find neat artists on myspace or archive.org and get them to submit themselves. You can join the forum and be active in the community. You can tell your friends! You can put our button on your myspace/website/something (more below).

There are plenty of other ways you can help; I'm sure there are loads of things I didn't think of.

Do you have a button I can link you with?

Oh my, aren't you the sweetheart! Why, yes indeed, we have just the thing! Owlie here isn't just a nifty badge of honor; he's also a good listener.
Please, do us a favor and upload the image to imageshack or something, the bandwidth tends to get a bit crazy.



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