(no subject)
Hi and thanks for your interest in the International Mixtape Project.
I've received your e-mail and enrolled you in the IMP for April 2005.
Please read on for more information on how the Project works --
there's no need to reply. Welcome to one of the largest and coolest
music communities in the world!
In November 2003, I started an International Mixtape Project for 25 of
my friends. The basic premise was that each member would send one
CD-R or cassette to another participant every month and receive one in
the mail. The great thing is that most of the club members didn't
know each other, which made sending and receiving music both more
educational and without strings attached, except that everyone
receiving a mix was responsible for sending one to a different person
somewhere within the growing network of club members. It's gone
really well so far and has even led to a few interesting dialogues
about music and list-making. What could be better than receiving a
fresh batch of unheard music every month from a complete stranger?
Now that the trial period is over, I've opened the project to anyone
that's interested and up to the monthly commitment. Mixes can be of
just about any nature and, for simplicity's sake, can be re-used --
meaning you may send the same mix every month if you so choose. I
maintain the database of names and addresses and send each person an
assignment by e-mail at the beginning of each month. Actually, the
matches and correspondence are all managed online via a
password-protected administrative website. The website designer and I
are currently working towards a dedicated user site, so in the near
future we may have a place for members to meet, discuss music, and
give feedback on mixes sent and received. Pretty neat, huh?
The only rules are that each participant must send a disc or tape to
his/her assigned recipient that month without skipping and that the mix must be
original -- meaning you can't just copy "Now! 14" or "Best of Bath and
Body Works" and call it your own. But compilations of "Hip-Hop
Klassiqs Featuring Yes Samples" and "Songs about Massachusetts" are
fair game (as are un-thematic mixes, which are the norm). Also, I ask
that every mix be accompanied by a tracklist with song titles and
artists, as well as the mixer's name and e-mail address. Cover art
and messages about the mixing process are not required, but always
welcome.
As the Project has expanded and grown more international in recent
months, it's become of the utmost importance that mixes be sent in a
timely manner by the end of each month. Waiting for a mix coming from
another country may take weeks or months, so patience is definitely
required. I also do my best to keep everyone on task from month to
month and follow up on all messages from participants about missing or
very late mixes. If you feel that the responsibility to send a mix
every month or the expense of international postage might be more than
you can handle, please do not sign up for the Project. Similarly,
participants may opt out of the IMP at any time and for any reason, as
long as they are completely caught up on all sent mixes.
Coolest idea ever, in the history of the world.