Joining the Wondaland Street Team is an wonderful endeavor! If you're new to Street Teams or simply new to the Wondaland Street Team, please read this nifty guide below. In this abridged guide, you will capture a basic idea of how we promote and under what guidelines to display the best face for Wondaland possible. Also in this guide you will learn what are Street Team reports and how to submit them (and a feature may be added here on FandroidsMonae.com). Street Team reports are very important and take just a little time to do so please do not miss that particular section.
If you would like the full, unabridged, downloadable version of this guide, please click the Wondaland Street Team logo, the WondaCog, on to the left of this entry to download a .pdf version. Any particular issues not pointed out in this guide? Email [email protected]!
Street Promotions:
Street Promotions are quiet but quite creative. Here is where we do our promo blitzes. It is also important to remember that you represent Wondaland so don't be a major nuisance to the crowd. You're free to be as creative as possible but here are the basics of flyer, quarter card, sticker, webtools (coming soon), and radio promotions:
Flyer promotions:
Be sure to put your flyers in creative places but don't wallpaper the whole place. Location is important.
Opt for places that seem available to promotion materials:
- Phone poles/street lights poles
- College campuses
- Community billboards
- Your cat
Remember to print on White paper only! Remember, we're Wondaland, there's no need for any other color. Make as many copies as you need. Cut them out, paste them up, go mad! These flyers (and quartercards) can be given to anyone, anywhere. At the mall, at a concert, at school or even put them on your car or your cell phone, notebook, wherever! But don't be a nuisance to security, you don't want to be driven off.
Stickers:
Stickers are great, stick them about! Leave a stack by the quartercards! Pass them out with the quarter cards, pass them out instead of the quartercards, totally up to you! Slap one on the side of your head and walk about!
Quartercards:
Quartercards are fantastic for record stores, small places like coffee tables and if you want to leave a stack behind (no more than 8 or 10). Like flyers, they're great for walking traffic but remember, flyers are great for if they need to be viewed from a distance, quarter cards are more for closer foot traffic.
Music store/section etiquette
Politeness goes a long way:
- Respect the rules of the store/section. If you can't post a flyer, you can't post a flyer. If there is a special place for quartercards to go, do so. And don't be afraid to ask "Can I put these here?"
- If you meet a person who strongly dislikes any of the music of Wondaland, don't blow up and argue, it's just a slippery slope of subjectivity that no one is happy at the end of. Just say, "That's fine. I don't think her/their/his music is terrible, I really like it! Just respect that." Chances are stupidly good you're not going to go head to head with an industry insider or a highly skilled and truly well rounded audiophile so it would be pointless to argue music points anyways. It's okay to defend your preference of music but don't get belligerent about it. Which leads to the next point:
- No putting down other artists.
Radio Station etiquette
Call in, call in, call in. Music that is often requested tends to get played. Don't wait for the station to pick up and put a Wondaland song on rotation, request. Thankfully, the versatility of Wondaland's music makes it capable to be requested on Alt. rock and R&B stations so do so. Call in and be polite. Network and team up with other Fandroids and find a radio station (rock and R&B stations) and call in
o Remember! Make sure they are in your listening area! They may not play and will grow weary of your requests if you keep requesting Wondaland music but do not live in the broadcast area, they won't want to apply to that request
o Create your own local email lists, FB groups, G+ hangouts, whatever! of local Fandroids and supporters to help you get the job done and email them when new songs are released and you feel you're not hearing enough Wondaland on the radio
o Call/tweet/text 2 or 3 times a day on different phone lines and at times when different DJs are on so you're not calling the same one over and over. Radio stations do have Caller ID so don't ring them every 15 minutes. We don't want the DJ to cringe every single time they hear "Janelle Monae" and refuse to play the songs.
- Be Nice
o If the DJ or the assistant says anything negative about Wondaland or just in general, just play it cool and try not to tick them off but let them know you really want to hear them. Try not to get hurt with them if they try to say negative stuff. They're DJs and sometimes that's part of their show persona.
- Thank them for playing
o Did you hear someone from Wondaland on the radio? Awesome! Thank the DJ so they know that there's support for the music and that it is appreciated what they did.
Online Promotions
Represent Wondaland correctly!
o Should you join a message board, a fan page or any social networking site/message board, it is important that you don't simply join, talk about an upcoming Wondaland album and leave. Stick around for a few weeks, get to know the people, and then seamlessly introduce the music and try to positively contribute to the culture of the site if possible. People are more receptive when you come at them on their level in opposed to trying to sell them something. Plus it comes off as spamming. Spamming is bad.
o If you don't have a homepage for your social sites/message boards, use Wondaland.com instead
o The link is more so subtle and may not always target what Wondaland wants us to promote exactly so it is important to use avatars (coming soon), FB/Twitter banners, Tumblr layouts and more
o The best promotions is constant promotions but we don't want to drive people mad with over-promotions. Be subtle in your promotions: use online promotions so that you can still promote but not shove it down their throats. If people see Janelle Monae, Deep Cotton and the rest of Wondaland through FB avatars, Cover Pages, Tumblr.gifs, stickers, flyers, it reminds them each time and it'll really stick in their heads. Besides subtle promotion provokes curiosity and we of Wondaland know exactly the impact what a little bit of curiosity can do.
o Don't give in to the immature posters. You're there to promote, not engage in a flame war. It's tough but try to keep your head screwed on straight.
Dealing With Rude People/DJs/Etc.
Remember to play it cool both on and offline and represent Wondaland in a positive way. Keep your cool and try not to let agitators get the best of you.
Using Web Tools (Banners, Avatars, Etc.)
Make sure all linkable banners lead back to either jmonae.com, deepcotton.net, etc. (depending on which group is promoted, their main site will be used) or Wondaland.com
- On your social media site (Facebook, Tumblr), create a post explaining why you think people should check out the newest Wondaland album
- Suggest it to your friends on their pages (remember, no spamming though) and write about it in the groups that you are a part of
If you have a blog:
Be it Wordpress, Blogger, Xanga, Livejournal, etc etc, you can use the banners and avatars to promote.
Stay updated with Wondaland Street Team Newsletters
These mass mailouts are key to knowing what is going on with Wondaland. The Wondaland Street Team strives to be the first to drop the news on anything Wondaland related. It also connects you to other street team reps and will help keep you motivated with new ideas to keep Promotions going
Send Street Team Reports
We can't tell who is doing a good job or an outstanding job if you don't send in weekly reports. We need to know who is doing what for Wondaland in their local areas and we can properly thank you and give you the hook up whenever possible! It takes only a little time out your day.
What goes into a Street Team report? Pictures, video, writing of what you did, fan reactions, anything that reflects your hard work. Email them to [email protected]
Tour promotions:
On tour, you're a physical representation of the band as the fans so here is what to do/not to do at your local show:
Be cordial
Everyone wants to have fun so be nice. Also, these are all ages shows so try to not use foul language and don't be abrasive to those who don't agree that the show was to their liking. Ask about, see how everyone felt about the show.
Make sure the fans and the band have a good time
Remember, happiness is awesome but you gotta occasionally mediate that happiness so no one becomes unhappy
- Is a band member visibly tuckered out? Either ask if they're okay and/or just tell fans that maybe that member might need some "me time", touring isn't always easy and people do need to decompress
- See a super hyper fan? Try to calm them down before they meet any band members by talking to them. That way, a fan can have a great experience, the band member will be happy and the moment will be memorable
- Is a fan disappointed or sad? Ask why. Some fans have traveled far and wide to be at the show, some fans are dumbfounded when near their favorites. Try to relate and make sure they have a good experience by asking questions of what would make them feel better and answer with rational thought but promise nothing because it may not be able to happen. Them be the breaks, kiddos.
- Also remember, if the member doesn't want any fans around them, try to corral the fans away from the member and try to best explain to the fan (without giving super explicit reason (in case you heard one)) that while their attendance is highly appreciated, Wondamember-xyz doesn't feel like talking to anyone. Just say, "They want me time, touring is tough." And you're done.
Corral the nutty fans! Develop an ear and eye to detect and divert crazy
Fans are great! And sometimes they're not. It's up to you to discern the two, which is really tricky for noobs because some conceal the nutty well until the last possible moment. And remember, body language is important and since fans are usually pretty star struck, their body language is really easy to read.
Full examples listed in the downloadable guide (just click the WondaCog), but as the Street Team, you are the watershed between the fans and the band (if there is any interaction) so the fans are of a more sociable demeanor that benefits both parties. This means that if a person appears too unstable, they may not meet the band or band member of their choice. It happens, which sucks, but it is best to ensure that everyone has a good time and remains safe.
Alright, here's what you DON'T do:
Be rude
Seriously, no need to be a jerk. If you're that bad with people, just stick to regular street/online promotions. That means no:
- Making fun of the fans, especially when said fan is in visibility/earshot. You were that happy once, too. Some fans act derpy but making fun of them won't make it better, it could make the whole situation worse because if you're laughing at them, they'll think the band will too (did you forget that "representative" part?) and thus their personality will take a turn for the worse. Be empathetic instead
- Playing tricks on the fans. Don't lie and say you saw Jovi turn the corner when you very well know she is either still inside, on the tour bus or just on the other side of the crowd just so you can see someone amble about as if they were in a game of Pikmin. It's not funny. You wouldn't appreciate it if the same were done to you.
- Getting sharp with a fan. Some fans are really irritating, that's no lie, but you can't just bite everyone's head off. I'm not saying don't defend yourself should you be facing a disrespectful fan but you can't fly off the handle. And especially no getting moody at fans just because you had a bad day/concert experience/life/week/travel/whatever
- Getting clique-ish. No. Absolutely not. Do not do this. As the street team gets older, you're going to have some nifty fan experiences pretty unique to the job but let's get one thing crystal clear: It is not an exclusive club you are part of. It is not fair nor nice to pretend that it is and no need to make the fans feel like an outsider for even talking to you. It is disrespectful. Talk to the fans. Be approachable.
Be creepy
You're a fan too but don't use this as your access pass to being weird and creepy to both fans and the band. Especially the band.
- Try not to get star struck. This goes away over time so allow yourself to make teeny flubs but, no following the band members around like a lost puppy and apologize if you still do or other star-struck things.
- No asking creeptastic questions to the band. We don't want the fans doing it, same goes for you. Wondamembers can tell you to get lost if you squick them out too much
- No asking creeptastic questions to the fans. This is not your time to pick up people with your perceived connection to the band. Just no. If the fans feel uncomfortable, that's a problem. Especially for you, who just thoroughly risked their membership to the Street Team
Use this as a step ladder to promote your own art
Some street team members are really creative and make their own art, which is nifty. But now would not be the time to promote that art. It looks tactless and really shifty. When you are representing Wondaland on the street team, represent Wondaland. Promote yourself another time. And do not use the fact that you're in the street team as a method to stay in the ear of Wondaland about your music. That will annoy them. And everyone else. Don't do that.
Be immature
We get it. The booty don't lie. Please say something besides that so you don't turn an interesting lyric bit into an aggravation. Opt for being professional. It will come off as immature and in some respects, really creepy because people will wonder why you are so hyper focused. And the Wondamembers will probably appreciate it even less.
It may seem like a lot but most importantly, have a good time at the show! You're there to have fun so do so!
If you would like the full, unabridged, downloadable version of this guide, please click the Wondaland Street Team logo, the WondaCog, on to the left of this entry to download a .pdf version. Any particular issues not pointed out in this guide? Email [email protected]!
Street Promotions:
Street Promotions are quiet but quite creative. Here is where we do our promo blitzes. It is also important to remember that you represent Wondaland so don't be a major nuisance to the crowd. You're free to be as creative as possible but here are the basics of flyer, quarter card, sticker, webtools (coming soon), and radio promotions:
Flyer promotions:
Be sure to put your flyers in creative places but don't wallpaper the whole place. Location is important.
Opt for places that seem available to promotion materials:
- Phone poles/street lights poles
- College campuses
- Community billboards
- Your cat
Remember to print on White paper only! Remember, we're Wondaland, there's no need for any other color. Make as many copies as you need. Cut them out, paste them up, go mad! These flyers (and quartercards) can be given to anyone, anywhere. At the mall, at a concert, at school or even put them on your car or your cell phone, notebook, wherever! But don't be a nuisance to security, you don't want to be driven off.
Stickers:
Stickers are great, stick them about! Leave a stack by the quartercards! Pass them out with the quarter cards, pass them out instead of the quartercards, totally up to you! Slap one on the side of your head and walk about!
Quartercards:
Quartercards are fantastic for record stores, small places like coffee tables and if you want to leave a stack behind (no more than 8 or 10). Like flyers, they're great for walking traffic but remember, flyers are great for if they need to be viewed from a distance, quarter cards are more for closer foot traffic.
Music store/section etiquette
Politeness goes a long way:
- Respect the rules of the store/section. If you can't post a flyer, you can't post a flyer. If there is a special place for quartercards to go, do so. And don't be afraid to ask "Can I put these here?"
- If you meet a person who strongly dislikes any of the music of Wondaland, don't blow up and argue, it's just a slippery slope of subjectivity that no one is happy at the end of. Just say, "That's fine. I don't think her/their/his music is terrible, I really like it! Just respect that." Chances are stupidly good you're not going to go head to head with an industry insider or a highly skilled and truly well rounded audiophile so it would be pointless to argue music points anyways. It's okay to defend your preference of music but don't get belligerent about it. Which leads to the next point:
- No putting down other artists.
Radio Station etiquette
Call in, call in, call in. Music that is often requested tends to get played. Don't wait for the station to pick up and put a Wondaland song on rotation, request. Thankfully, the versatility of Wondaland's music makes it capable to be requested on Alt. rock and R&B stations so do so. Call in and be polite. Network and team up with other Fandroids and find a radio station (rock and R&B stations) and call in
o Remember! Make sure they are in your listening area! They may not play and will grow weary of your requests if you keep requesting Wondaland music but do not live in the broadcast area, they won't want to apply to that request
o Create your own local email lists, FB groups, G+ hangouts, whatever! of local Fandroids and supporters to help you get the job done and email them when new songs are released and you feel you're not hearing enough Wondaland on the radio
o Call/tweet/text 2 or 3 times a day on different phone lines and at times when different DJs are on so you're not calling the same one over and over. Radio stations do have Caller ID so don't ring them every 15 minutes. We don't want the DJ to cringe every single time they hear "Janelle Monae" and refuse to play the songs.
- Be Nice
o If the DJ or the assistant says anything negative about Wondaland or just in general, just play it cool and try not to tick them off but let them know you really want to hear them. Try not to get hurt with them if they try to say negative stuff. They're DJs and sometimes that's part of their show persona.
- Thank them for playing
o Did you hear someone from Wondaland on the radio? Awesome! Thank the DJ so they know that there's support for the music and that it is appreciated what they did.
Online Promotions
Represent Wondaland correctly!
o Should you join a message board, a fan page or any social networking site/message board, it is important that you don't simply join, talk about an upcoming Wondaland album and leave. Stick around for a few weeks, get to know the people, and then seamlessly introduce the music and try to positively contribute to the culture of the site if possible. People are more receptive when you come at them on their level in opposed to trying to sell them something. Plus it comes off as spamming. Spamming is bad.
o If you don't have a homepage for your social sites/message boards, use Wondaland.com instead
o The link is more so subtle and may not always target what Wondaland wants us to promote exactly so it is important to use avatars (coming soon), FB/Twitter banners, Tumblr layouts and more
o The best promotions is constant promotions but we don't want to drive people mad with over-promotions. Be subtle in your promotions: use online promotions so that you can still promote but not shove it down their throats. If people see Janelle Monae, Deep Cotton and the rest of Wondaland through FB avatars, Cover Pages, Tumblr.gifs, stickers, flyers, it reminds them each time and it'll really stick in their heads. Besides subtle promotion provokes curiosity and we of Wondaland know exactly the impact what a little bit of curiosity can do.
o Don't give in to the immature posters. You're there to promote, not engage in a flame war. It's tough but try to keep your head screwed on straight.
Dealing With Rude People/DJs/Etc.
Remember to play it cool both on and offline and represent Wondaland in a positive way. Keep your cool and try not to let agitators get the best of you.
Using Web Tools (Banners, Avatars, Etc.)
Make sure all linkable banners lead back to either jmonae.com, deepcotton.net, etc. (depending on which group is promoted, their main site will be used) or Wondaland.com
- On your social media site (Facebook, Tumblr), create a post explaining why you think people should check out the newest Wondaland album
- Suggest it to your friends on their pages (remember, no spamming though) and write about it in the groups that you are a part of
If you have a blog:
Be it Wordpress, Blogger, Xanga, Livejournal, etc etc, you can use the banners and avatars to promote.
Stay updated with Wondaland Street Team Newsletters
These mass mailouts are key to knowing what is going on with Wondaland. The Wondaland Street Team strives to be the first to drop the news on anything Wondaland related. It also connects you to other street team reps and will help keep you motivated with new ideas to keep Promotions going
Send Street Team Reports
We can't tell who is doing a good job or an outstanding job if you don't send in weekly reports. We need to know who is doing what for Wondaland in their local areas and we can properly thank you and give you the hook up whenever possible! It takes only a little time out your day.
What goes into a Street Team report? Pictures, video, writing of what you did, fan reactions, anything that reflects your hard work. Email them to [email protected]
Tour promotions:
On tour, you're a physical representation of the band as the fans so here is what to do/not to do at your local show:
Be cordial
Everyone wants to have fun so be nice. Also, these are all ages shows so try to not use foul language and don't be abrasive to those who don't agree that the show was to their liking. Ask about, see how everyone felt about the show.
Make sure the fans and the band have a good time
Remember, happiness is awesome but you gotta occasionally mediate that happiness so no one becomes unhappy
- Is a band member visibly tuckered out? Either ask if they're okay and/or just tell fans that maybe that member might need some "me time", touring isn't always easy and people do need to decompress
- See a super hyper fan? Try to calm them down before they meet any band members by talking to them. That way, a fan can have a great experience, the band member will be happy and the moment will be memorable
- Is a fan disappointed or sad? Ask why. Some fans have traveled far and wide to be at the show, some fans are dumbfounded when near their favorites. Try to relate and make sure they have a good experience by asking questions of what would make them feel better and answer with rational thought but promise nothing because it may not be able to happen. Them be the breaks, kiddos.
- Also remember, if the member doesn't want any fans around them, try to corral the fans away from the member and try to best explain to the fan (without giving super explicit reason (in case you heard one)) that while their attendance is highly appreciated, Wondamember-xyz doesn't feel like talking to anyone. Just say, "They want me time, touring is tough." And you're done.
Corral the nutty fans! Develop an ear and eye to detect and divert crazy
Fans are great! And sometimes they're not. It's up to you to discern the two, which is really tricky for noobs because some conceal the nutty well until the last possible moment. And remember, body language is important and since fans are usually pretty star struck, their body language is really easy to read.
Full examples listed in the downloadable guide (just click the WondaCog), but as the Street Team, you are the watershed between the fans and the band (if there is any interaction) so the fans are of a more sociable demeanor that benefits both parties. This means that if a person appears too unstable, they may not meet the band or band member of their choice. It happens, which sucks, but it is best to ensure that everyone has a good time and remains safe.
Alright, here's what you DON'T do:
Be rude
Seriously, no need to be a jerk. If you're that bad with people, just stick to regular street/online promotions. That means no:
- Making fun of the fans, especially when said fan is in visibility/earshot. You were that happy once, too. Some fans act derpy but making fun of them won't make it better, it could make the whole situation worse because if you're laughing at them, they'll think the band will too (did you forget that "representative" part?) and thus their personality will take a turn for the worse. Be empathetic instead
- Playing tricks on the fans. Don't lie and say you saw Jovi turn the corner when you very well know she is either still inside, on the tour bus or just on the other side of the crowd just so you can see someone amble about as if they were in a game of Pikmin. It's not funny. You wouldn't appreciate it if the same were done to you.
- Getting sharp with a fan. Some fans are really irritating, that's no lie, but you can't just bite everyone's head off. I'm not saying don't defend yourself should you be facing a disrespectful fan but you can't fly off the handle. And especially no getting moody at fans just because you had a bad day/concert experience/life/week/travel/whatever
- Getting clique-ish. No. Absolutely not. Do not do this. As the street team gets older, you're going to have some nifty fan experiences pretty unique to the job but let's get one thing crystal clear: It is not an exclusive club you are part of. It is not fair nor nice to pretend that it is and no need to make the fans feel like an outsider for even talking to you. It is disrespectful. Talk to the fans. Be approachable.
Be creepy
You're a fan too but don't use this as your access pass to being weird and creepy to both fans and the band. Especially the band.
- Try not to get star struck. This goes away over time so allow yourself to make teeny flubs but, no following the band members around like a lost puppy and apologize if you still do or other star-struck things.
- No asking creeptastic questions to the band. We don't want the fans doing it, same goes for you. Wondamembers can tell you to get lost if you squick them out too much
- No asking creeptastic questions to the fans. This is not your time to pick up people with your perceived connection to the band. Just no. If the fans feel uncomfortable, that's a problem. Especially for you, who just thoroughly risked their membership to the Street Team
Use this as a step ladder to promote your own art
Some street team members are really creative and make their own art, which is nifty. But now would not be the time to promote that art. It looks tactless and really shifty. When you are representing Wondaland on the street team, represent Wondaland. Promote yourself another time. And do not use the fact that you're in the street team as a method to stay in the ear of Wondaland about your music. That will annoy them. And everyone else. Don't do that.
Be immature
We get it. The booty don't lie. Please say something besides that so you don't turn an interesting lyric bit into an aggravation. Opt for being professional. It will come off as immature and in some respects, really creepy because people will wonder why you are so hyper focused. And the Wondamembers will probably appreciate it even less.
It may seem like a lot but most importantly, have a good time at the show! You're there to have fun so do so!