LPU's Marketing Plan

The Underground
#1

Ever since the “splash” page was launched I hear a lot about the LPU being the “elite” and the “inner circle”. Is that what we really are? The privileged fans? The special ones? Cause I don’t see it that way at all!

I understand that nowadays most of the fans that join the LPU do it for a chance to attend a m&g or summit but still there are some of them that join because they believe LPUers are the “hardcore”, “awesome”, “specially treated” fans. Like, really? That’s BS!

What happened to the community? The idea of a closed group that gathered here simply for their love of the band? I’ll be honest; I’m not fond of this marketing plan the LPU is following the last few months. It seems to me that they’re presenting the LPU out there as a place to get “special” things that only “special” fans get. We all know the exclusives (band chats, videos, etc) are not really exclusive for years now, is that why the LPU chose to go that way? To make us look special? Cause if that’s the case, then we’re totally out of the “if you feel like a fan that you are fan” spirit.

I’d just like to see what the rest of you guys think about this. Maybe there’s a way to promote the fan club without making it look like we’re the “elite”, as they chose to call it.

#2

It’s a splash page with words on it. It was meant to be fun. It’s a shame that people read this much into one little word on there. To take you behind the scenes, “elite” was a last minute change. I originally had “passionate” but was told to change it. Maybe we should have kept it. I dunno.

At the end of the day, the LPU IS a community. I’ve been to LP shows all over the world. I’ve met fans of all kinds. Fans who have lots of money, fans who don’t have much. Fans who have been to a million LP shows, fans whose first show was that day. Fans who have met the band, fans who haven’t. Fans who have loved them for 10 years, fans who just found them during LIVING THINGS. At the end of the day, none of that matters. I’ve SEEN these fans interact together. I’ve seen these fans go from being complete strangers at the beginning of a summit or meet up, to being best friends and talking online after.

Yes, the LPU is a fan club you have to pay to join. No, not everyone can afford to do so. Does LPUHQ/the band/management/touring crew think those fans are any less of fans? Of course not.

Nearly every show I was at on tour, I went into the crowd with tickets and guitar picks. I’d go to the very back and find some LP fans (NOT just fans who were wearing LPU stuff) and talk to them. I’d say “Is this your first show? How long have you loved the band? What’s your favorite song?” I’d chat with them for a bit, then ask if they’d like to sit a little closer. Then I’d give them tickets within the first 10 rows. Some of these people had loved the band for years, some it was their first show. Either way, they were there for Linkin Park. I wanted to help better their experience that day.

No one really thinks the LPU fans are more “elite” than anyone else. Admittedly, maybe that was a poor choice of words.

I did my very best while I was there to make sure the fanclub wasn’t about who had the most money. I wanted everyone to have an equal shot to experience cool shit. Did it always work out that way? Not always. We still had a bottom line. We still had to bring in money so the LPU could actually exist. You’d be shocked to know how little we actually make off memberships. Once we pay out everyone we need to pay out, there really isn’t a ton left over. And the band never has, and never will, make a DIME off selling LPU memberships. Ever.

In closing, I’m sorry you or anyone else is offended by the word “elite.” That was not what I intended. I was trying to find a way to bring everyone together in this “WE ARE LPU” mindset. The last thing I wanted was to drive fans apart. It actually kills me to know that this dumb saying I came up with is doing that, even a little bit. The LPU and the LP fan base in general means more to me than you could ever imagine.

I didn’t jump in here to start a debate. I hope that’s not what happens. I just wanted to give my point of view since I’m the one who regretfully came up with this dumb “elite” thing.

-Adam

#3

Perfectly worded, Adam.

My Summit experiences have been what they’ve been because of the LPU members that took care of me while I was in a foreign country with my lack of direction and never-been-past-Vegas street skills. I love my LPU family across the oceans and close by, even the ones I’ve only “met” through my computer screen.

A fan club is MEANT to make us feel special, but I think here, the band and fellow fans do that.

I think people forget it costs to even run a website. Not everything can be free. With $60 I have met some of the greatest people though, and have seen beautiful places and have made some of my most precious memories. The LPU, in the end, is priceless.

Having a strong, proud look on a fan club is no offense, and I think the “community” people “miss” are when not many fans had the privilege to even have a computer. We’ve grown so much, why be upset?

#4

[quote=Adam]It’s a splash page with words on it. It was meant to be fun. It’s a shame that people read this much into one little word on there. To take you behind the scenes, “elite” was a last minute change. I originally had “passionate” but was told to change it. Maybe we should have kept it. I dunno.

At the end of the day, the LPU IS a community. I’ve been to LP shows all over the world. I’ve met fans of all kinds. Fans who have lots of money, fans who don’t have much. Fans who have been to a million LP shows, fans whose first show was that day. Fans who have met the band, fans who haven’t. Fans who have loved them for 10 years, fans who just found them during LIVING THINGS. At the end of the day, none of that matters. I’ve SEEN these fans interact together. I’ve seen these fans go from being complete strangers at the beginning of a summit or meet up, to being best friends and talking online after.

Yes, the LPU is a fan club you have to pay to join. No, not everyone can afford to do so. Does LPUHQ/the band/management/touring crew think those fans are any less of fans? Of course not.

Nearly every show I was at on tour, I went into the crowd with tickets and guitar picks. I’d go to the very back and find some LP fans (NOT just fans who were wearing LPU stuff) and talk to them. I’d say “Is this your first show? How long have you loved the band? What’s your favorite song?” I’d chat with them for a bit, then ask if they’d like to sit a little closer. Then I’d give them tickets within the first 10 rows. Some of these people had loved the band for years, some it was their first show. Either way, they were there for Linkin Park. I wanted to help better their experience that day.

No one really thinks the LPU fans are more “elite” than anyone else. Admittedly, maybe that was a poor choice of words.

I did my very best while I was there to make sure the fanclub wasn’t about who had the most money. I wanted everyone to have an equal shot to experience cool shit. Did it always work out that way? Not always. We still had a bottom line. We still had to bring in money so the LPU could actually exist. You’d be shocked to know how little we actually make off memberships. Once we pay out everyone we need to pay out, there really isn’t a ton left over. And the band never has, and never will, make a DIME off selling LPU memberships. Ever.

In closing, I’m sorry you or anyone else is offended by the word “elite.” That was not what I intended. I was trying to find a way to bring everyone together in this “WE ARE LPU” mindset. The last thing I wanted was to drive fans apart. It actually kills me to know that this dumb saying I came up with is doing that, even a little bit. The LPU and the LP fan base in general means more to me than you could ever imagine.

I didn’t jump in here to start a debate. I hope that’s not what happens. I just wanted to give my point of view since I’m the one who regretfully came up with this dumb “elite” thing.

-Adam

#5

[quote=EvoOba]
I’m not doubting the love LP fans have for each other. Hell, I’ve made amazing friends because of this very site the last years and had the chance to a attend a concert with a few of them and it was an amazing experience.

I’m not pointing fingers or trying to find out who came up with the words. I was just saying what it felt like to me. You did what you had to do. I was just interested to see what other people think, no biggie.

#6

I think it’s quite a compliment to be a part of an ‘elite’ group of people who all support the same thing, which is the band & their musical endeavors (including STP). It’s not an evil marketing scheme…
There’s nothing wrong with being acknowledged for our outstanding dedication. It probably means more to the band than we will ever know. Doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate all other fans all around the world just as much.
I think my “LA Super fans” would agree, don’t you think…?

#7

I thank you Eva for bringing these some members’ questions to the place where they belong, and not to Twitter or any other social networks.
I joined the LPU in 2012 because I couldn’t do it before for lack of money. I didn’t do it to feel “special” or part of any “elite”, I already felt special for being Linkin Park’s fan, so people’s annoyance for this etiquette we’ve been labeled with is incomprehensible for me. The idea of the community, of the family that we’re known like, is what matters for me. We’re all here for the same reason, and the fact that some of us give more importance to some marketing scheme to promote the fans club than to the fans club itself is grievous in my opinion.
Also, the only thing that happened to me while being here and that I’ll never regret are the friends that I’ve made, real friends, and I’m so damn grateful to LP and LPU for making it possible for us to know each other and be able to establish an awesome relationship. They’ll always be “My LPU friends. Those I’ve made thanks to Linkin Park, my favorite band.”

#8

Personally, I haven’t paid attention to the whole “Elite” thing… Because of course, that’s not been my personal experience here. It’s a word, on a splash page, probably not the best choice… but hey… I’m not about to get my knickers in a knot over it.

I’ve been an LP fan since 2000… didn’t know about the LPU for years, eventually came across it a few years back, saw the joining fee and couldn’t… as had other more important things to spend that money on… but last year, I finally decided to join, and I don’t regret it…

Yes! It costs money to join… fan clubs need it to run! At least they try and throw in as many perks as possible to make it worth joining (Band chats, M&G, cool Merch, Summits, the extra cds, etc).

I love the merch, I can’t afford it… I’d love to have it though and will make a plan eventually, lol… but the community are what makes the LPU so special. A way to recognise the people who feel the same way you do about the music and who you may find you have a hell of a lot of non LP related stuff in common with… I have met a few people like that through the LPU, who have come to mean as much to me as my friends at home do.

How I see it (Me, so my own humble opinion here), this place is not about who has the most merch, the most LP related tatts, been to the most shows are the most hardcore, etc… it’s about bringing the people who love the music that this band produces and want to meet other people, with the same passion for the music together.

#9

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the matter. Most of you just ignore the description and focus on the real deal. I’m glad you still see it as a community that brings the fans closer to each other and the band. Maybe in the end I forgot what the LPU is all about and got side tracked by a simple word.

And Adam, stop apologizing already! :stuck_out_tongue:

#10

I have been a LPU member since 2003, I joined during 3.0. I don’t know how the LPU was during 1.0 or 2.0, but my experience with the LPU has been pretty positive over the course of 10 years. Some of the years were better than others, yes. I remember the LPU back in the day was WAY better than it is nowadays, but Adam (when he was here) did a LOT for the LPU. Adam was the f***ing man!!! Anyways, I wouldn’t say that LPU members are ‘‘better’’ or ‘‘elite’’ compared to other fans. Fans that aren’t in the LPU can still get the front row if they try hard enough, it’s just harder for them because LPU members usually get let in before regular fans and LPU members feel entitled to be front row, which is pretty annoying. I let people that aren’t in the LPU come up in front with me if I can. It’s not a competition. I have been to 15 LP shows over the years, and I attended 5 meet and greets, as well as a summit. I don’t have a lot of money by any means and I hate how the LPU has become run on money lately. You have to have tons of money for the full LPU package (I remember when it was 25 bucks for the year and it came with everything), as well as pay tons of money to have the hoodies and stuff like that. Of coarse every fan would want the awesome hoodie, but not every fan can afford it. Back in the day, the LPU2 and LPU8 hoodies were only about 35 bucks, which was awesome. 60 bucks for a hoodie is a lot to some people. I think the LPU is doing great in other categories, such as the LPTV/LPUTV library (even though I think they should add some unreleased footage from over the years) and the CD with demos each year is AMAZING. The Summits are really great as well. So to answer your question coming from someone who has been in the LPU since 3.0, I think all LP fans are basically equal, despite whether being in the LPU or not, it doesn’t make you a better fan or anything.

#11

Additionally, you can see in some of the comments here that people think they are ‘‘super fans’’. It’s pretty stupid, in my opinion. No one is more of a fan than anyone else. If you like the bands music and are passionate about it, then it’s all the same. Just because some people are rich and can afford to travel all over the world to see the band, doesn’t make them better. Just because they think they are better doesn’t mean they DESERVE to be front row, etc. You aren’t a super fan, you’re a fan just like everyone else is. I can go to a LP show and I don’t act like that, I interact with anyone and it doesn’t matter to me. I have been to 15 shows and have 80% of my body covered in LP tattoos, own all their CD’s/DVD’s/merch, etc, and I don’t act superior to anyone else. That’s just stupid. Grow up.

#12

[quote=ZachLP]Additionally, you can see in some of the comments here that people think they are ‘‘super fans’’. It’s pretty stupid, in my opinion. No one is more of a fan than anyone else. If you like the bands music and are passionate about it, then it’s all the same. Just because some people are rich and can afford to travel all over the world to see the band, doesn’t make them better. Just because they think they are better doesn’t mean they DESERVE to be front row, etc. You aren’t a super fan, you’re a fan just like everyone else is. I can go to a LP show and I don’t act like that, I interact with anyone and it doesn’t matter to me. I have been to 15 shows and have 80% of my body covered in LP tattoos, own all their CD’s/DVD’s/merch, etc, and I don’t act superior to anyone else. That’s just stupid. Grow up.
[/quote]

Most of the time, it’s a label thrown onto others- specifically those of us fortunate to be in the same city as the band (for the most part)- as an insult. I personally haven’t come across anyone calling themselves better.

I have only met those using it as an insult.

#13

[quote=ZachLP]Additionally, you can see in some of the comments here that people think they are ‘‘super fans’’. It’s pretty stupid, in my opinion. No one is more of a fan than anyone else. If you like the bands music and are passionate about it, then it’s all the same. Just because some people are rich and can afford to travel all over the world to see the band, doesn’t make them better. Just because they think they are better doesn’t mean they DESERVE to be front row, etc. You aren’t a super fan, you’re a fan just like everyone else is. I can go to a LP show and I don’t act like that, I interact with anyone and it doesn’t matter to me. I have been to 15 shows and have 80% of my body covered in LP tattoos, own all their CD’s/DVD’s/merch, etc, and I don’t act superior to anyone else. That’s just stupid. Grow up.
[/quote]

I think you misunderstood Dayna’s post. Seeing as how “super fan” was in quotes I don’t think she was using the term as a label for herself nor anyone else. Your argument still stands and I see where you’re coming from but I disagree with your following statement: “Just because some people are rich and can afford to travel all over the world to see the band, doesn’t make them better. Just because they think they are better”.

You are already assuming that those who have the privilege and resources to travel to see this or any other band think that they are superior to others. I can speak from personal experience that everyone I have met that has traveled a great distance for an LP show has always been pleasant and friendly and never gave off any sort of elitist attitude. Some of my closest friends have traveled all over the world to see shows and they are some of the nicest people I have met.

In fact, I’m sure myself and others in the Los Angeles area get a lot of negative remarks aimed towards us because we happen to be very lucky enough to be located in the heart of where LP was founded and operates. I am personally forever grateful that I have had the opportunity to take part in some very cool events thanks to LPU and I can guarantee you that not once before, during, or after has the thought of being better than other fans ever crossed my mind. I know how it is though, I’ve been there. I wasn’t always able to go to LPU events and yet I never harbored any ill feelings towards those who could. That’s just life. If someone dislikes me because I take advantage of what is offered then so be it.

I don’t mean to jump down your throat but it’s a little disappointing that there is so much tension and unnecessary hostility towards each other in the fanbase.

Let’s all focus on what matters here: Our own personal enjoyment of the music! That’s why we’re all here!

#14

[quote=Hybrid1988][quote=ZachLP]Additionally, you can see in some of the comments here that people think they are ‘‘super fans’’. It’s pretty stupid, in my opinion. No one is more of a fan than anyone else. If you like the bands music and are passionate about it, then it’s all the same. Just because some people are rich and can afford to travel all over the world to see the band, doesn’t make them better. Just because they think they are better doesn’t mean they DESERVE to be front row, etc. You aren’t a super fan, you’re a fan just like everyone else is. I can go to a LP show and I don’t act like that, I interact with anyone and it doesn’t matter to me. I have been to 15 shows and have 80% of my body covered in LP tattoos, own all their CD’s/DVD’s/merch, etc, and I don’t act superior to anyone else. That’s just stupid. Grow up.
[/quote]

I think you misunderstood Dayna’s post. Seeing as how “super fan” was in quotes I don’t think she was using the term as a label for herself nor anyone else. Your argument still stands and I see where you’re coming from but I disagree with your following statement: “Just because some people are rich and can afford to travel all over the world to see the band, doesn’t make them better. Just because they think they are better”.

You are already assuming that those who have the privilege and resources to travel to see this or any other band think that they are superior to others. I can speak from personal experience that everyone I have met that has traveled a great distance for an LP show has always been pleasant and friendly and never gave off any sort of elitist attitude. Some of my closest friends have traveled all over the world to see shows and they are some of the nicest people I have met.

In fact, I’m sure myself and others in the Los Angeles area get a lot of negative remarks aimed towards us because we happen to be very lucky enough to be located in the heart of where LP was founded and operates. I am personally forever grateful that I have had the opportunity to take part in some very cool events thanks to LPU and I can guarantee you that not once before, during, or after has the thought of being better than other fans ever crossed my mind. I know how it is though, I’ve been there. I wasn’t always able to go to LPU events and yet I never harbored any ill feelings towards those who could. That’s just life. If someone dislikes me because I take advantage of what is offered then so be it.

I don’t mean to jump down your throat but it’s a little disappointing that there is so much tension and unnecessary hostility towards each other in the fanbase.

Let’s all focus on what matters here: Our own personal enjoyment of the music! That’s why we’re all here![/quote]

I love this.

#15

The thing is, there are people like that. They may not openly say it, but the connotation in their posts really give off that “I’m a bigger fan than you” vibe because they’re fortunate enough to live in LA and/or travel around the world to get multiple M&G’s / LP shows. That’s my personal experience, and I know for a fact that I’m not the only one who feels this way. It sucks because it’s those select few people that ruin it for the rest of you LA folks.

Oh, and the reason those same people don’t show that elitist attitude IRL is because they lose their anonymity. It’s a lot easier to act that way when you’re behind a computer monitor as opposed to being face to face.

Again, just my personal experience.

#16

Well this got a bit touchy. Honestly for me, the only thing I don’t like about the splash page is the fact that it gets annoying to circumvent the thing. I ALWAYS have to see it before I get to the home page.

As for the “entitlement” and “elitest” feelings? Let’s be real, the LPU, like many other sites, is a microcosm for the world. Different people will act differently in the same situation. If they feel superior here, they’ll feel superior anywhere else. Just the way they are.

And in all honesty, some fans DO like LP more than others (be it because they grew up with LP or had a special connection or even the fans that ONLY like the older LP stuff) but in the LPU, Linkin Park is everyone’s favourite band (the ones I came across anyway). And that’s just personal preference. Doesn’t mean they’re better than anyone else.

In response to EvoOba, i get what you meant with the post. Similar thoughts crossed my mind but the community took me in so well that I feel nothing but love now :slight_smile:

#17

I agree and have always disliked the word elite a LP fan is a LP fan end of story. But if they wanted to drop the word they would have they clearly have no intention. That being said here’s a thought something else that irked me was the Hard Rock Cafe meet up’s. I’ve eaten there even held business lunches there lol and it’s not cheap right there is an LPU membership fee cost on the lunch cheque.
So Lorenzo if you ever read this how this for an idea. Most cities have parks how about free events where LPU can set up and invite fans along to LP days a LP picnic with stalls and merch make it an event so people get to know all about the LPU meet members and get to know the benefits of becoming a member first hand. Get local radio involved etc You could run it along side a free day/weekend pass in LPU which you had before to attract new members.Just a thought.

#18

I don’t get why the convo drifted off and became about the LA people as well but ok. Of course they get most of the stuff and the events simply because they happen to live in the area. That totally makes sense, they’re there so why not go for it? It’s like comparing them to let’s say Germany (which we all know has the biggest fan base in Europe, hence the extra events etc) and saying the same thing. That’s not the point at all.

I’ve come to the conclusion, like I said some posts above, that I simply stuck to the use of a certain word (I do agree that the splash page is kind of annoying though for the same reason as Ruchaan).

Lastly, to reply to the meetups comment above, I think it’s a brilliant idea. We’ve all been doing our own little gatherings with other LP fans in our countries for years now so, making an official one is even better! Draws more attention to other fans and it’s great publicity for the band.

#19

I just wanted to encourage everyone (if you haven’t already) to read this blog post from Mike. It’s a couple years old, but still kind of fitting to this thread in my opinion.

http://mikeshinoda.com/2011/06/28/why-dont-you-care-about-me-the-vocal-minority-and-clubs/

#20

[quote=Angie MacKay]I just wanted to encourage everyone (if you haven’t already) to read this blog post from Mike. It’s a couple years old, but still kind of fitting to this thread in my opinion.

http://mikeshinoda.com/2011/06/28/why-dont-you-care-about-me-the-vocal-minority-and-clubs/[/quote]

Already mentioned it in my first post; It’s where I used the quote from. It’s an interesting read.