However, I still think this formula is the best thing going and is a much better alternative than hoping and wishing to be in the right place at the right time with the right look and the right song to win the “rock star lottery”. If the concept empowers artists to endeavour to be self sufficient on their own terms then it’s worth it. Will it be easy to do? Heck no. As someone else already suggested WORK is involved while building up a relationship with the fans.

As for putting out enough content to garner $100/year – therein lies the true opportunity. Think beyond the song or the book and wrap your head around some basic internet marketing staples like email marketing and up selling and I think there’s plenty of opportunity for the soul that is brave enough to attempt it.

1,000 true fans may be a moving target – but I still think it’s one worth aiming for.

You seem to be making the same error that Mr. Kelley did in the original article, which is not to make any distinction between gross and net. Grossing $20k on a book (or a mug or t-shirt or whatever) is not nearly the same thing as netting $20k.

I don’t have any problem with the philosophy of 1,000 true fans, as I’ve noted a number of times in this comment thread. Economically, it’s tougher than Mr. Kelley lets on.

From the article:
1. Gathering a thousand true fans is harder than it looks.
Do you think its harder to get 1KTF or hit the NYT Bestseller List? Does this means its impossible? Are you not willing to do hard things to achieve your goal?

2. There aren’t many people willing/able to spend a significant sum of money on a single creative person.
4 times a month, Madison Square Garden finds 20,000 people to spend well over $100 on a single artist. I consider that a lot of people.

3. You have to compete for true fans.
Does that mean you can’t win the competition? Do you not have to compete for normal fans?

4. “True Fans” may not stay true fans.
The idea isn’t to collect 1,000 points and then retire in Bermuda for the rest of your life. You have to keep making art and keep trying to get fans. 1KTF doesn’t say anything about never having to work again for the rest of your life.

5. Just because a “true fan” spends $100 on you doesn’t mean you get $100.
If you’re selling digital products it most certainly does.

But this is splitting hairs. He doesn’t literally mean $100, 1000 fans, or $100k salary. Of course, he means making an average profit of $100 and reality dictates raising your price if there are costs involved. Does this really negate the concept for you?

You seem to be making the same error that Mr. Kelley did in the original article, which is not to make any distinction between gross and net. Grossing $20k on a book (or a mug or t-shirt or whatever) is not nearly the same thing as netting $20k.

I don’t have any problem with the philosophy of 1,000 true fans, as I’ve noted a number of times in this comment thread. Economically, it’s tougher than Mr. Kelley lets on.

So that’s $20,000 a year. Tax free if you’re smart and/or devious. Is that so bad?
That’s like $1600 a month. Minimum wage, but I’ve lived on less. Enough to keep you around until you can get a thousand more fans, and make 40K.

The idea here isn’t the math, it’s the approach. The idea that rather than becoming a global superstar, you just start with yourself and gradually build out until you have a fanbase that can support you. (Or, I might add, leverage better deals). For the growing population of self-publishing, indie authors (and musicians and painter and crafters and what-not) this is kind of the only route available and it’s helpful to see it as something incremental, rather than just floundering around wishing somebody would sign you up and give you a limo.

However, I still think this formula is the best thing going and is a much better alternative than hoping and wishing to be in the right place at the right time with the right look and the right song to win the “rock star lottery”. If the concept empowers artists to endeavour to be self sufficient on their own terms then it’s worth it. Will it be easy to do? Heck no. As someone else already suggested WORK is involved while building up a relationship with the fans.

As for putting out enough content to garner $100/year – therein lies the true opportunity. Think beyond the song or the book and wrap your head around some basic internet marketing staples like email marketing and up selling and I think there’s plenty of opportunity for the soul that is brave enough to attempt it.

1,000 true fans may be a moving target – but I still think it’s one worth aiming for.

I realize that you want to pick it apart and point out all the ways it can’t work, would be too hard, etc. – but I have to say that that does nothing but set you back. Put aside your issues with the idea and just go forward.