Hello darlings! Welcome to another (aaarrggg) blog from yours truly Khandie Khisses in the section I am now calling Business of Burlesque. I run a workshop on it but thought I would extend it further with blog posts on certain issues.
Today I received an email from a performer wondering about how damaging her social media presence could be. Here are a few pointers to help aid and sort you on your way:
- Carebearing! If all you post is happy, a lot of people will resent it. Its weird right!? I mean we want positivity in our lives but research shows if you are always in Carebear (happy happy joy joy) mode people actually switch off from you. Lets not also forget that it creates a somewhat false impression of all the trials and tribulations you go through. If your image is one of perfect bliss, then crack on but remember even Dita shows her sensitive side every now and again.
- Oversharing. Sometimes, saying nothing speaks volumes over spouting it. So often a topic rears it’s head in our community and we all jump on the bandwagon to shout our views. Great but often sometimes we are simply rehashing what is already there. Instead find your own unique voice. Dont tell us about your relationship woes in great details on your social media (well not your professional one) unless it has some relation to burlesque. I have seen many a performer shout down their partner as a bell end (i mean bad person…honest) and if nothing else it makes me want to unfollow the performer.
- Post effectively. Dont post a million bloody versions of the same stuff. How about you jazz it up and spread it over the course of a week/month. Not a damn day. No one likes repeats. Think about your audience. What does THAT post say about you?!
- Opinions. They are awesome. We all have them. But how about you get informed first before posting yours. Because one thing the internet has taught us, is that every one will blast you if you are misinformed. Offer opinions politely. Dont be the twat who does not think what they are posting and ultimately comes across as a bit of dickhead.
- My Squad. Think about who is in that photo. Do they want it up? Be sure to link people. Share that love. Your squad is your back up, your colleagues and the community. Think before you post. If nothing else to make sure you are looking after their brand too.
- Constant send. No one needs to be seeing constant you. As beautiful as you are, show that you are more than a 2D image. Share other items of interest. People want to know you the person and not just the performer. If you want to be taken seriously as a performer…constant selfies with little reasoning as to why just…well tacky. You want people to see you really think about your acts, highlight that in your social media.
- Oops. Oh you screwed up?! OWN IT. Openly own it. Apologise and own it. Dont be too stubborn to apologise and ignore it. Shit happens and the internet can make it all the more humiliating.
- Dont believe it. Someone seems to be living a life of Riley (who is that dude?) and is quoffing champagne and eating olives plucked by celestial beings all the time. Nope. That shit isnt real. YOU HEAR ME?! IT IS NOT REAL! Even Dita posts her hard graft photos. Cropping and careful staging makes a somewhat ordinary existence look all that more extra-ordinary.
