<![CDATA[JOAN BARRETT MEDIA

<![CDATA[JOAN BARRETT MEDIA - Blog]]>Sat, 15 Mar 2025 03:29:54 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[March 2025 Monthly playlist]]>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 20:14:20 GMThttp://joanbarrettmedia.com/blog/march-2025-monthly-playlistThis month there's some new music happening and a few recent artists that I've recently discovered who I really like. March tends to have a St. Patrick's Day theme so I included a few Irish bands and musicians.

Music trivia question for you - were bagpipes invented in Scotland or Ireland? Neither one actually!

Bagpipes are believed to have been invented in Turkey (or somewhere else in the middle east depending on who you ask) a very long time ago. Another fun fact? One of my new favorite artists, Nilüfer Yanya happens to be Irish and Turkish. She does not play the bagpipes as far as I know.

]]><![CDATA[FebruarY 2025 Monthly Playlist]]>Tue, 04 Mar 2025 22:46:40 GMThttp://joanbarrettmedia.com/blog/february-2025-monthly-playlistYou know what they say - short month, short playlist.

My month was a bit stressful. February always tends to lean in that direction for me. On the bright side I discovered some and was reminded of some great music.

The majority of this playlist is on the chill side. There is more than one song featuring a ukulele and it wasn't intentional but I'm not unhappy about it. Just thought I'd let you know that I know.

]]><![CDATA[DJOANIEB Monthly PLAYLIST - january 2025]]>Wed, 29 Jan 2025 18:51:47 GMThttp://joanbarrettmedia.com/blog/djoanieb-monthly-playlist-january-2025I've been making digital monthly playlists since 2016 on Spotify and then on Deezer starting in 2023. At first, they were just for me. I went through a romantic partner breakup and business partner breakup simultaneously (two separate people who I cheer on from afar now) and I found it hard to write down my feelings so I made playlists instead.

Some of the songs I add to these playlists are little secrets to remind myself of different times of my life and what impact they had on me. Some of them are songs I think should be shared with as many people as possible. Some are just great songs that I don't want to forget about.

Sure it'd be great to go back to mix CDs and taping songs off the radio but I thought I'd just start putting these playlists on a more accessible format - YouTube. Enjoy!

]]><![CDATA[DJ JoanieB Christmas Playlist]]>Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:09:52 GMThttp://joanbarrettmedia.com/blog/dj-joanieb-christmas-playlistI've created a Christmas playlist for everyone to enjoy. It includes Christmas songs from the 50s right on up to today, multiple genres. Enjoy!

]]><![CDATA[Songs i like: Enigma - Return To Innocence]]>Sat, 16 Sep 2023 21:04:05 GMThttp://joanbarrettmedia.com/blog/songs-i-like-enigma-return-to-innocenceI was discussing the Pure Moods compilation with a friend today and we decided it is absolutely underrated. The constant infomercials and the bubble bath taking, scented candle lighting Mom aesthetic in the 90s may have ruined it for us for a time, but we decided that it's popular for a reason.

Released in 1993, Return To Innocence by German band Enigma became a 90s anthem, featured in shows such as My So Called Life and was eventually included in the popular Pure Moods compilation series.

Watching this video again, I'm very touched by it. It is, indeed, innocent. Some of the special effects are a bit heavy handed, but I'm not going to let that ruin my experience. It's a beautiful song about making peace with death.

]]><![CDATA[Is ChatGPT A GOOD COPYWRITING TOOL?]]>Thu, 17 Aug 2023 22:50:37 GMThttp://joanbarrettmedia.com/blog/is-chatgpt-a-good-copywriting-toolChatGPT is a cloud computing platform that uses AI technology to help you create content by having a conversation with a verbose chatbot from the comfort of your own personal or professional digital device. Skepticism aside, I’ve decided to look into it for my own frame of reference. As a professional writer, I am concerned that I’m being replaced by a robot, but as someone who likes to embrace efficiency as a freelancer and business owner, it intrigues me.

Where did ChatGPT Come From?

It seems like an overnight success. It was released in November 2022 by OpenAI and as of February 2023, nearly half of businesses that participated in the ResumeBuilder survey answered that ChatGPT was already a part of their operations.

This was technology that was in the works for quite some time of course. Microsoft heavily invested in its success in 2019 so plenty of businesses were waiting eagerly for its arrival.

Is ChatGPT Cost Effective?

Version 3.5 is free, so sure. It’s worth a whirl. It also doesn’t require the user to have any special training beyond knowing how to do what most of us know how to do by this point, which is chat on the internet.

The pro version is $20/month which is not a lot of money to throw at experimenting with a new toy to make content writing a less time consuming process. However, if that is the goal, which is the goal of many considering using ChatGPT, make sure you’re investing in the basic tools of the trade first. Organization is the biggest hurdle for most content writing projects, not lack of brainstorming or ideas.

How accurate is ChatGPT?

Chat GPT gives an upfront disclaimer that it’s not intended to give “advice.” Traditional fact checking methods are still required, which makes me sleep better at night knowing that copywriters and editors with a loud whistle such as myself are still needed in the world.

Is ChatGPT Safe for Businesses?

It depends. Here’s some more information that ChatGPT gives you when you log in that is not advice - “Don’t share sensitive information.” The conversations can and will be used to improve the company’s user experience.

As a copywriter who has signed many non-disclosure agreements, I mind my p’s and q’s, but a good brainstorming session historically means a private conversation between me and a client and their staff, not a machine. I also remember the days where handing over the logins and passwords for social media accounts and Wordpress blogs between strangers wasn’t the airtight process it is now and we all survived.

Is ChatGPT A Social Media Management Tool?

In short, no and it’s not a question of whether or not you’d like to reallocate some of the responsibilities of your current social media manager, which, depending on how much you’re currently investing in marketing, may just be you.

It can help you meet your social media calendar quota, but I have to say I’m not particularly impressed with this suggestion:

I then gave it further instructions for shorter copy and the inclusion of a photo:

To be fair, I can edit this into something decent or research the suggested keywords but that’s what I’ve used programs like HootSuite or good old fashioned competitive analysis for. I also think that crafting a good social media post doesn’t need to be rushed. I’m an efficient writer but spending an extra 10 or 20 minutes is absolutely worth it when it comes to ensuring that your business is viewed in a professional manner.

I’ve even had times where I’ve debated spending a bit of extra time on a post versus throwing something out there just for the sake of staying on a content schedule. I could keep discussing these issues with ChatGPT but it’s not going to be able to emulate my tone in the way that a good copywriter would.

ChatGPT is not something I am worried about but I don’t think it’s something that I am going to utilize as an integral part of a copywriting strategy. Maybe I’ll come around and sing its praises. It’s still fresh on the scene.

It kind of nailed this one:

Have you used ChatGPT? Have you found it useful or are you already over it? Leave a comment!

]]><![CDATA[15 Fun Music Facts]]>Wed, 09 Aug 2023 23:07:18 GMThttp://joanbarrettmedia.com/blog/15funmusicfactsI enjoy interrupting full bars, family functions and long lines at grocery stores by dropping music trivia that people may or may not want to hear. You and I may have this in common. Here are 15 fun music facts:

One of the songwriters of "September" by Earth Wind and Fire also wrote the Friends theme song. RIP Allee Willis.
Alan Thicke wrote the original theme for Wheel of Fortune. It’s called "Big Wheels." It’s not terrible but I can see why it didn't last long.
"Poker Face" by Lady Gaga samples Boney M.’s "Ma Baker." The Ma ma ma ma part. I had absolutely no idea until the great Boney M. kick of lockdown. I believe it can be attributed to a song placement in Black Mirror but I think that might be only part of the equation.
This Britney Spears/Bjork mashup exists. One of the only things I like to revisit that came out of 2020. If you don’t enjoy it as much as I do I don’t want to hear about it because I’m obsessed.
John Lennon’s hair sold for 48,000 Canadian dollars in 2007.
There’s an entire documentary on the song Who Let The Dogs Out and it’s incredibly insightful. Watch it the next time you want to break your brain a little. It makes the streaming rounds and it’s usually free.
Heart’s "Alone" is a cover, slightly rewritten. Here’s a Stereogum article that explains the whole story in depth.
Frank Zappa paid the London Symphony to perform his compositions because he wanted to make sure it was done right. He had offers from other orchestras but they said they would only practice them twice and he didn't think it was enough.
Spiders prefer classical music over techno and rap. In a study conducted by Miami University, they were more likely to construct their webs closer to speakers playing classical music.
You can fix a scratched CD with a banana peel. I've never tried this but if I ever get stranded on an island with a discman, a collection of busted mix CDs and only my hopes and dreams, I'll report back and let you know how it worked out.
Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain got married in their pajamas.
Heaven’s Gate leader, Marshall Applewhite, was a music professor at University of St. Thomas.
Shel Silverstein wrote "A Boy Named Sue" for Johnny Cash.
Brian Wilson is deaf in one ear and doesn’t know how to surf.
Stevie Nicks' dad was the President of Greyhound Bus Lines.

Am I wrong about something? Go ahead. Tell me in the comments. More arguments mean more attention. Thanks for reading.

]]><![CDATA[djjoanieb does little italy days]]>Fri, 04 Aug 2023 20:26:26 GMThttp://joanbarrettmedia.com/blog/djjoanieb-does-little-italy-daysOn Saturday, August 19th, I will be djing my first public event since 2020! Come to G's on Liberty at 8pm for dancing, drinks and food in the Bloomfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. No cover. Pop hits from all the decades. See you soon!

5104 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA
15224

]]><![CDATA[Musicians To Celebrate During Aries Season]]>Tue, 28 Mar 2023 17:14:06 GMThttp://joanbarrettmedia.com/blog/happy-birthday-aries-famI'm an Aries. It's part of what makes me the best. Here are some Aries musicians who are also the best.

LADY GAGA

Look at her go.

ELTON JOHN

With talent spanning the decades, he offers a little something something for all of us.

MARIAH CAREY

This woman worked hard for people to appreciate her talents. Great performer, great voice, underrated songwriter.

BILLIE HOLIDAY

"Lady Day" was known for being one of the best vocalists of all time as a jazz musician as well as arguably one of the first pop stars.

Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire is just about as strong as they get. We all know she's a survivor.

Rico Suave

Perhaps he is not quite as accomplished as some of the other Aries but I wanted to add a bit of nostalgic rizz.

Loretta Lynn

Don't get on the wrong side of an Aries. You might win a one way ticket to Fist City.

Marvin Gaye

We may be tough, but there is no mountain high enough to keep us from you when we love you.

Chaka Khan

She's every woman.

]]><![CDATA[Promote local events without spending a penny]]>Sun, 11 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMThttp://joanbarrettmedia.com/blog/promote-local-events-without-spending-a-pennyWhether you’re trying to promote your band, a local fundraiser, or a taco truck, promoting on social media can feel like a digital game of “Whac A Mole.” Without a game plan and a lot of patience, you can find yourself wanting to tilt the machine. Don’t do it. Here are 3 simple ways to improve your local event social media marketing strategy —

1. Connect With Journalists On Twitter

If I had a penny for every time I’ve heard someone say they don’t tweet because their audience isn’t there, I’d have enough to build a wall with them. On a local level and beyond, the people who use Twitter the most are journalists.

What do journalists do? Write the news.

Example — When I first started DJing at Howlers bar in Pittsburgh, I created a Facebook event for it tweeted the link to my followers on Twitter with targeted hashtags. Pittsburgh City Paper music journalist Jordan Snowden noticed and reached out to me about being included in their New Year’s Eve guide. My picture was prominently displayed both digitally and in print.

Did anyone come in on the night of my first DJ gig at Howlers and say they saw the event on Twitter? Not to my knowledge, but many people made a point to tell me they saw my picture in the City Paper! Twitter is worth it.

2. Keep Your Facebook Events Clean

That means double checking the dates and times and tags. Have a second pair of eyes scope it out for typos, if possible. If the event is a mess, people will not be interested and they will be less likely to attend.

Make sure to remind any co-managers to invite their friends. Also, continually share the event. Encourage people to click “interested” even if they are not sure they will be attending. The goal is to have as many people see the event as possible.

3. Tag Who, What and Where

Not only will this make it easier for everyone to coordinate and provide more information, it will make everyone and every place feel included! We’re all hoping for maximum attendance, but even if we don’t get it, promoting a local event is a catalyst for fostering long term connections with the community.

For example, while writing this section, I clicked over to the link to the City Paper guide, and realized it was co-written by Maggie Weaver. So now I have mentioned them.

What’s the best part of all these tactics? They’re all FREE. They do involve a bit of time and savvy, but they don’t involve spending even a penny on advertising.

Need some advice on how to promote a local event on social media? Contact me!

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