Reflections

The AZOOMA.org site has been online for over two months now, and as is the tradition this time of year, a review — of where we are, what has been accomplished and where we are going — is due.

Our Network

In the article “The Expanding Universe of AZOOMA.org” the various networks of AZOOMA are spelled out. This includes our main site, this blog (and its various feeds, like Feedburner), our MySpace and Facebook sites, a Wikipedia article, a listing in an Arizona-based business directory and an online photo album.

A handful of blog readers have taken advantage of our news feed and have subscribed.

This network extends outward to newfound friends and supporters. Our MySpace account for example has an impressive collection of new friends, including the Metropolitan Opera and the London Symphony, the Phoenix New Times and Tucson Weekly, and composers John Williams and Enrico Morricone.

While MySpace “friends” are a trendy fad in social networking, it clearly illustrates that no matter where a musician is – in their career, in their location or in their status – there is understanding, alliance and fellowship. Musicians of all walks understand and sympathize with each other. They have a mutual understanding of the complexities and difficulties of being in the music profession and share a common bond.

Traffic

Visitor traffic is growing and expanding at an increasing rate. At first, visitors were limited to Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff. In the past month the circle has spread outward to all regions of Arizona and its neighboring states.

In the past three weeks, traffic has exponentially increased due in part to a positive review from Jason Heath of Arts Addict. His blog is a part of Drew McManus‘s network Inside the Arts.

The increase in traffic is also due to our colleagues in other like-minded organizations providing links to our site. Our MySpace bulletins have also brought in new visitors.

Most recently, visitors are coming from all over the nation to check us out; from Spokane, Washington to White Plains, New York – and everything in between.

Recent Updates

Our webmaster continues to fine tune AZOOMA.org and its network of sites. Recent updates include:

• a custom Google search engine targeted on AZOOMA and the Arizona Opera
• links to promote and support Arizona Opera
• incorporating the musician login site
• creating an “articles” area on the main site
• fine tuning our statistical tools in order to glean better visitor data
• fine tuning our sites to produce better search engine results

Mission “Possible”

At our main web site, AZOOMA states a three-pronged mission:

• To offer entertaining,live music performed at the highest artistic level for our community

• To promote and support our musician colleagues – their activities and livelihoods
• To raise awareness and reach out to the community in support of the Arizona Opera and its programs

In this light, the past two months have been a big success. Our recent performance of “Die Fledermaus” received recognition and praise from the local press. Several musicians – including our “fine flutist” – have been featured. Our exponential increase in web site traffic has spread the word about the Arizona Opera to a new audience.

Goals for 2008 include: more articles featuring our musicians, a database of musician profiles, more social networking to make new friends and to reinforce our current ties, and increased promotion of and ties to the Arizona Opera.

Happy New Year!