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*Artist List: We would like to welcome our newest members - Stealing The Fire, Synthology, Millenium, North Star, nailed god, Project Finster, Francesco Fareri, and Antares.  We would also like to announce our recent co-op with Lynx Music based in Poland. Thanks to every one of our members!

*Advertising: More ads have been sent out! One ad has been sent to Colossus; the other, to Progression Magazine. We are also in discussions with a representative of 20th Century Guitar regarding advertising. And finally, we have asked all of our members for a voluntary contribution of $10 to the advertising pool (down $7.50 from the last request due to the increase in membership - there's strength in numbers!).  

*CDBaby Discount Reminder: One of the benefits to belonging to a union such as ours is cost savings. Derek Sivers, president of CDBaby.com, has most generously granted us a $10 discount (now $25) on the Title Fee for Fossil Members. For more information, direct your emails to Fossil and not CDBaby - we'll handle all questions. Derek asks that each member taking advantage of this discount post a link to CDBaby.com in return. The discount is not retroactive, sorry.

*UPC Symbols Reminder: In an attempt to make the monopolistic and expensive (company codes start at $500) UPC symbols available to all, Fossil Records is issuing symbols to its members at $10 for each title. Non-members may also request a UPC, but the cost is $40 for each title. If you are interested in a UPC symbol for your merchandise, please contact us.

*Retail Distribution Status:  We have had several conversations with Bayside Distributing (CA) regarding distribution in retail stores (like Tower Records).  Although there are possibilities there, we would have to produce enough CDs for national distribution AND we would HAVE to generate $20,000 profit or more every year for the distributor or our contract would be terminated.  We will continue to look into this and keep you updated.

*Compilation CDs for Members:  Based upon conversations with some of you, we have come to a final decision about the cost of compilation CDs for members.  Each copy will sell for $5 (US) - this allows us to pay for the materials and profit slightly for greater production.  This cost will also allow you to sell them for a profit should you be inclined to do so.  There are a few of you that purchased copies at full price - please contact me and we will work that out.

As always, thanks to all! If you ever feel that there is a problem that needs to be addressed, don’t hesitate to contact me directly. If you have any suggestions that will make Fossil a better organization, please let us know. If I fail to get to your email messages within a couple of days please send them again. If you are still only a “prospective” member and would like to become a member (and you are on this mailing list) then please go to the Join page on the website, follow the directions, and… welcome aboard!!  Please note that the website states that we are no longer recruiting Instrumental musicians - this does not apply to those of you on this "prospective" list.

A&R Associates: Jim Reindel (jimreindel@aol.com)
                              Jon Yarger
                              Keith Langerman
                              Jerry George
Network Coordinator: John Green

Sincerely,
Gary W. Franklin
Managing Partner
Fossil Records (Madison County, IL)
http://www.fossilrecords.net
gwfran@empowering.com