It has been a while since our last “official” newsletter and a lot has happened in that time!  Please take the time to go through this message as we have about 6 months worth of information to catch up on. 

*Account Remittance:  We will be zeroing accounts over the next few weeks so we will get checks out to everyone with positive accounts and will be asking to remit accounts that are negative.  For our international members – please make certain that you will be able to deposit a check drawn on a US bank.  If not, let us know so that we can work out another payment method for you.

*2001 Sales Summary:  Although the year started out very strong for Fossil, the last six months have been, well, excruciating.  Though we have increased our presence in magazines and online, sales have been few and far between for the last half of the year.  Though we could push the blame to the extremely poor economy we are in right now, I personally would prefer to think positively and pursue more ways for getting the word out.  One of the benefits of a union like this is that we can draw on the strengths and experiences of everyone.  If you have had a sales technique in the past that has worked remarkably well for you, let us know about it.

*New Website:  The new website is live!  If you haven’t yet, please take a look at the site and let us know your thoughts.  Also, if you haven’t yet, please link to the Fossil Records website.  We have a number of banners available on the Resources page.

*Artist List: We would like to welcome our newest members – Tony Garone, Waste Lagoon, Secret Treaties, Sonic Pulsar, and LifeSize.  We would also like to congratulate Project Alcazar and wish them good fortune in their new affiliation with Lion Music!

*Advertising: A sincere “Thank you!” to all of the artists that were able to contribute $10 to the advertising fund – we have sent the ads off to Progression and Colossus Magazines and will be discontinuing our ads in Guitar 2001 (which is ending publication this year) and 20^th Century Guitar.  If you have a favorite relevant print magazine that you would like to see us advertise in, please let us know!

*Compilation CDs:  The AXcavation II and UnEarthed II compilation CDs are nearing completion!  I am currently reviewing the test burns and prints and will be pursuing a few subtle changes.  However, as I listen to these CDs, I am once again filled with overwhelming pride at the incredible talent our artists possess.  Here are the final layouts for the CDs:

AXcavation II
        Alien Cowboys - Loco Motive
        Prospect - Prospect
        Nailed God - Angle Of Incidence
        Franco - Godz
        Hugo Flores - Peaceful Mind
        Project Finster - Into Deep
        Synthology - Prelude To Darkness
        Broderick Gray - Realms Of Fire
        Reindel - The Curse
        Tony Garone - Enkidu
        Stealing The Fire - The Moriarty Cube
        Waste Lagoon - Lagoona Strangiato

UnEarthed II
        Prospect - Seven Voices
        Reindel - Winds Of Change
        Secret Treaties - Where Is Love
        Waste Lagoon - Two Different Worlds
        Tony Garone - We Are All One
        Esthetic Pale - Summer
        Antares - Lost In You
        Millenium - The Circles Of Life
        Franco - Red Blood
        Synthology - Nosferatu

We had so much material for these that some of the tracks will be appearing on followup compilations.  So if you were expecting to see your track in these, please be assured that you WILL be on the next comps scheduled for release early next year.

*Compilation CDs and Fossil Artist CD Price Cuts for Members:  Compilation CDs will be priced at 50% of their retail value for Fossil Members.  Additionally, if you are interested in purchasing a fellow member’s CD, you may do so at a 20% discount.  Postage and handling prices will be based upon actual cost and not a blanket amount.  Let us know by email if you are interested in making a purchase and we will debit your account instead of going through the online credit card processing.

*CDBaby Discount Reminder: One of the benefits of 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 now start at $750!) 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 are currently pursuing international retail distribution with Red Music (aka SONY Music) and will keep you updated on any progress.  As you may recall, earlier this year we had several conversations with Bayside Distributing (CA) regarding distribution in retail stores (specifically, Tower Records).  Although there were 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. 

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

A&R Associates: Jim Reindel and Jon Yarger
Network Coordinator: John Green
Programming:  Jeff Smoots

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