Would someone please think of the environment?
Indie bands, why not do your part to help save the Earth… you could stop making fancy elaborate press packages to mail out to unsuspecting record labels, agents, managers, etc. They don’t need a printed two-pocket folder emblazoned with your band logo, or paper copies of all your lyrics, biography or printouts of all your online press. They also don’t need copies of your CD, stickers, swag, or hard copies of your band photos.
If you must send something out to these people, (and my real recommendation is to spend your time connecting with fans instead) send an introductory personal email (or phone call) requesting permission to send a follow up email that would contain a link to a place online where your music can be heard.
Myspace pages are still very useful for this, as you can put everything in there that would be in a press kit, but it’s all digital. There’s no large email attachments needed (don’t send mp3 attachments as most companies have strict email filesize limits and music files end up clogging inboxes), plus the folks can see how many friends you have (don’t fake it, let it grow organically), how many plays you’re getting (don’t use boosters, they don’t fool anyone), and get an overall feel for what you’re all about.
All without killing a single tree. 
Thanks for all your comments!!! I totally agree that Myspace’s perception and perceived value is changing, and not for the better. The time is right for someone else to step in and unveil a service website that caters more specifically to the promotional needs of musicians. It’s possible that Facebook’s new changes may take that into account. Sonicbids is good for the info that can be posted, however for some reason it’s just not used as a standard practice. Not sure why… maybe it’s because it doesn’t allow for enough customization to give each band the opportunity to visually represent their distinct identity. Or maybe because there’s too obvious a business model attached, or the wrong business model… Could just be that the site isn’t structured the way people want to use it. I don’t know. Could also be because the site is only populated with independent bands… if Sonicbids was embraced by successful musicians, then their perception would change for sure. The beauty of Myspace/Twitter etc is that indie bands can co-exist on the same plane as highly successful artists.
SonicBids.com is a great alternative to sending out physical press releases. They basically host your EPK.
In response to both the article and Molly. Yes, MySpace has become sort of a running joke, but still very effective, as the article points out. However, bands need to be educated on how to properly use MySpace as an Electronic Press Kit!
I am a strong advocate of MySpace’s One sheet/EPK style design. Unfortunately, band profiles often look like they were set up by 13 year old girls!
Lesson 1: Elaborate background images, animated graphics, and numerous widgets do not focus on your primary objective as a band – promoting your music!
Ian,
Unfortunately MySpace is becoming a byword for even music. I’ve seen quite a few posts on other social networks/blogs making fun of a MySpace profile. They need to do something SOON or even us ‘early adopters’ will have to move on to more productive climes.