GB
Evolving a label-driven site into a fan-driven site
Working with Los Angeles management team The Firm, I took on what started as a freelance and ultimately a full-time role managing the Backstreet Boys website as they prepared to release their breakthrough “Millennium” album in the USA.
Despite having little background into the band, it became obvious within the first month of feedback through e-mail and forums that the fans just wanted content, content and more content - anything and everything from anywhere.
The result was countless hours spent scanning unused 35mm slides from photo and video shoots; detailed timetables showing every on-screen TV appearance (i.e. Total Request Live) and of course in-depth minutiae and trivia on every band member.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery
The “Backstreet Fact!” element was a custom Perl script that flipped through 100 unique facts about each individual member of the band, and was a huge hit with the fans. This got to the point where it was parodied by the fast-food chain, Jack In The Box, who created a fictional boy band of their own, the “Meaty Cheesy Boys” who had the same “mcb Fun Fact!” feature on their site.
