What can bands do extra for their fans?

[rfe]

If you really feel that strongly about it, why not take the time to explain why I'm wrong? I'm certainly willing to admit when I've made a mistake, but if you're not even going to make an effort to point one out, what reason do I have to change my perspective?

I can give you one recommendation to try out; Sage Francis.

 

[Mercy/Severity]

What original ideas do you have, or know about that bands can do or have done to better express their appreciation for their listeners? If you were / are in a band, what ideas would / do you have to show the fans you care?

Things other bands have done:
- free concerts
- extended info and artwork in CD booklets
- free stickers / decals / patches in CD case
- download entire CD for free from band website
- complimentary items with purchase of band merchandise

What I would do:
- If I were to release a CD, I'd want to include a bonus disc containing .mid, .tbt, and .gp5 files of all the songs on the album. If this were financially impossible, then they'd be free downloads on my website.

Also, what are your minimum expectations of how bands should conduct themselves around fans?

- use professional courtesy at meet and greets
- reply to wall comments and messages from myspace fans

fucking hell, some bands might actually want to have a life? I think that bands shouldn't need to 'show appreciation' for their listeners, they are the ones providing the entertainment for us.