[smopo24]

For bands, getting attention at almost any cost is worth it; if it means more fans, label interest, or the possibility of "making it," no price is too great. It seems like contests such as Emergenza prey upon artists by using the guise of a formal contest; though it seems to me that only Emergenza makes any real money. Bands urge fans and friends to show their support, and vote for them; but charge more and more for the tickets as you progress through the ranks. And if anyone has been witness to how poorly organized the proceedings are (as I have been), you may notice how the band schedules and rules seem to change on the fly. All this for some gear, and the opportunity of playing to a German festival audience. Oddly enough, none of the contest winners ever seem to rise above local band status, while the contest only seems to increase in popularity along with it's entry fees. Have you heard about this contest? If so, what do you think about it? Would you ever participate? Is this a scam? Why or why not?