SOCAN launches action plan in response to latest member survey

As reported in the spring issue of Words + Music, SOCAN’s latest member survey, conducted online last October and November, revealed that satisfaction levels and ratings on most key measures increased in comparison with the previous year’s survey. This sixth annual survey was successfully sent, by an independent research organization, to approximately 31,000 individual writer and publisher members. A total of 2,038 members completed the survey.

Although this latest survey showed that satisfaction with SOCAN membership climbed to 7.94 on a scale from one to 10 (10 being most satisfied), the results, as always, include specific feedback from members that gives cause for reflection. We know there is room for improvement in certain areas, and SOCAN is determined to address those concerns.

Here are some key issues raised in this latest survey, together with SOCAN’s action plan for responding to those concerns during the coming months and into 2011.

DETAILS ON SOCAN’S DISTRIBUTION PROCESS
SOCAN is moving to provide more details on its online royalty statements in the form of pop-ups and links around performance types, in order to explain how earnings are calculated, as well as additional information in “drill-downs.” As well, there is a plan to rework and simplify distribution-methodology content on the website. Finally, SOCAN is planning to post more webcasts on socan.ca — on subjects such as radio, concert, TV and international distributions — and more educational panels focusing on SOCAN distributions.

UNDERSTANDING SOCAN’S PROCESSES, SPECIFICALLY AMONG NEW MEMBERS
The new-member landing page in the secure section of socan.ca (implemented early 2010) now contains links to information designed to educate new members about SOCAN. This activity will be monitored and updated/revised as required. In the last few years SOCAN has developed a “Tip of the Month” series, sent to new members for a period of one year. This is being expanded to extend to 18 months and eventually 24 months.

MORE INFORMATION ON DIGITAL RIGHTS AND SOCAN’S POSITION
SOCAN posted an Internet tariff webcast earlier this year, and additional webcasts are planned.

DIFFICULTY NAVIGATING SOCAN.CA
SOCAN is working to develop online tutorials to assist members in navigating the website, and improvements are constantly underway where required.

MEMBERS SEEKING SHOWCASING OPPORTUNITIES
SOCAN will continue to provide information at socan.ca on showcasing opportunities at festivals and music-industry events, plus information on song contests. As well, SOCAN continues to sponsor its Songs & Stories series at major industry events across the country.

MEMBERS SEEKING EDUCATION AROUND CAREER DEVELOPMENT
SOCAN is continuing its participation at major and regional industry events, developing panels that target areas of interest to members. As well, training is constantly evolving to help upgrade SOCAN staff’s knowledge, including sessions with other music-industry associations.

In order to continue to improve SOCAN’s service to members, and in preparation for our next member survey, we urge you to ensure we have your current e-mail address. If you feel we might have lost contact with you, please phone the Information Centre at 1-866-307-6226 or e-mail members@socan.ca.


Uploaded Summer 2010

Comments? Questions? Suggestions? Send them to Rick MacMillan, Words & Music Corporate Editor, at wordsandmusic@socan.ca.

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