I've looked at fanclubs in the past so it was inevitable at some point that I'd look at official websites. This is something I was thinking of a couple of weeks ago when Meat Loaf's official website announced his newest album. I've always been of the belief that an official website ought to be superior to any other website about that artist. Using Meat Loaf's official website as an example, I believe there are several things that can be improved. To start with there is a lack of biographical information and what they call the 'BIO' is actually more like a press release for Hang Cool Teddy Bear. The official site is normally the first place new fans will look for simple information like where Meat was born or when his birthday is but if this is lacking does it create the impression that the site is going to be your first stop for information in the future? There's also the lack of content to get fans returning to the site. There are maybe eight photos that were general publicity shots that are also included on other websites and that is about it. I've visited other artists websites and they keep their fans coming back by adding new photos every so often as well as things like preview clips of upcoming songs and behind the scenes tour blogs.

I understand that this is probably down to the contract that Meat Loaf has with his current site providers but at present, I can think of several fan run websites who put this site to shame. They are supposed to be professionals but they seem incapable of producing a site that will keep visitors returning.