Have you just joined the Chris Cornell Street Team? Here are some answers to questions you might have. If your question or concern isn't answered here or you have an idea you want to share with the rest of the team, contact your regional leader and/or get in touch via streetteam@chriscornell.com

What is the point of a street team?

A street team is a collection of volunteers from the fanbase who want to help promote Chris, his music and his live shows. To thank them for their work, they are offered a range of rewards at various times during the year - these can range from promotional freebies to a chance to meet Chris or get special access at live shows. It doesn't cost anything to join and all you have to do is send your full name, location and any other relevant info about yourself to streetteam@chriscornell.com

Who runs the street team?

The team is run by a team of regional leaders across the globe. Each has a deputy to help them out. The street team is an official organisation and works in collaboration with Chris and his management team.

How do we communicate?

When you joined, you will have been allocated to your local regional team and invited to a local online group. This is your main point of contact, and your leader will explain to you how to report all your activity for verification so that you can claim your rewards. You can also use the street team section at chriscornell.com to discuss topics with other street team members across the globe.

What kind of promotion can we get involved in?

There are two main ways you can get involved in promoting Chris - online and offline. You can choose to do either or both of these depending on where you live and what your circumstances are. Some of you might also have special skills or contacts that you can use to help with promotions. For example, you may have a job which involves a lot of travel so that you can promote out of your home region. You may write for a student paper or have a popular online blog where you can review CC's music or display banners. You may work in a shop or bar which can play CC's music, distribute flyers or display posters, run a club night where his music can be played, or you may have design skills which you can use to make things like T-shirts.

Online promotions - some ideas:

• Use currently available web banners and widgets prominently on your online spaces such as Myspace, Facebook, Live Journal, Yahoo Groups, Friendster, Xanga or on your own website if you have one.
• Use web banners or links in your signature line on forums or e-mails
• Have the latest single or your own favourite CC song in your profile music player
• Use the bulletin or blog feature on social networking sites to post CC-related news, songs, or videos
• Use your favourite lyric in your signature line and have it link back to chriscornell.com
• Use internet blogging to talk about why you love Chris's music and what his music means to you, review shows that you've been to, announce new tour dates or other info, or discuss new music.
• Start topics on message boards where people may be interested in learning what Chris is up to, or comment on other threads, stories or blogs where opinions are asked for or information requested. It's a good way to share your positive insights about the music as a fan, or explain things of which others might not be aware. But remember - don't annoy other forum users by spamming, getting into fights or being rude!
• Send your own show or music reviews to online music journals, e-zines, and music sites· Contribute reviews or photos to chriscornell.com or chriscornell.org.uk
• Vote for Chris in polls, opinion surveys, favourites lists, etc as they are announced.

Offline promotions - some ideas:

• Distribute printed flyers anywhere where you feel they will attract the attention of people who may enjoy Chris's music. Some suitable places might include: colleges, high schools, coffee shops, music stores, book stores, internet cafes, libraries, restaurants, bars, clubs, tattoo parlours, shopping malls, arcades, street fairs, film festivals, movie screenings, theatre lobbies, or anywhere there is a noticeboard for community use. However - please note that it is very important to get permission before putting up posters or leaving flyers in a public place.
• Wear your favourite Chris Cornell T-shirt out and about, or make your own. Talk it up with friends, family, co-workers, anybody who is interested!
• Call your local record store and ask about new singles or albums so staff are aware of impending releases.
• Visit local stores (maybe you know someone who works there?) and check to see if the new CD is displayed well. You could politely suggest display ideas to the store owner/employee if it isn't!
• Call local radio stations and request the latest single or other new music.
• Write a review of the latest single, album or show for your local or college newspaper's music section
• Buy Chris Cornell CDs (don't make illegal copies!!) as gifts for friends or family who you think might enjoy them.

What if I have other ideas of my own?

Go for it! We love really creative teaming and the more original your idea is, the more points you stand to earn - as long as it falls within the general do's and don't below. If in doubt, ask your regional leader for advice. You can even share successful new ideas with the rest of the team worldwide!

Do's and Don'ts

DO get permission before posting or leaving flyers in a public place. Without permission, a store owner will just throw away your promo materials and that's just a waste. Bring your own sticky tape or stapler with you and don't obscure other up-to-date notices or flyers. Try to open up communication channels with store employees so that they are more informed about and sympathetic to your teaming efforts. This creates a good relationship and reflects positively on the team.

DON'T damage property or do anything illegal. In most parts of the world it is illegal to attach stuff to things like lampposts, commercial hoardings, bus stops and other public properties. That's flyposting and it's a big no-no. Don't waste your time or your printer ink on street teaming activities that aren't going to do any good and could possibly end up getting you - and the street team - into serious trouble!

DO remember to get evidence of your teaming activities and report it so that you can receive points, which count towards rewards. You regional leader can advise you about the best ways to do this locally, and which are acceptable for his or her verification purposes. You can keep e-mails, take screenshots, note down URLs or take photos of special activities. We know some activity is unverifiable but we do need verification in most cases - consult your leader if in doubt!

DON'T spam message boards and forums devoted to general music topics or other artists. Although fans of other music might appreciate some information about what Chris is up to, be sensitive and don't blitz them with unwanted advertising. For example, if there is already one thread about Chris on a message board, add to it. Don't start another one unless it is about something totally different. You will not get points for extraneous posts or for spamming. DO go for quality rather than quantity in your teaming. We're looking for effective street teaming, not ineffective teaming in bulk. How well you can follow this rule will determine the perks you will receive in the long run.

DON'T force your opinions on other people. Our aim is to promote Chris, not ram him down people's throats. The objective of the street team is to make more people aware of who Chris is, what he's done in the past, and most importantly, what he is doing now and in the future. Not everyone will share your tastes and if you come on too strong people are less likely to listen with an open mind.

DON'T be rude! How you present yourself both on the street and online reflects back on the team and ultimately, Chris. It's better to communicate in a positive way. Don't be tempted to get into flame wars, fights or slanging matches. If someone is needlessly rude or hostile, ignore them.

DO have fun! Ultimately the goal of a street teamer is create an awareness of their favourite artist, but it's also about having fun doing it. Of course the perks are nice, but working for them shouldn't be a chore for you. If you're not enjoying doing this, you're doing something wrong!!

With best wishes and good luck from Angela, Chris, Chrissy, Dannii, Ed, Gabe, James, Janet, Jeff, Jen, Jill, Joyce, Julie, Laura, Laurie, Liz, Mel, Mo, Nanci, Nina, Patti, Shantasa, Soraya, Tara, Tina & Tosh - your street team leaders and deputies.

© Clare O'Brien 2008