Looks like if the artist is signing them when the singles have been released though, that's still ok? So Ed and Lewis can still do it if they clear their schedule from Friday of release week and get them shipped in time.

 

And in-store signings still count etc...

I think both of those changes (for the singles chart) are good moves. Should clear up the inconsistency around what gets reset and what doesn't (there might be a grey area around whether a few songs fall within "a Christmas genre", but for most it's clear cut).

 

I'm pleased they've decided to stop counting signed singles - if anything they could have gone further and stopped counting cassette singles too - as much they might make a fun spectacle for chart races, these are units of fanbase merchandise rather than consumption of the music itself, and unlike albums the low prices don't justify the investment being rewarded further.

Oh that is a shame - I do like any opportunity to get a signed item! I do wonder how much the signature makes people want to buy it. Especially the likes of Ed and Lewis, where they've now done it so many times the novelty must've worn off?

On the flipside, if it means they'll have to make them free P&P to make them more appealing that'll be good..

Split this topic out so it can get its own discussion away from FCP!

OCC rule tweaks usually come into effect at the start of July I think (and they're generally not actually publicly announced) so I assume they've been in place for a little while already without being noticed. (Although actually Tina Turner's passing was back in May so maybe it was even earlier than that)

 

in May, Calvin/Ellie had signed singles that counted... not sure if those were the last signed singles to count?

 

now we finally know why Calvin/Sam CD singles for Desire were not signed, I remember some we were wondering,

basically they couldn't if they wanted it to count for the charts

 

 

in May, Calvin/Ellie had signed singles that counted... not sure if those were the last signed singles to count?

David Kushner released signed Daylight singles the week it went to ACR (for some reason), which was end of June. Same week as Leigh-Anne and her signed singles too.

then they probably introduced the new rules in July

in May, Calvin/Ellie had signed singles that counted... not sure if those were the last signed singles to count?

 

now we finally know why Calvin/Sam CD singles for Desire were not signed, I remember some we were wondering,

basically they couldn't if they wanted it to count for the charts

 

Loreen had signed singles out on June 16 so maybe she was the last

 

Edit - oh, maybe not then ^^

Edited August 23, 20231 yr by AcerBen

The reset rule is pretty much what I suggested when Running Up That Hill got a reset (including the not charting for three years part).

 

If signed copies don't count, that will give Ed Sheeran lots more time to compose new songs :rofl:

guess the rule change is a reaction to Pointless?

Edited August 23, 20231 yr by Bjork

But as I’ve read it, signed singles do still count, just not those signed before the song itself is released.

 

So artists can still push signed singles weeks after the digital single comes out, as Lewis did with Pointless? It would only impact the likes of Ed and Leigh-Anne who did them in advance to maximise their debut.

 

Or am I understanding this wrong - and signed singles only count if they’re done in person once the CD has been released or something??

Out of all the rules they could choose to change, they choose to work against the only thing that makes the singles chart vaguely exciting

But as I’ve read it, signed singles do still count, just not those signed before the song itself is released.

 

So artists can still push signed singles weeks after the digital single comes out, as Lewis did with Pointless? It would only impact the likes of Ed and Leigh-Anne who did them in advance to maximise their debut.

 

Or am I understanding this wrong - and signed singles only count if they’re done in person once the CD has been released or something??

The way I'm reading it is that anything signed before it is sold (not before release) isn't eligible, therefore the only way to get it signed is to do it in person once you've already received your copy.

Wow, that sucks and will kill off the physical single which was enjoying a resurgence - or at least greatly reduce their impact! And there will be fewer chart battles on close weeks, making the chart even more predictable. I guess there may be more in-store live signings now though.

Edited August 23, 20231 yr by gooddelta

I suppose Dua and Billie are showing there's still a market for unsigned physicals, but it's at the low price point of 99p with free shipping...!

It might just mean CD singles being 99p with free postage becomes the standard. I've never really understood the value of signed CDs other than ones signed in person.

I've obviously missed the origin of the whole cassette/casserole joke, was that an autocorrect gone wrong or something?

 

It's a bit like that person's insistance on referring to Ed Sheeran as Cheesey Fad! They seem to think it's hilarious but is just boring.

It might just mean CD singles being 99p with free postage becomes the standard. I've never really understood the value of signed CDs other than ones signed in person.

 

Must admit I’m surprised the crackdown wasn’t on those instead. They’re basically being given away and making a loss for the record label. Especially the cassettes.

 

Doesn’t stop me buying them though :lol: if they want to basically give me a great song for nothing then lucky me.

 

I suppose the benefit for the artist is hopefully getting the data from the customer so the label can push more lucrative tours and other merchandise down the line, as well as the inflated chart position of course.

Edited August 23, 20231 yr by gooddelta

I see there's also a new pdf with rules for albums from Aug 2023

and there is no mention of signed stuff

seems it's only for singles then

 

https://www.officialcharts.com/sites/defaul...gust%202023.pdf

 

Seems a little hypocritical that signed CD singles won’t count but albums still will. What’s the difference?

Edited August 23, 20231 yr by No Sleeep