But there are also unprecedented amounts of volatility and danger. The traditional promoter/agent/venue triumvirate has morphed into a model where the lines are blurred, roles are forever shifting, margins are razor thin, and the pie is sliced and re-sliced into ever slimmer pieces. More and more artists are taking a DIY approach, but few understand what types of employees to hire for tours; how to create a tour budget, negotiate contracts, or capitalize on merchandising opportunities; and do many other things that go well beyond putting gas in the van and packing extra guitar strings. There are innumerable ways in which not knowing the basics of tour production and budgeting may well prevent an act from maximizing their revenue.