I must say when you research and study up on something before doing it...lot of times you are even then STILL not ready for something. Kickstarter has been a eye opener into many aspects that most artist don't have to deal with or even think about. Marketing was the biggest culture shock of them all. I have accounts on most major media sites but never made deep roots into them or signed up for the purpose of making a massive fanbase or cult like following(not since myspace).
I think every artist should study or even take classes on how to market themselves,though i expect college art grads/student get some type of training on that already.