Prince has had such a complex, extensive, and far-reaching career and impact in the music world that his fans are extremely sophisticated and loyal -- regardless of our feelings of HIM, we LOVE his music and his musical development over the past thirty years. The real brilliance of Prince is that he's somehow included fans in his musical output -- beginning w/ his amazing concerts that make the crowd seem part of the show, and then with his personal and revealing songs that make us believe we see into his world.

Because of his inclusion, we should love his music much like a real patriot loves their country -- always hoping for the best, dissapointed and vocal when that standard is not met.

I am SICK of all these Prince fans who get in a tizzy everytime someone says something negative about a new album, about Prince's percieved direction, or his musical output generally.

Why does being a "fan" mean blindly loving every single thing he does. We should not be a G. W. Bush "with us or against" us fan community, but one who can say what we believe to be wrong about Prince without others saying "well if you don't like it, just stop being a fan and get out." That is just foolish.

Some so-called Prince "haters" are really some of the greatest fans he will have, and unlike national origin, these prince fans CHOSE to still be prince fans despite their distaste with his current direction -- that is a true fan -- because every one of us, no matter what album we think is golden or lame, all have hope he'll put out OUR PERSONAL favorite album. That's the beauty of being a Prince Fan!!