Hi

I would really appreciate it if every NPGMC member and potential member could take the time 2 just answer a couple of questions. My plan is this... we use this thread 2 be proactive and list what we feel was lacking this year, what could be improved, what could be taken away and what could be implemented. This is OUR club and it's up 2 us 2 let these people know what we want from it.

What would be helpful is if U could perhaps condense each point in2 a single sentence. (Feel free 2 elaborate on the point, after is has been condensed)

What I intend 2 do with this information, is 2 send an emale 2 the NPGMC with all of our suggestions and then hopefully something may be done 2 improve the service next year.



If we all pull 2gether on this then we can take the NPGMC 2 the next level.

So here is your chance 2 "Right the Wrong" and "take a stand radical man"



We March

The first thing that comes to mind is, when explaining what you get with your membership fee, do NOT include it in a paragraph that can be misinterpreted, or misunderstood...

This would be great. During the course of your membership you will get:

This
This
This
This

All other items mentioned are ideas that may or may not be realized.

Either overhaul Gage's shipping techniques, or find a new distributor to handle the shipping, sao that everyone recieves the packages within a week or so of each other.

Like many times before, I've emailed the NPGMC with this question:

Why can't we pick from Princes archives of unreleased songs in his vault? Prince could choose lets say a 100 songs for us to choose from. We could make our own personal "Crystal Ball" type cd. During the 3rd year of the club we could get lets say:

4 cds of our choice from the vault.
4 videos of concerts we've attended.

I think this idea would make Prince a ton of $$$, and keep us MORE than happy.

Just remember...I was dreamin' when I wrote this

PS This'll never happen. Prince would be giving in to the bootleggers. (That's what he would say)

- They should come up with a more reasonable pricing plan that, some kind of ala-carte system that allows fans to pick and choose what priviledges they want to pay for. A fan in Ecuador should not have to pay the same membership fee as someone in Florida, when there almost no chance Prince will even tour his area.

- They should simply sell the CDs through the site like any other retail company online. None of this "prepay several months in advance" stuff. If Prince records an album; manufacture it, add it to the retail section, and post some 30 second samples of the tracks for us to preview.

Requiring fans to prepay for albums they know noting about and may not even want might mean more sales for Prince, but its unfair to fans and leads to alot of complaints and frustration.

- The Celebration presale should not be figured into the cost of the club. A majority of people dont have the time and money to travel to Minnesota for a week. So we should not be required to pay for this perk in order to get some CDs.

- The music we recieve as part of the club should be exclusive and different from what hits retail. As much as fans on here seem to really dig the older unreleased stuff, it would be nice to make sure at least one CD each year be a compilation similar to The Vault.

- More responsible and mannerly people answering emails. Customers can get nasty, but its a hopeless situation when the company stoops to the same level.

- Content on the site that updates regularly and is worth coming back for. Even some kind of bulletin board, contests, etc.

- Presale ticket procedures should be worked out completely in advance before offering this perk to members. Its not right for us to pay for something that doesnt work.

I know this sounds crazy but, I don't think the NPG music club should be specific at all. That's what get's them in trouble. They should just say join and you will recieve what ever music Prince releases, be them downloads or CD's or both.
plus the usual concert perks cause those seemed to work out ok.
It would be nice if they included a message board or chat room ova there at the site and perhaps a news letter or atleast up date the site more frequently.
I'd like some downloads as well as CD's...not either or. I don't need a monthly ahdio show but a quarterly one would be cool.
Pictures! I think they're trying to give us some pics but...more pic would be great. More live stuff for sure! Live concert footage would be great.
hire a few more folx besides just poor Lori when shipments are to be made.
[This message was edited Thu Dec 12 12:09:27 PST 2002 by Shorty]

* I would have liked a letter with my CD arrivals. Just a simple piece of paper with a phrase on it such as "2 JimmyNothing, " would have been a cool gesture and something personal that we can keep and add 2 our collection.



* A "Classic Prince" section would be cool. My idea is a section where each month there would be a featured album/tour or phase in his career, featuring a few pics, some reviews from the time, some lyrics and maybe a 30 second snippet from the music that was created around that period.



* A reason 2 visit the site on a more frequent basis would be great. More commentaries, more interactive elements (chat room or bulletin boards?) Maybe a chat with NPG Band members every other month?




* A musicians section, with advice from the NPG and mentions of their inspirations.




* Package our CD's in a bubble wrap envelope 2 protect them.




* Keep the soundchecks and aftershow stuff... it's awesome!




* Be specific with what is on offer and please no misleading comments that will end up getting U in trouble!



* A new emale delivery system so that all members recieve emales at the same time, thus not missing out on the opportunity 2 get tickets and stuff due 2 a time restriction. (NPGMC actually emaled me and said that they are looking at changing this system 4 2003)



* A "lyric of the day" on the homepage. Simple, but would keep members going back daily

i agree with LaV... in a sentence... plz tell us precisely what we get for our £$...

gee, one sentence?

GIVE US WHAT U PROMISED


and none of u @$$kissers reply with "they didnt promise us anything" if thats what u believe, u have no clue of what went on this year.. (Check tourbook for scam:))

is that good enough?

U all have a wonderful and happy holiday:)

lets all eat cookies

More music in the retail section:-
Who would be prepared to pay $10 a time for CDR's of complete shows/aftershows? Imagine being able to go to the retail section and buying ONA Live, the European leg. It owuld be great to be able to re-live "The Ladder" and "Empty Room" from London.

Be specific with what we will be getting, no ideas or theories unless they are clearly marked as such.

At least one download per month, which would at least give us something regular to look forwards to. More vault music anyone?

Concert pre-sales periods to be offered for the full 3 days and then any tickets left over to go on general sale. Not the current system where members tickets could sell out and the venue still had 1000's left for non-members. If the venue sells out in the pre-sale period, then fair enough and tough on the non-members, but members should not be sat behind non-members EVER! Especially when Prince starts preaching to, "join the club and join us down the front".

good ideas.

someone already said this but i'd also like to see an expanded retail section offering a variety of stuff like: pay per downloads, new releases, outtakes, demos, vault material. offer a fresh sampling of original
'collectibles' (like paisley jams, aftershows and each live performance), wouldn't this undercut the bootleg trade?

maybe have a photo gallery with downloadable photo avatars (ok i know i'm dreaming) and art of different types

the keychains, jewelry and clothing could be expanded.

a message/chat board.

optional memberships at different prices - for those people who want the perks of soundchecks and preferred seating.

membership comes with a weekly or monthly email newsletter, offering a peek into the NPGMC's works in progress and a guaranteed number of 'select it yourself' download/CD purchase options.

make the website available to ALL internet users, even non-members of the NPGMC, but throw in perks for members only.

more emails and regular updates from the NPGMC concerning product development and releaser. even if it's only to say 'prince is working on a new idea, y'all. sit tight and let's see what blossoms"

ok. my 2c.

JimmyNothing said:

after sitting out this year I highly dubt that prince sees this the same way as you. It looks a whole lot more like Prince seeing this club as his and not from the members. I coudl be wrong of course, but this is the only thing that I can reasonably conclude based on how the club has functioned this year. In all honesty I don't see it as a club either. a real club would always let their members speak out and co-decide about matters involving the club's activities. It's just a company offering a service. But it likes to entice it's customers with false promises such as it being a "club" that is "exclusive" for members... you know... members "only".

LaVisHh said:

That was excatly how the club's package was offered at the beginning of the year. The offer made to year 1 members, sent to them by email by the club, and offered the whole year long on the join pages, literally said this:




-
[This message was edited Thu Dec 12 21:07:29 PST 2002 by Abrazo]

First of all, the Prince material does not have to be exclusive to members only. There are millions of fans not in the club - don't ever forget that. It would be foolish of Prince to alienate the majority of his audience. (I would guesstimate maybe 5% of his audience are in the club).
He needs to be able to take his product to the world-wide market, not just sell it to a handful of fanatics.
, I would be very happy to join if I were promised 4 cds at regular intervals, say March, June, September and December. Prince is supposed to have a lot of material in the can, and also, he surely records his Jams at Paisley Park, so he could send that material out to members on a regular basis. Basically, what everyone wants is more music made available. We are prepared to pay good money for good product

Rigray said:

Prince is on a completely different level than most of us. I'm sure he wants to share/sell us art that he considers important at present. Where as most fans would be extremely happy to receive "older" stuff from the vault (demos, deleted tracks, vids, rehearsals, live concert tunes, etc...) and I'm not sure that Prince would like to revisit that past and make available music that just isn't him today. Most likely there are a lot of reasons why he hasn't put out stuff that we consider "genious material" today and I'm not about to guess as to why he hasn't other than my theory that he wants you to hear his current efforts.

NPGMC Year 3?

Hell I would be willing to pay $300 for year 3 if it included clean copies of some of the past live stuff I've "heard".

To me there is a world of difference from ONA Live and some unedited concerts from the '85-'95 period. Shit I think that a Detroit edited birthday concert on DVD alone is worth $50! I would gladly give up $20 for a "Strange Relationship" at the Dutch Small Club on a clean CD with a couple of liner notes. The list could go on and on, but it's difficult to ask the npgmc to package the past when Prince himself wants you to see and hear where his artistery is at the moment.

Sadly, I'm thinking that it will a long time before we get access to the "Vault". As always those responsible for his estate wanting to pocket some easy change will release said music.

bz

Membership $100
Celebration $250

At least 2 CD's (and I mean 2 albums!!) sent to the members.

At least 1 DVD sent to the members.

At least 1 new track that can be downloaded each month.

And don't make promises you can't keep!!

Is that so much to ask?

I'd like to see the abolishment for membership fees, and the introduction of membership registration.

Then members can access the retail section, and buy what they want.

The registration list can be used to send out adverts and tour details, but this way, no one gets less than any other.

This way, more "casual" fans will be happy to register, for free, and the club can grow.

More members, more sales from the retail section! Simple.

Alanis Morrisette does this and it works well. No membership fee, but emails are sent out to registered members, so they can get tickets early, CDs early, exclusive downloads and contests. Best of all, no complainers!


PS. They need to tie up with a distribution company that know what they are doing. Some fan sites get their new CDs stocked at Amazon (one example!), then fans order from there.

You get confirmation, shipping emails and returns policy!
[This message was edited Fri Dec 13 10:47:10 PST 2002 by SquirrelMeat]

I think all club members should get something signifying membership...
like a laminate on a chord or a club shirt or something that says "I am a member", and it should be free.

Then the club/business can put its offer on the table in plain understandable language.
Then those who like the offer can join knowing full well what to expect.

Then I think that throughout the year little unpromised perks can be given...like the DOW was this year...but everybody should get one not just celly-goers.(I got mine!)

Also at least one DVD should be made available for free or for purchase...(I still hope there is one this year).

With this I would be MORE than satisfied.

SquirrelMeat said:

These are all great ideas! Especially the "no complainers" part, but I don't think that's possible... There will always be people with complaints.

A better distribution company is essential.

Hey hey, ho ho!
Gage.com has got to go!

Basically, all I want is for the NPGMC to provide us with downloads of recent shows from their site. I think it's a grave mistake for them to have removed them after the first year. BIG mistake Other than that, I want them to deliver what they say they're going to deliver, and keep more in contact with us.

Just 2 let U all know... I will be sending the proposed emale 2 npgmc 2moro (17th December) so now is Ur last chance 2 make a difference. Thank U 2 those who have already posted.



Speak now or 4ever hold Ur piece!

In addition to some of the great ideas that everyone has presented, I think it would be cool if every once in a while, Prince would make available a live practice/jam session via streaming video/audio just for the club members. You could pick the quality of the streaming media based on your bandwith.

Also, to keep members coming back to the site, how about if he put up a short video message to the members once a month?

ok... just 2 hours until I send this emale... last chance 2 post!!!

OK... the emale has been sent.

I'll let U all know when I hear something




Here is the emale that I sent them.


Hi!

This is JimmyNothing. I'm sending U this emale with some suggestions for the 2003 membership year. I made a post at www.prince.org asking members 4 suggestions of improvements and what they would like 2 retain as part of the 2003 membership.

There were many good ideas posted and we collectively would like U 2 check them out.

Here is the link...

http://www.prince.org/msg...&tid=30898





Thanks in advance and we look forward to a reply


peace

the...reply


Hello Keith

Thanks 4 the feedback. There r no plans 4 a 2003 NPGMC at this time.

At 10:47 PM 12/17/2002 +000, you wrote:
Hi!

This is JimmyNothing. I'm sending U this emale with some suggestions for the 2003 membership year. I made a post at www.prince.org asking members 4 suggestions of improvements and what they would like 2 retain as part of the 2003 membership.

There were many good ideas posted and we collectively would like U 2 check them out.

Here is the link...

http://www.prince.org/msg...&tid=30898





Thanks in advance and we look forward to a reply


peace




___
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Love4oneanother,
The NPG Music Club
www.NPGMusicClub.com
+ + + + + + + + + + + + +

January: One Vault Audio Download, One Video Download, One New computer Wallpaper, Contest - Refer a friend, get a NPG Mouse Pad

Febuary: One Vault Audio Download, One Video Download, One new computer Wallpaper, Digest - Update on "happenings at the park"

March: One NPG Ahdio, One new computer Wallpaper, NPG Chat

April: One Vault Audio Download, One Video Download, One New computer Wallpaper, Contest - Flash Animation set to Prince Tune of choice (winners announced in June)

May: One Vault Audio Download, One Video Download, One new computer Wallpaper, Digest - Update on "happenings at the park"

June: Top 5 Flash animation Downloads (winners get 2 free passes to the Celebration), One Video download of "Fams at the Celebration", Celebration Tickets, of course

July: One Audio Download (Contest Song part 2), One Video Download, One New computer Wallpaper, Contest - Contest Song Part 2

August: One Vault Audio Download, One Video Download, One new computer Wallpaper, Digest - Update on "happenings at the park"

September: One NPG Ahdio, One new computer Wallpaper, NPG Chat

October: One Vault Audio Download, Top three Contest Songs download (winners get free CD/DVD in November), One New computer Wallpaper, Contest - Refer a friend, get CD of choice (Peace, Underneath the Cream, U make my Sun Shine)

November: One new Vault CD, One 2 DVD Set of Celebration

December: One Vault Audio Download, One Video Download, One new computer Wallpaper, Digest - Update on "happenings at the park"/"what's in store for 2004"

Shows Prince did this year...

date event
2002/12/15 One Nite Alone - Las Vegas "Special closing show"
2002/12/13 One Nite not alone in Berlin, Fan Gathering
2002/11/29 One Nite Alone - Nagoya (Japan)
2002/11/28 One Nite Alone - Osaka (Japan)
2002/11/26 One Nite Alone - Fukuoka (Japan)
2002/11/22 One Nite Alone - Sendai (Japan)
2002/11/21 One Nite Alone - Sapporo (Japan)
2002/11/19 One Nite Alone - Tokyo (Japan)
2002/11/18 One Nite Alone - Tokyo (Japan)
2002/11/17 One Nite Alone - Hamamatsu (Japan)
2002/11/15 One Nite Alone - Tokyo (Japan)
2002/11/2 Afterparty 'One Night Alone' Special Concert
2002/11/2 One Nite Alone - Rotterdam (The Netherlands)
2002/10/31 One Nite Alone - Milan (Italy)
2002/10/30 One Nite Alone - Zurich (Switzerland)
2002/10/28 One Nite Alone - Paris (France)
2002/10/27 One Nite Alone - Oberhausen (Germany)
2002/10/25 One Nite Alone - Copenhagen (Denmark)
2002/10/24 One Nite Alone - Alborg (Denmark)
2002/10/22 One Nite Alone - Stockholm (Sweden)
2002/10/21 One Nite Alone - Oslo (Norway)
2002/10/19 One Nite Alone - Berlin (Germany)
2002/10/18 One Nite Alone - Antwerp (Belgium)
2002/10/16 One Nite Alone - Hamburg (Germany)
2002/10/15 One Nite Alone - Rotterdam (The Netherlands)
2002/10/13 One Nite Alone - Frankfurt (Germany)
2002/10/10 One Night Alone - Dublin (Ireland)
2002/10/8 One Nite Alone - Manchester (UK)
2002/10/7 One Nite Alone - Manchester (UK)
2002/10/5 One Nite Alone - London (UK)
2002/10/4 One Nite Alone - London (UK)
2002/10/3 One Nite Alone - London (UK)
2002/9/24 One Nite Alone...LIVE! release party - New York, NY (USA)
2002/6/18 One Nite Alone - Montreal, QB (CAN)
2002/6/16 One Nite Alone - Ottawa, ON (CAN)
2002/6/15 One Nite Alone - Toronto, ON (CAN)
2002/6/13 One Nite Alone - Hamilton, ON (CAN)
2002/6/6 One Nite Alone - Winnipeg (CAN)
2002/6/4 One Nite Alone - Saskatoon (CAN)
2002/6/3 One Nite Alone - Regina (CAN)
2002/6/2 One Nite Alone - Calgary (CAN)
2002/5/31 One Nite Alone - Edmonton (CAN)
2002/5/28 One Nite Alone - Vancouver (CAN)
2002/5/26 Prince's One Night Alone CD
2002/4/30 One Nite Alone - Portland, OR
2002/4/29 One Nite Alone - Seattle, WA
2002/4/26 One Nite Alone - Phoenix, AZ
2002/4/24 One Nite Alone - Oakland, CA
2002/4/20 One Nite Alone - Los Angeles, CA
2002/4/19 One Nite Alone - Los Angeles, CA
2002/4/16 One Nite Alone - Dallas, TX
2002/4/15 One Nite Alone - New Orleans, LA
2002/4/14 One Nite Alone - Houston, TX
2002/4/12 One Nite Alone - Kansas City, MO
2002/4/9 One Nite Alone - NYC, NY
2002/4/6 One Nite Alone - Lakeland, FL
2002/4/4 One Nite Alone - Atlanta, GA (USA)
2002/4/3 One Nite Alone - Atlanta, GA (USA)
2002/3/31 One Nite Alone - Washington, DC (USA)
2002/3/30 One Nite Alone - Washington, DC (USA)
2002/3/11 One Nite Alone - Indianapolis, IN (USA)
2002/3/10 One Nite Alone - Cleveland, OH (USA)
2002/3/9 One Nite Alone - Louisville, KY (USA)
2002/3/7 One Nite Alone - Buffalo, NY (USA)
2002/3/6 One Nite Alone - Detroit, MI (USA)
2002/3/5 One Nite Alone - Columbus, OH (USA)
2002/3/3 One Nite Alone - Chicago, Il (USA)
2002/3/2 One Nite Alone - Chicago, IL (USA)
2002/3/1 One Nite Alone - Saginaw, MI (USA)


_I did a search, so there may be more...like aftershows and it doesn't include the celebration_
[This message was edited Tue Dec 17 22:00:27 PST 2002 by LaVisHh]

eye trust Prince will do a good job with year 3 and eye dont really have any suggestions except that if he is going 2 announce a world tour, please include Australia this time so we can benefit just like every1 else did and will in the future.

Peace.