I have noticed. with great discomfort, the use of the word "stupid"
on this site as descriptive adjective for Prince as well as for anybody
else who we might feel like labeling.

If the org (or a representative thereof) visited you at your home,
what might we see?

Would there be several diplomas on the wall?
Would there be many awards...(meaningful ones)?
Would there be really nice accomodations for the visitors?
I know quite a few of you are still in college...
but the rest of us, what qualifies us to critique others so harshly?
A lot of you are talented musicians.(very talented)
Are there gold records on your walls?
Or do just "stupid" people like Prince have those?

I am not trying to put anyone down, but a little reflection on oneself
is good sometimes.

I know a man's intellect is not measured by his wealth, but it is not
measuered by his lack of wealth either.

SensualMelody said:

guitars...ducks...and a princess

MrBliss said:

And I must say U R one who does not demean others (except for althom)

i dunno. this thread seems a bit odd, like we have to be qualified to have an opinion about prince??? i believe that a LOT of us on prince.org are talented, as he's the kind of artist who attracts creative folk.


i don't usually stoop to your challenges, SM, but if you really want to read one of my (9 published) books orgnote me and i'll tell you what to look for on amazon.com. education? yeah, 18 years, including post college graduate work abroad. talent? i'll send you an a file of my own original music, composed, performed, mixed by me. drawing? got my own line of 'tiny books' going on, pictures and all. you don't want to hear about the dolls i design and sell, do you? or the clothes i make?

orgnote me if you're really interested and not just looking for a chance to 'invalidate' other people as unworthy to criticize prince

the 'well i never said i could actually COUNT edit'
[This message was edited Sat May 24 7:08:45 PDT 2003 by XxAxX]

People would see that I'm really worth crap.

SensualMel

SensualMelody said:

I have a laugh, have argued here, people who I thought were nasty, or self centred, and I have met in person have beenthe nicest people around. This is a website, alot of people are here everyday, so we see their good sides, thgeir bad sides, their grumpiness,their love, ALL. We are real people. Nobody here is "stupid", we are all beautiful people and part of a wonderful community that we share called Prince.Org. We do admire Prince, and I think deep down we all admire each other here too, no matter what opinions we may have of them in posts etc.



and to all!

SensualMelody said:

just curious, but has prince even had a gold record since emancipation?

when it comes to prince, most people don't have a problem with the material between 1989-1996 other than the inclusion of trying to fit in with hiphop... and those people should be welcome to their opinion, after all, prince has proven time and time again, when he stops rapping successfully by himself (sexy mf, face down) and allows others in on his game (tony m, scrappy d, robin power) it just sounds awful...

then we have the decisions of band members since 1996/1997. dropping michael bland and having kirky j replace him as his drummer... i challenge one person to listen to any live performance of prince's cover of gcs's "the jam" with kirky j as his drummer and say that was a wise decision.

lastly, the inclusion of larry & tina graham into the world of paisley park has also proven a disaster. for those that don't see this yet, will see the influence in time.

similar to the changes in michael jackson's career when he stopped working with quincy jones - how the material changed, we have seen how the material has changed since larry came on the scene...

does that mean we no longer love prince's abilities? no.
does that mean we no longer support him financially? no.

it simply means that as fans, and as adults, we have the right to question some of the decisions our favorite artist has made over the years. the claims to want to "free the music" during his dispute with warners in 1995... yet that music he was trying to free since he became free from warners is still in the vault...

you can be sure that all of the so called haters (called this for their well deserved criticism of their favorite artist) would be first in line to purchase the music he once claimed to want to put out, rather than just keeping it in the vault to brag about in interviews.

i've never understood why some fans have such a hard time comprehending how we can be so hard on prince, yet continue to be such huge fans/supporters of his work... call it tough love... high expectations... it's simply how the real world works.

XxAxX said:

Stoop to my challenges? See, that's what I am talking about...
elevating oneself so that he has to condescend just to make a reply to me.
Where am I ...somewhere beneath your feet?

ANYWAY
It's not about criticism...it's about calling people "stupid" and using
expletives to describe people that I would never repeat.

ADDITIONALLY, I know my thoughts are somewhat different from many.
I just don't believe in judging...categorizing a person based on his freedom of expression.

YOU SAID:'invalidate' other people as unworthy to criticize prince

...err That should be either "invalidate other people as worthy"
or "validate people as unworthy".
Those double negatives have a way of miscontruing the meaning...
but then does that make you stupid?
Of course not.
There is not a perfect person on earth anywhere.

I will not be orgnoting you...but thanks for the offering me the priviledge.
You can put your block back up.

minneapolisgenius said:

I am sure you are worth your weight in gold ...probably more.

CherrieMoonKisses said:

CMK!!! putting that best foot forward!

and for those that don't read and need proof...


that's 520 prince cds (not counting the japanese associated artists on the 2nd shelf)... for those of you that have an antique computer or a p.o.s. browser, click here

REDFEATHERS said:

Thanks for those nice replies...I have not read a bunch of negativity from you.
I might have missed them in those "oh so hot threads"???

You are so right everyone has his own opinion...including Prince.
I would just like to see more respect for EVERYBODY!
...but especially for one who has given us so much of himself.

for U.

a couple of things about the photo...

i apologize for the glare... all of the cds are wrapped in resealable plastic sleeves...

of the 520 prince cds, there are zero cdrs. of the 520 prince cds, i have burned zero for others.

there are 8 levels on this stacked solid oak shelf (which is enclosed by smoked glass so the sun won't damage the cds)

• level 1. japanese cds (versions of singles, albums are all japanese. includes rare promotion only releases not visible due to my poor camera work/glare.)
  
• level 2. among the rare items on level 2, you may notice the japanese versions of associated artists (visible are app6, family, madhouse 8/16 and mazarati. on the far right you can see all of the japanese 3" cds behind the japanese promotion only cd single for tmbgitw. slightly to the left of that, you can see the japanese only promo cd single for "the rest of my life."
  
• level 3. versions of albums from all countries in order of release...
  
• level 4. cd singles from all countries in order of release...
  
• level 5. level 4 cont'd, the beginning of the promotional releases (albums/cd singles/acetates)
  
• level 6-8. level 5 cont'd, the beginning of my bootleg collection that i've paid far too much for (which extends through to level 8.)
  

the last time i bought a bootleg? 1996. why? because i was under the impression that prince would begin releasing some of this stuff himself based on comments he made throughout his dispute while still under contract with wbr.

i'd much rather give him my hard earned money, than continue to buy boots, and then rebuy them whenever he eventually releases them himself to have the best quality available.

anyways, i hope this once and for all clears up a few things.

Well this all well and good, but there is something to be said for calling it as you see it, which for the most part you have to do on a message board.

It is possible to come across as highly articulate and intelligent, so the opposite must be true too.

Um...

I have a High School diploma (not on the wall), a CPR certificate (ditto), and level completions for my company allowing me to be an adjuster in my unit. The only credentials I have are within my company.

I suck, but hey, I'm only 21!

SensualMelody said:

Ahhh, Sensual... I do connect with your questionings. You know, (shaking my head) I have come to terms that I have power over my life's directions, I give of myself to anyone that respectfully needs my attention. Truthfully there is not much I wouldn't do for someone in need, with all decency. I remember reading a post, you mentioning that you believed me to be "too sweet" (laugh) , well... I am. Although, trust when I say... I do hold my ground, when I believe in something with a valid reason that reflects my innerself (we all are unique), I do speak my feelings. When I do... people can be quite intimidated by my presence, I literally leave others speechless. I am highly respected with all I do, I have many people in my life... I am blessed, although the people closest to me... know my limits, as well as my intentions.

I can get quite , not like I use to. Today, I must have a reason to use my energy toward anger... there is not much that truly angers me anymore and innerpeace truly exists within my life. I refrain myself from being critical of others, for I know/believe that we all have different ways of living, different feelings, different ways of handling life. We all have our own way of viewing "our" world, loving, forgiving, communicating... it all takes a personal effort that only one can make. I realized that no matter my days... I can make profound differences within my world, here... where I am. I can attempt to "share" of myself freely of life occurrences, which, some may hear/feel what I am saying... or others will have no interest/care, and that is quite o.k.. I always say... if one hear/feels what "I" choose to give, then right there, a difference has been made. "Our" world, myself and anothers... has be transformed and what a beautiful moment it truly is.

I know the power and strength I contain, I know how to influence others in a spiritual/positive way... I can easily choose to be opposite as well. The power of awareness is truly key, becoming aware of you being and what you put forth in "life" and most importantly our world. Big picture, I know..., but I truly live it.

Did I make sense... , My days have been somewhat trying... but I continue to see the beauty in each moment that is given. I continue to appreciate "life" and all that it brings within my life.

Beautiful Day Sensual, and I know you see... that it is truly your duty to live life as honest and pure as you choose to live and that we will continue to see the "ills" of the world. The constant attempt's to spread "truth within ourselves" and positivity will continue to live. I know I will and I am.

I know "some" may read this... and "think"... Freespirit has no clue, and that is quite alright, although before anyone makes their judgment (without fully knowing), know that I do "know" and I am aware of more than a lot of you may realize.

And I will forever continue to wish each and everyone a beautiful day, I will.

Love,
Julie

SensualMelody said:

[This message was edited Sat May 24 9:53:26 PDT 2003 by Freespirit]
[This message was edited Sat May 24 9:56:05 PDT 2003 by Freespirit]

I have nothing on paper or plaques. Everything's etched in my soul. I am no better than anyone else. I only act superior when playing around. Otherwise i feel all the same as i try to treat them that way.

SensualMelody said:

BFA in Photography.

In highschool I won pretty much every art award I could get my hands on, and also voted most artistic.

In college I won numerous awards at the student shows, including two first place drawing awards.

I should have my Masters by now but I fell off track and behind schedule thanks to drugs and my own bad choices.

I just landed a very nice web development position.

My work has been traveling around NE Ohio for the past year as part of a group show of toy/vintage camera photography

I'm a little behind schedule as far as becoming a famous and influential artist, lol, but I love to create nonetheless.

That's my background.

I like this thread!

I am not at all "musical", so I almost never criticize or act as if I'm qualified to criticize, music on that level. I either "love" it, "like" it, "don't like it" or "can't stand it". Sure, I could get a little more in-depth in my evaluations, and I believe I know talent when I hear/see it, but for the most part I know I'm a musically talent-less gal!

As for the rest, though, many times I have been drawn into the (usually negative) interplays between others in life and even here. I am a natural advocate, in a way--the oldest of 4 kids, the only girl, so used to defending and taking care of those I love. I tend to stick up for others who appear less strong or capable, which often gets me stuck in the middle and in trouble, although my intentions are honorable about 99% of the time. (AzureStar and I have been joking lately that I wear Underoos Superhero Underwear ) Some might say I am "judging" others when I call them out on their lying, or in their being deliberately abusive or manipulative to others. But I can't stand to see it go unremarked! I do try to base this upon things people actually say or do, their behaviors, as opposed to my own snootiness, lol. Some things are just plain wicked and cause pain.

However, I need to let go sometimes and allow people to take care of themselves. Much of the time, people are much more capable of defending themselves than I give them credit for... And sometimes, only the pain of being hurt causes people to make the necessary changes in their lives to avoid being victims forever.

Of course, there's what I do for a living (Maternity Social Work). If I didn't advocate for my clients, and know how to do it well, I would be letting them down big-time. I help them with housing, food, clothing, baby supplies, legal troubles, immigration, eduation, relationship problems, depression, anxiety, etc. However, they must help me, I can't do it all, nor should I, otherwise they'd never learn or grow.

Ok, I'm babbling here, obviously. I notice that many of us, when responding here, kinda automatically started defending ourselves and talking about all of the ways in which we are so perfect and good, lol. The thread actually asks us to take a personal inventory of our own faults before judging others. I'm gonna do that today--it's my birthday, so a very good day to do such a thing, actually!

one diploma - Sound Engineer.
several CDs that mention me in the credits
40% of the childrens' programs on TV have my name at least once in their credits. usually twice, sometimes even more. (Recording Engineer, Actor, Director and Mixing Engineer).

Marrk said:

True...but my main point is that being insulting is do different from being critical.
I believe most wise people would welcome criticism if it serves the purpose of
making them better.
I will never believe that calling someone insulting names serves that lofty purpose.

suomynona said:

All I can see is a picture with ImageStation logo that says: "Sorry, you are trying to access an image from outside of imagestation.com"

suomynona said:

I give you huge props on your collection (makes mine look sad) but people must think you are nuts when they come over Seriously you paid for about 10 percent of Paisley Park I think

INSATIABLE said:

I am no expert on "org threads"...but again I have not noticed you to be an insulting person.
Congratulations on your merits.
By the way, I do not judge people by what they have...nor by their
educational accomplishments.
The kind of judgemental insulting language I have seen here
lately would come out of one's heart...not his head.

I think I'm getting arouused by someones CD collection.

CAMILLE4U said:

There must be a Candy Dulfer CD in there

I have numerous degrees and all that, but I think that a lifetime of being a fan gives me the right to criticize Prince whenever I feel that it is deserved. I've paid a lot of money and spent a lot of time being a fan so I have earned the right to criticize.

People who read my posts will see that I sometimes defend Prince and I am sometimes very critical of him it just depends upon the situation.