I sent this letter to the NPGMC. Wonder what response I'll get.


Dear Sir/Madam,

My membership name is xxx, I'm wondering if you could help me. I live in the UK, do you think you could tell me if my One Nite Alone Live set has been shipped yet, and what is the typical time it takes for delivery to the UK? Aound what date do you think I can expect it to arrive?

Also, it has been reported by club members that have just received the set in the post that included inside is a copy of the One Nite Alone piano album, despite them already having received this when it was first mailed out. Will all members, regardless of when they joined, receive two copies of One Nite Alone? If this is not the case surely this would creat an inequality among club members.

Furthermore, can we expect to receive any more music to our mailboxes or downloads in this membership year? It hasn't gone unnoticed among members that a 3CD set wouldn't normally cost the equivalent of three individual albums and that new music was promised at the year's start, and some albums even referred to by name in the tour books.

Lastly, is it true that this membership year has been shortened from a year to ten months? Is this not in violation of the original contract?

Thank you very much for your time,

xxx.

mmm, what can I say?
We can just hope that P has some sort of surprise left 4 us (maybe some downloads?)

This was their response:

At 09:29 AM 11/26/2002 +000, you wrote:
Dear Sir/Madam,

My membership name is xxx, I'm wondering if you could help me. I live in the UK, do you think you could tell me if my One Nite Alone Live set has been shipped yet, and what is the typical time it takes for delivery to the UK? Aound what date do you think I can expect it to arrive?


Shipping has already started. We don't have xact dates 4 the UK

Also, it has been reported by club members that have just received the set in the post that included inside is a copy of the One Nite Alone piano album, despite them already having received this when it was first mailed out. Will all members, regardless of when they joined, receive two copies of One Nite Alone? If this is not the case surely this would creat an inequality among club members.


All members will get a copy of the One Nite Alone piano CD.

Furthermore, can we expect to receive any more music to our mailboxes in this membership year? It hasn't gone unnoticed among members that a 3CD set wouldn't normally cost the equivalent of three individual albums and that new music was promised at the year's start, and some albums even referred to by name in the tour book.


Releases 2 the club r up 2 Prince. We feel confident u will get 4 CDs by the end of the year.


Lastly, is it true that this membership year has been shortened from a year to ten months? Is this not in violation of the original contract?


There is no "violation" of anything. When we started the 2002 club, we made it very clear that it was the 2002 edition of the NPG Music Club and that it would end at the end of 2002.

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

SuperiorTe said:

Sigh. Very clear answer. They really understand what's asked.

udo

udo said:

I know, isn't that brilliant? I've already sent a reply addressing that point and I'll let u know what happens.

I too asked if the CD box set was part of the "4 CD deal" and whether the membership ended at the end of this year or in February. The reply was:

"Hello

What is released 2 the club is Prince's decision. But we feel confident u will recieve 4 CDs by years end. And all 2002 memberships will end at the end of 2002".

What a reply.

Elodie said:

Indeed.

Whatever happens (all get a 2nd ONA (not live) CD or only some), it's not OK.
Even the number of CD's is debatable given the advertised vapourware (tourbook, site, etc).

It appears just to be on par with the handling of orders I experienced back in the CB days (remember?..).
(I ordered 11 CB CD-sets, got only 1 but an invoice for 11, of course, never got the remaining 10 and had to ask my creditcard company for the $$$; I ordered 5 The Truth CD-singles, got only 1 but fortunately got the other 4 after some stress and faxing)

Most things haven't changed, only now things happen on a broader scale?

udo

What's really sad about all this is the new members (who joined after the 1st send out date of May 7th)are receiving their 1st copy of ONA & don't even get the crappy paper case to put it in!Instead NPGMC just slips it in the ONA..Live box!!!Once again ripping paying customers off!I felt bad for myself(only received ONA(1/2 of which i got last year& now to receive ONA...Live & another copy of ONA!lol!)At least i got something to put ONA in to help protect it!(the 1st time that is!lol!)

Anyone consider that maybe this is how they're filling the 4 CD obligation? Giving some members two copies of ONA and others are getting extra copies of Rave In2...

Saxjedi said:

Yeah i thought about that too! Anyway you spell it -RIPOFF!

Miko said:

The ONA CD is in the original case it was sent in the first time.

Just my opinion. But realize that those who joined "early" had to wait a long time to get this set. Just think how "unfair" it seems that folks who paid 6-10 months ago, had to wait (after pre-paying), whereas those who just joined get the set right away?

So to me, it's a wash...so we get an extra ONA (ones who joined early). Think of it as a bonus for waiting so long. I don't mind. I don't think it's malicious. It's done to make sure everyone got at least 4 CDs, just like they stated.

For example, some didn't get to see Prince in concert - he never went near their country or town. So that says those people were treated unfair too?

The point I am trying to make is, it would be impossible for the NPGMC to make sure there is 100% equal benefits for all, besides the basic 4 CDs promised.

But where exactly is the benefit of getting a second copy of the same disc they already sent you?? It's not much of a bonus...

Saxjedi said:

It has to be to satisfy all the ones who didn't receive it. Again, I'm just guessing. It saves a lot on postage and processing time to just include the CD in all the members sets.

From the sound of it, the inclusion of 'another' copy
of ONA has nothing to do with ensuring everyone gets one.

Sounds to me like ONA is just part of the the whole
ONAlive package (just like 'The Truth' was to 'Crystal Ball')
This of course means that everyone who buys ONAlive
in a retail store next month will get ONA as well
for their $50 (or however much it ends up being).

BorisFishpaw said:

You may be correct, but I tell you the set had a place for everything except the ONA CD...the plastic "holder" inside fit the two CDs and the booklet. ONA was just laying inside the shrink-wrapped box...it looked separate.

LaVisHh said:

Sorry, I was under the impression ONA 'fitted' in the holder with the other CDs.
If it was just 'loose' inside the box, it DOES sound like it's a 'members extra'.

LaVisHh said:

It wouldn't be too hard to work it so that every member just got one copy though would it? I think they messed up and had to cover their asses.

It's ok, I don't expect two copies of it, it would just be really nice because I could give mine to a friend who recently started getting into Prince.

SuperiorTe said:

Maybe someone who has an extra one would give it to you, or trade? It seems like a lot of folks don't want it.

You know, I just want my freaking box set.

Do I want to undergo this nightmare next year? When I get this bitter taste out my mouth.

Anyway Lavish, thatnks for the pic and the info. Psst, does he rock my Anna Stesia or does he make you want to cry?

Hello

In order 2 make sure everyone gets a copy of the ONA piano CD, it will be included in the Box Set being sent out now.


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

I havent yet received my CD box set but I am sure I will b4 xmas, In my opionion and it is only my opinion if we keep moaning about the club they will get pissed off and close it and I am sure none of us want that do we.

At the end of the day I joined three months ago and havent received anything yet but what is 100$ when the guy has already put out sooo much music over the years.


Lets not keep hassling npgmc, and to be honest with you if your ordering more than one copy of anything it is only fair if those ppl who require just one copy should get those first.

I just hope my cd comes soon but if doesnt it doesnt and i will just have to wait.

Best regards

Slm4m