xplnyrslf said:

Can you indicate what about it is weird? Perhaps it is a lack of understanding of metaphor on your part. Regardless, it might be weird to you because you have to filter it through your limited perception. However, that profile is in reference to the gratitude that I have for Prince's music and the spirit it evokes. I do not eat, sleep and drink the man like some here do, but he is my man (term used colloquially).

When I initially signed up to Prince.org, I thought it was a place to celebrate a beautiful talent who has been annointed to share his gift with us, and who has done so over the years with much reverence for his blessing. However, I have since learned that the Org is a place where much of the time, many pathetic, bitter people come to complain, and crucify Prince because he does not fit into the myopic confines of their expectations. Or folks on here just attack each other, especially when dissenting opinions arise. Hence the reason why I stopped posting and rarely visit the site. I resigned to enjoy Prince's music in private. Now, I check in on the Org from time to time for news, that's about it. The overwhelming negativity on this board is suffocating and depressing.

Also, how does a profile indicate that I want 15 minutes of fame? Is my picture on my profile? I am running to television, newspapers or magazines to talk about Prince? No, I am on what I thought was a fan site. You're talking to someone who does not even have a MySpace, Facebook or Friendster page. Fame is not an aspiration of mine in any shape or form. I've spent nearly ten years working with famous people and most of them need serious psychological help.

Also, it says something about you that you took the time to view my profile - to quote you, "that's weird, I'm just sayin." Don't worry though, it won't be reciprocated.

Peace and blessings to you - you can see so much better in the light!

bellanoche said:[quote]

xplnyrslf said:

Can you indicate what about it is weird? Perhaps it is a lack of understanding of metaphor on your part. Regardless, it might be weird to you because you have to filter it through your limited perception. However, that profile is in reference to the gratitude that I have for Prince's music and the spirit it evokes. I do not eat, sleep and drink the man like some here do, but he is my man (term used colloquially).

When I initially signed up to Prince.org, I thought it was a place to celebrate a beautiful talent who has been annointed to share his gift with us, and who has done so over the years with much reverence for his blessing. However, I have since learned that the Org is a place where much of the time, many pathetic, bitter people come to complain, and crucify Prince because he does not fit into the myopic confines of their expectations. Or folks on here just attack each other, especially when dissenting opinions arise. Hence the reason why I stopped posting and rarely visit the site. I resigned to enjoy Prince's music in private. Now, I check in on the Org from time to time for news, that's about it. The overwhelming negativity on this board is suffocating and depressing.

Also, how does a profile indicate that I want 15 minutes of fame? Is my picture on my profile? I am running to television, newspapers or magazines to talk about Prince? No, I am on what I thought was a fan site. You're talking to someone who does not even have a MySpace, Facebook or Friendster page. Fame is not an aspiration of mine in any shape or form. I've spent nearly ten years working with famous people and most of them need serious psychological help.

Also, it says something about you that you took the time to view my profile - to quote you, "that's weird, I'm just sayin." Don't worry though, it won't be reciprocated.

Peace and blessings to you - you can see so much better in the light![/quote







I understand and perceive enough through the myopathy: some computer geek came up with the concept Prince.org before the awe-inspiring Prince.
Now go celebrate some place else.....
[Edited 12/4/07 3:43am]

I does kind of give creedence to what Prince says in F.U.N.K. As much as I appreciate Ben for starting prince.org, he's getting all this attention because of Prince. It is what Prince is doing on a negative tip, but it's still all about Prince.
At the end of the day, Prince comes out ahead. All these years, Prince is the one that has done the endless touring, the rehearsing for those tours, the work put into God knows how many songs, the toll all those brilliant live shows has put on his body, standing up to a major corporation and winning, and basically becoming one of the best live performers on the planet.
I'm not saying you have to agree with everything he does, but if Prince goes "Miles Davis" on his fans every once in a while, it pales in comparison to all the great experiences he has given us through the years.
Yeah, there are a lot of artists who say all the right things and suck up to their fans, but I wouldn't trade my rollercoaster Prince journey for anything.

shygirl said:

Correction! Ben's getting all of this attention because of Prince's foolishness. If Prince hadn't been issuing cease and desist letters all willy nilly like he did, Ben and the other site owners wouldn't have had to form PFU and they wouldn't be in the press. His song was just his sour grapes because they didn't just go away quietly like so many others. They chose to take a public stand and I for one them for their courage!

Is Ben really 36 , he looks about 20 in that pic , no fair

shygirl said:

I'm sorry but your statement is both unfair and uncalled for. You're implying that Ben is seeking something other than to operate a fansite to the best of his knowledge and ability. I'll say it again since everybody missed it the first time, THE IRONY IS THAT THE ONE INDIVIDUAL ACTUALLY GETTING 15 SECONDS OF FAME FROM THIS WHOLE DEBACLE IS BARNEY FIFE!

Secondly, I doubt anyone is questioning that Prince is a phenomenal entertainer, but who's to say his hard work is any more valuable than anyone else's? Being a good entertainer doesn't place one above other individuals in value or worth. Teacher, lawyers, doctors and people from all walks of life make valuable contributions in this world every day even if they don't happen to sing and dance well.

Once again, the issue here is protection of intellectual property vs. fair use. Legal disputes occur every day and there's no reason whatsoever for someone to demonize Ben or anyone else for having a dispute with Prince just as there's no reason to demonize Prince. If the present conflict can help clarify boundaries once and for all it ain't such a bad thing. Personally I'm going to hope for a fair and balanced solution for all concerned.

Finally, I'm not trying to beat up on anybody per se, I'm mostly thinking out loud about this culture of celebrity worship where people are somehow held to different standards according to how much wealth or fame they've acquired. Idolatry is something Prince himself speak out against. The bottom line is let's all of us try to treat people the way we'd like to be treated regardless of their position in the food chain including Ben.

bellanoche said:[quote]

xplnyrslf said:

Can you indicate what about it is weird? Perhaps it is a lack of understanding of metaphor on your part. Regardless, it might be weird to you because you have to filter it through your limited perception. However, that profile is in reference to the gratitude that I have for Prince's music and the spirit it evokes. I do not eat, sleep and drink the man like some here do, but he is my man (term used colloquially).

When I initially signed up to Prince.org, I thought it was a place to celebrate a beautiful talent who has been annointed to share his gift with us, and who has done so over the years with much reverence for his blessing. However, I have since learned that the Org is a place where much of the time, many pathetic, bitter people come to complain, and crucify Prince because he does not fit into the myopic confines of their expectations. Or folks on here just attack each other, especially when dissenting opinions arise. Hence the reason why I stopped posting and rarely visit the site. I resigned to enjoy Prince's music in private. Now, I check in on the Org from time to time for news, that's about it. The overwhelming negativity on this board is suffocating and depressing.

Also, how does a profile indicate that I want 15 minutes of fame? Is my picture on my profile? I am running to television, newspapers or magazines to talk about Prince? No, I am on what I thought was a fan site. You're talking to someone who does not even have a MySpace, Facebook or Friendster page. Fame is not an aspiration of mine in any shape or form. I've spent nearly ten years working with famous people and most of them need serious psychological help.

Also, it says something about you that you took the time to view my profile - to quote you, "that's weird, I'm just sayin." Don't worry though, it won't be reciprocated.

Peace and blessings to you - you can see so much better in the light![/quote]






I never stated you want "15 minutes of fame". Based on your self posted credentials, you simply have unusual concepts (I'm being kind) Therefore, it's taken with a grain of salt, when you state, anyone here needs fame, of any kind.
WHY doesn't 3121 provide the Prince news, you visit here so rarely for?
Since you initially signed on, was it not possible to face reality? Yeah. Such as the following perspectives:
Honest, positive, negative, speculative, observant, adoring, obsessive, pessimists, optimists, etc....
This site is pretty clear, regarding members ability,, to express themselves and have spirited debate.

Hello! Checking one's profile, who doesn't post often, take two secs....don't flatter yourself.



[Edited 12/6/07 13:51pm]

moonshine said:

You think that's bad, you should see Matt!

why is prince so important?
why is discussing prince so important?
i don't think i've ever replied or posted anything here, but reading these recent topics has shed new light for me on things- prince being only one of them.
prince is a musician- he entertains, he creates, and he destroys. that's all.
i think it's kind of funny to see the reaction all of this has garnered. the outcry in response to prince in essence "flexing his muscle"... i assume he has a right to do so.
would there be a need for prince.org without prince? would prince be prince without prince.org (or other sites of the same variety)?
i don't know what prince is doing tomorrow... but i know i've got to go to work.

Never been to GD, or P&R? Nothing to do with Prince, just a community.
Unless Prince cops an arm, leg, $$$$$, the title Prince.org belongs to a private individual.
Boy, that must be painful.....
3121....now that rings a bell.

New York Times recognition! Almost validates all of the time I waste here.

Awesome!

xplnyrslf said:

I LOVE PRINCE AS MUCH AS ANYBODY AND THERE IS NO DISPUTE THE MAN IS FULL OF TALENT, BUT I JUST CANT BELIEVE HE WOULD TREAT PEOPLE LIKE HE IS HIS OWN FANS!!!! IT HURTS TO THE BONE TO THINK SOMEONE WHO YOU HAVE ADMIRED FOR SO LONG (LIKE 26-27 YEARS), WOULD TURN AROUND AND ACT THIS WAY. IT IS A REAL KICK IN THE TEETH! I KNOW HE HAS HAD ISSUES WITH HIS MUSIC LIKE WITH WARNER BROTHERS, AND WHAT THEY DID WAS WRONG, BUT I THINK THAT IS WHAT STARTED HIM TO BE SO DEFENSIVE AND IN SOME CASES OFFENSIVE, THAT HE IS HURTING THE ONES WHO LOVE HIM THE MOST, IT IS SAD AND CAN'T BE GOOD EVEN ON THE BUSINESS END OF MUSIC. I HOPE HE WAKES UP AND AT LEAST TREATS HIS FAITHFUL FRIENDS WITH A LITTLE MORE LOVE.
PRINCE, IF YOU EVER CARE ENOUGH TO READ THIS, PLEASE PUT A LITTLE LOVE IN YOUR HEART!!!! DONT HARDEN YOUR HEART TOWARDS US WHO HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL AND TRUE TO YOU AND YOUR MUSIC!!!! IT DOES HURT AND SOMETIMES I WONDER IF HE IS DOING THIS ON PURPOSE FOR SOME STRANGE REASON ???? WHO KNOWS??? MAYBE HE DOESNT WANT TO BE IDOLIZED???? MAYBE HE WANTS OUT OF THE BUSINESS???? I DONT KNOW BUT MAYBE HE IS GOING ABOUT IT THE WRONG WAY BECAUSE HE GIVES THE IMPRESSION THAT HE DOESN'T CARE AND FROM LISTENING TO HIS MUSIC FOR SO MANY YEARS, IF YOU CAN KNOW A PERSON AT ALL THROUGH THEIR ART, I NEVER THOUGHT HE COULD BE SO COLD HEARTED WHEN HE MAKES ALL THE MUSIC ABOUT LOVE ?????
[Edited 12/7/07 13:10pm]

rmknepp said:

http://www.nytweekender.com/

There's the week. The week end. And the weekender.


[Edited 12/7/07 18:40pm]

That is a very good article!

I have also not been hanging around here too much lately because of all the negativity. It has gotten so ridiculous and out of hand. I came back to read what people had to say about all of this going on, and I get all this?? When I first joined here, this would have been an intelligent conversation about the impacts that a move like this by someone with such adoring fans as Prince would have on the way fans particpate in the careers of their idols, or whatever they may be. We all know that Prince has been completley pioneering in this respect in many ways. Instead, this conversation has turned into a thread of "you're an idiot" and defensive posts that are doing nothing but getting people all worked up. What happened to the intelligent conversation? Even educated speculation? I am sure that while many great things have come from the org, Ben never intended it to be a place for people to come and gripe about Prince or each other and sling personal attacks...

The NY Times article was confusing -- it blended two themes (and not very well). The first theme: official fan sites don't always deliver what they promise (or fans think the site will promise); the second theme: that UN-official fan sites should have the freedom to praise or skewer their heroes without the threat of legal action (i.e. freedom of speech).

I don't think any rational person would argue with either theme.

What gets lost in the hype is, as "babynoz" points out, intellectual property vs. fair use. From what I've read, there are a lot of posts that decry Prince's push to get his music, images, etc. removed from unauthorized websites or hosting sites. There are a lot complaints. Yes, it sucks to think we might have to pay for things that we've been getting for free. But the anger we feel is coming from the perspective of a consumer -- not a creator.

Prince is a creator and wants to get compensated for his creations.

Is he pushing too hard? Hell yes. Suing that woman who posted a video on You Tube of her baby with "Let's Go Crazy" playing in the background is overkill. But is he making his point? Yes.

I agree with babynoz. Let's hope the dispute gets resolved fairly (keeping in mind that "fair" doesn't simply mean that the fans get what we want.)

Put yourself in the role of the creator -- not the fan for a moment. If you did something at work (created a product or provided a service) and your boss or customer said, "You spent a lot of time with this and put a lot of creative energy in it. But I got the same thing online for free. So you're not going to get paid for the time and effort you spent." How would you feel?

Again, the question needs to be posed and resolved: where are the boundaries on intellectual/creative property vs. fair use? That's what this is about.

Unfortunately, the NY Times chose to write about Hannah Montana fans who didn't get concert tickets. Sad, but not nearly as compelling as the legal battle that's shaping up.

I'm glad they didn't dig up any info about Ben's puppy-pumping activities.
That really would have hurt the cause.

alhiyh said:

Actually, most were happy to see Ben in the NYT and making positive comments about the article. It wasn't until reply #26, by another member who "hasn't logged in, to post on the site" in awhile, that the negativity started.
I don't know what Ben's intentions were when he started the org, but as far as educated and intelligent conversation, this is a web site, not graduate school.

Wow,some time has passed.Good to see Ben again and in the New York Times, how cool is that

I feel bad about all of this though.I haven't been around for awhile due to different goings on's in my life but,I'm so glad to be back.

In a way I feel like I have taken the Org. for granted even though I had no control over the situations I found myself in I just felt like the Org would always be here.It's sad It hurts even like watching two people you LOVE fight.

I'm sorry for the struggle it puts Ben thru.Him fighting for us to stay together in this family we all created here together and our rights to freedom and all but,I stand neutral,in freedom, Prince has his right to do what he chooses too and I respect that.

People see what we do but,God see's why we do it.I give him the benefit of the doubt and hope there's good cause for it.How might we feel if there was talk about us on a web site.(after all he's still just a person)I don't know.....

Negative people mess it up for everyone too bad we couldn't just ban the haters because I don't know what they are doing here anyways.And,I'm just talking about the nasty ones not realistic difference of taste ect...

I love you all though and Ben say hello to Val for me.
How's the little one ??

Good 2 see Ben again and in the New York times too How cool is that ? 2 bad it has to b under these circumstances that part is sad,it's like watching two family members u love fight
Say Hello 2 Val and by the way how is the little one ??

Ooops! sorry I didn't see that it actully posted the first time.Like I said It's been awhile for me here LOL I don't even know what happened to my avatar hee hee
[Edited 1/18/08 8:25am]

Saffireseven said:

You're not really neutral then, are you?

lspear76 said:

YEP! I remember that back in '82-'87 after that I was out of the Prince phase.I just joined to relive a few memories.

BTW YAYAY BEN!
[Edited 1/27/08 19:21pm]