I've started this thread related to Tame's "Pretend" thread because I didn't want to step on or overshadow her original message. I will address the bigger issue of the absolute hate and mean-spirited tenor of those that have posted there to libel and defame Prince’s life and denigrate Tame's hopes and dreams.

I've watched that thread as I'm sure you have for the last couple days. It amazes me the level of insensitivity and even hate some posters exhibit from day to day -- doesn’t matter the topic it’s always the same-hate, jealousy, stupidity, jealousy, hate, blah, blah, blah. When I read their posts I think "why would anyone spend so much time and energy disliking someone or something they hardly know?"

I've laughed at some of Imago's posts on this site; he writes well and has a unique wit. However, his continuous and most recent rampage about Prince being gay is irresponsible, tired and overtly unethical.

What Imago is doing is commonly referred to as "outing". Outing is the practice of forcing people to admit they are gay by publicly exposing them. First let me say that I do not believe Prince is gay by any means. But if he is or was that's not really anyone's business, except his.

Outing has resulted in the deaths of numerous gay people whether self-inflicted or at the hands of prejudiced vigilantes.

A short story: A week ago last Wednesday a gay man ended his life while in our offices partially because of the hostility and pain he felt at the hands of "vigilantes". This man was highly educated and respected professionally. I cannot express to you the absolute horror and sadness I feel; he was brilliant and kind, he helped many, many people and now he’s gone.

I am not gay but I am a woman of color and I’ve seen on more than one occasion the destruction intolerance breeds; lynch parties and thos that host them are horrid and boorish.

With the defeat of several propositions related to gay rights in the last election, it would seem that Imago, would recognize the last thing the gay community needs is to alienate the majority electorate heterosexuals by exhibiting the stereotypical "bitchy-gay male rhetoric" --because, that’s exactly what he’s doing--a great disservice to his community. Grow up.

Second, to address the general hate for Prince and those that love him. I admire Tame’s honesty and I know many of us here do. If her dream is to be with, marry, meet or work with Prince, so be it. What’s so wrong with that? Just because your dreams have never come true means nothing to any of us. This world is full of people who followed their dreams to success. Perhaps if you step away from the daily hate and steer your energy in the direction of your hopes, you might find success as well.

Some .Org posters exclusively post in other forums and they purposefully come to this forum only to bitch and moan and disrupt and say hateful things; to them I say, really get a life. You are the true stalkers of this site. You must be so unhappy and beat-down that you cannot remember the inner child of yourself and just live. I feel sorry for you, I truly do. (But its not too late for you.)

Prince has accomplished a life that most people only can dream. He is truly amazing. Why would anyone hate that? If there are former colleagues of his who feel they’ve gotten the short-straw, that’s unfortunate, but in business and life you have winners and losers and many in between; Furthermore, whatever you think you know about Prince and his alliances, you probably only know 1/16th of what really transpired. You have no evidence to support your statements.

You’ve raised issues about his former wives, girlfriends, business associates, products, productions, etc. and you find fault with all of it; could it be that you have a bad life and you just want to take it out on the world? I have no doubt that your personal life is as f*-ed up as the life you portray on these boards. Your posts are merely a reflection of you and your experiences.

Most of us come here to get away from our lives you’re bringing your crap here for all of us to see--that isn’t cool--you’re bringing us down.

I can understand Prince wanting to eliminate this site. I came here to learn about Prince to discover the music I overlooked before. This site has been helpful in that regard; but I have to say that it has also provided a forum for some real filthy sh*t. Its too bad, really, because I would imagine that it is an opportunity that has been missed. Believe me, if I was tech-savvy, I'd take my chances and start a competing site--notihng personal...

I don’t condone censorship, but I do believe in setting a tone; and if the tone is set appropriately, there is no question as to how visitors should behave.

.Org site owner: I appreciate what you’ve done (providing a place for Prince fams to visit) and if you want to clamp down on some of the Trolls, I’m certain you have the support of the majority of folks who visit your site--just a thought.

Other .Orgers: How do you feel about the general disregard and disrespect shown for Prince? How would you feel about changing the "tone" of the site? Please provide your feedback.


Love One and Other

[Edited 11/15/08 15:19pm]

Yeah i see what u mean about the "Gay" thing, My Gay friends always say "Prince is definitley gay" and im like "well.....so r u!...does it mean hes any less talented? so whats ur fucking point?" i just dont get it they say it as if it makes him less cool or something and THERE FUCKING GAY! i really am begining 2 have less and less faith in humanity I for 1 dont care what he does in the bedroom im more conserned about what he does in a studio

I really have the feeling that some people disrespect others and, as you said, need to get a life.

I am very upset about Imago creating thread to make fun of people, invite his clique to show how Prince fams are pitiful. Well Tame did a great "job" just by being herself and got even more respect from me and I hope, others.

I am very happy that you had the energy and the "guts" to post such a thread.

I didn't, but the best I can do is respond and admit I am very mad at some people here. Especially non fams just here to create conflict and make fun of us.

I don't think the .Org should enshrine Prince as a God or anything.

Obviously everyone here at one time loved Prince and his music. His ideology was embraced by us and intertwined with our lives in such a way that we are passionate about discussing a wide range of details related to him -- not just him as a person so much -- but him as an artistic representation of some our values, ideals, and beliefs.


I think it's dangerous to consider a artist beyond reproach and criticism.

This is the rude boy who championed snubbing your nose at social restraints, convention, and protocol -- so of course his fans/kindreds are not going to be straight-laced, follow-the-rules, goody two shoes yes-people (well, bizarrely some are).

I do think we should be able to clash into each other with more respect.
I have no problem with idea wars -- but some people don't know how to argue & debate maturely. That's the only thing that bothers me.

If Prince doesn't like something, he should register here and dialogue with us. (as some alleged he did in the past under a pseudonym).

The progress of Prince's music and his rejection of some of his past ideology has understandably led to some bitterness among admirers. That's reality. Can't sugar coat that and silence it just to create a Mary Poppins world.

I think an artist should relish critique maybe even more than praise.

What happened to the Org? Sure, years ago it was more vibrant, but then so was Prince's music. So perhaps we are a casualty & extension of that decline.

Yes I agree we ALL need to learn to accept each other. No matter how we may see things differently. Some people tend to take this org. more seriously than others. That is the beauty of it and the agony of it at times.... Certain people on here at times can be a bit delusional and it's a bit scary for others and I feel should be addressed in one way or another...We are not therapists just friends pointing out that if anyone we cared about came to us and said that "her dream is to be with, marry, meet or work with Prince, so be it. What’s so wrong with that?" That someone would be a bit concerned for the person. Just as if someone I cared about was gay I would be concerned for their well being health or otherwise..... Imago just loves to get people all jazzed... he got cha!! Give him the attention you think he deserves...ignore him or accept him as you would like everyone to accept Tame..... otherwise you are being selective and a hypocrite.
So let's move on and try next time for a more positive thread if that is what you wish for.....Be an example... try not to get caught up in the drama.....This is a wonderful place... If you can handle Prince... You can handle this. Ya never know.... maybe Imago is Prince messing with you or testing you.... how's that for a concept.....Peace to all on here.... We all have something in common and that's why we are all here.....Prince.....That should be good enough....

FIRST LET ME SAY:

Prince's sexuality and the fact that he is a supreme douche-bag has NOTHING to do with his talent. Prince is in a class all his own, and he has no true peers. He's a once in a life time phenomenon.


SECONDLY:

Prince. is. gay.!!! We voted on this ages ago! Mods, update the Q&A section of this site so we can finally put this shit to bed

I really admire you for writing this post.

I don't really know what to say.

I at times have felt the same way and got really annoyed on the org.

I suppose not everyone on here takes it so seriously and people have different opinions on Prince and his music.

I'm sure I've offended people - at the time you feel justified - but often maybe years later you realise you were wrong.

I've changed my opinions of Prince over the years. Everyone on this site will have a different perspective.

I'm sure most people make remarks without realising how damaging they are.

I'm not sure if this makes sense!?

Everyone that posts on this site is a true Prince fan.

We all come here to get away from work or something to discuss or read about the music and talent we like.

Where else can you discuss something about Prince other than at a site like Prince.org.
Discussions and opinions can sometimes differ, that’s the fun of it, the different personalities that Prince attracts is fascinating. I think it’s incredible, From the Tame's to the Bart VanWhatshisname, whimsical folks like Imago to serious compilationists like Borisfishpaw, the spectrum is all over the place, and I like it like this!

As much as i dig ReginaCarmen I would hate it if everyone was like "Prince is a loving and caring human being" and everybody would respond with the

Maybe there is a place for a PrinceShrine.org, but I’m glad this is not it.
This place is fine the way it is.
grow up

You have got to be shitting me!


It is a website people, lighten up and laugh once in a while, preferably at yourselves.....why swim against the tide

mdiver said:

Girl, shut up.

Imago said:

Mmm hmm

Imago said:

Seriously girlfriend this shit has gone way over the top.

mdiver said:

GD orgers should just spend a week in GD doing nothing but posting here.

It would seriously improve the quality of this forum ...And I loved this forum anyway

TL;DR

but i got the tone.

prince ain't god, little fambots. also, this is the internets, if you find yourself taking it seriously enough that you're posting things like this you should probably go play outside for a bit.

mdiver said:

Ya'll must just love to watch the spiralling insanity.

Shit starts getting wacko during every famine.

The more i read in here the more i can hear the

Sweet Jesus.

shanti0608 said:

i can think of something else that'll have you saying things like that

evenstar3 said:

evenstar3 said:

Hugfuck someone else bitch.....

ohhh and Prince is NOT gay. I do not remember getting to vote on it.

mdiver said:

learn to share!

come here val

evenstar3 said:

The org seems pretty souless compared to years ago

Pochacco said:

do you need to be snuggled too?

Twinkly1 said:

I think that upgrading to Firefox with its built in spellchecker helped a lot with his writing.

2the9s said:

2the9s said:

god save us all.

Twinkly1 said:

U know what i realy think it is?
Some people have no life ..
but try to make one, or make them selfs known on the org

Oh Sweet Jesus this is getting better by the second