^^Provocative to say the least and not likely to be productive I might add. Nevertheles, it's a free country.

Drama and provocative comments aside, the thing is that this tactic shouldn't have come as a surprise to anybody. I get that people feel the need to vent frustration when they percieve an injustice but at the end of the day I would have hoped that somebody somewhere would have developed an effective strategy to deal with a situation that was entirely predictable...keyword here is "effective".

I understand righteous indignation but what you really need is a plan of action.

Here's what you don't get. The band has NO issues with Prince.

Evidently HE's the one with issues! He has asked his lawyers to continue threatening them............worse yet, issuing threats on false pretenses. It's ridiculous. What possible harm does fDeluxe offer Prince?? Why should he or his lawyers be such instigators? You tell me. I certainly don't know.

fDeluxe simply wants the freedom to issue their music and tour without interference, like any other artist. Like Prince, for example. They don't wanna talk about this....whine about it, dis anyone. They just want to be left alone to make their music!

If you know anything about Prince, you know he is not the type to sit down and casually talk things out on a level playing field. Even those who work closely to him are under instructions not to interupt his privacy unless it's about something he expects. I know because I was once one of those people. He has the right to be whomever he wants to be and lead his life in whatever way makes him happy. BUT he does NOT have the right to infringe on other's abilities to earn a living doing what they do. NONE of us want this to go any further or get tangled up in emotionally draining, not to mention costly legal procedures. fDeluxe so wants this to go away that were willing to change their name even though it turns out they were never legally required to do so - hoping that would calm him down. Now I've gotten my personal frustration off my chest so trust me, we've all got better things to do than trudge through this any further. I just hope Mr. Nelson and his lawyers see it the same way.

babynoz said:

^^Provocative to say the least and not likely to be productive I might add. Nevertheles, it's a free country.

Drama and provocative comments aside, the thing is that this tactic shouldn't have come as a surprise to anybody. I get that people feel the need to vent frustration when they percieve an injustice but at the end of the day I would have hoped that somebody somewhere would have developed an effective strategy to deal with a situation that was entirely predictable...keyword here is "effective".

I understand righteous indignation but what you really need is a plan of action.

Agree, no disrespect to Alan or Fdeluxe band members, just think resulting in FB'ing someone in frustration or venting publically on an unofficlal fan site about an action of a former employer, is not the best way to deal with the situation. It just makes matters worse and causes a wider divide. TMaybe they should regroup and handle this like mature adults, not like high school kids FB'ing one another's character, with snarky comments to discredit each other, by taking their issues publically on a message board or website for all to see, instead of resolving the issue face-to-face or by some other form of acceptable intervention.

I understand that the legal way could be costly, but I'm sure there are alternatives to obtaining affordable legal representation. That women who took Prince and Universal Music, two mega corporate entities to court, was obviously not rich and she won. At some point his proteges will have to stand up for their rights or you guys will be frustrated forever andn as you can see venting on fb spills over on other websites, which will result in all kinds of negativity.

I'm curious. Does anyone know which record company this album is being released on? Is it WB?

Does all this have anything to do with the whole masters/WB issue?

ALANL said:

Here's what you don't get. The band has NO issues with Prince.

Evidently HE's the one with issues! He has asked his lawyers to continue threatening them............worse yet, issuing threats on false pretenses. It's ridiculous. What possible harm does fDeluxe offer Prince?? Why should he or his lawyers be such instigators? You tell me. I certainly don't know.

fDeluxe simply wants the freedom to issue their music and tour without interference, like any other artist. Like Prince, for example. They don't wanna talk about this....whine about it, dis anyone. They just want to be left alone to make their music!

If you know anything about Prince, you know he is not the type to sit down and casually talk things out on a level playing field. Even those who work closely to him are under instructions not to interupt his privacy unless it's about something he expects. I know because I was once one of those people. He has the right to be whomever he wants to be and lead his life in whatever way makes him happy. BUT he does NOT have the right to infringe on other's abilities to earn a living doing what they do. NONE of us want this to go any further or get tangled up in emotionally draining, not to mention costly legal procedures. fDeluxe so wants this to go away that were willing to change their name even though it turns out they were never legally required to do so - hoping that would calm him down. Now I've gotten my personal frustration off my chest so trust me, we've all got better things to do than trudge through this any further. I just hope Mr. Nelson and his lawyers see it the same way.

Well, maybe one day this will be resolved. But don't you think you making all these comments on here that has nothing to do with Fdeluxe's album, just makes things worse for FDeluxe? I know you said you really don't have any other way of communicating with him, but I just think, you as a respected, former band member of his, posting your frustrations about him, on an unofficial fan site, will not make things easier for Fdeluxe or your own relationship with your former employer.

I do think however, some of these frustrations that you're posting here, sound more like something you've been personally holding in for a while, and has nothing to do with Fdeluxe. Again, maybe you can find a way to resolve this issue either with him directly or through one of his reps, instead of FB'ing your frustrations on social networks/unofficial fan sites. Again, good luck with that.

[Edited 5/21/11 19:41pm]

ALANL said:

Here's what you don't get. The band has NO issues with Prince.

Evidently HE's the one with issues! He has asked his lawyers to continue threatening them............worse yet, issuing threats on false pretenses. It's ridiculous. What possible harm does fDeluxe offer Prince?? Why should he or his lawyers be such instigators? You tell me. I certainly don't know.

fDeluxe simply wants the freedom to issue their music and tour without interference, like any other artist. Like Prince, for example. They don't wanna talk about this....whine about it, dis anyone. They just want to be left alone to make their music!

If you know anything about Prince, you know he is not the type to sit down and casually talk things out on a level playing field. Even those who work closely to him are under instructions not to interupt his privacy unless it's about something he expects. I know because I was once one of those people. He has the right to be whomever he wants to be and lead his life in whatever way makes him happy. BUT he does NOT have the right to infringe on other's abilities to earn a living doing what they do. NONE of us want this to go any further or get tangled up in emotionally draining, not to mention costly legal procedures. fDeluxe so wants this to go away that were willing to change their name even though it turns out they were never legally required to do so - hoping that would calm him down. Now I've gotten my personal frustration off my chest so trust me, we've all got better things to do than trudge through this any further. I just hope Mr. Nelson and his lawyers see it the same way.

Oh, I get it...trust me. The thing that you may not be getting is that you're still dealing with what "should" be, while I'm dealing with what "is". It is understandable since you are way more emotionally invested in this than those of us offering our observations.

Please listen to me for just a moment. I am not a lawyer and cannot give you the legal advice that you need but having worked in the court system for 25 years I can see where this is going from what you and the fdeluxe rep have described and I'm trying to offer you some practical suggestions. In most jurisdictions attorneys are required by the Bar Association to do a certain amount of pro-bono work. Find out if you have that rule in your jurisdiction and you can also contact various law schools in your area. Even a paralegal might be able to offer some guidance.

My point here has less to do with P because I already anticipate his M.O. and would have thought you guys could too. What's important now is how to proceed beyond facebook and the org which will gain you nothing. That's all I'm saying.

2elijah said:

ALANL said:

Here's what you don't get. The band has NO issues with Prince.

Evidently HE's the one with issues! He has asked his lawyers to continue threatening them............worse yet, issuing threats on false pretenses. It's ridiculous. What possible harm does fDeluxe offer Prince?? Why should he or his lawyers be such instigators? You tell me. I certainly don't know.

fDeluxe simply wants the freedom to issue their music and tour without interference, like any other artist. Like Prince, for example. They don't wanna talk about this....whine about it, dis anyone. They just want to be left alone to make their music!

If you know anything about Prince, you know he is not the type to sit down and casually talk things out on a level playing field. Even those who work closely to him are under instructions not to interupt his privacy unless it's about something he expects. I know because I was once one of those people. He has the right to be whomever he wants to be and lead his life in whatever way makes him happy. BUT he does NOT have the right to infringe on other's abilities to earn a living doing what they do. NONE of us want this to go any further or get tangled up in emotionally draining, not to mention costly legal procedures. fDeluxe so wants this to go away that were willing to change their name even though it turns out they were never legally required to do so - hoping that would calm him down. Now I've gotten my personal frustration off my chest so trust me, we've all got better things to do than trudge through this any further. I just hope Mr. Nelson and his lawyers see it the same way.

Well, maybe one day this will be resolved. But don't you think you making all these comments on here that has nothing to do with Fdeluxe's album, just makes things worse for FDeluxe? I know you said you really don't have any other way of communicating with him, but I just think, you as a respected, former band member of his, posting your frustrations about him, on an unofficial fan site, will not make things easier for Fdeluxe or your own relationship with your former employer.

I do think however, some of these frustrations that you're posting here, sound more like something you've been personally holding in for a while, and has nothing to do with Fdeluxe. Again, maybe you can find a way to resolve this issue either with him directly or through one of his reps, instead of FB'ing your frustrations on social networks/unofficial fan sites. Again, good luck with that.

[Edited 5/21/11 19:41pm]

I can see how you'd think that. This kind of "venting" is a bit unconventional, lol. But what I know privately is how frustrating, even hurting, some of this recent drama is to certain people. And because it's so needless and ill-conceived, it simply turns my stomach. Rightly or wrongly, it's not in my character to stand by and shut up about it.

On a professional front, rest assured whatever steps are necessary will be taken. It just galls me when I know something of a truth and people form opinions based on assumptions. So to some agree you may be right. That little bit is not about fDeluxe. They are, and will be fine. It's about my emotional need to set the record straight. I have absolutely no financial interest in any of this but I'm a fairness freak and some shit lately just wasn't fair. C'est la vie.

this all some horseshit really.

if there was a lawyer anywhere that thught fdeluxe/the time/protege abcdefgh whatever.... had a winnable case they'd do it for free, for a piece of the settlement lololol. please.

if prince owns what he owns then he has a right to do... or not do... whatever he wants with it.

there's certainly enough proteges and assciated ex-employees that could get together and mount a real challenge if there is in fact an issue that they have been exploited or abused in some systemic illegal way.

prince can afford an army of social media experts that will get screenshots and compile every immature peice of bs that somebody posts that will just make all tis stuff look like what it is: sourgrapes from ex-whatevers.

ALANL said:

2elijah said:

Well, maybe one day this will be resolved. But don't you think you making all these comments on here that has nothing to do with Fdeluxe's album, just makes things worse for FDeluxe? I know you said you really don't have any other way of communicating with him, but I just think, you as a respected, former band member of his, posting your frustrations about him, on an unofficial fan site, will not make things easier for Fdeluxe or your own relationship with your former employer.

I do think however, some of these frustrations that you're posting here, sound more like something you've been personally holding in for a while, and has nothing to do with Fdeluxe. Again, maybe you can find a way to resolve this issue either with him directly or through one of his reps, instead of FB'ing your frustrations on social networks/unofficial fan sites. Again, good luck with that.

[Edited 5/21/11 19:41pm]

I can see how you'd think that. This kind of "venting" is a bit unconventional, lol. But what I know privately is how frustrating, even hurting, some of this recent drama is to certain people. And because it's so needless and ill-conceived, it simply turns my stomach. Rightly or wrongly, it's not in my character to stand by and shut up about it.

On a professional front, rest assured whatever steps are necessary will be taken. It just galls me when I know something of a truth and people form opinions based on assumptions. So to some agree you may be right. That little bit is not about fDeluxe. They are, and will be fine. It's about my emotional need to set the record straight. I have absolutely no financial interest in any of this but I'm a fairness freak and some shit lately just wasn't fair. C'est la vie.

Well, see, that's what some of us have been saying about FB'ing one's frustrations, when a person posts a message out of frustration and anger over another's actions, many assumptions will be formed by others, and you will find yourself defending that message and doing more explaining than you have to. Seems like you let out much of those frustrations, and seem much calmer in that last post of yours. It's best to deal with matters with a clear mind, and not let your frustrations cloud your concerns. Hopefully, by some miracle, something can be worked out, between all of you including your former employer, in a mature and amicable manner, and any frustrations or disagreements that are present now, will be something of the past down the road, and everyone can move on.

[Edited 5/21/11 20:35pm]

2elijah said:

ALANL said:

I can see how you'd think that. This kind of "venting" is a bit unconventional, lol. But what I know privately is how frustrating, even hurting, some of this recent drama is to certain people. And because it's so needless and ill-conceived, it simply turns my stomach. Rightly or wrongly, it's not in my character to stand by and shut up about it.

On a professional front, rest assured whatever steps are necessary will be taken. It just galls me when I know something of a truth and people form opinions based on assumptions. So to some agree you may be right. That little bit is not about fDeluxe. They are, and will be fine. It's about my emotional need to set the record straight. I have absolutely no financial interest in any of this but I'm a fairness freak and some shit lately just wasn't fair. C'est la vie.

Well, see, that's what some of us have been saying about FB'ing one's frustrations, when a person posts a message out of frustration and anger over another's actions, many assumptions will be formed by others, and you will find yourself defending that message and doing more explaining than you have to. Seems like you let out much of those frustrations out, and seem much calmer in that last post of yours. It's best to deal with matters with a clear mind, and not let your frustrations cloud your concerns. Hopefully, by some miracle, something can be worked out, between all of you including your former employer, in a mature and amicable manner, and any frustrations or disagreements that are present now, will be something of the past down the road, and everyone can move on.

That's all I'm trying to say sis. Despite the many ill considered comments that have been made, a few people have actually offered some practical suggestions. However, since it appears that productive suggestions aren't making any impact, I'm gonna leave it alone.

wonder505 said:

I understand that the legal way could be costly, but I'm sure there are alternatives to obtaining affordable legal representation. That women who took Prince and Universal Music, two mega corporate entities to court, was obviously not rich and she won. At some point his proteges will have to stand up for their rights or you guys will be frustrated forever andn as you can see venting on fb spills over on other websites, which will result in all kinds of negativity.

That is what I have been saying. There are some other alternatives to obtain cheaper legal representation they are out there. You are right about that lady who went to court and won. They are going to have to stand up to Prince sooner or later otherwise they will be frustrated forever. Its their history too. Good or bad.

Responses like that are exactly why most of the artists in question shy away from making any comments because someone can always simply decide it's nothing but sour grapes no matter how much merit one may have.

That's why I run my mouth...because I have nothing to lose. I could care less if someone accuses me of sour grapes. I have no grapes to be sour, lol. Just an opinion like anyone else. However, every once in a while - unlike a few folks hereabouts - my opinion is actually based on first hand fact.

None of this ongoing commentary was ever designed to solicit legal advice. Believe it or not, all of the artists in question are perfectly capable of handling their professional affairs and quietly do so - without sharing it on Facebook or a fan site.

And no one questions what Prince owns and how he manages his business. I have no idea of the status between Prince and the ownership of The Time. As for The Family, anyone choosing to do so can go on the U.S. Trademark web site and clearly see that the Trademark application filed by Prince and Paisley Park was "suspended" because the trademark was already awarded someone else. In plain language, he does not own the name. Neither do fDeluxe. So all I'm saying is why fight over something nobody involved has any claims to? Why should anyone have to spend the time to find a lawyer, even pro bono, to fight something that is a total folly. It's a disgusting waste of time and energy for everyone involved.

It's all so very boring. Sooo that's why, when Prince's attorneys continue harassing the band and their manager, I get upset. There is NO fight. Nothing to settle. It's all been settled.

So no one is trying to settle anything here on a fan site, that's all in the managers and attorneys hands.

I'm just venting......call that what you must. And it seems to me this was simply what fan sites are for....exchanging ideas and opinions. If you must believe it's sour grapes, be my guest. Those who know me, and those who are familiar with my history with Prince and my feelings about him know differently. So be it. I can live with whatever. I'll sleep well tonight, lol

Major kudos to Alan for coming on here and setting the record straight on this!! He's really only representing his OWN thoughts and feelings on what Prince has been doing, mainly out of frustration as he sits on the sidelines. For those that ask why can't the band or even Alan, for that matter, have a sit down with Prince and rationally work shit out, do you not realize how hard it is to get Prince to do something like that? He's not interested in working anything out, anyway, in my OPINION. He just wants to be the king and ruler of anything halfway related to him, and that's that.

I mean, these guys changed their name LONG ago, and Prince STILL has a problem with something?? What's crawled up his ass to be such an obstacle for musicians that just want to make music and share it with the fans??! Any beef he may have had with St. Paul for abandoning The Family project should've easily worn off in these past 25 years.

And for someone who mentioned or asked if it was possible to hire an affordable lawyer for fight Prince...do you know how long the process would still take, therefore delaying the release of their music even that much longer? And that's not even taking into account the mounting fees that even an "affordable" lawyer (somewhat of an oxymoron in itself) would require. They certainly don't hve an unlimited budget behind them or resources to compete in such an environment.

Prince, for someone who's such a lover of the art of music, get your head outta yo' ass and just let people do what they do best. No one's taking ANYTHING out of your pockets, so just cease and desist. Idiot.

Genesia said:

Zannaloaf said:

The funny part is that it's not the BAND who is calling Prince out - it is the fans.

So... way to punish the fans and not support a potentially great record (from what I've heard so far) .

Just curious - Has any of Prince's antics or his fans stopped you from buying HIS records?

What "antics," exactly? As far as I know, Prince isn't out there badmouthing former associates. Prince doesn't allude to people having done him wrong - without coming out and saying exactly what his beef is. Unlike other people.

Why would they even mention that a letter was written - except to trade on Prince's name? None of us know what the letter said. None of us will ever know what the letter said. And Prince will certainly never talk about it. So even mentioning it is chickenshit.

As far as I'm concerned, trying to call the album "The Family," when they'd already been told they couldn't call their group The Family was simply an attempt to poke Prince in the eye. If they really have moved on, and their only aim is to make music, then why not do their own thing - all the way? The idea that calling the group or the album The Family is essential to their success is moronic. Nobody knows who they are, anyway - outside of their Prince-related fanbase. And all of us know by now that a new album's coming and would have sought it out under name they chose. They ought to sink or swim on their own merits.

Great post, Genesia!

alexnvrmnd777 said:

Major kudos to Alan for coming on here and setting the record straight on this!! He's really only representing his OWN thoughts and feelings on what Prince has been doing, mainly out of frustration as he sits on the sidelines. For those that ask why can't the band or even Alan, for that matter, have a sit down with Prince and rationally work shit out, do you not realize how hard it is to get Prince to do something like that? He's not interested in working anything out, anyway, in my OPINION. He just wants to be the king and ruler of anything halfway related to him, and that's that.

I mean, these guys changed their name LONG ago, and Prince STILL has a problem with something?? What's crawled up his ass to be such an obstacle for musicians that just want to make music and share it with the fans??! Any beef he may have had with St. Paul for abandoning The Family project should've easily worn off in these past 25 years.

And for someone who mentioned or asked if it was possible to hire an affordable lawyer for fight Prince...do you know how long the process would still take, therefore delaying the release of their music even that much longer? And that's not even taking into account the mounting fees that even an "affordable" lawyer (somewhat of an oxymoron in itself) would require. They certainly don't hve an unlimited budget behind them or resources to compete in such an environment.

Prince, for someone who's such a lover of the art of music, get your head outta yo' ass and just let people do what they do best. No one's taking ANYTHING out of your pockets, so just cease and desist. Idiot.

Let me reiterate what I said previously. I do not know enough details to take any side or make any judgement so I won't do it. If you feel free to do so, that's your choice.

As I've already stated, I am well aware that these matters can potentially be long and drawn out events...so the sooner one can get started the sooner it can be resolved once and for all. That is the ONLY way this is going to go away.

Sorry, but I can't get with the attitude that "you can't fight city hall" because I've seen it done too many times by people with few resources.

Finally, while I fully understand how getting something off one's chest can feel liberating, having spent decades working in courtrooms, I also know that "what you say can and will be used against you", as the saying goes, so I stand by my observation that the less said, the better. I sincerely hope that everything works out well for all concerned.

bluefish said:

Genesia said:

What "antics," exactly? As far as I know, Prince isn't out there badmouthing former associates. Prince doesn't allude to people having done him wrong - without coming out and saying exactly what his beef is. Unlike other people.

Why would they even mention that a letter was written - except to trade on Prince's name? None of us know what the letter said. None of us will ever know what the letter said. And Prince will certainly never talk about it. So even mentioning it is chickenshit.

As far as I'm concerned, trying to call the album "The Family," when they'd already been told they couldn't call their group The Family was simply an attempt to poke Prince in the eye. If they really have moved on, and their only aim is to make music, then why not do their own thing - all the way? The idea that calling the group or the album The Family is essential to their success is moronic. Nobody knows who they are, anyway - outside of their Prince-related fanbase. And all of us know by now that a new album's coming and would have sought it out under name they chose. They ought to sink or swim on their own merits.

Great post, Genesia!

YES. This. this. this.

babynoz said:

2elijah said:

Well, see, that's what some of us have been saying about FB'ing one's frustrations, when a person posts a message out of frustration and anger over another's actions, many assumptions will be formed by others, and you will find yourself defending that message and doing more explaining than you have to. Seems like you let out much of those frustrations out, and seem much calmer in that last post of yours. It's best to deal with matters with a clear mind, and not let your frustrations cloud your concerns. Hopefully, by some miracle, something can be worked out, between all of you including your former employer, in a mature and amicable manner, and any frustrations or disagreements that are present now, will be something of the past down the road, and everyone can move on.

That's all I'm trying to say sis. Despite the many ill considered comments that have been made, a few people have actually offered some practical suggestions. However, since it appears that productive suggestions aren't making any impact, I'm gonna leave it alone.

LOL, you don't even have any grasp of a clue about their situation. First of all.

Second of all, none of the "productive suggestions" bear any frame of reference beyond what you've observed from the position of a fan which is about 10 million paces to the left of Alan Leeds.

Bye now.

Enough