laurarichardson said:

From what i can tell from his columns, that 'reporter' is better described as a gossip columnist.

Eh don't sweat it Shaus babe. Any press is better than no press.

I think you are all taking this waaay to seriously. This is just an article by a FOX reporter. I am a journalist myself and I see where he's coming from. Journalists love to criticize, and its their job to do so. However, this dude did a terrible job, raising one thesis after the other without showing proof for its credibility. So as a reporter I clearly have to say that this guy has failed. It's as easy as that, it happens every day. All of us every day read news which are influenced by personal opinions, buy controlled news channeling (especially Murdoch). For some reason most of you guys here never question that.
I have to admit I see lots of insecurity around here. People get offended if "their" Prince is portrayed negatively or even wrongly. Now that doesnt make Prince a weaker or less respected artist, does it? Why do you waste your time an energy to even email that editor? Most of those emails sound very harsh. I have gotten letters like that years ago when I wrote bad about groups like New Kids on the Block, etc. I just laughed about them and threw them away. Teenage bull.
If you wanna make the editor think and point out his mistakes or try to explain him why he might see things wrong, you will have to come with respect. Be nice, tasteful, debate well mannered, use your background knowledge, show him you really KNOW about music rather than just LOVE prince. Then he will listen and consider what you have said. He might even answer you. But just calling him "idiot" doesnt help. After all, hardcore Prince fans will ALWAYS know more about Prince than a journalist. Journalists know a little bit about everything while many hardcore Prince fans dont know about anything non-prince-related.
Journalists write about new things everyday, they have to learn and analyze everyday, mistakes happen. Usually to a journalist it doesnt make a big difference if an album came out in 77 or 78 (in this case it does, because of the hall of fame issue).
again, I am not defending that man from Fox, he was obviously badly prepared and I read the text like he already knew what he was gonna write even before he got there. Thats unprofessional. But its also very unprofessional to just bash him and act like angry children towards him. If you stay polite and on top of the issue (like some of you did) then you will show your superiority - at least on this issue.