Yes, I said it and no, I haven't been drinking! This whole protest thing has been spun around into a PR campaign and the only one I see benefiting from it is Prince!

He's going to release F.U.N.K., Tuesday on ITunes, had it not been for this PFU protest, I'm willing to bet money that would not have been happening.

I think it's a crying shame that fansites and the fans that use them have to "find ways to co-exist with the artist" that they support. It's ridiculous!

Since Prince doesn't want us talking about him, negatively, let's not talk about him at all. You can't have the good without the bad or you get the sickeningly annoying place that was the NPGMC forums. Personally, I'd rather have nothing at all than to go back to that!

He doesn't want us looking at, discussing, uploading, downloading or photoshopping his image online. Ok, fine!

He doesn't want us looking at, discussing, uploading, downloading or listening to his music online. Ok, fine!

He doesn't want us looking at, discussing, uploading, downloading his videos online. Ok, fine!

The way I see it, he doesn't want us to have anything to do with him online. Ok, fine!

Let's give him what he wants! Let's erase him from the internet altogether. Of course, with the exception of his own site but hey, same difference.

He needs to see just what it'll be like again without these fansites promoting his live shows, tv performances, and new releases as well as keeping alive the memories of his incredible musical past.

I think a protest of that magnitude would shake him to his core and he needs to be shook!

Then maybe, just maybe, he'll realize just how important these sites and his fans have been to him after all!

SexyBeautifulOne said:

why are you screamin about not being able to scream?????

He's already getting what he wants - he's intimidated the fans to a point where we're all but afraid to spell out his name online, and he's getting tons of publicity for it. I'd be pretty pleased if I were him.

You gotta either love or Hate the Guy, but i got to admit RESPECT to him, I mean the Princefansunited site was started as a Protest but was does Prince do turn it around to his gain by getting them to put the title of his next song to be released through Itunes on the Main page

No!

I love Prince.org. I rarely post in the Prince section though, but I am concerned about this current disagreement, so I decided to participate.

After reading the lyrics to his song and then some other posts here, I have to say I agree with Prince and some members here a little tiny bit. I have never understood why people, obviously not "fans" of Prince, never having anything postitive to say about the guy continue to bash him on his own board. I'm all for free-speech, but man.. if a person no longer enjoys Prince, why not move-on to another site or at least another forum on this site?

I always had the same question regarding some Janet fans on her various sites. It's like they never had anything positive to say about her, but they still kept posting about her--really bashing her in some cases. Although I was really supportive of their right to express an opinion, at one point even I would reply, "It might be time to find another artist if Janet is no longer your favorite."

I understand criticizing these artists--or constructive criticism, but when a person never has one thing positive to say, then why continue to support the artist? It's like we think we can "change" Prince, Janet, Michael.. whomever, but the point is that we can't. It's like some of us want to go back in time, but that ain't gonna happen because artists are continuing evolving for the better, worse, but more often than not there are more misses than hits. So we either have to accept them or move-on to somebody else.. or to another forum on the same site at least.

All of that said, I do think Prince, Janet (or members of her team in particular), ... well all artists need to also look for all the positive among the negative. It's as if they focus on the negative stuff without taking the time to explore of the positive feedback, words of support and encouragement sometimes. Sure it's easy for people to be "armchair quarterbacks," but then again there are a lot of people with some very insightful, interesting, and constructive remarks as well.

I just think it's a damn shame it's come-down to this. As much as we can't change Prince, well he can't change his fans either. People are ALWAYS going to talk, having something to say good and bad. It's too bad Prince hasn't taken the time to look at the positive. Sure it might take some effort on his part, but I would think he's learned to consider the source of some negative comments by now.

Anxiety said:

Not quite! He's getting what he's always gotten...HIS way...that's the problem!

Anxiety said:

What’s best?
a) Being intimidated by Prince
b) Being intimidated by resentful fans
c) Not being intimidated by anyone

I choose c).

When u miss Prince...Remember that the imagination goes a long way.

When I want to see him in a purple Zanta suit, I just close my eyez
When I wanna pretend he's Zpiderman, I just do.
When I wanna feel spooky, I think of a rock and roll Batman.

I even pretend he's singing on the radio.
If I could sell my dreamz... U would buy them. No arguments please.

Isel said:

Here's the HUGE problem with what you just said.




























IT'S NOT HIS BOARD.


He doesn't own prince.org.
He may be the primary subject matter in here, but he doesn't OWN it.
So he has no say so. Or at least he SHOULDN'T. (obviously HE thinks he should)


So here's the thing. When someone has been around as long as Prince has, he's got LOTS of fans. Some have been around since the beginning, and some are new fans. So EVERYONE DOESN'T LIKE EVERYTHING. New fans tend to like the new stuff primarily, and older fans tend to skew towards the older stuff. So then people debate. It's why people HAVE OPINIONS. It's why people go to message boards. For the discussion. For the debate. For the conversation.

I mean GOOD GOD, am i the ONLY ONE that thinks this place would be BORING AS HELL IF EVERYONE IN HERE LIKED EVERYTHING THAT PRINCE DID AND EVERY THREAD WAS "WOOOOO! I LOVE PRINCE! ME TOO!!!!!"

What some people call "bashing" the man, is simply not liking some of the stuff he's done. It's called having an opinion.

So.

And now here i am on a Sunday morning, when i should be all relaxed and ready to go see Beowulf getting all worked up over this topic again.

I'm just SICK to death of people somehow BLAMING the fact that because there's open and honest discussions/debates here on the Org that somehow that's justification for the purple nazi and his little war on the internet.

If you can't take the fact that some people don't like everything that Prince has ever done, then pay your lord and shepherd (Prince) over at 3121.com and wait for him to tell you what to discuss and when to discuss it.

And a memo to Prince. If coming in here and reading that some people don't like some of the things you've done "hurts" you so much that you somehow feel you need to shut these places down so you can "control" what's said about you? Maybe you need to STOP GOING INTO THESE SITES. Maybe you need to SPEND MORE TIME WORKING ON RELEASING A QUALITY ALBUM INSTEAD OF CRAP LIKE PLANET EARTH. Maybe you need to get a life.


I apologize to my fellow like minded org friends.
This is BSP in the morning after a gig without his cup of coffee.
[Edited 11/18/07 8:35am]

Tame said:

No argument here...this is a perfect example of why I support abandoning all aspects of Prince from the internet with the exception of his own site. Since your post is obviously more to his liking then he should be happy having nothing but the extent of it and the like as the only things about him on the internet.
[Edited 11/18/07 9:03am]

ButterscotchPimp said:

Oh, I absolutely agree with you. I'm well-aware it's not his board. As I said, he can't control his fans-or what people say.

My question in the first few paragraphs was more about why fans who don't like the guy still post here? I know it's their right to post here.. and I don't think mods should delete their post either. I was just making an observation.

Look, I'm not a Madonna fan, for example, so why would I go to her site or a forum on her site just to bash her and to bitch about why I'm not a Madonna fan. I even avoid threads about Madonna--except those sharing the same perspectives, criticisms, or concerns. In other words if I can't add anything positive to a positive thread about Madonna, then why post?

I've noticed the same thing on Janet sites, too. It's like why keep posting the same criticism over and over again--just to rile everybody up?

No.. I agree that there is no way to stop people from posting, period, as long as they are civil. But my question was more about why some fans still call themselves fans of an artist when they really aren't. Maybe that's what Prince hhas gotten his knickers in a twist about? I don't really know. But I don't think making a big deal out of it is the way to go either.

Like I said in the final two paragraphs, there is a lot of positive on this forum as well. Maybe Prince needs to look for the positive, and consider the source for some of the negative a bit more?

Then only other thing is that I would imagine since all of this is in print for all the world to see, Prince views it as more damaging than people just sharing some of their concern at some meeting or something like that. I know Janet had some problems with one of her releases because a few fans went nuts posting the same damn negative criticisms over and over again on three of her major sites. It was the same small group essentially spamming three boards, so it looked like it was the majority of her fans. Some tabloids and legitimate news site read that stuff, and published it, so Janet had to write a little clarification on her official site.

Obviously, the internet has become a powerful tool and really a force in many respects. For sure, Prince realizes it,and now maybe he's fighting back legally. The only thing is that he can't stop it, ya know? I just don't think putting more negative out there is his best strategy. It is what it is, so it might be better just to focus on the positive and give some of these sites a nod or two now and again. I think the fans would really appreciate it, and maybe some of the really critical fans might not be as critical of him. As far as his music, I just don't think he's going to please everybody. And frankly, most happy-campers aren't going to come to message boards to criticize. Usually people write to complain, don't they? So this might just be a reality he will be force to accept.
[Edited 11/18/07 8:58am]

Isel said:

Honestly, i think there's a couple of things going on.

(takes a sip of coffee)

Ah.


First of all, i really don't think that the majority of people that are here are just here to "bash Prince". Has there been MORE of that here recently? Absolutely. There's a couple of reasons for that.

First, you've got a lot of new people posting here because they heard about the PFU thing and they're showing up to show support to the sites.

Secondly, you've got a lot of former "fams" that are really disillusioned with Prince right now, and they're using this place to voice that displeasure.

But again, i think it goes to the core of why this site is "unofficial".
If it were "official" or owned by Prince, then it would be all positive and glowing. There'd be entire threads on the cinematic mastery of Graffiti Bridge and why Rave was a groundbreaking album.


(i just threw up in my mouth a little bit)

(takes another sip of coffee)


Ah.

This place is unofficial, and i for one am glad that it is.
I like most of Prince's music, just not his recent stuff.
I can share some of my stories about the old days, and find out some stuff from people around the world that maybe i wouldn't have known.

I'm not here for group "let's kiss Prince's ass" sessions.

ButterscotchPimp said:

I edited my post because no... it's NOT the majority, but sometimes it just looks that way.

Here's what I edited in:

Then only other thing is that I would imagine since all of this is in print for all the world to see, Prince views it as more damaging than people just sharing some of their concern at some meeting or something like that. I know Janet had some problems with one of her releases because a few fans went nuts posting the same damn negative criticisms over and over again on three of her major sites. It was the same small group essentially spamming three boards, so it looked like it was the majority of her fans. Some tabloids and legitimate news site read that stuff, and published it, so Janet had to write a little clarification on her official site.

Obviously, the internet has become a powerful tool and really a force in many respects. For sure, Prince realizes it,and now maybe he's fighting back legally. The only thing is that he can't stop it, ya know? I just don't think putting more negative out there is his best strategy. It is what it is, so it might be better just to focus on the positive and give some of these sites a nod or two now and again. I think the fans would really appreciate it, and maybe some of the really critical fans might not be as critical of him. As far as his music, I just don't think he's going to please everybody. And frankly, most happy-campers aren't going to come to message boards to criticize. Usually people write to complain, don't they? So this might just be a reality he will be forced to accept.

Isel said:

I get what you're trying to say.
But with that said, i think this site in particular has always done (and continues to) an excellent job of keeping spammers in check. The moderators are always on top of their jobs and make sure that duplicate threads are minimized and that the topics don't just become flame wars.

ButterscotchPimp said:[quote]Isel said:[quote -was here]



Here's your . A & a @)-}-----

Boriqua1130 said:[quote]

ButterscotchPimp said:

Awwww! I love hugs and coffee!!!!!

ButterscotchPimp said:

Oh.. yes. The mods do a great job here without a doubt. But this is the thing... I just don't think somebody like Prince or Janet(Janet's team really) spend enough time on the boards to get a feel for their "dynamic." I think they might not "get it," and it takes a while to really understand the nature of the boards. So from Prince's perspective, he might look at a simple debate as a flame war, ya know?

Plus, he has something personal invested in it, so I would imagine the criticism is hard to take. I would think it would be hard for Prince to read that he's a has-been or that he hasn't put-out quality music since the 80's! I would think he believes he HAS put-out quality music, don't you? (I personally really liked 3121--actually I loved it, but I digress.) I don't think Prince is deliberately trying to disappoint anybody, but he's just exploring new territory or maybe even revisiting new territory, trying to put a new spin on it.. as an artist. So I would just imagine when he visits different site, he would definitely become defensive--even angry at some of the criticisms because he just doesn't "get" the sites to begin with. Plus we fans can be a bit disrespectful, unrealistic, and cruel,too --not allowing our artists to "fail," and they need to fail in order to grow. Or maybe they aren't really interested in having a "hit" record at one point? Maybe in his mind Prince has already proved himself, so why should he HAVE to continue to prove himself to his fans? If he really does visit these boards, he might have to realize that some fans WANT him to prove himself because they want to support a "winner," or hitmaker you know? But that doesn't necessarily have to be his goal.

I guess he thinks since we call ourselves fans, well it should be all supportive. But what he doesn't realize apparently is that these sites are more about discussion or debate. And from my observation over the years, on different sites debates or more critical threads received more attention than those thread spewing praise.. but that's just the way all of the sites are constructed. Hell, it's difficult for us to get along with each other sometimes, and I think that dynamic "turns-off" prospective members much less artists like Prince.

Nonetheless, I think Prince's expectations are definitely unrealistic because he probably isn't used to people telling him "what's wrong," in the same way Janet isn't used to people telling her what's wrong. I even remember JD going to Janet's official site, saying something like.. "Some of you call yourselves fans, but you're not because all you do is criticize." LOL I'm tellin ya.. it was serious. And don't even get me started about Gil, Janet's choreographer reprimanding fans time and time again. But from the artists' and their teams' point-of-view, "fans" are supposed to be supportive.. even gushing.. maybe even blindly loyal. Plus I would imagine the truth hurts--or at least our opinions can be hurtful even to those veterans in the business for 30 years.

So if Prince could somehow just consider these are discussion groups--not "I love Prince" forums, well then maybe he could look past some of the more rude posts while also accepting he's not going to find this "undying" support he might receive in his little insulated reality. This is real life, ya know? Sometimes, I think these celebrities are completely cut-off from reality, and it might do them good to muddy their feet in the "real" world a time or two. They might even learn a little somethin' somethin'.
[Edited 11/18/07 10:16am]

well said, butterscotchpimp, couldn't agree with you more.

ButterscotchPimp said:[quote]

Boriqua1130 said:

Thanks!

Isel said:

Again, it's amazing how much more clearly I think after i get some coffee in me.

We are in TOTAL agreement.

I've said it before, I don't envy the position that Prince is in. I'm SURE that he thinks that all of his music is quality. He's personally invested! So i have to imagine that it's GOT to be hard for him to take that some people think he's in the twilight of his career, which is what i think. I don't think he's "washed up", but i'm sure that's how he interprets a comment like "in the twilight of his career".

It's happened to just about EVERY artist i can think of! What artist has maintained excellence throughout their ENTIRE career with no signs of falling off? Miles Davis couldn't do it. Stevie Wonder couldn't do it. NO one's immune to that, not even Prince. So where i'm not saying he couldn't deliver an amazing album if he put his mind to it, i'm just not holding my breath waiting on that to happen.

I do think it's hard for these artists like Prince and Janet who go through such amazing HIGHS in their careers where they are almost universally respected and loved by almost everyone, and then they turn a corner and don't even realize it. I can't imagine how scary and disturbing that would have to be. And even having been a musician and in a band for awhile, i don't even understand really how such a thing happens.

So, believe me I really do feel for Prince. BUT, don't take that out on ME. On prince.org. On the fans.

I think if the site dropped the Prince:Music and More, the site would lose a lot of dead weight.

ButterscotchPimp said:

I have an idea: why not invite Prince to participate on the boards for a few days--maybe a week? Wouldn't that be cool? He could participate in all the threads. I think it would be interesting to read his views about his own music as well as music in general.

Maybe after participating, he wouldn't think the message boards are so bad? He would definitely have to keep his ego in check, and people might need to be a bit more respectful--or not , but maybe a show of good will could put an end to all of these suits. Plus we could show him we're are neither afraid of him nor are we here to "hurt" him.

P.S. He might have to observe a bit.. so he UNDERSTANDS the vibe before participating.
[Edited 11/18/07 10:24am]

Isel said:

which is the MAIN reason why that would NEVER work.

Isel said:

Ummm...he had his own board to practice that little experiment on. I don't believe he was interested.

So back to the topic! How about we give him what he wants, complete and total removal of all things even remotely related to him on the internet. Let's make him the distant memory that he obviously wants to be and see how much he likes that.
[Edited 11/18/07 10:33am]

Give him what he wants????

Sounds like a spoilt child to me

23 years...23!!!!of adoring the man's music,
calling him a genius,enjoying his battles,
being troubled why he aborted some of his could have-
been hits by making his music difficult 4 the general public,
defending him when people said he was crazy/silly
calling himself a slave or ....

But this time....I had enough!!

I 4gave him the silly Tora Tora interview he once did on
the British television(Mayte answering the questions while
Prince covered his face,just knodding his head) but since he decided
2 attack You Tube...I give up!
You Tube and all the other fans sites is what keeps the attention 2 an artist or
performer,it's free publicity!!
And I thought he was doing so well these last couple of years...
meeting fans,making tv appearences, and so on...

3121 was a great moment,PE less enjoyable and this last couple of weeks really ruins the whole European comeback-year

I'll always enjoy the music but just give the man what he wants now..
he's been fighting the system so long now..close down all the sites
and let him retire...

Anxiety said:

Oh how right you are!