Firstly and most importantly, we would like to apologise to all supporters of the PFU initiative for the phenomenal amount of time it's taken to provide an update. We felt it is now time to provide an update on progress to date and to explain some of the reasons for the delays in updating the site.

Since the formation of Prince Fans United last November, we were immediately contacted by representatives of Prince and asked for assistance in resolving matters both short and long term. An immediate agreement was put in place (the terms of which we cannot discuss as per the agreement) in order to assist with focus on putting together a landmark agreement that would provide the basis for all artists to interact with their fans on the Internet. The whole team involved in the drafting of this agreement felt that this was a great chance for Prince to again demonstrate thought leadership and innovation with regards to fan interaction.

A draft agreement was submitted to the NPG team some time ago which involved a great deal of work by not only the PFU team but also with the assistance of Web Sheriff who have constantly strived to understand and appreciate the concerns of both artist and fans alike.

Unfortunately for reasons which are still unclear at this point in time, no response has been received from the NPG team other than multiple requests for patience and understanding. With the apparent withdrawal from the internet by Prince, the subsequent closure of all NPG websites, and online discussions to date we can only speculate as to the reasoning for this. We have seen discussion on multiple sites of alleged comments by Prince of the Internet being populated by corporate scammers, pornographers and people wasting their time and can only assume this is part of the rationale for this lack of progress.

Subsequently, the PFU team have been attempting to liaise with AEG (Prince's touring representatives) to secure fan representation through priority booking for the upcoming tour dates and through online viewing of new videos and tour broadcasts. However, rather frustratingly these have been agreed to and then subsequently either withdrawn or again requests for patience have been offered with no success.

At this point in time, we are continuing to request clarification from representatives of NPG Records of their aims, desires and demands for fan interaction on the internet, and aim to continue to represent fan's rights to openly discuss and support their favourite musician without fear of retribution of unfair legal action. The whole PFU team continue to support Prince's campaign to remove illegal content from the internet but believe that the removal of fan owned photographs and non Prince copyrighted material is not the way forward.

It now appears that the legal threats sent to each member site in November have been suspended, however we have yet to receive any formal notification that Prince fans will not see further unjustified legal action. The Prince Fans United initiative will remain in place until those concerns have been satisfied and the reasonable request for a long lasting agreement can be put in place.

Many thanks again for your patience and your continued support.

Gavin McLaughlin
on behalf of Prince Fans United


I STILL LOVE HIM!!!!!

UntiltheendoftimeIllbthere4u.

Post here http://prince.org/msg/3/264135