Without judging what other people say, please give an opinion on each of the following;

What do you think of Prince the musician?

What do you think of Prince the man?

What do you think of Prince's management of his own career?

What do you think of the NPGMC?

Please don't post a response to anybody else's views (try not to quote a previous post), as it's your opinions on the questions posed that matter, here. Simply post your thoughts on the questions, even if it means climbing on your soapbox to get your point across.
Hopefully we'll get a nice balanced view of each of the points raised.

(Or maybe we'll get 7 responses, consisting entirely of two people replying to each other's posts!!! ... Whatever, I'm just trying to give people a chance to share their views without feeling that another Orger is going to attack whatever they've just said).

This is just something that I'm doing out of curiousity.
So, over to you...


_____
[This message was edited Wed Nov 27 15:53:28 PST 2002 by Haystack]

1. I think he is incredible of course. I love that he is unpredictable and so versatile.

2. I think Prince is probably misunderstood. When I have talked with him he has always been very kind and playful.

3. I admire him for taking on so much.

4. I think the club is great. A bit bumpy at times, but I rather he focused on making music.

1. Wonderful musician, wonderful music.

2. I think he's a human just like anybody else, he has his own hang-ups, his own problems, and he CAN make mistakes. That's one of the things that draws me to him, one of the few musicians I can really identify with.

3.I think he has done a good job, I like how he does what he wants to do and doesn't try to follow the "in" crowd, which is what he has done since day one.

4.It's not the best, but it's fairly decent.

1- Prince as a musician is the single most under rated by the general public, and is simply the most versatile musician who has achieved the level of "stardom" that he has.

2- Prince knows how talented he is and this leads people to view him as a cocky, bizaare, jerk. In reality he is probably very down to earth.

3- Prince's management of his career is viewed by many as being a downhill slide. However, how are you gonna fault a person for doing exactly what they want to do at all costs. Prince has sacrificed a lot of "commercial success" for the integrity of his music and, in the end, he is gonna be both rich, and own the rights to his own music. Most musicians don't have it both ways. He will be remembered as a legend who paved the way with his talent and forsight.

4- npgmusicclub? better than the old fan club.
better than nothing
better to have good seats

1. Extraordinary musician...there's too much passion and heartfelt intensity to 90% of everything he plays and sings for me to think otherwise...(the voice is a musical instrument, too)

2. He seems like a spiritual, complex, playful, loving, distant, funny, cold, curious and questioning man...

3. He's made one too many missteps as far as career moves go, unfortunately...

4. It's starting to turn into a wasted opportunity, to be honest...I hope it doesn't become one...

Haystack said:[quote]Without judging what other people say, please give an opinion on each of the following;

What do you think of Prince the musician? stunning

What do you think of Prince the man? difficult

What do you think of Prince's management of his own career? confusion

What do you think of the NPGMC? lost potential

1. As a musician, i've never heard anyone better, ever!
He's the best!

2. Prince, the man, i find to be very funny, very cool,
intelligent, private. I think if you find yourself in his
inner circle of friends, he would be a blast to hang with.

3. Prince as manager...well, he's very bull-headed, so
i think he's better off without a management team, even
at the expense of exposure. He could be in the public eye
more, but evidently he doesn't want it.

4. The music club has been very good to me, but, i don't
agree with some of their comments and answers to questions
posed by club members. They seem like they don't have time
to deal with us...it could be so much better. No disrespect to Ben, but, what the hell are we doing here?
Shouldn't the NPGMC have a site where we could comment?

He's short.

Prince the musician;Breath taking

Prince the man;humourous,Lost,searching

Prince his own manager;Hit and miss

NPGMC;A missed opportunity,must try harder

Much love Pochacco

SexLvoely said:

1) Whether you're a fan or not, you can't deny that this man is a genuine ARTIST! He is a master of his craft and well-respected for it.

2) Exactly what you said, he's THE MAN!

3) A true artist never compromises their artistic integrity, and I think that's what he's about. He is all about the music and will not conform to please others. But with that comes the sacrifice of popularity or record sales (especially if you sell your music exclusively online).

4) I'm not a member, so I could care less. I don't hear much of his recent music anyway, and I doubt that it's as good as his pinnacle in the 80's. Plus I'm hearing many complaints about it being too expensive. This makes me raise an eyebrow about the Artist. Is he trying to treat his fans to something special, or is he just another capitalist trying to make a buck?

Haystack said:

1) Prince is a phenomenal musician. He mimics his mentors quite a bit, but amazing nonetheless.

2.) Prince the man is stubborn and blinded by his ego. Its one thing to build upon your mistakes, its another thing to deny them.

3.) Prince has an imaginary fan base and a real fan base. He only caters to his imaginary fan base, but they arent paying his bills, we are. His career isnt just doing downhill, its nosediving steeper and steeper each year.

4.) NPGMC is Prince's way of financing his albums because major labels gave up on his ass. The only way he can get his album on the store shelves these days is to get us to front him the money somehow. Instead of just selling us a CD or two each year, he sells us a "club" package full of phony perks which cost him nothing but we pay alot extra for. That extra money he milks from his fans pays for the CDs you will see sitting at Best Buy next month.
[This message was edited Wed Nov 27 16:19:31 PST 2002 by Tom]

1. Prince as a musician. A voice sent from heaven.

2. Prince the man. Just another human trying to survive. He sings the soundtrack of his life, and we all are fortunate to be a part of it. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and a lot of people don't understand that. The message is in the music. We all just want to love and be loved.

3. Prince as his own manager. That's a hard question. The only thing I would say on his behalf is "He is who he is" If he ruins his life he can only blame himself. If he's the greatest musician of all time, who really cares what he does.

4. What do I think of the NPGMC. Could be better, could be worse.

Haystack, I'm a bit curious as to why, in starting this thread you did not choose to share your opinions regarding these questions.

But here are my thoughts:

1. As a musician:

Multi-dimensionally gifted. Prince is probably the only artist who actually composes the lyrics, composes all the music, arranges, produces, plays and sings. He has an incredible vocal range, is capable of creating music in a variety of genres (from rock, to funk, to jazz, to classical, to blues, and pop with lyrics ranging from fun-loving to socially conscious), and is an energetic performer who gives his all during his performances. Prince is not today's "manufactured" performer posing as a musician or an artist. He is a product of his diverse musical influences and his vision of where he wants his music to take us.

2. Prince the man. Prince is likely as multi-dimensional as his music. He is his own person and I respect that. He appears to be compassionate and have a generous spirit.

3. Prince as his own manager.

Courageous. It takes a lot of courage to take the risks he has with his career - right from the very start... promoting his music, his concepts - not settling for other people's standards. This has made him who he is. I think he is a visionary - he seems to know where he wants to go and what roads he needs to take to get there. Managing is never an easy job - particularly when you are balancing that with everything else. It is difficult fulfilling every role, but you will have to admit that trusting other's judgement has lead many other singers / musicians down the wrong road, and without much to show for their efforts in the end. Prince is in control of his career, and his business. Unlike others who earn millions and spend foolishly, you don't hear about Prince claiming bankrupcy or having difficulty managing his finances.


4. What do I think of the NPGMC.

I am thankful for the opportunities the music club offers and have been pleased with my membership.

Prince the Musician? No one is Better or more Charismatic. Divine. Prince the Man?? Well, I would like to Know him,but from what I do know I would say Very Professional and Spiritual and a Perfectionist. Prince as his own Manager??? Seems to be working rather Well. The NPGMC they could be better in the sense that my merchandise has been Damaged . I never had that problem before with them in the past. I think they need Quality Control checking the merchandise being sent out to Fans and even sent to Prince cause some stuff is being manufactured in a Shoddy Fashion. I think Prince Needs to get more Involved since his Name is on the Merchandise and his Reputation. Who's job is this anyways?

1.The Musician--He is without a doubt one of the most talented,musician out there that I have ever seen and heard. He is so versatile,and creative.

2.The Man--Prince is a very spiritual person first and foremost which is clearly heard in his music. He has the greatest sense of humor. He injects humor in his music. I preceive him to be also playful, a man yet a child still growing and learning. I think he has good intentions when he gets an idea,but somewhere down the line things go astray and get confused.

3.Prince's management of his own career--I am a bit torn here. On one hand he says he is free, and his music is free. He spoke in the past that he created so much music but was limited as to how much he was able to release because of his record company. It's been several years now since he has been free from WB and in my opinion I think he has released less music. I really don't understand why he doesn't utilize the retail section of his website better. I think the section should feature what his fams want, MORE MUSIC. The opportunity to purchase old or new unreleased music on cd and dvds of concerts. T-shirts and candles just don't cut it. I don't want to judge the man trying to manage his own career, and I hope he is truly happy with his choices.

4.NPGMC--Year one was the BOMB! I loved it. We were given the opportunity to download and burn numerous cds for our listening pleasure. We had kick-ass songs like Hypnoparadise,S&M Groove,Peace,and lots of audio shows. I think the first year took A LOT of time to organize and the fams felt like they had actually joined a CLUB. Year two, has been less than spectacular. I'm sorry to say it but I don't think much effort went into the club at all. This year Prince concentrated on TOURING. To me this is a seperate act and not part of the club. I think it was a poor choice to send out one cd in the begining of the year and to make the members wait until the last possible moment to receive the remaining cds. Also, a poor choice in announcing SPECIFIC names of cds in the tour book and then completely doing something else. Prince changes his mind too much and in this case it seems like many members are disappointed.

What do you think of Prince the musician?

Very sharp! dedicated musician a natural one, vibes the music and all the notes.
Gives 110 percent live, no matter what city is in. Puts best foot forward.
Works hard to make it all sound unique and different however long it takes. 8)

What do you think of Prince the man?

Normal and calm not afraid of anything or anyone. Has faith in the Universe and a whole purpose is proud to be who he is not matter what! Believes his music and work will always speak for him. Does not worry, there is always another show.

What do you think of Prince's management of his own career?

One chooses ones own path He is free, and so are you and me. Freedom is a beautiful thing.

What do you think of the NPGMC?

Not that bad it's nice. an experiment worth taking and continuing... 8)

What do you think of Prince the musician?

Defys convention and doing so has been percieved as a weirdo. Great diversity with his music.

What do you think of Prince the man?

Probably a nice geezer into tupperware parties and poodles erm don't know him so i can't judge, press percieve him as a bit of a diva i think his cool and calm

What do you think of Prince's management of his own career?

I think that it was maybe due to his self management that his career has fallen, so he's doing it well but not well enough.

What do you think of the NPGMC?

Its good for the sense you get free CDs and stuff which you should do for the amount people pay to join
[This message was edited Thu Nov 28 7:00:05 PST 2002 by JaneyPoos]

The music he creates, is the music I buy. That alone speaks volumes of what I think.

Prince is very different than the image he portrays on stage. It would be nice if he spoke to those around him the way Sheila E. does. She never gives anyone the impression she is greater than her fans.

Prince managing his career is ok at best. He has the general idea of what to do, he just needs to get others involved who are better at it - if only to give him ideas and suggestions. He probably avoids any input, since that would make him "led" and not the "leader".

Prince needs a customer service manager and a marketing manager. If he already has them, I haven't noticed. I'd do a great job! Hire me...I need a job. Oh, and I do hair!

The NPGMC is necessary to keep in touch with Prince's world. It needs a lot of improvement, and some quality control. If, for example, Prince chose a handful of "fans" to become a part of his team - he would not only get direct input from those who find him and his work important, but they would know what type of content and expectations his consumers have. He tried this before with the love4oneanother website.

---

That's my opinion.
[This message was edited Thu Nov 28 7:26:00 PST 2002 by LaVisHh]

Prince the musician - the best, multi talented, consistently moves me. His music stirs my soul, it seems he writes about my life experiences. Watching him in concert, he seems to totally enjoy playing and escapes somewhere with it, the same as I escape listening and dancing. Love it.

Prince the man - don't know him, so any comments would be pure assumption.

Prince businessman - I give him much respect for having the guts to pursue his business on his own. To be free to put it out there as he wants. He is human, he will make mistakes, we all do...that is how we grow. I have to say though, I have been happy with ONA tour, these new CD's so something is working.

NPG Club - Has kinks and growing pains. I got a lot for my membership and I am rejoining. I appreicate getting those front row seats.

***Come back to DC Prince***
***Come back to Warner Theatre, you know we will fill the house!!!

Haystack said:

1) A legend

2) An Asshole

3) 50/50

4) Could be better

1. musician--undeniably the most talented, most gifted muscian alive doing rock/pop/soul music--the Mozart of our time! The only singer who I've really ever felt the music.

2. person--I don't know him. Who am I to judge someone by someone else's interactions??

3. busineesman--I'll be the brother has many, many millions of daollars in the bank account. If you judge success by money, he's a great businessman. However, if you judge his success based on potential, as in how much money he shuold have in his bank, or how many records he should have sold, I think he failed in a number of ways: #1 being his beef with Warner Brothers. You can't expect to get a $100 million dollar contract [i]and{/i] own your own records. I wish he'd stop acting like a little bitch and take responsibility for his own actions.

4. NPGMC--I think it's great! I have no problem with paying $100 so that I can have the opportunity to see the brother in a soundcheck, sit third row center during hte concert, and go to the aftershow without having to wait in a line! I liked it better the first year when he gave us audio and video downloads every month, but that takes a lot of time to orchestrate, so I can see why that stopped. I think if I he just released 4 tracks from the vault and 1 concert footage download/month that everyoe would be happy. But overall, Im a big fan of he NPGMC!

The Musician:
Well if I may use this: He is the best there was, the best there is and most probably the best there will ever be. I cannot see any artist that put so much energy, so much of himself in every single note (concerts included). Of course there are many talents out there, but most of them are simply restricted by their contracts.

The Man:
Don't know him that much. But I think that deep in his heart he's looking for a close relationship with us. He may have been disappointed by so-called "friends". Since he left WB he's gradually becoming more accessible and left the mountain top where he had to be a mysthic star.

The Management:
Closely related to the above issues. His aim to become free of music industry boundaries have led him to some risky paths, but in the end for his personal believe of being a free artist, able to do whatever he likes to do it will prove the right decision. Of course without support of marketing and sales machineries (like record companies) it is very hard to stay on the mountain top, but I don't think that this is his aim. Having a contract with one company may bring you more money, because they tell you what the consumer wants to hear and they assist (force?) you to create the right product for the market. Sometimes they may allow you to hide a track on an album, that you, as an artist, regard a jewel. But they never will let you put out an album against the market trend. Nowadays everything is focused on revenue at any cost. So if he wants to be a free artist he has to walk the hard road. And so he did. Right or Wrong depends on the point of view. What is more important? A lot of money or being able to express yourself in the art that you create? Since he has earned quite a good amount of money in the past, that may not be his main concern today. So he is enjoying his talent. I am comparing the two big shoots of the 80's (MJ and Prince) seeing that MJ has become a slave of the system and still is. MJ has been dropped by the record company when the latest album didn't fit the expectations although a lot of money and time has been used to produce it. Same was about to happen to Prince in the early 90's, but he decided that he rather would be free to make the music he likes. If you are an artist your main point is not to appeal to all the people out there. You just want to express yourself.

The NPGMC:
I have posted some thoughts on this. All the negativity is dull. This is an opportunity for him and us to come closer together (that is what we have longed for so long). Of course this has a price (not only $$$, but also patience). It will improve if we all stick together and keep it going and make suggestions instead of trying to ruin the original idea of have a direct line between the artist and the fams. Of course he has some bills to pay and he still needs a little money to keep things going. I do not feel that I have been screwed. But on the other hand that is my personal opinion.

Peace, to all ya!

1)the Musician always Gets Props from me though His Work can stray at times.Hit&Miss over the past Decade&change for Me.but He is one of the Best Artists that I have Ever Heard.depends on the Question? 2) the Man:Hit&Miss.stuck in a SuperStar time warp in so many ways IMHO.3)Management:how He hasn't filed Bakruptcy at least 4 times already is amazing in itself??the Cat must roll a Dice on His Next Move or something?? 5)laughing stock when you add up all the Loot.it's good too hear Him allowing folks checking Him out during Rehearsals&whatnot.but He only tells one side of the truth not the full one.His Cryptic talk is Funny&good for partys.

1-Musician-"Breath-taking". What I love about him is I've neva seen some1 who take their work sooo seriously like the brotha. He's doing what his mind tell him not the label. Its funny that most ppl go up and down trying 2 convence you that he's a money seeker/gold digger. The other thang that I loce about his music is the "perfection".

2-The brotha-I don't know much about him. Based on what I think and saw/hear from sevral stuff he's: Moody, dark, private, shy, funny, smart, proud, quite, mellow, cool, hurt, over-protective and I think he's kind-hearted too.

3-The Management-I can't tell you much since I'm a newbie follower of his unlike the ol' timer fans who know more than alot. I can safely say that he's in good control of everything.

4-NPGMC-I joined early this month and I really can't tell unless I see something.

What do you think of Prince the musician? AfuckingMAZING! NO ONE on the planet can even begin to compare to his musical genius.

What do you think of Prince the man?I respect him as a person. I think he has always been scared and confused and because of this maybe he chose to follow the wrong path at times. But, he is only human, like the rest of us.

What do you think of Prince's management of his own career?In the beginning I think it was not so good. Then I thought he had FINALLY taken control of his career and I was so impressed and happy for him. But, now...*sigh*...I fear he is letting another control him once again and it saddens me.

What do you think of the NPGMC? I think it started out with good intentions and was generally a good concept. But, now I feel it has evolved into something I could never be a part of. I think it's a waste that Prince hasn't used it in more positive ways.

What do you think of Prince the musician?

Musical Genius (Mozart)

What do you think of Prince the man?

Well balanced, Spiritual, Determine, Funny,
Intelligent, Stands for what he believes

What do you think of Prince's management of his own career?

Looks like he is doing fine

What do you think of the NPGMC?

Hoping to be a member for 2003

What do you think of Prince the musician?

Exemplary. Diverse. Truly a God-given talent.

What do you think of Prince the man?

I've never met him, so I can't form an opinion. I will say that I think he'd be a fascinating individual to talk to.

What do you think of Prince's management of his own career?

I applaud him for taking responsibility for his busines decisions. It would certainly be easier to let someone else call the shots and take the blame if the outcome failed to live up to expectations. With that said, however, I don't believe that business management, marketing or public relations are strong suites for him. It appears that he could have greater success along these lines if he had the benefit of advisors who were talented in these areas and/or if he trusted and incorporated their advice. He's creative enough to have great ideas, but needs help in the smooth execution of his plans. Which leads to...

What do you think of the NPGMC?

A perfect example of his ability to think creatively and come up with a great, innovative idea. The problem is in the execution. The management of the business is spotty at best, the marketing is minimal and the public relations is down right terrifying. The idea is brilliant and the potential is there. If Prince can successfully write the blueprint for artists to take their voice directly to the audience in a way that is mutually fair and beneficial, then he will have left an impression on the business of music as great as the legacy he has created for the art of music. I believe that he is uniquely positioned to achieve this vision, but unless he pays closer attention to the details of execution, the dream will not be realized.

What do you think of Prince the musician?

An incredibly talented musician.Nuff said.


What do you think of Prince the man?

He expresses himself the way he wants to which is cool.His different looks and appearances have perhaps turned some people off,but it doesn't bother him because he's never changed.Prince wouldn't be Prince without his look and style.He believes in himself,and some of his actions like shutting down fan websites may have been cruel,but he saw a reason for it.I don't want to argue with why he does what he does,I just want his music.For me it's all about the music.


What do you think of Prince's management of his own career?

I like it.He shows he cares more about the music than the
fame or money.Let's see all these other contemporary artists
do that for the music.I think not.


What do you think of the NPGMC?

I'm not a member.I've checked it out a couple of times.
They make some hard hitting comments.Maybe one day I'll join
but I'll think about it.Hey,Prince has to make money somehow.He gives away music some people won't ever hear,I
think that should be worth a $100.

What do you think of Prince the musician?

Astonishing. Incredibly gifted on every level. Truly amazing to see that much talent in a single human being, and we haven't even seen it all.



What do you think of Prince the man?

As I don't know him personally, I can only guess. He seems playful & silly, serious & pissed off, sexual, sensual, worldly, innocent @ times. Spiritual, open & honest, manipulative, controlling, a perfectionist, never EVER truly satisfied. He can love someone so strongly it's scary (to him & that person). HUGE walls depending on his mood, probably catches people off guard w/ how open he can be, and then how closed. Very smart, very brave, good heart. Undoubtedly complex.



What do you think of Prince's management of his own career?

If he were still a cog in the wheel, he'd be unhappy. I just want him to be happy b/c I dig him so much. That said, I respect what he's doing.

I do hope he stays true to the notion he once had of getting more music to us. He could release an album every 3-4 months & we'd never have too much The ONA tour was a good move & I hope he stays on this path: more music, less "show" (dancers & shit).

Lastly, I hope he doesn't invest too much energy into re-recording the back catalogue. Sometimes it takes more strength to suck up your "mistakes" & move on than to fight. It weighs a lot on your soul to hold so much regret, angst, revenge. Maybe he doesn't feel that strongly about that situation anymore but he'd feel much "free-er" by making the most of NOW, not THEN.

Keep creating, clearly that's his purpose on this earth. Not to wage a never-ending battle w/ a corporate monster. I know it takes a lot of guts to stand up like that & I admire his faith, but that kind of burden can suck the life out of you & I never wanna see that happen to him. To be that big & go on your own is gutsy enough - the songs will always be HIS no matter what. I know the value of what he'll get from winning the fight, but what will fighting the fight take out of him?



What do you think of the NPGMC?

I like it, not many complaints. The general seating thing needs to be resolved & I'm not gonna stop bitching about Xenophobia until it's MINE