Does Prince do his career disservice by not promoting on social network sites like Facebook, MySpace? What about turning down Guitar Hero? Or pulling his videos off youtube? I am a huge P supporter, but wonder if using the tools of todays youth instead of radio would generate more buzz. Does Prince think using social networks for promotion is selling out? Does Prince cater more to his own fams & demographics instead of reaching out todays youth? Does Prince want to sell millions of albums? Or is Prince happy with his own lot? Anyways, much love and thanks to P. Lotusflow3r is terrific. I guess I'm stymied as why it hasn't sold more. It's by far, the best album(s) this year.

My question regarding "Does Prince cater to his own fams & Demographics?" is a comparison to his Tonight Show, Tavis Smiley, and Ellen appearance vs his American Idol appearance. The first three would seems to be his own fams vs American Idol which would be the populace

I think it's puerile for prince to go after youtube and many of the other outlets for his music. And yes it does make it difficult for kids to get to see this guy. You tube is a godsend for seeing old artists, Cab Calloway or whoever, it's incredible. And it shows that so much has been lost. Now, with the Guitar Hero thing, I am very respectful of his choice. Here he could have made good money(which he is so often accused of loving so much) and he turns them down because he doesn't believe that music should be played without real practice and craft. The youth of today do not really know about craft, they do not know how to sit alone or work on fundamentals, fail, fumble and toil for long periods of time until they have earned the right to be good at something. Now, the man has half the equation down, the other half is: Why not let these same kids see how brilliant an artist you were so they will want to put some work in?

And trust me, as a musician, there is nothing more inspiring, more get up off your ass and go than seeing a great artist at their best. It can move mountains.

I agree. I am also respectful of Prince's decisions.
[Edited 5/10/09 2:53am]

I also think that P knows what he's doing. He goes about things in such an unconventional way. But that's what makes him PRINCE.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for Prince. I don't expect him or want him to change but I think his need for control gets in his way many times. It's a hassle dealing with it as a fan, and of course some people just as soon won't deal with it and that hurts him in the end. Music as a business will take more and more hits because of the computer, if he doesn't flex along with it, he will be stuck with nothing but fanatics buying his stuff. With the internet, the cat is out of the bag so to speak and that goes for entertainment and media as a whole and is way bigger a force than Prince can fight. His artistry is lost because people cannot see him perform who will not have the inclination to even think of him. It's not 84 anymore.

NONSENSE said:

I'm in merchandising and consumer services and in this business you worry more about keeping the long-time, loyal customers that you already have, that have been with you for a long time. Than pulling in or depending on the new ones that might come. So I think Prince and the music business may feel the same way. He knows his loyal fans are gonna sitck by him, come to see him, buy and collect his music. While the youtube,myspace, guitar hero set don't have the attention span to stick around long.
[Edited 5/10/09 5:06am]

perhaps Prince looks at music strictly from an artist perspective and cares little about mainstream success. If that's his view then cool. But if he still wants mainstream success then he has to play those games. Either way, I hope all the best for Prince. Lotusflow3r is a wonderful project. It would be a shame if more people weren't enlightened to it. And this seems to be the case, because I know a few purple people who haven't heard it or are clueless about it's release.
[Edited 5/10/09 5:05am]

Dayclear said:

I hear ya. But certain opportunities would allow audience exposure he wouldn't otherwise get. Also, the way Prince promotes things some people who really like his music don't even know he has a new album out.

/
[Edited 5/10/09 5:14am]

Dayclear said:

I think he has lost many loyal fans over the years. Loyalty being relative, He may end up stuck with a core of fanatics. As for me, he can do what he wants, say what he wants, I have what I need from him as an artist and a fan. I don't expect anymore. His gay statements or his conspiracy views leave me indifferent, but large parts of his audience takes exception to those things. It's the very reason that he backed away from sounding homophobic after the recent interview, he knows he can only go so far.

sorry for the multiple or blank post. whenever I try to edit I get another post. .Love
[Edited 5/10/09 5:21am]

He has trouble enough running Lotusflow3r.com to worry about social network pages...Im just sayin'....

He's not running Lotusflow3r.com, He's paying some people to do that for him.His way.
What was up with his apperance on the Ellen Show, she's married to a woman. I guess business comes before his personal feelings, but I'm sure they're on friendly enough terms.
[Edited 5/10/09 6:29am]

mozfonky said:

Very true.

JayJai said:

when you love someone or something you only want the best (4 Prince of course!)
[Edited 5/10/09 9:21am]

I myself am glad that he turned down Guitar Hero. I think that if he has done it,it would be like him selling out. I also agree that if a person wants to play a guitar,they should go learn to play the actual instrument. :clap:Good for you Prince!