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NPGMC Responds to Tom and his Crew. http://www.okayplayer.com...01.html#13
This letter serves as a New Power Generation Music Club's (NPGMC) response to the above referenced complaints. Per your correspondence, we understand that you will forward our response to the complaining members. Given that the NPGMC's current "unsatisfactory" rating on the BBB website was based solely on an "unanswered complaint," we trust that the rating will be changed to reflect that NPGMC did, in afact, respond to all of the current complaints within the agreed upon time established in my letter dated %$%$% and your discussions with my colleague, %%$%$$. NPGMC denies any allegations of false, misleading or deceptive practices relevant to NPGMC advertising, memberships or offerings. Contrary to the recent complaints, since its inception in February 2001, NPGMC has provided thousands of satisfied Prince fans with premiere and direct access to Prince 's music, concerts, special events and merchandise for a nominal membership fee of $100.00. NPGMC has also been forthright and truthful about the benefits and limitations of the membership on its website, the primary and official vehicle for communication with potential and current members. NPGMC thus disagrees with any claims that it has been deceptive or failed to fulfill its membership promises. At most, the current complaints represent simple differences in interpretation of words, uninformed assumptions and/or misunderstandings about expectations held by the complaining members, not deceptive business practices by NPGMC. In order to have a context for analyzing the recent complaints, we offer this brief background about NPGMC. At Prince's discretion, each year's membership includes different and unique benefits. For example, in 2001, members received access to 12 monthly downloads of songs. This year, in 2002, Prince decided to move to a calendar year membership and to offer a total of 4 CDs mailed directly to NPGMC members, worldwide, including the first ever "live" release by Prince, a 3 CD box set entitled One Night Alone.Live, which was recently sent to domestic members and is being sent to members abroad next week. In addition, one of the most significant membership privileges each year (which many fans value the most) is the premier access to concerts and related special events. Relevant to the concert perks, each NPGMC member received: *Access to purchase any 2002 concert tickets two days before the general public. *VIP seating at the concert (within the first fifteen rows). *Admittance to the pre-concert sound check. *VIP access to the concert after-party. Moreover, this year, NPGMC members were the only ones who were entitled to confirmed tickets for the seven night Xenophobia concert celebration that took place at Prince's own Paisley Park studios in Chanhassen, which included hundreds of hours of exclusive live performances with a variety of highly talented musicians. Again, this privilege alone is worth more than $100 to Prince fans and most NPGMC members. In fact, many members join solely for the access to the premiere concert tickets, and other special offerings like the sound checks, where NPGMC members have the opportunity to interact with Prince in an intimate group with other members, make song requests for the concert, and listen to Prince practice. That's a totally "exclusive" opportunity that is never available to anyone other than NPGMC members. Finally, only NPGMC members are granted access to the exclusive section of the website and certain NPG merchandise. The complaining members seem to primarily take issue with NPGMC and the One Night Alone.Live release because 1) they believe that the 4 CD commitment meant 4 separate and individually shipped CDs, 2) they believed that the 4 CDs should have been sent earlier in the membership year, 3) the 3 CD set will be sold to the general public and the retail price for the 3CD set is less than the $100 membership fee, and 4) the music on the CDs is not "new" or "exclusive." In an effort to clear up any assumptions and misunderstandings, we have responded to each issue in turn. First, NPGMC never represented on the website, the primary communication vehicle to NPGMC members, that the music benefit would 4 separate, individually shipped CDs. The NPGMC website stated "Each 2002 member will receive at least 4 new Prince CDs in the mail from Paisley Park b4 the end of 2002." There was one advertisement in this year's tour book that referenced certain CDs that may be accessible through NPGMC but there was no firm commitment to offer those particular CDs. Ultimately, Prince decided to release the 3 CD set to NPGMC members based on part on a belief that it would be more appealing to NPGMC members, given that many fans over the years have requested "live" recordings and that this is the first time Prince actually did so. NPGMC said it would provide members with 4 CDs during the calendar year and that was done. There was no misrepresentation or breach. Second, NPGMC never made any representations about when CDs would be sent to members, only that the 2002 members would receive 4 CDs during the calendar year. Although NPGMC may have wanted to release the 3 CD set earlier in the year to NPGMC members, it was not possible for production and distribution reasons. The intent of NPGMC has always been to ensure that NPGMC members get releases before everyone else. That happened this year, even though the gap in distribution for NPGMC members and the general public is smaller than originally envisioned. Retail sales of the the 3 CD set are not set to begin until mid-December. Third, NPGMC has never represented that releases to NPGMC members would never be released anywhere else. Because that is not a commitment that NPGMC ever made to its members, there is no standing to complain that the One Night Alone.Live 3 CD set is also being sold in retail stores. Moreover, although the 3 CD set does retail for less than the NPGMC membership fee, members receive much more than just the 4 CDs for their $100. As stated above, the value of the concert benefits alone exceeds $100 for most fans and NPGMC members. Fourth and finally, the complaining members claim that the music on the 2002 membership CDs is not "new" or "exclusive" as advertised by NPGMC. Apparently, the complaining members are interpreting "new" and "exclusive" as "never before heard" or "never to be released anywhere else." That interpretation was never communicated to potential or current NPGMC members, nor was it Prince's intent relevant to the CDs privilege of NPGMC membership. It is solely within Prince's purview to decide which music he releases to NPGMC members each year. While the complaining members apparently disagree, the CDs that were released in 2002 are "new" and "exclusive" as they were never released before and the "live" release is altogether unprecedented. Moreover, the separate One Night Alone piano CD, which was shipped earlier in the the year was only made available to NPGMC members. Prince and NPGMC have kept their commitment with respect to providing "new" and "exclusive" music to its members. Reasonable people can disagree and interpret words and their meanings very differently. To the extent that the complaining NPGMC members have interpreted NPGMC promotions contrary to the intended meaning, we apologize and in an effort to resolve these matters will re-examine the language on the website and in any other promotional materials for possible ways to clarify the message. It is important, however, to note that deception was not the intent and NPGMC takes issue with allegations of that nature. The NPGMC membership sign-in explicitly states: "By clicking continue below u agree 2 the Club Membership Agreement. U also understand that all 2002 memberships will end at the end of 2002 and u will have to renew in January 2003 if u wish to continue. WARNING: There are no returns or refunds." Therefore, it would be inappropriate and unfair to other members to offer a refund to these complaining members. | |
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This response is already being discussed in the NPGMC discussion forum. | |
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FROM A BUSINESS AND ARTISTIC STANDPOINT...
IM STANDING UP WITHOUT COMPLAINT WHATSOEVER TOWARDS NPGMusic Club... I think that the people who complain are complaining becuz they feel they didnt get what THEY FEEL IS WHAT THEY OUGHT TO GET...HOWEVER, NOBODY told THOSE WHO became a MEMBER to do so...YOU have free choice and FREE WILL to either become a member HAVE FUN or dont do it and COMPLAIN about IT forever. SO EITHER simply put...Support the New Power Generation Music Club with a (Im willing to do the work too and help service them so they can keep on serving YOU. IT IS BETTER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE!!! KEEP THE SPIRIT GOING - cuz as it has been said about a BILLION times "IT AIN'T OVAH" the other bonus's the NPG has done... NPG has created an avenue for people to COME 2 gether at events they have...outside of the arena of the PERFORMANCES...therefore giving you more FUN. NPG has also created a FAMILY like atmostphere with NO COST 2 U at these gatherings by keeping the MUSIC GOING. Without OUTSIDE HELP for the COMPANY...THE COMPANY can't keep growing and WE ALL BECOME unheard. NPG also has created a GLOBAL awareness with all of us that PUT ASIDE money conflict "hoogabaloo" when it comes down 2 it...its about U & ME the we the people that have to service each other WITH LOVE...MONEY does not matter; but it has to be (sadly to say) used as a way and meens to KEEP things going. SO don't persecute for what U THINK U didnt get BECUZ if U sit down and FEEL what IM SAYING...U & ME and we got alottah love out of it...I DID. Thank U GODBLISS U and KISS U With Love Honor & Respect SingMia AND PLEASE FEEL FREE TO GRAMMATIZE as U DEEM FIT. | |
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[Snip. Flame removed. Ian] | |
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The only thing I have problems with is that I was sent a Damaged book in the ONA Box and also the Box itself was damaged and Lori told me on the 4th of this month that she was sending me a replacement and I've yet to receive it,now why should I have to have damaged goods? This Perturbs me and I'd like that replacement packed in a Protective mailer that doesn't Bend. I don't think that's Too Much to Ask. I've been very Patient and Gracious with my Letters to them and now they are closed down. This isn't Good Business at all. I sincerely hope they make good on this before the end of the year. I do Expect to renew my Membership with the club because I think over-all they have been Very,Very Good and I give them Kudos. So,if they can just Fix this little glitch then no more Nagging from my Lips. Peace-Out! | |
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NPGMC is right. | |
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joeycoco said: [Snip. Flame removed. Ian]
"Climb in my fur." | |
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rdhull said: [Snip. Flame removed. Ian]
:LOL: | |
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4LOVE said: rdhull said: [Snip. Flame removed. Ian]
:LOL: She didn't call anyone names... | |
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Natasha, I received a damaged booklet too. They also emailed me back very promptly and said they had keyed a replacement. I do think that it is going to take a while for the replacement booklet/box to arrive. I think Guage is trying to make sure that the members that have not received their box set yet,will do so asap.
Also the NPGMC website is temporarily down. That has nothing to do with Guage shipping the replacement items and box sets. That is still up and running and I'm sure if you emailed Guage they would still respond. I am going to wait until January 1st for my replacement booklet to arrive. If I don't have it by then, then I will email them again. I think the NPGMC website will be back up and running during the first week of the new year. I think they are getting ready for the new 2003 membership drive. | |
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LaVisHh said: 4LOVE said: rdhull said: joeycoco said: [Snip. Flame removed. Ian]
:LOL: She didn't call anyone names... It wasn't cause he called her a name..it was the venacular etc, the expression that is Pryor-esqye, Red Foxx-ish...as in "muthafucka please". Plus with all that cultish drivel she/he posted you had best expect some shit to fly your way regardless and be able to take it. You bad enough to post that stuff be bad enough to take what responses you get ..I am. "Climb in my fur." | |
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Thanks for the update XLBubba. Use the search function much? | |
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rdhull said: LaVisHh said: 4LOVE said: rdhull said: joeycoco said: [Snip. Flame removed. Ian]
:LOL: She didn't call anyone names... It wasn't cause he called her a name..it was the venacular etc, the expression that is Pryor-esqye, Red Foxx-ish...as in "muthafucka please". Plus with all that cultish drivel she/he posted you had best expect some shit to fly your way regardless and be able to take it. You bad enough to post that stuff be bad enough to take what responses you get ..I am. True | |
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rdhull said: It wasn't cause he called her a name..it was the venacular etc, the expression that is Pryor-esqye, Red Foxx-ish...as in "muthafucka please". Plus with all that cultish drivel she/he posted you had best expect some shit to fly your way regardless and be able to take it. You bad enough to post that stuff be bad enough to take what responses you get ..I am.
I know that | |
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Why are people taking this to Okayplayer? They aren't a Prince site are they?
How many people have gotten a response? I think someone may be spreading this story to further portray the music club in a negative light. | |
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FIFI said: Why are people taking this to Okayplayer? They aren't a Prince site are they?
How many people have gotten a response? I think someone may be spreading this story to further portray the music club in a negative light. the real debate switched to more open and uncensored forums | |
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Let me start by saying that I'm am not, and have never been a member of the NPGMC.
That response email from the NPGMC has me shaking my head. I've been watching closely as the situation has unfolded. Here is my opinion: I believe that "technically" the NPGMC has not broken the agreement. That said, they have done some shady things, and broken the "spirit" of the agreement. The tourbook ad is probably the most likely thing to get them into trouble. It is INDEED false advertising. The fact that they acknowledge it and try to downplay it is disrespectful. Any confusion is ENTIRELY NPGMC's fault. They never give a strait answer, and never updated the members about what was happening. | |
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JC said: FIFI said: Why are people taking this to Okayplayer? They aren't a Prince site are they?
How many people have gotten a response? I think someone may be spreading this story to further portray the music club in a negative light. the real debate switched to more open and uncensored forums Aren't these forums open and uncensored? | |
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Nicely put SingMia | |
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FIFI said: JC said: FIFI said: Why are people taking this to Okayplayer? They aren't a Prince site are they?
How many people have gotten a response? I think someone may be spreading this story to further portray the music club in a negative light. the real debate switched to more open and uncensored forums Aren't these forums open and uncensored? nope not anymore Org.note me and i'll explain | |
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XLBubba said: http://www.okayplayer.com/dcforum/lesson/54001.html#13
This letter serves as a New Power Generation Music Club's (NPGMC) response to the above referenced complaints. Per your correspondence, we understand that you will forward our response to the complaining members. Given that the NPGMC's current "unsatisfactory" rating on the BBB website was based solely on an "unanswered complaint," we trust that the rating will be changed to reflect that NPGMC did, in afact, respond to all of the current complaints within the agreed upon time established in my letter dated %$%$% and your discussions with my colleague, %%$%$$. NPGMC denies any allegations of false, misleading or deceptive practices relevant to NPGMC advertising, memberships or offerings. Contrary to the recent complaints, since its inception in February 2001, NPGMC has provided thousands of satisfied Prince fans with premiere and direct access to Prince 's music, concerts, special events and merchandise for a nominal membership fee of $100.00. NPGMC has also been forthright and truthful about the benefits and limitations of the membership on its website, the primary and official vehicle for communication with potential and current members. NPGMC thus disagrees with any claims that it has been deceptive or failed to fulfill its membership promises. At most, the current complaints represent simple differences in interpretation of words, uninformed assumptions and/or misunderstandings about expectations held by the complaining members, not deceptive business practices by NPGMC. In order to have a context for analyzing the recent complaints, we offer this brief background about NPGMC. At Prince's discretion, each year's membership includes different and unique benefits. For example, in 2001, members received access to 12 monthly downloads of songs. This year, in 2002, Prince decided to move to a calendar year membership and to offer a total of 4 CDs mailed directly to NPGMC members, worldwide, including the first ever "live" release by Prince, a 3 CD box set entitled One Night Alone.Live, which was recently sent to domestic members and is being sent to members abroad next week. In addition, one of the most significant membership privileges each year (which many fans value the most) is the premier access to concerts and related special events. Relevant to the concert perks, each NPGMC member received: *Access to purchase any 2002 concert tickets two days before the general public. *VIP seating at the concert (within the first fifteen rows). *Admittance to the pre-concert sound check. *VIP access to the concert after-party. Moreover, this year, NPGMC members were the only ones who were entitled to confirmed tickets for the seven night Xenophobia concert celebration that took place at Prince's own Paisley Park studios in Chanhassen, which included hundreds of hours of exclusive live performances with a variety of highly talented musicians. Again, this privilege alone is worth more than $100 to Prince fans and most NPGMC members. In fact, many members join solely for the access to the premiere concert tickets, and other special offerings like the sound checks, where NPGMC members have the opportunity to interact with Prince in an intimate group with other members, make song requests for the concert, and listen to Prince practice. That's a totally "exclusive" opportunity that is never available to anyone other than NPGMC members. Finally, only NPGMC members are granted access to the exclusive section of the website and certain NPG merchandise. The complaining members seem to primarily take issue with NPGMC and the One Night Alone.Live release because 1) they believe that the 4 CD commitment meant 4 separate and individually shipped CDs, 2) they believed that the 4 CDs should have been sent earlier in the membership year, 3) the 3 CD set will be sold to the general public and the retail price for the 3CD set is less than the $100 membership fee, and 4) the music on the CDs is not "new" or "exclusive." In an effort to clear up any assumptions and misunderstandings, we have responded to each issue in turn. First, NPGMC never represented on the website, the primary communication vehicle to NPGMC members, that the music benefit would 4 separate, individually shipped CDs. The NPGMC website stated "Each 2002 member will receive at least 4 new Prince CDs in the mail from Paisley Park b4 the end of 2002." There was one advertisement in this year's tour book that referenced certain CDs that may be accessible through NPGMC but there was no firm commitment to offer those particular CDs. Ultimately, Prince decided to release the 3 CD set to NPGMC members based on part on a belief that it would be more appealing to NPGMC members, given that many fans over the years have requested "live" recordings and that this is the first time Prince actually did so. NPGMC said it would provide members with 4 CDs during the calendar year and that was done. There was no misrepresentation or breach. Second, NPGMC never made any representations about when CDs would be sent to members, only that the 2002 members would receive 4 CDs during the calendar year. Although NPGMC may have wanted to release the 3 CD set earlier in the year to NPGMC members, it was not possible for production and distribution reasons. The intent of NPGMC has always been to ensure that NPGMC members get releases before everyone else. That happened this year, even though the gap in distribution for NPGMC members and the general public is smaller than originally envisioned. Retail sales of the the 3 CD set are not set to begin until mid-December. Third, NPGMC has never represented that releases to NPGMC members would never be released anywhere else. Because that is not a commitment that NPGMC ever made to its members, there is no standing to complain that the One Night Alone.Live 3 CD set is also being sold in retail stores. Moreover, although the 3 CD set does retail for less than the NPGMC membership fee, members receive much more than just the 4 CDs for their $100. As stated above, the value of the concert benefits alone exceeds $100 for most fans and NPGMC members. Fourth and finally, the complaining members claim that the music on the 2002 membership CDs is not "new" or "exclusive" as advertised by NPGMC. Apparently, the complaining members are interpreting "new" and "exclusive" as "never before heard" or "never to be released anywhere else." That interpretation was never communicated to potential or current NPGMC members, nor was it Prince's intent relevant to the CDs privilege of NPGMC membership. It is solely within Prince's purview to decide which music he releases to NPGMC members each year. While the complaining members apparently disagree, the CDs that were released in 2002 are "new" and "exclusive" as they were never released before and the "live" release is altogether unprecedented. Moreover, the separate One Night Alone piano CD, which was shipped earlier in the the year was only made available to NPGMC members. Prince and NPGMC have kept their commitment with respect to providing "new" and "exclusive" music to its members. Reasonable people can disagree and interpret words and their meanings very differently. To the extent that the complaining NPGMC members have interpreted NPGMC promotions contrary to the intended meaning, we apologize and in an effort to resolve these matters will re-examine the language on the website and in any other promotional materials for possible ways to clarify the message. It is important, however, to note that deception was not the intent and NPGMC takes issue with allegations of that nature. The NPGMC membership sign-in explicitly states: "By clicking continue below u agree 2 the Club Membership Agreement. U also understand that all 2002 memberships will end at the end of 2002 and u will have to renew in January 2003 if u wish to continue. WARNING: There are no returns or refunds." Therefore, it would be inappropriate and unfair to other members to offer a refund to these complaining members. Hey bud, i heard they added a purple butt plug in the retail section...its exclusive for people like you... [This message was edited Sun Dec 15 8:15:43 PST 2002 by Tom] | |
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I just want the NPG Music Club up and running again.
I think the minority have been spoiling things for the majority - hope PRINCE hasn't take offence and things we are all ungrateful. I certainly appreciate everything that has been given to us during the time the Music Club has been running - I have been a member since day one. Please hurry up back on line NPG Music Club. | |
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My box set was all fine, the club is all fine and so right about those who complain... NPGMC rules... "Goodness will guide us when love is inside of us... The Force will be with you, always" | |
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SingMiaSong says:NPG has also created a FAMILY like atmostphere with NO COST 2 U at these gatherings by keeping the MUSIC GOING.
Bullshit. I was at two soundchecks in Chicago with other NPGMC members and I have not encountered a ruder group of people in my life. I kept thinking about how incredibly fucked up this crowd was. | |
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Get a life for fucks sake They say money don't buy you luv. But it'll help w/ the search. | |
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yeah iwould have to agree. Alot of prince fans are some straight bitches! I mean a prime example would be the org. People act so big and bad when they talk from behind a monitor | |
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And by the way, SingMiaSong, money does matter. Prince could have very easily did everything he did for the club members for absolutely free. The Celebration, the concert seats..really, does anybody believe that Prince isn't a millionaire many times over and who helped him to get there...US. The people who didn't stop listening when all the other commerical Prince fans did. I used to be one of the "I am 100% happy with the club" people, but then rationality started kicking in. By the way, the Chicago fans did not get great seats for the concerts. | |
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stymie said: And by the way, SingMiaSong, money does matter. Prince could have very easily did everything he did for the club members for absolutely free. The Celebration, the concert seats..really, does anybody believe that Prince isn't a millionaire many times over and who helped him to get there...US. The people who didn't stop listening when all the other commerical Prince fans did. I used to be one of the "I am 100% happy with the club" people, but then rationality started kicking in. By the way, the Chicago fans did not get great seats for the concerts.
What would you do in his position then? Let's try... May you get your foot back on the ground. "Goodness will guide us when love is inside of us... The Force will be with you, always" | |
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