His actions sometimes say no (LOtUSFLOW3R debacle) but sometimes they say yes (3rdeyegirl [not the customer service part] just the fact that he's back on the web and releasing new music for us) But then again was 3rdeyegirl really for us? Or is it just something he wanted to do? I guess what I'm asking is, are we his motivation to do anything (hence does he care) or is he all about what he wants and we're just.... there? I know no one really knows the answer to this only he does, but I guess I'm just looking for a consensus more or less.

[Edited 2/21/13 7:06am]

I'm guessing the question shoulda been "do the fans care if he cares or not?" And judging by the activity on this thread, the answer is HELLLLLLL NOOOOOOOOOOO!! JUST KEEP MAKIN' DA MUSIC! mystery solved.

Yes

trust me, he does

No, not most of them. You're special to him.

Actually, I think I gave my answer to this in the "do you care about Prince as a person?"

Yeah, he cares for his fans. Some. In some ways. As a group. Not about specific people. And he has no idea or way of understanding, from where he is now, what the heck the whole Lotusflow3r problem was. Or why anyone's complaining about the details of 3rdeyegirl.com or any other project. He does not live in the same world any of his fans do, and he doesn't get you at all. And you can't talk about music from anything but a consumer's perspective (and that includes those of you who are musicians, too, actually--because nobody knows anything about his music but him). But he does care. And I mean that, actually.

He doesn't spend time saying it over and over again like some performers, but he probably does care.

Yes. He cares about his fans just like parents care about their children.

You know. They're motivated to do it because they want to see own reflections in the kids.

novabrkr said:

Yes. He cares about his fans just like parents care about their children.

You know. They're motivated to do it because they want to see own reflections in the kids.

thats awesome

I always thought the deals we got with NPG Music Club were way superior to what other artists that charged for fan club admission were giving. If you asked me at the time I would have said yeah.

He probably cares maybe just that much more than the average superstar. I think stars in general would rather their audience didn't all die in a fire at the same time, but are not above gouging them for $$ when the opportunity presents itself.

But we do get bones thrown once in a while. The 21 Nights In LA with $25 tickets allowed a lot of people I know to see his show, who wouldn't have bothered if it was the usual $100 price for a big show. And allowed the superfans to see multiple gigs without breaking the bank. That was a nice gesture.

Prince will always be good in the "love 4 fans" category as far as I am concerned.

I can think of no major artist of his caliber that opens up their private recording studio for shows/concerts/parties/movies/etc.

Those of you that went to the 2002 celebration and witnessed night after night after night of intimate Prince shows with dream set lists:

How much did he charge for that week purple heaven? Who did Prince do that for? Does U2 do that kind of thing for it's fanbase? Springsteen? Madonna? Did Michael?

I've jumped right to the front of the line of many a Prince show due to fan clubs, etc. Even lotusflower website got me early access to some shows.

I got front row seat tickets to all of his Musicology shows in St. Paul with preferred fan seating early buy.

I've been to numerous Paisley events over the years that were free with as "suggested" donation of $7.

5 feet away from Prince for a 3 hour + late night concert for free with complimentary chips and water?

Seems awfully nice to this fan. That's why you never hear me bitchin' about how long it took for me to get my Crystal Ball or my $77 t-shirt.

[Edited 2/21/13 12:53pm]

skywalker said:

Prince will always be good in the "love 4 fans" category as far as I am concerned.

I can think of no major artist of his caliber that opens up their private recording studio for shows/concerts/parties/movies/etc.

Those of you that went to the 2002 celebration and witnessed night after night after night of intimate Prince shows with dream set lists:

How much did he charge for that week purple heaven? Who did Prince do that for? Does U2 do that kind of thing for it's fanbase? Springsteen? Madonna? Did Michael?

I've jumped right to the front of the line of many a Prince due to fan clubs, etc. Even lotusflower website got me early access to some shows.

I got front row seat tickets to all of his Musicology shows in St. Paul with preferred fan seating early buy.

I've been to numerous Paisley events over the years that were free with as "suggested" donation of $7.

5 feet away from Prince for a 3 hour + late night concert for free with complimentary chips and water?

Seems awfully nice to this fan. That's why you never hear me bitchin' about how long it took for me to get my Crystal Ball or my $77 t-shirt.

[Edited 2/21/13 12:49pm]

I absolutely agree. There are a number of great artists who have created cool fan clubs, websites, limited edition products and/or offer a peek into the creative process (Peter Gabriel and NIN are just a couple that quickly come to mind).

Prince seems to go to great lengths to please his fans - small club shows, residencies, theatre tours, arena tours, downloads (npgmusic, 3rdeye), opening paisley, etc. etc. Constantly recording/releasing music.

Yes, probably.

Maybe some more than others.

Not in a rational sense, but in his world, he probably thinks he does. For example, if I started a site called "4th Toe Ho," I would probably get sued. At least 4th Toe Ho is mildly funny. 3rd Eye Girl is kinda like unoriginal....Third Eye Blind, etc..

yes and no.

sometimes he's wonderful to the fans, sometimes he's an absolute prick.

it's a somewhat abusive relationship.

Like pets?

[Edited 2/22/13 5:23am]

cborgman said:

yes and no.

sometimes he's wonderful to the fans, sometimes he's an absolute prick.

it's a somewhat abusive relationship.

I agree that he is not very consistent how he treats his fans.

I hope there will come a time when the interaction becomes more balanced.

Both ways.

No, I don't.

To quote Stewie Griffin,

"yeah kind-a."

Prince's relationship with his fans has had some questionable moments over the years but ultimately i believe he does care.

im a prince fan and most prince fans make me cringe to fuck

so do i think prince "cares" for his fans?

fuck no

and why should he?

he owes you NOTHING...get over it (apologies to anyone under 19-i understand you have a different slant on pop stars but to those whom shave or buy your own groceries....jeez get over it)