I don't like when people want to make Prince look bad in whatever he tries to do...he can not dance or act differently, because people will say he is gay...he can not marry for the second time, because people say he cheated his first wife...he can not make a song that sounds unlike the way he usued to sing because they'll say he is weird and blah, blah, blah...He is 46 now, he matured like everyone else..he changed, he is not the same like before...he has other responsibilities, other beliefs (may I like it or not...'cause I am not at all religious...)!
Why do people want to make him feel bad...Please just respect him and if you don't like him or his music, don't bother buying his records...I know everyone is free to give their opinions, but don't do it in an ugly way...I am sure everyone loves him, so bear with him and his new way of living and singing; what's the use of him singing what we like and him not liking what is coming out of his mouth...I have been a fan for more than 20 years, there were times that I did not like him (when he changed his name) and his music, so I just did not bother buying his cd's, but now he is having a great comeback and this new Prince is just like the one I have known for the past years, happy, loving what he is doing...I just want to say that to me, his is my #1 4ever.

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

That doesn't answer the question. As the subject asked, why so much bitter criticism? Your answer is 'there's bitter criticism here because all artists are subject to criticism', which doesn't say anything! It doesn't say answer why there is so much negative criticism, why it's not postive, or what motivates the haters to complain again and again. It's a question that lingers around here. Why is there so much negative criticism of him? What motivates such criticism? It is puzzling.

sabaisabai said:

what motivates loads of criticism of any given thing, is what one should ask.

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

A good Q, and the answer's probably the same as if we ask specifically about Prince.

Who says Prince gets any more negative criticism than anyone else?

BorisFishpaw said:

this cat just did.

the thing is - to ME anyway - people will read what they want to read.

some people follow prince's every move waiting for his next mistake or folly or foible, so they can caw and bray about it.

some people follow every word written about prince waiting for something negative to be said so they can act all offended and caterwaul and beat their chest and act like some horrible betrayal has fallen upon the house of nelson.

some people just know what they like, know what they don't like, and they don't worry about the rest.

in other words, you're gonna find extremes in opinion everywhere. one could say that it's only in accepting the existence of those extremes that you can find a peaceful middle ground.

I imagine some fans are more hypersensitive about criticism than Prince even is. It's his work and his life, why are you the one stressing out over it all? Criticism doesn't just mean something *negative*.

Tom said:

I totally agree with you "it's HIS work and HIS life". That's exactly what I am trying to say. Thank you for reinforcing and supporting my ideas.

Luli said:

It's just like Handclapsfingasnapz said:



why shouldn't we? there ain't a single piece of art in the world, musical or otherwise, that's never been criticized. there ain't a single person in the world, famous or otherwise, who hasn't been criticized in some way. criticism is part of the artistic process, as well as part of living. deal.

and like I'm saying:

part of the artistic process.

AND

DEAL!

Sometimes, truth has a bitter after effect, but truth is fundamental to any critique; especially, a person who has Godlike status here.

Prince creates his own bad press, and in doing so, he makes for an easy target. Hell, if the guy was at least consistent, he would duck much of the bad press that comes his way.

We don't injure, we correct with love. It helps Prince become a better person. And, isn't that what everyone wants in the end?

The only thing I personally care about is the state of his music. If his music was still hot, I'd have nothing to complain about.

he will never be hot anymore evilwhitemale, you still can hear your nevermind album and no doubt too! they´re hot.
[This message was edited Fri Jun 4 12:26:44 2004 by 7salles]

My opinion is that most people use negative criticism as a crutch and an attention grabber. It's unrealistic to believe that any atrisit in any forum will escape the slings and arrows of critics, but if their contribution to the world last for centuries after their life, those critiques will be lost memories. We know more about Van Gough and his legacy than the critics of his art. The same can be said for Prince. If a critic has facts to backup their case, I'm more prone to hear them than if its just some petulant rant.

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

While that is true...I think the point is there is a LOT of negativity that comes from the fans. Most artists don't get this much negative critisism from those that support them.

I think there are plenty of reasons. One is that as an artist, he has changed A LOT...and for someone so creative, he stiffles his creativity by alienating those who believe in him. Also there are those who loved the older stuff and just can't get into the newer material...and thusly are voicing their opinions. I don't follow Bowie or Dylan (whom I compare Prince to only as artists whos creativity and artisrty aren't exactly understood) but I doubt that they have had the legal, shocking, or as provoking controversy as P....though each have changed musically as well and have lost fans along the way.

Prince has also pissed off many many hardcore fans with sueing them for just having a website...or the Crystal Ball fiasco...or the early days of NPGMC pissed off those who thought for 100 bucks they should get more and reported him to the better business bureau. Also many feel they DESERVE music that is out and about to be released. As an artist we follow...he is VERY FRUSTRATING...in interviews, in reaching out to his fans (he's doing better now), the single choices etc. etc. He does practically nothing by the books. Though he likes it that way..it's hard to follow his logic usually.

And I should add the obvious here...the only reason we see all the negativity is because the internet exists. Before the internet none of this talk was possible. It was just amongst ourselves.

2freaky4church1 said:

And that's every bit as arrogant as some deem Prince as being. Look in the mirror, and correct yourself into becoming a "better person," Mr. Father Knows Best, because obviously Prince sure as hell ain't changing as a person for any of the chronic whiners around here. Act like you know.

superspaceboy said:

I totally respect those reasons as to why people have complained and I've done my share of it in the last couple of years. My only problem is when people ONLY complain and won't try to find any kind of good in what he's done. I try to do that with all his stuff but if it doesn't work then it doesn't. What I've discovered is that if you expect the worst, for the most part you'll get the worst. Why do that to yourself?

Criticism can be constructive....if offered to the one being criticized. (Prince probably reads some of this)...but BITTER criticism is what the poster asked about and I see it too.
It's the type of criticism one gives an enemy, not a friend.
It become just derrogatory talk about another person, and everything about him.
Hey I don't particularly like "Life of the Party"...yet. So should I call the creator of it a stupid, shortsighted fool...who should be doing this or that bla bla bla.....
Nope, that's not healthy criticism...that's just ugly talk.

purplecam said:

Some people have nothing better to do and the internet gives them an easy way to complain that doesn't fall on deaf ears. Quite a few boards I have seen (on other more general topics...not ones that discuss a particular music artist) in the past are breeding grounds for negativity.

Anxiety said:

I think that pretty much sums it up. I tend to relate more to the third description Anxiety listed. If I don't like something, then I don't pay any of my attention or energy to it. If I do like it I may do the extreme opposite such as; Pay money for Mp3's and WMA files, go to concerts, participate in online chat, hell maybe even wear a t-shirt. I guess when Ma said; "If you don't have nothin nice to say, then shut the fuck up" I listened.

Supernova said:

SensualMelody said:

YOU GOT MY POINT...THANKS FOR BACKING ME UP ON THIS ONE! LULI

Woah, this thread's deep! U guys had better calm down or U gonna reach the Earth's Core

Spookymuffin said:

ALL IS PEACEFUL NOW...