Dear "Other forum" spies

[mr_j]

of course, this might be arguing over something that might not happen. apparently, if you go visit the Hollywood Records site, there's...no mention of that P.Spree band whatsoever, and they've been removed from their label roster....

[mdmusick]

Well, if Thumbsucker falls under the agreement, I'm pretty sure the contract was only for three records...

[mr_j]

true. but at the same time, for a band who complains of budget issues, going into extremely expensive studios and making a record and setting a release date when you don't even have a label seems a bit...presumptuous.

[aquaphase]

true. but at the same time, for a band who complains of budget issues, going into extremely expensive studios and making a record and setting a release date when you don't even have a label seems a bit...presumptuous.

a.k.a.... typical.

[Dalya]

"I don't care if the (Spork) are a cult, Christian, both, hypocrites (what band lives up to its more inspiring lyrics/music?), or are only fully appreciated by people with a thousand plus posts on this site. I am but a humble newbie who can't wait to part with some cash to see them live and get the next CD. Wherever they come from, from here, I like. Anyway, as a rule I don't want to know too much about the artist; it's usually disappointing."

well i love my comfy Gap t-shirt so I don't want to know too much about where it came from. lalala, i'm giving money to people who whip 10 year olds, lalala.

[James]

Again, this comes with the belief that the forum is a major driver with the success of the band. In fact, it is not. Understand this, please. Any "major meltdown" by the forum at any time will have little bearing on how this new record will do. It has to do with one thing: can the band win the fans that will buy the record? Maybe come to a show? Maybe buy some merch at that show?

On this issue, I think we'll just have to agree to disagree. Given the current climate of the music industry and the stranglehold on mainstream media, I believe the internet (including the forum) is the major driver for people to discover and become attached to the band and its music.

I think you're really stretching with this "true intentions" thing. Of all the forums I have belonged to, the ones that are real will speak their minds. I have read nothing that isn't someone just speaking their mind at the moment. So people thought the band might have half-assed the xmas show? So what? Others didn't. A conversation happened, and it moved on. It's bound to happen; you can't please all the people all the time.

The two xmas show threads ("Reindeer" and "Overpriced Tix") themselves are not the cause of my concern. People have a right to voice their opinion (positive and negative). I'm all for keeping it real... to a point. However, I am concerned of why some people are still hanging around the other forum given their feelings about the band (and this is not directed to you or some of the other members). Another "other forum" member likened the current environment in the other forum to a relationship breakup. If someone breaks your heart, why stick around and continue to be hurt? Furthermore, why allow your friends and supporters to disrupt your "ex" from forming new relationships? True, it may not be your responsibility, but you could try do something about it if you really cared.

As for your comments regarding "why subject people from places that begin with the letter 'A' to any sort of contrary opinion regarding the ban", can you not let them make up their own mind? Do you honestly think that new people coming to the board are so naive in that they are influenced by what someone says?

When the statements are made by forum members who used to be in the band or are friends of former band members or act like they run the forum... then my answer is YES.

However, you seem to think there's some sort of al-qaeda plot to bring down the band 9/11 style, and I have to say THAT's crazy. Just as a forum cannot drive a band to the top, they also cannot destroy them either. Again, you put WAY too much stock in a forum.

I never said destroy. I said "hinder" the evolution of the band and the forum.

I don't think anyone would take joy in the band being dismantled. In fact, the people you probably consider to be trying to take it down would be the saddest of all, because quite a few of them have been around since the very beginning, and before, with Tripping Daisy. For me, it's part of my legacy to the world, so obviously I would be crushed. But more than that, the only people that can make that decision are the band themselves.

I wish everyone felt the way you do. It would be nice if your statement was true for everyone.

And as for this statement: "why even live with a pretense that it's even a band any more?". Was there any logical retort to it? It may not be a question you like to read, but do you have an answer, other than 'people don't need to be reading things like that'? It may not have been comfortable, but it is an honest question.

When most people think of a band, they think lead singer, guitarist(s), bass player, drummer and maybe a keyboard player. This is not the case. Said band has 20+ members at any given time. It's preposterous to think a band with so many members would remain intact from beginning to end. How many times does a drummer leave a much smaller band without fans making such inflamatory statements? Plenty.

And it's not even fair to make traditional band comparisons in the first place. At best, the band construction should be viewed in the context of "Wings": Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, Denny Laine (the core) and interchangeable members... not a "traditional" band but not a solo project either.

Please know that I'm not trying to change minds. I was hoping for a rational and open discussion between opposing views and so far... so good.

Well, I hate to spoil it, but we'll have to agree to disagree on the points we disagree on. Other things I don't feel comfortable discussing on a forum that would go against friends i still have in the band. It's certainly not fair to them.

[jbfromoc]

enjoying music that was created in a not-so-nice way by not-so-nice people is the same as someone frolicking around the city in a t-shirt made by a 10 year old in Guam. dont you want to know what kind of people you are supporting? by buying their cd you are condoning their behavior just like youre condoning sweat shops when you shop at walmart.

well i love my comfy Gap t-shirt so I don't want to know too much about where it came from. lalala, i'm giving money to people who whip 10 year olds, lalala.

To even compare management's insincere and callous treatment of its members and close supporters to the vile exploitation of young children in third world countries simply proves how very upset and hurt you are and only reinforces my suspicions about the true intentions of certain members of the other forum who are still hanging around.

However, to indulge your argument, do you really think for one second that Walmart or The Gap would allow protesters in their stores to create negative publicity and help drive customers away? No. Therefore, since the other forum is the property of management (and since its too time consuming and costly to keep people out), it's only logical to assume that all of the recent negativity towards the band and the driving away of new fans who don't care about the personal issues will only accomplish one thing... shutting down the forum. I mean, why spend time and money supporting a forum if the comments from former band members or friends of former band members or members who act like they run the forum are mostly unsupportive?

Personally, it would be nice if management took proactive measures to help heal the hurt they caused. And it's sad that they haven't taken any responsibility as of yet. However, why should the forum and us "kool-aid drinkers" suffer for their actions?

[jbfromoc]

Well, I hate to spoil it, but we'll have to agree to disagree on the points we disagree on. Other things I don't feel comfortable discussing on a forum that would go against friends i still have in the band. It's certainly not fair to them.

I'm very grateful that you even took the time to address some of these issues. Thank you.

[Phyllis]

stfu.

this topic is tiring.

disliking a band doesn't mean you have other "intentions."

i don't like twinkies. that doesn't mean i'm going to join a twinkie forum and try to bring down the twinkie industry. why is it so hard to believe that someone just DOESN'T LIKE THE BAND? and that they DON'T HAVE A SECRET AGENDA.

whatever

[mr_j]

only reinforces my suspicions about the true intentions of certain members of the other forum who are still hanging around....why spend time and money supporting a forum if the comments from former band members or friends of former band members or members who act like they run the forum are mostly unsupportive?

why should the forum and us "kool-aid drinkers" suffer for their actions?

why don't you stop being a coy little bitch and actually name some names?
that way we know who you are talking about, what you are talking about, and maybe we'll give a shit about what you have to say. maybe, too, people can address your issues directly.

and to answer your second question...they don't suffer because some people have issues with things that have happened in the past. they suffer when someone constantly pushes the issue about what some people believe....

[Steveums]

To be honest, I would either shut up and go away, or shut up and stay.

[ree-ree]

Very well put.
(And you don't need to shut-up to stay, just find a different subject to contribute to or bring up.)

[Play-Doh]

Ok, im not usually one to get into the middle of these things, but I do from time to time just to make sure I still got it.
Sure, I double dip in both this and the "other" board. And yes, im still a relatively newbie on this board.

However I learned one thing very early on. The Spork board is for talk about the Spork. This place is for everthing else that just doesnt seem to fit on the other board. I still have my love for the Spork and that is my opinion and I have never felt like someone was threatening it. And if they have, that is their opinion and they are entitled to that...but I just dont let it affect me. But, like I said, ill save that for that board. Im just here for the forkin.

[Phyllis]

so you think the other board should be dedicated 100 percent to talking about the band?

how boring is that. REALLY.

[Play-Doh]

so you think the other board should be dedicated 100 percent to talking about the band?

how boring is that. REALLY.

Of course not Phyllis....after all that is what the Random Ramblings section is for and Lord knows my post count shows it....Im just saying that this place a unique vibe that no other forum could handle.