If you haven't heard the news, Prince is suing several websites citing copyright infringement. Before you read this open letter, check out the entire story by following this link:Prince sues fan websites
Ok, now that you have read the entire story and know exactly what is going on...can you believe this? Let me first start by saying I am a huge Prince fan. Anyone who knows me knows this is a fact. I will talk until I am blue in the face about Prince. Let me run into someone who is just finding out about him or wants to know more about the man and his music, watch out. I am breaking out the cds, playing important tracks and taking the person through his amazing career. I wrote a blog not too long ago about the first time I heard his music, that was almost 27 years ago. That day truly changed my thoughts and views towards music. Yea, I listened to stuff here and there, but was never really into music until Prince. He can definitely be credited for my overwhelming love of music, not just his but all types of music. This is why I am so saddened by what is taking place.
There are obviously two sides to this story, Prince's side and the fans side. Now, I can completely understand him having a problem with sites that are illegally using his photos, videos and music for some sort of financial gain. Claiming to be "official" sites connected to Prince. That is completely wrong and the man has every right to sue those entities. But come on, the 3 main sites he is after are: Housequake.com, Prince.org and Princefams.org. I am a member of all 3 sites as well as the official Prince site 3121. com. The interesting thing is on each of those fan pages it clearly states that they have no official affiliation with Prince and any companies related to Prince. They clearly spell out in no uncertain terms that they will not tolerate any illegal posts, selling of or asking where to purchase any music, movies and anything related to Prince. These sites are maintained by these folks absolutely free, because they love and respect his music. No money is being made on these sites, none. These sites are for information purposes only. Even though I have a huge knowledge of Prince, I can't know everything. These sites have come in handy several times when I wanted to find out some information.
Prince, this is FREE PUBLICITY! WE ARE THE FANS WHO HAVE STUCK WITH YOU THROUGH THICK AND THIN! From the good times (Purple Rain, Dirty Mind, Sign o' the Times), to the not so good times (pretty much the entire 90's). From writing slave on your face, fighting your record label for ownership of your music. Your comeback at the Grammy awards with Beyonce to your amazing performance at halftime during the Superbowl. We have been there, every step of the way. I personally have been ridiculed and called a homosexual for being a fan of yours. Did I care? Not one bit, because the music is just that powerful. Your true fans are not here to take you down, but to enjoy the gift you have been given. Why would you want to hurt the people who have been there with you from day one? The only thing you are going to do is alienate this hardcore and loyal base of fans. Of course, the lawyers are going to try and spin this situation to make it look like it's not aimed at the fans, but it is..no matter how you try and paint it.
Instead of backing down, those 3 fan sites I mentioned earlier are getting together to fight back..I say FIGHT THE POWER! Sometimes you gotta spank big daddy to make him realize the mistakes they are making. You want to know the true definition of irony? Prince is the one of the main artists who pioneered the use of the internet to get his message and music out to the masses. Last year he won an award for "reshaping the relationship between fan and artist." Go figure. It just blows my mind how he can do this to his most loyal fans, truly blows my mind.
When I first started to write this open letter, I will admit it was filled with some curse words and a very bitter tone. I chose not to use that version, but tone it down and just say how I feel without being angry. All I can say to you Prince is, years of myself and others being loyal dedicated fans and this is how you repay us? If any of you are interested in finding out more about the movement called Prince Fans United, I urge you to go to their website and show your support.
Prince Fans United!
No matter what you do or how crazy you get Prince, your music will always be what keeps me as one of your fans. It's too bad you don't realize right now that this is hurting you more then helping you.
stay purple people...
Posts
