Read This!

he makes the same points as I did

How do you manage to declare the QVC thing a "debacle" - because you didn't approve of it? Because you didn't like the band taking that route? Your definitions are assigned based on your opinions. It doesn't make it so.

Again, and maybe I haven't made myself clear enough when I attempt to get this point across (and maybe it's because I foolishly indulge in some of the inane and anatagonistic online banter here at this site) but here's the thing: if you weren't so caught up in the world of Bon Jovi, what Bon Jovi do or don't do, and whether or not you approve of it wouldn't matter so much.

For every argument that the band sold out - who did they sell out?
Themselves? No. If they're sleeping soundly at night and waking up and are able to look themselves in the mirror in the morning, then they didn't sell out.

For every argument that the band is commercial now there are two points to consider: 1) They were always commercial. In the late 80s in the US, Bon Jovi were THE band and everything that came along with it, including the knockoff bands. That's what sold. So, from the start they were a commercial band. They weren't looking to perform in small coffeehouses (no, not the fun ones in Holland) but in big venues. There's nothing wrong with that. 2) If there's so commercial now according to your protests, how come the albums and singles don't sell as well, the band doesn't get airplay on radio or videoplay on TV? Sell out is a term of convenience used by some people who can't find another way to express their personal disappointment in the direction a band takes career-wise. If you're honestly going to argue that Bon Jovi sold out in 2000 with Crush, you're missed 17 years of the band's career!

Again, too much of this is about you. As if what the band does is a personal reflection upon you as a fan - an how other people perceive you. If the band does well, then we can bask in their success and have other people look at us and acknowledge that we're fans of the band that did this really cool thing. But if they do something you don't approve of (write with Max Martin, do a private corporate gig, do a QVC appearance) then somehow, you're embarassed to be a fan and are worried about appearances to others? If you're a fan, you're a fan and you don't have to like everything but you don't have to explain or rationalize or apologize for anything the band does. If if's about how you are personally affected by the band's career decision, the relationship between fan and band might be a bit warped.

The thing I've been noticing about my fellow fans (on the whole, because there are certainly plenty of exceptions to the rule) is that Bon Jovi fans, on the whole, are a very accepting lot. There isn't much superiority among fans. There's a very inclusive nature about them. Whereas, there are some fans of some other bands *U2 and Springsteen come to mind* who somehow get off on the fact that they're band's are critics' darlings and therefore their personal taste in music is validated as being better than most. That's making it too much about your own personal identity. That's what at issue.

seeing as this post seems to be directed at me ( I didnt read all of it, the same post over and over again is rather boresome)

tell me where I said

If it seems to be directed at you, it's because you recognized yourself in it.

But then again, since you see a lot of things (obvious Nirvana ripoffs, etc) one could easily understand how you're quick to presume things that are posted as general as meant to be personal.

Take from it what you will - and when the shoe fits, wear it. When it doesn't, don't.

sometimes you grow into a pair of shoes you know

and with age everyone naturally shrinks a little bit

Very well said actually. About the QVC thing, I really don't see how it differs from say re releasing These Days with bonus disk... just cos Guy Who Wrote The Article doesn't think the QVC thing compares to that, doesn't mean that everyone will share that view. And yeah, the diehard fans, even though they may not like the new material, should still be able to acknowledge that this is the same band who gave them all the old stuff, so to just give up on the band cos they don't like their latest efforts... I'd actually consider that 'selling out'

Keep On Rockin'

Walrus, I LIKE that idea.
It's the fans that sell out - giving up on a band they profess to like because they no longer like what the band is releasing.
If you're ready to move on, fair enough.
But to stick around and just complain. Let It Go.

I guessed it was aimed at me by the fact that you replied to my post, and included the word "you" several times


gimpazoid 2003

Yes, but you can be singular or plural.
So, if you saw yourself in my reply, felt you should take to heart what I said, nice for you.
Tsk, tsk... did I hit a nerve?

not really...

As I said I didnt read it, I had a strange sense of deja vu..