Are MJ fans a curse/blessing to MJ's career?

[Forever_Mike]

Hi peeps,
I was just thinking the other day after reading varies opinions of various MJ sites about our role as MJ-fans in his career. If we look back at the days of Thriller MJ knew his fans (mostly through the huge crowds that followed him in public apperances) but the fans at the time didn't have the close-relationship that I feel MJ has with the current fan base. Those days there weren't fan clubs and not many had access to computers let alone internet.

MJ had the freedom to create what his truly wanted in peace, without pre-judgement. As a result we enjoyed this man's HUGE talent. However as time as passed by, and also due to challenges he has faced in his personal life with trials etc, the role of fans have become more 'significant'. In a way its incredible to see all the fans cheering him on and showing their support during the trial. I honestly don't think that any celebrity today can ever get that level of support. Ultimately its only human for MJ to feel the strong love for his fans, the fact which he has expressed a number of times through his statements.

The ugly side of this however is obvious when you see the reactions to some of MJ projects by some fans. Take T-25 remixes for example, various fans have expressed their dislike/hate of this project prior to their leak. Some of these opinions have been down right disrespectful, not just to MJ and his visions but to other fans.
The self fulfilled prophecies now continue as some of these fans refuse to give the remixes a chance. This is despite that these very fans a few years ago would have given anything to hear something from MJ. Most people didn't think that MJ would have had the strength or stomach frankly to work at all after the trial.

MJ's fans are very important to him and maybe more so than any other artist. For MJ, his fans have shown him so much support and love when he has needed it the most. MJ fans have as a result been tested both by the media and their Star's personal challenges than any other artist. :yes:

Having said this we now know that some projects have been cancelled by MJ because they got 'leaked'. I am referring to the X-factor project here. But lets face it, the first place I hear of any MJ news is the fan-clubs. Its also here that again discussions occurred about this 'X-factor' project. Some fans did what they do best, they dissed the project, promising that they KNEW if MJ did it, it will flop etc etc etc. :rolleyes:

So I wonder MJ is very much aware of fan-clubs and has used them to communicate with fans previously. Did he change his mind also because of some of the negative comments from his fans? Maybe not. However I wonder how much of an impact MJ fans will have on his career. Is MJ refusal to allow any information on his project (not even to Sony) an attempt for him to regain the 'peace of mind' he once had during Thriller days? Is he trying to distance himself also from fans pre-judged opinions (and the effect these opinions may have in the larger picture) on his project?

If so I must say that I am glad! :)What do you think, have we become more of a curse or a blessing to MJ's career.

[Hoofmark]

I think fans are both a blessing and a curse. Not only for Michael, but also among each other.

The support for Michael during his trial have been amazing, touching, heartbreaking, encouraging and unlimited. The fans even helped finding facts, see contradictions and so on. It's been an amazing journey in such a horrendous time.

But at the same time, because Michael has had to endure so much, has been a tabloid victim, some within the fan community have become very dictating in what is and what is not allowed to say or even think.

The support for Michael has gone over the top in some cases. He is a human being after all, and he has made some very bad decisions, like every human being does. But however clear sometimes this is, he is being defended beyond reality. He is being put on a pedestal by some like he is some kind of God. And that's freaking me out to be honest. Because it's far from reality, and the fierceness with wich this position is being defended alienates many other fans.

As far as music goes, I love to hear new stuff. I've been able to listen to the remixes and to be honest: I don't like them. And why shoulnd't I be able to say that? I'm not being pre-judged. I was looking forward to them, as a prelude to a completely new album. But the sound is not what I expected. And though it's only one opinion, I'm still hoping that in this day in time, I'm allowed to be dissappointed in them and make the choice not to buy them. I also didn't like the remixes on Blood on the Dancefloor. I only bought it because I liked four of the five new songs and okay... the Scream remix. May I?

I'm not one to dictate Michael's career, his direction, his artistic decisions, his looks, his actions. But in this free world I am allowed to have my own opinion. I'm a fan, and I've been there to fight for him when it mattered. But that doesn't mean I have to agree with everything he does, like everything he does and buy everything he puts out.

Is that a blessing or a curse? I don't know. I'm just me. My own life, my own standards, my own likes and dislikes. I'm not a part of a cult, but some group of fans sometimes seem to be. And that can't be a blessing.

[Forever_Mike]

^^ very interesting and valid points you raised. I agree with most of what you said. I just wonder though if we think at the time of Thriller a few weeks or so before its release, the album didn't work. This is according to those that worked on it like Q etc. The team took time to relax then returned to the studio to create the masterpiece that we now love and enjoy. If this happened today, most likely the singles would have been leaked and some people would have criticized. Rightly so as the sound was 'horrible' to quote Q's words. However the effect on sales etc this would have had even after the sound was corrected is hard to predict. I honestly think that some people would have not bought the album because they disliked the 'leaked' work so much.

My point is not that fans should not be allowed to express their opinion. I truly enjoy fan clubs where by i can talk to fellow MJ fans etc. My point is that has MJ allowed us to get to close for comfort and if so what can we do to change that. Its okay to not like remixes/albums etc but to be extremely negative about them to the point of ridiculous and talk of boycott etc is crazy.

Maybe the point is to remain in the balance. By this I mean that these extreme negative opinions as well as the extreme positive (such as taking MJ as a God) need to be eliminated/limited in some ways.

[SeanK]

I agree that the fans are a blessing, but i can see how they can also be a curse. I think the negativity surrounding T-25 is biased and selfishness. I am Happy with whatever Mike gifts us. He knows what he is doing and I don't give a ish what others opinions are on the matter. Happy T-25 all the way baby!

[mello1]

So I wonder MJ is very much aware of fan-clubs and has used them to communicate with fans previously. Did he change his mind also because of some of the negative comments from his fans? Maybe not. However I wonder how much of an impact MJ fans will have on his career. Is MJ refusal to allow any information on his project (not even to Sony) an attempt for him to regain the 'peace of mind' he once had during Thriller days? Is he trying to distance himself also from fans pre-judged opinions (and the effect these opinions may have in the larger picture) on his project?

If so I must say that I am glad! :)What do you think, have we become more of a curse or a blessing to MJ's career.
Boy, great discussion topics, you guys! I'm proud of ya! :kickass2:

Well, my assessment of it all is that things are different. With the age of the Internet and instantaneous access to information, it makes the marketing of any artist product all the more challenging.

It would seem that making an impression has to be done hard and fast with as little leaking as possible. You got to get in, hit it and quit it.

MJ's fanbase, with all of its diversity, will always be a blessing. However, not liking his new songs isn't a sign of disrespect. Michael is no less loved by his fans who will always celebrate his body of work and achievements, as well as the humanity of the man. Yes there are those fans who value the need to validate their support by the success of current work. But the fans who 'stick' are the ones who realize that the release of any future work does not make or break his legacy.

I keep the quote in my siggy because it says it all for me. There is really nothing left for MJ to do as far as music achievement, except to perhaps add to it at his level because he has gone where no artist has gone before. He is the standard that many already know they cannot reach and some just don't want to because of the heavy price Michael has paid to get there.

He is simply Michael and the fans will always adore him for being just him.

[troubleman84]

I think fans are both a blessing and a curse. Not only for Michael, but also among each other.

The support for Michael during his trial have been amazing, touching, heartbreaking, encouraging and unlimited. The fans even helped finding facts, see contradictions and so on. It's been an amazing journey in such a horrendous time.

But at the same time, because Michael has had to endure so much, has been a tabloid victim, some within the fan community have become very dictating in what is and what is not allowed to say or even think.

The support for Michael has gone over the top in some cases. He is a human being after all, and he has made some very bad decisions, like every human being does. But however clear sometimes this is, he is being defended beyond reality. He is being put on a pedestal by some like he is some kind of God. And that's freaking me out to be honest. Because it's far from reality, and the fierceness with wich this position is being defended alienates many other fans.

As far as music goes, I love to hear new stuff. I've been able to listen to the remixes and to be honest: I don't like them. And why shoulnd't I be able to say that? I'm not being pre-judged. I was looking forward to them, as a prelude to a completely new album. But the sound is not what I expected. And though it's only one opinion, I'm still hoping that in this day in time, I'm allowed to be dissappointed in them and make the choice not to buy them. I also didn't like the remixes on Blood on the Dancefloor. I only bought it because I liked four of the five new songs and okay... the Scream remix. May I?

I'm not one to dictate Michael's career, his direction, his artistic decisions, his looks, his actions. But in this free world I am allowed to have my own opinion. I'm a fan, and I've been there to fight for him when it mattered. But that doesn't mean I have to agree with everything he does, like everything he does and buy everything he puts out.

Is that a blessing or a curse? I don't know. I'm just me. My own life, my own standards, my own likes and dislikes. I'm not a part of a cult, but some group of fans sometimes seem to be. And that can't be a blessing.

^^^5
At times some people can go too far with the fandom. But it'll never stop me being a fan. People should be allowed to voice their opinions no matter how one digs it. Every artist is gonna have some crazy fans and every artist is gonna be defended but not to the point where it becomes an unhealthy obsession. Let the brother breathe, lol.

[troubleman84]

And Mello, you are right. Five remixes ain't gonna destroy a 40-year legacy at all. If people like 'em, cool, but it's cool if people don't like 'em. No need to worry about where Mike's place in history is.

[eternitys_child]

I always think about the effect of fans putting Michael on a pedestal. There is a long history of that being done to women and you know what, there isn't much room to move on a pedestal.

The analogy is the little girl who was bad if she got her dress dirty while her little brother was smiled at for just being a boy when he went out and got in the mud. Everyone needs to be able to kick back and get in the mud sometimes, maybe not to the extent that some of the modern day artists do but more than some fans seem to be willing to accept for Michael.

Glass box or no, he needs freedom. I mean for that freedom to apply not just to how he leads his life as we all peek in but to his artistic choices as well.

[mello1]

I think fans are both a blessing and a curse. Not only for Michael, but also among each other.

The support for Michael during his trial have been amazing, touching, heartbreaking, encouraging and unlimited. The fans even helped finding facts, see contradictions and so on. It's been an amazing journey in such a horrendous time.

But at the same time, because Michael has had to endure so much, has been a tabloid victim, some within the fan community have become very dictating in what is and what is not allowed to say or even think.

The support for Michael has gone over the top in some cases. He is a human being after all, and he has made some very bad decisions, like every human being does. But however clear sometimes this is, he is being defended beyond reality. He is being put on a pedestal by some like he is some kind of God. And that's freaking me out to be honest. Because it's far from reality, and the fierceness with wich this position is being defended alienates many other fans.

As far as music goes, I love to hear new stuff. I've been able to listen to the remixes and to be honest: I don't like them. And why shoulnd't I be able to say that? I'm not being pre-judged. I was looking forward to them, as a prelude to a completely new album. But the sound is not what I expected. And though it's only one opinion, I'm still hoping that in this day in time, I'm allowed to be dissappointed in them and make the choice not to buy them. I also didn't like the remixes on Blood on the Dancefloor. I only bought it because I liked four of the five new songs and okay... the Scream remix. May I?

I'm not one to dictate Michael's career, his direction, his artistic decisions, his looks, his actions. But in this free world I am allowed to have my own opinion. I'm a fan, and I've been there to fight for him when it mattered. But that doesn't mean I have to agree with everything he does, like everything he does and buy everything he puts out.

Is that a blessing or a curse? I don't know. I'm just me. My own life, my own standards, my own likes and dislikes. I'm not a part of a cult, but some group of fans sometimes seem to be. And that can't be a blessing.
I want to respond to this in particular because Hoofmark, you have raised this very issue many times in the past and I think now, if I may, I would like to honestly reply.

They say in Hollywood that no publicity is bad publicity. Well I think we all know now that this is clearly untrue. The worst thing that a celebrity can become embroiled in is a situation that becomes a 'cause celeb'. Something that shocks the public's senses. Above all, harming a child tops the list.

Michael Jackson has been dogged by a number of things, including the way he looks and his 'behavior' in public, yet for the last 15 years or so, his career has suffered tremendously due to the presumption that he is a child molestor. Of course charges like these have given pause to the music establishment to generally turn it's collective back on him. All of a sudden, they weren't 'sure' about him, even the ones in the industry who knew him -- well. And as such, no one wanted to touch him. And fairy tales becomes urban legend and folklore becomes lore, gospel truth and then finally, reality to many.

So when MJ was accused a second time and there was to be a trial, what I said to myself was, "okay". Finally the truth will come out one way or another and it will be what it will be. I made a decision to follow the trial because it was important for my decision about my perspections of Michael's character and integrity to be wholly based on everything that I could learn about this situation.

Hoofmark, I would also venture to say that many fans felt the same way as I did and many dug deep for the facts. When it became clear that this whole thing, from 1993 on, was a vulgar farce, MJ's fanbase became stronger and grew. It grew amongst people who didn't even really get into his music, the curious, as well as the faithful who stood by him from day one. MJ couldn't have asked for a bigger blessing.

I would like for you to consider this point. There's a time and place for everything. When someone that you care about and believe in is being unmercifully attacked and called vile names and when you see that this person isn't in a position to fully defend that public perspection, the last thing that you want to hear is criticism from fellow fans. It's just a human reaction. While we cannot imagine what MJ went thru, we all know is that it took a heavy toll on him, his family and all those who love him. It also took a heavy emotional toll on many fans, not because they are cult-like, but because they are human.

I can say that because I felt that way. But let me let you in on a little secret Hoofmark. Just because I felt that way, didn't mean that I didn't also have very defined opinions about some of the things that MJ has done unrelated to those charges and some of the things he has said about his philosophy in general that was made all too painfully clear in that Martin Bashir interview. However, I chose to put those opinions aside for a bigger purpose and that was to support the man that I believed in because I thought of him and still do think of him as a good person with a good heart and a loving spirit.

A person like that in my mind cannot exist in a pedophile's body. It is not logical. So Hoofmark, when people responded to you and others who have made this argument about wanting to openingly criticize Michael, IMO, primarily it was tantamount to reopening a freshly covered wound. People were just plain worn out with the viciousness of the whole matter and just couldn't stand to hear it from within the fanbase structure.

Things are different now. MJ has moved on and he's clearly stronger and so goes the fan base in general. Time was needed to heal and to move on and I think that we have all done that now. We can get back to talking about the music and other things and we can openingly discuss things with candor and intelligence. While there are fans who clearly do have a 'MJ-can-never-ever-ever-ever-ever-ever-ever-in-his-purple-life-do-no-wrong', I also think that the base is diversed enough as those sentiments are not the dominate factor.

Sry this was so long, but I really needed to say that from the heart.

[mello1]

^^ very interesting and valid points you raised. I agree with most of what you said. I just wonder though if we think at the time of Thriller a few weeks or so before its release, the album didn't work. This is according to those that worked on it like Q etc. The team took time to relax then returned to the studio to create the masterpiece that we now love and enjoy. If this happened today, most likely the singles would have been leaked and some people would have criticized. Rightly so as the sound was 'horrible' to quote Q's words. However the effect on sales etc this would have had even after the sound was corrected is hard to predict. I honestly think that some people would have not bought the album because they disliked the 'leaked' work so much.

My point is not that fans should not be allowed to express their opinion. I truly enjoy fan clubs where by i can talk to fellow MJ fans etc. My point is that has MJ allowed us to get to close for comfort and if so what can we do to change that. Its okay to not like remixes/albums etc but to be extremely negative about them to the point of ridiculous and talk of boycott etc is crazy.

Maybe the point is to remain in the balance. By this I mean that these extreme negative opinions as well as the extreme positive (such as taking MJ as a God) need to be eliminated/limited in some ways.
No, I don't agree and I understand fully as to what Hoofmark was referring to. Personally, I think that the studios leak songs for marketing purposes. That's number one. The industry is wayyyyyyyyyyyyy behind the eight ball as to how to market music products in a digital age. Well, that's their fault. So it's hard to know what can work and what doesn't and they all are still in the experimentation stage.

But it is fair for fans to express their opinions about the music. Actually, it's refreshing to get back to this space. Everyone isn't under obligation to love the re-mixes because they are MJ fans and people shouldn't be criticized if they think it's the greatest piece of work since Mozart. The majority tends to lean one way or the other with a more balanced view.

It's alright.

[eternitys_child]

Good post Mello. There is of course a lot of truth in what you have said. A whole lot. Even about Michael's looks if I may comment. I don't feel like getting into the whole story right now but I turned a 100% hater around about a week ago. I got through to her later in the evening (after her first rant about what a shame it was that he got off and saying she didn't want to argue when she realized I didn't agree) by telling her and our mutual friend about a report I had heard on pbs. The report was about a man who's life had been ruined when a tv station used a 10-20 year old sex conviction for sex with a minor (at the time he was 19 and her 15) as a means to get their ratings up. It was one of the major tv stations and their tactics worked. My freind supported me on the story and both understood how wrong what had been done was. Bringing Michael back up the hater was finally ready to listen and ask questions. Well the part about appearance then was that they had seen Michael on the WMA countdown and my friend said he looked so good there. You know what though? If you look at a picture of him now and compare it to then, he really looks the same other than what you might expect from aging. We have been told over and over that he destroyed his looks, that he did this or that, or is this or that, and people start to see what they are told is there. As you said the folklore becomes reality. I let that one go but I had her thinking. Maybe next time she looks she will see something different.

The problem is that if you try to break through a haters beliefs you can't seem like you are a fanatic. It just more fully makes them block out what you try to get them to see. You have to be willing to hear what they have to say as long as they will listen back. It doesn't happen in an instant. They have been too bombarded with lies for too long, but if you allow honest dialogue and for difference of opinion as long as the facts are out you can get people to turn around.

[Thriller_MJ]

I think some fans are a curse and some arnt some fans keep pushing MJ till they get everything out of him then they wonder why he doesn't do anything much these days apart from the public apperence yet some fans can be a blessing defending him and such and not pushing him for new material e.t.c

[troubleman84]

I think some fans are a curse and some arnt some fans keep pushing MJ till they get everything out of him then they wonder why he doesn't do anything much these days apart from the public apperence yet some fans can be a blessing defending him and such and not pushing him for new material e.t.c

I'm actually a casual fan. I just want him to put out an album. But everything else will be a bonus. :)

[mello1]

I'm actually a casual fan. I just want him to put out an album. But everything else will be a bonus. :)
Okay, so what's a casual fan Tim? :p

[troubleman84]

Okay, so what's a casual fan Tim? :p

Not too obsessed with Mike, just have his albums and admire his talent. ;) Four years ago, you were probably led to believe I was a "fanatic". :lol:

[Thriller_MJ]

Not too obsessed with Mike, just have his albums and admire his talent. ;) Four years ago, you were probably led to believe I was a "fanatic". :lol:

Your the same sorta fan as me i aint to Obessed with Michael but i do love the guy have the albums e.t.c but not everything he does i like

[troubleman84]

Your the same sorta fan as me i aint to Obessed with Michael but i do love the guy have the albums e.t.c but not everything he does i like

:kickass: Plus I found myself a bigger fan of MJ's Motown/early Epic years than the recent material but doesn't mean I hate all of the later ish he put out, lol. :yes:

[Thriller_MJ]

:kickass: Plus I found myself a bigger fan of MJ's Motown/early Epic years than the recent material but doesn't mean I hate all of the later ish he put out, lol. :yes:

OMG same :o i rarely listen to his later stuff but i still do listen to it well anything behind Vince :lol: i dnt like that Album

[troubleman84]

OMG same :o i rarely listen to his later stuff but i still do listen to it well anything behind Vince :lol: i dnt like that Album

I agree but be careful, your comment may just invite J5 in and she'll go on a rant on why she can't stand it when people say they don't like "Invincible". :lol:

[mello1]

I loved Vince. Very soulful, sexy songs there. Especially 'Break of Dawn', 'Heaven Can Wait' and 'Butterflies'. He just murders the falsetto on that one!

[troubleman84]

I loved Vince. Very soulful, sexy songs there. Especially 'Break of Dawn', 'Heaven Can Wait' and 'Butterflies'. He just murders the falsetto on that one!

I loved the R&B in that joint.

[eternitys_child]

I loved Vince. Very soulful, sexy songs there. Especially 'Break of Dawn', 'Heaven Can Wait' and 'Butterflies'. He just murders the falsetto on that one!
I love Vince too. Michael always mixes styles on his albums so there should be something for everyone on all his albums. I love the bluesiness of Vince though. I really wonder if at least some of the attitude about Vince is because people were predjudiced against it by the media.

[J5master]

both cuz it FRUSTRATES me to no end that we stick by him through thick and thin during the trial and the SECOND its over, the fans are acting like he owes them for that support, and then they get pissed over every move he makes.

And it's a curse that because of this 'you owe me' mentality, fans feel like they can say whatever the hell they want about the guy and still call themselves fans...i mean, i think it really boils down to this. You can be a fan of somebody, but it doesn't mean you RESPECT them. And sometimes I think fans loose sight of what RESPECT is. And recently it just pisses me off.

And another thing that pisses me off is people feeling that they know everything about the guy, his plans, his decisions and really they don't know jack. That's really annoying to me.

In general, it's kinda like the fans all of a sudden have turned cold to MJ after the trial. Like Mj is supposed to come out of soomething like that EASILY with guns blazing. The fans put up SO MANY expectations....and they are SO HIGH. And when MJ doesn't live up to it, then they go berserk. I mean it's like, seriously, after the trial fans expect MJ to "pay up" for that support. But just because we buy his music and just because WE decide to support him and what not doesn't mean we can dictate his life and his choices. That's all I'm saying. and that mentality just annoys the HELL out of me. I'm just glad that (hopefully) MJ doesn't sit at the computer and read fan boards sometimes, and listen to people's advice. Cuz some fans be acting CRAZY. lol

I'm not saying that you have to like EVERYTHING the guy does, but i mean the dude is a human being and I simply wouldn't like it if someone just started listing all the negatives about ME or MY decisions or MY personality. I wouldn't do that for any one else so i won't do it for Michael. I like to focus on the positive anyway. It makes more sense to me. Constructive criticism is great, I love it, it's awesome :lol: But I do know there is only so much 'constructiveness' that I can do, when I'm a person looking from the outside in...and I simply cant be too judgmental when i don't know the guy. That makes SENSE to me. So yeah constructive criticism is good, but I don't think many fans know what constructive IS. Just cuz a fan likes to rip on everything that Mj does, and they personally don't agree with the things MJ does, doesn't mean that fan is "keeping it real" and everyone else is "blind" That's CRAZY.

End rant lol


P.S. :lol: I'm fine with people not liking vince lol. It's just when people have BASH FESTS on the album that i get pissed off. And people just LOVE to have them lol. I'm sure theres an album of MJ's for everyone that they don't listen to much. For me that album is Thriller... and OTW. LOL

[troubleman84]

I love Vince too. Michael always mixes styles on his albums so there should be something for everyone on all his albums. I love the bluesiness of Vince though. I really wonder if at least some of the attitude about Vince is because people were predjudiced against it by the media.

Not me. :p It was decent compared to other albums out that year though.

[troubleman84]

P.S. :lol: I'm fine with people not liking vince lol. It's just when people have BASH FESTS on the album that i get pissed off. And people just LOVE to have them lol. I'm sure theres an album of MJ's for everyone that they don't listen to much. For me that album is Thriller... and OTW. LOL

That's probably the reason why "Invincible" get bashed because you say those two albums you don't like that much. :lol: :p

[J5master]

well lets just say those two album gets more than enough love to combat my personal dislike lol. and besides, obviously i like those 2 albums to some extent cuz I like MJ and all that, but not as much as say...Dangerous, History, or Invincible :tongue:

And at least i don't go around looking for any time were I can just 'express' my dislike for those albums lol Its like people who don't like Invincible just look for anyone who compliments it and SHATTERS it with 'that album SUX' :lol: Not here but in other boards especially. It never fails. people just canNOT let compliments about that album slide lol.

[mello1]

both cuz it FRUSTRATES me to no end that we stick by him through thick and thin during the trial and the SECOND its over, the fans are acting like he owes them for that support, and then they get pissed over every move he makes.

And it's a curse that because of this 'you owe me' mentality, fans feel like they can say whatever the hell they want about the guy and still call themselves fans...i mean, i think it really boils down to this. You can be a fan of somebody, but it doesn't mean you RESPECT them. And sometimes I think fans loose sight of what RESPECT is. And recently it just pisses me off.

And another thing that pisses me off is people feeling that they know everything about the guy, his plans, his decisions and really they don't know jack. That's really annoying to me.

In general, it's kinda like the fans all of a sudden have turned cold to MJ after the trial. Like Mj is supposed to come out of soomething like that EASILY with guns blazing. The fans put up SO MANY expectations....and they are SO HIGH. And when MJ doesn't live up to it, then they go berserk. I mean it's like, seriously, after the trial fans expect MJ to "pay up" for that support. But just because we buy his music and just because WE decide to support him and what not doesn't mean we can dictate his life and his choices. That's all I'm saying. and that mentality just annoys the HELL out of me. I'm just glad that (hopefully) MJ doesn't sit at the computer and read fan boards sometimes, and listen to people's advice. Cuz some fans be acting CRAZY. lol

I'm not saying that you have to like EVERYTHING the guy does, but i mean the dude is a human being and I simply wouldn't like it if someone just started listing all the negatives about ME or MY decisions or MY personality. I wouldn't do that for any one else so i won't do it for Michael. I like to focus on the positive anyway. It makes more sense to me. Constructive criticism is great, I love it, it's awesome :lol: But I do know there is only so much 'constructiveness' that I can do, when I'm a person looking from the outside in...and I simply cant be too judgmental when i don't know the guy. That makes SENSE to me. So yeah constructive criticism is good, but I don't think many fans know what constructive IS. Just cuz a fan likes to rip on everything that Mj does, and they personally don't agree with the things MJ does, doesn't mean that fan is "keeping it real" and everyone else is "blind" That's CRAZY.

End rant lol


P.S. :lol: I'm fine with people not liking vince lol. It's just when people have BASH FESTS on the album that i get pissed off. And people just LOVE to have them lol. I'm sure theres an album of MJ's for everyone that they don't listen to much. For me that album is Thriller... and OTW. LOL
Say dat, say dat! Well stated. :D

[athina_livadi]

Invincible is one of my favourites contrary to what many others think of it. I think it's a misunderstood album...if you listen to it the way it deserves to be listened you will figure out what I mean! As for the fan thing I'm a fan myself half of my life and I adore Michael as a man and as an artist so I won't say anything more! He is a part of me and my life!

[Forever_Mike]

Invincible is one of my favourites contrary to what many others think of it. I think it's a misunderstood album...if you listen to it the way it deserves to be listened you will figure out what I mean! As for the fan thing I'm a fan myself half of my life and I adore Michael as a man and as an artist so I won't say anything more! He is a part of me and my life!

I love it too. I think also because MJ took chances with it. He didn't just go with a sound that was 'popular' at the time. I also believe that Vince will get its due. I remember the bbc talk about it when it premiered and they dissed it mainly because i think the song 'unbreakable' really got on some media peeps nerves.

I see each one of his album's though differently from the other. I do this with all artists/bands that I love tho'. In that sense I love Vince but I kinda don't have a fav. MJ album. Each one to be is great in its own specific way.

Anyways enough rumbling from me.:lol:

So back to the topic :lol:

[Hoofmark]

Mello, I agree with your reply to me. It's actually what I think too. During the trial I was on staff. There was so much *** going on in Michaels camp in that time that also had it's effect on this forum and the people putting in their time and support. But we just continued doing the stuff we did then, because indeed, there was a bigger picture.

For the rest, it's almost three years later now, and though it's good to support Michael when it's needed, it's also good to air a critical note. Just depends on how. Bashing is not done imo, but the same thing counts for jumping to someone's throat for not liking everything Michael does. It's all in the balance, and sometimes that's hard to find. We're all only human :-)

I like Vince by the way. Once I skip the first three songs and the corny ballads. But man: Break of Dawn, 2000 Watts, Whatever Happens, Threatened. I really like those :-)

[J5master]

Mello, I agree with your reply to me. It's actually what I think too. During the trial I was on staff. There was so much *** going on in Michaels camp in that time that also had it's effect on this forum and the people putting in their time and support. But we just continued doing the stuff we did then, because indeed, there was a bigger picture.

For the rest, it's almost three years later now, and though it's good to support Michael when it's needed, it's also good to air a critical note. Just depends on how. Bashing is not done imo, but the same thing counts for jumping to someone's throat for not liking everything Michael does. It's all in the balance, and sometimes that's hard to find. We're all only human :-)

I like Vince by the way. Once I skip the first three songs and the corny ballads. But man: Break of Dawn, 2000 Watts, Whatever Happens, Threatened. I really like those :-)

Yeah it does go both ways.

But then again, when people talk about MJ like he's a puppet or something, they're often surprised when they get backlash :lol: I mean it bugs me soooo much. SO MUCH, it's not even funny. I'm not sure if soomeone said it here (i keep switch back and forth between forums and can't remember where i read what lol)...but its true that after suffering through CONSTANT criticism of MJ in the media and outside world...and I mean especially when it's more than NORMAL celebrities, MJ gets it pretty hard...and fans come to a FAN board and hear CONStANT CRITICISM some more...from his OWN FANS, it PISSES people off. This board is DEFINITELY not like that but there other communities that are. And it's like some fans take satisfaction in dwelling on MJ's faults, cuz it makes THEM feel better because YES an amazing man like Mike can be STUPID sometimes, can make MISTAKES, and is HUMAN. And that's just POINTLESS to me. We ALL do it. We are ALL like that. So why dwell on it? Why constantly nag on it, out of the expense of Michael and his 'celebrity' status? I know he's a celebrity and i guess that gives people 'merit' to say whatever they want cuz his whole life is laid out there for our disposal...but I just don't see it that way. MJ is an entertainer and a celebrity but he is HUMAN. A HUMAN BEING. And we should treat him like one.

There are plenty of other people out there doing the job of nagging about mj's faults and short comings (those that exist and those they make up lol). Why do the fans gotta add to it? That's my thing.

And by no means am i saying it's wrong to criticize MJ, i'm talking about fans who are 'compulsive criticizers' lol

[mello1]

I think that we all have to strike a balance as a community between the putting MJ on a pedestal -- 'God-like' worship and the 'I-need-to-put-him-down-cuz-I-want-to-show-that-I'm-not-like-other-MJ-fans' extremeties. Both extremes are a curse to MJ as a fanbase. Somewhere in the middle is where the blessing lies.

[Bee]

Is MJ refusal to allow any information on his project (not even to Sony) an attempt for him to regain the 'peace of mind' he once had during Thriller days? Is he trying to distance himself also from fans pre-judged opinions (and the effect these opinions may have in the larger picture) on his project?

Interesting questions.

I think MJ's "refusal" to allow any information about his future projects to be released is that he likes to keep things a secret. I do not know if it is even possible anymore because of the Internet. I think MJ knows this and simply told the people that he is working with on his projects that if they go to the media, they better not say anything remotely detail about his future projects. That has happened because if you listen carefully to the radio interview that Akon had with that radio show, he said something about MJ and the Superbowl and then he kind of backtracked. He must have did that for a reason. I do not think MJ's "refusal" to allow any information of his projects to be release have to do with his piece of mind. I think he is aware about the fact that this is his life and that he has accepted the fact that people want to know everything about him.

As for the second question - at this point in his life, I do not think he cares what his fans think anymore. He knows that when he releases good music, the fans will like it. It has happened before. He knows who his fans truly are. I think he knows about fans opinions about his music and things of that nature. However, I doubt that he would take it to heart and feel insulted by what they say, regarding his music. He made the best pop CD ever and he knows that none of his fans, haters, musicians, whoever, can hold a candle to Thriller. He had a dream and he went for it. He is STILL celebrating the successes of his dream and if he wants to have a remix of all of the songs from Thriller, he is going to do that. He knows that he is doing this for the 25th anniversary of greatness and that is it. He knows that maybe the bashing and the outright disrespect from the people regarding the T25 CD/DVD might be a blessing in disguise.

[troubleman84]

I think that we all have to strike a balance as a community between the putting MJ on a pedestal -- 'God-like' worship and the 'I-need-to-put-him-down-cuz-I-want-to-show-that-I'm-not-like-other-MJ-fans' extremeties. Both extremes are a curse to MJ as a fanbase. Somewhere in the middle is where the blessing lies.

:yes: I'm in the middle, damn if he do AND damn if he don't. ;)

[eternitys_child]

:yes: I'm in the middle, damn if he do AND damn if he don't. ;)
:rollin: :rollin: :rollin:

[troubleman84]

:rollin: :rollin: :rollin:

CHAMON! Hee-hee. :lol: B)

LOL, lemme stop. :D

[KOPV]

They are BOTH a curse and a blessing.. Michael loves his fans because they are a blessing to him.. He's said that he OWES EVERYTHING to his fans.. On the other hand much sadness came in result of his fans.. SO IT GOES BOTH WAYS.

[eternitys_child]

I keep thinking his fans must at times be an embarrisment to him. lol. He can't go anywhere without some fan tracking him down and doing something weird... and then people call HIM weird. :lol:

[troubleman84]

I keep thinking his fans must at times be an embarrisment to him. lol. He can't go anywhere without some fan tracking him down and doing something weird... and then people call HIM weird. :lol:

:yes: I'm sure sometimes Mike is like "man how do these fools know where the f**k I'm at?!" :lol:

[sundayroberts1]

I,m sure michael sees us as a blessing with all the human error to go with it. Michael loves his fans and we love him. Of course he see,s us as a huge blessing.:)

[hilliver]

I think fans are a mixture of blessing and not so much curse but can have nucience value.

I remember when he commented on the notion that people who illegally downloaded music should not face jail sentences, he acknowledged that without fans an artist did not have a career and that an artists fans make them as sucessful as they are and it is true, in that regard fans are a blessing, also I truly believe that his fans support during the trial meant a great deal to him and his lovely family.

Some critics and sceptics commenting on his chances of making a credible comeback have acknowledged that he has a huge loyal fanbase and that is due to our being so vocal in our support, and bombarding some media outlets with complaints when they lie about him, so these are the blessings from the fans.

However when he and his children are unable to leave a hotel in London and some hotels will not book him in because of the hoards of fans outside, when fans go crazy and chase his car and become a hazard then they are not showing him respect or consideration they are just plain selfish. Stalking him to find out where he is when he clearly wants to be private is a nucence to him, just because he is gracious and patient and understanding does not mean that he is not wishing that they would just leave him alone sometimes.

Unfortunately we know that some of the more obsessed and mean spirited and lazy media do stalk the fans websites to take our speculation and turn it into fact so we do need to be careful about what we are saying and that includes any critisism.

Like any friend or family member who does something we don't approve of you do voice and opinion you love them dearly but still feel able to say, you should not have done that, however with the sleazy media watching it is not advisable to do it on here. I have sometimes thought, oh dear why did you do or say that, only because I care but I don't post those opinions, I keep them to myself.

I think it is good for Michael to know what his fans think, i.e. the X Factor thing. This series was not generally recieved as very good, Sharon Osborne has taken so many opportunities to make snide remarks, Cowell laughs although he has stopped making them recently, so of course we think he should stay away from that sort of show, but if he did it we would be there to support him. I think there is no harm in his knowing those type of opinions, perhaps he wants to hear them, after all he is not watching to hear the disrespect the Osborne woman and sometimes Cowell show him, she is a loose cannon on the show and is incredibly bitchy and sarcastic sometimes and there is a danger she would be so to him in public.

Interesting, when she told some act who had a ridiculous set and dancers that it was like something Michael Jackson would do the only response she got was silence followed by some loud boo's and it sounded like it was her remark about Michael not the act that they were booing. so if he finds that out from here and our opinions that is a good thing, I am not sure it would influence him but maybe he would rather know that he would be appearing on a show where two of the judges disrespect him. Why should he grace them with his presence, and increase their viewing figures. What would be in it for him.

It's all about balance. Ultimately he knows we love and support him, and will be there for him, the media know it too, but we need to not smother him when he wants privacy, it is a show of respect and love that we give him privacy when he wants it, and if he doesn't announce his whereabouts it is a signal that he wants to be private with his children, when Raymone tells us he'll be in London etc. then we know he is happy for us to be there.

2008 I am sure is going to be a key time for him, if he intends to make a comeback this is the year it will happen, and if he doesn't release anything then I think the writting is on the wall that he is going to retire from public work, maybe just working behind the scenes producing and writting, and who could blame him if he chose that path.

With the review of what records, albums and artists were most sucessful or not etc. type of stuff on the music channels recently I was thinking that next xmas we could be seeing Michael wiping the floor with all the other music, if he does comeback. What an exciting time ahead we could have.

So we need to come together this year for him and show 100% support and if there are any little critisisms maybe discuss them in pm's.

Well that's how I see it.

[Thriller_MJ]

:yes: I'm in the middle, damn if he do AND damn if he don't. ;)

I'm in the middle aswell i think its unhealty to worship MJ as some folks do :mello:

[LindaC781]

I'm in the middle aswell i think its unhealty to worship MJ as some folks do :mello:

Same here. There is such a difference between fan worship and fan obsession....

[Forever_Mike]

:yes: I'm in the middle, damn if he do AND damn if he don't. ;)
:rollin::rollin::rollin::rollin:


I keep thinking his fans must at times be an embarrisment to him. lol. He can't go anywhere without some fan tracking him down and doing something weird... and then people call HIM weird. :lol:
:lol::lol::lol::lol:


I

However when he and his children are unable to leave a hotel in London and some hotels will not book him in because of the hoards of fans outside, when fans go crazy and chase his car and become a hazard then they are not showing him respect or consideration they are just plain selfish. Stalking him to find out where he is when he clearly wants to be private is a nucence to him, just because he is gracious and patient and understanding does not mean that he is not wishing that they would just leave him alone sometimes.

Unfortunately we know that some of the more obsessed and mean spirited and lazy media do stalk the fans websites to take our speculation and turn it into fact so we do need to be careful about what we are saying and that includes any critisism.

Like any friend or family member who does something we don't approve of you do voice and opinion you love them dearly but still feel able to say, you should not have done that, however with the sleazy media watching it is not advisable to do it on here. I have sometimes thought, oh dear why did you do or say that, only because I care but I don't post those opinions, I keep them to myself.

I think it is good for Michael to know what his fans think, i.e. the X Factor thing. This series was not generally recieved as very good, Sharon Osborne has taken so many opportunities to make snide remarks, Cowell laughs although he has stopped making them recently, so of course we think he should stay away from that sort of show, but if he did it we would be there to support him. I think there is no harm in his knowing those type of opinions, perhaps he wants to hear them, after all he is not watching to hear the disrespect the Osborne woman and sometimes Cowell show him, she is a loose cannon on the show and is incredibly bitchy and sarcastic sometimes and there is a danger she would be so to him in public.

Why should he grace them with his presence, and increase their viewing figures. What would be in it for him.

It's all about balance. Ultimately he knows we love and support him, and will be there for him, the media know it too, but we need to not smother him when he wants privacy, it is a show of respect and love that we give him privacy when he wants it, and if he doesn't announce his whereabouts it is a signal that he wants to be private with his children, when Raymone tells us he'll be in London etc. then we know he is happy for us to be there.

So we need to come together this year for him and show 100% support and if there are any little critisisms maybe discuss them in pm's.

Well that's how I see it.

I really like the points here. I disagree with the X-factor thing because to me, even though there have been rude remarks about MJ by the judges etc I think MJ could have still turn it round and made a fool out of them in their own show! (I personally would've liked to see that).

As for the question of what's in it for him? Well MJ is a very clever businessman. My problem with dissing such projects to the extreme b4 they have even happened is that We don't know what MJ would have worked out with X-factor. It could have been something that would have been profitable for him but also added some 'credibility' to the show.

I am glad you raised the point about the media reading stuff from fan clubs etc. I think its important that we are aware that our discussions may not be for MJ-fans' eyes only! I agree with this in mind extreme opinions are best kept at bay.

[Hoofmark]

I agree with the opinion that extreme issues should be avoiding but...


if there are any little critisisms maybe discuss them in pm's.

I keep stressing that a decent discussion on many subjects is mandatory for a healthy board, also ones that may be sensitive to some. Limiting that to pm's is not an option for me. Who would decide what is allowed and what not? Freedom of speech within decent rules... is that really to much to be asked?

[KOPV]

Remember, Michael wrote STRANGER IN MOSCOW while being on the Dangerous tour while in his hotel in moscow. hundereds of fans were below, he felt so much love out there yet so ALONE. He felt captive like a cage animal that could not go anywhere..

[eternitys_child]

Remember, Michael wrote STRANGER IN MOSCOW while being on the Dangerous tour while in his hotel in moscow. hundereds of fans were below, he felt so much love out there yet so ALONE. He felt captive like a cage animal that could not go anywhere..
That is very sad. I remember from one of the latest shopping sprees, the one where the two street fans guarded him as he found his car, one of them asked Michael what he was doing and he said "Trying to be like you." Then there was the time he visited a freind in Germany in there private home. He had been planning on going outside to walk some path and couldn't do it because the fans found out he was there. And the time in GB last year in the hotel where one of the fans in the lobby got too agressive and Michael told his guard "[he] is hurting me"

I think on the one hand it pleases him that he still has such draw but on the other he feels a loss for not being able to do things others take for granted because of it.

[SimonaMJ]

As for the fan thing I'm a fan myself half of my life and I adore Michael as a man and as an artist so I won't say anything more! He is a part of me and my life!

Invincible is not one of my favourite album but I like it...as for the other words u have said...I'm totally agree with u.....Mike's is a part of me...I've loved him for so many years that I cannot imagine my life without him but I look at Michael as a person first and then as an artist and this is why I won't criticize his mistakes too much...He's a human being and so sometimes he can do anything wrong...there's no need to be so aspectful from him....he does what HE can and what He wants....in my opinion sometimes some fans don't understand it and in some way Mike can feel as in jail....he doesn't work or live normally and peacefully cause everyone aspects always the best from him .....that's unfair...

[DanceofLorelei1994]

Basically this is it...

BLESSING : He has like the most loyal fanbase because of the amazing support through the trial and every other part of his life/career.

CURSE : We boss him about far too much, it's like we don't trust him to go his own way and make it right. You know, there was a time when the producer of Thriller wasn't too happy with Billie Jean and look at it now...WOOW one of the greatest songs ever.

And also, some fans act as if Michael forced you to go and buy his albums then support him during the trial. It was your decision, not his so stop complaining!

[sundayroberts1]

I sort of going along with we are a blessing and i guess we could be a curse also . after reading some of your answers i think we sure can be both. But with such a fan base Michael has its hard with all the different personality,s . Still it would be nice if we could be more balanced especially at events that Michal is at and i think we all know how out of hand that can get . So even though we love Michael to death we sure can work on lots of things so maybe we wouldn,t be a curse cause i for one don,t want to be that.

[mello1]

So we need to come together this year for him and show 100% support and if there are any little critisisms maybe discuss them in pm's.

Well that's how I see it.
I didn't want to copy everything that you said, but I agreed with the aspect of MJ fans being a nuisance at times when they are frantically hunting him down to the point of disturbing other people. Yet his fans are a blessing simply because we are a force to be reckoned with and MJ's critics knows this as well.

In terms of whether or not criticisms should be done privately, I can understand your reasoning, yet the fan community as a whole should be able to have an intelligent discussion. I think that there are those who tend to go to the extreme in their criticism (likewise peeps go to the extreme in their praise for the man). IMO, the way I read that is that those fans are overly personalizing MJ's life and attaching it to their own lives as if their assessment is the only one that matters.

Again somehow, we have to strike that balance. Besides the media haters are going to say whatever they want -- without our help generally...

[Bee]

Oh, I didn't answer the question if MJ fans are a blessing or a curse to Mike.

Man..... I gotta be honest about this one. I think it is a mixture of both. I am going to make a general post because I want to cover all of the topics about this question.

Blessing - Loyality

The fans are very loyal to MJ. That was proven during MJ's very difficult time during the trial. I have never seen so much love for one amazing man than in his trial. The fans, including moi, were always there for MJ and we all cried when he was vindicated. (Well, actually I was too happy to cry). The loyality that I sense and see with majority of his fans is still there. We still go after the media when theyare wrong. We still defend MJ on those crappy blogs (which I go to to read, ONLY!) We do our part for Mikey. We are really his support team.

Curse - Disrespect

The fans can be very disrespectful to MJ. For example, I have had my friends talk to me about how some of his "fans" bashed his children, particulary poor Blanklet, because of his hair and skin color. I am bothered by this because what person would bashed a five year old child because of his God given looks? Don't those fans understand that bashing his children is basically bashing MJ? Another thing that I find disrespectful towards MJ is when fans want MJ to release music quickly just because they are bored. If these fans are bored and are literally waiting for a MJ CD, they need to get a hobby. MJ does not owe any fan anything. If they can't accept what MJ gives them, they should not be complaining.

Curse - Lack of Privacy

Sadly, once MJ became a legend, he got a little too carried away with his fans. He became closer to them and he started being personal with them. That is all sweet and all. It is an honor for a fan, really anyone who adores MJ, to contact him and talk to him. However, some fans take it way too seriously. It has gotten to the point that fans get into his business and come to boards, websites, the media and start telling people. WHY? What happened to his privacy? What happened to your privacy? Fans who do this should keep their mouth shut and if they need to tell people, tell their friends. Not the whole world.

Curse - Attacking his Family For No Reason

It is legendary that MJ fans cannot stand some members of his family. That is life. I am not a fan of Randy, Joe, or Janet. Randy - I am not going there. Joe - It has nothing to do with his as a father. He did something pretty stupid to someone I respect. Janet - I can respect her as a person, well, I try, but I have an issue with someone who goes on television shows that bashes her brother and blames her brother for her weight issues. No one told Janet to eat those two popcicles back in the day. She wanted to eat them. How is that MJ's fault? Just saying. Y'all know that I am honest about her. I leave nothing out regarding her. However, when fans bash his family to the point of pure hatred, I had to just really have to shake my head. Look, we do not have to like all of his family members, but can some of the fans at least respect them? Just saying. Trying to call Jermaine a "liar" just because they can't see MJ performing with his brothers again was uncalled for. Just saying.

Curse - Phony Fans

This is the ONE thing that bothers me about fans of MJ. Sadly, this man has some shady fans. If you are a fans and have a blog, (not naming one for fear of banning AGAIN, LOL) and you talk about MJ, why do you bash him? How can you come on message boards like MJJC and MJNO.com and "praise" MJ and then go on that other board (I ain't saying the name) and bashed the living crap out of the man? You have to seriously question the loyality of that fan (I am just describing a number of "fans" that do this. Not one in particular.). How can you bash someone that you claim you love? How can you bashed a man skin disorder basically saying that because a bunch of ignorant losers say that MJ does not have a skin disorder, you start to believe them because they make "sense"? So, what "fan" are you? In some of the "fans" blogs, these "fans" ALWAYS talks about the trial and never supports MJ but comes on respectable MJ boards and plays games with the fans regarding their loyality. We have seen "fans" like this and these types of "fans" are more likely to spread lies about MJ and then try to say that RF comes on the boards and gets it from the boards. Riiiiight. (BTW, I do believe that RF does get his lies about MJ from MJ boards. Sometimes, I also believe that "fans" talk to RF and tell him lies about MJ.) Fans who talk to RF and Harvey Levin and see nothing wrong with that at all. Forgetting that these two losers basically called MJ everything but a child of God. These types of fans are not going to go away until some people have the guts, for the sake of MJ's legacy, to get rid of these trolls.

I know I have a lot "negativity" regarding this post, but I needed to be honest with you people. It is good to be observant about these things and called them up when suggested.

[J5master]

Oooo gurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrllll bee u den' TOLD IT LIKE IT IS!


blames her brother for her weight issues. No one told Janet to eat those two popcicles back in the day. She wanted to eat them. How is that MJ's fault? Just saying.:lol: HAHA HA HA HA! I knooowww!! I think Janet must've heard Mj's lil commentary "That janet SURRREE likes to eat!" :lol: BOGUS! :lol: I'm sry but Tito has it the hardest out of all of them when it comes to that and I don't see HIM...well nevermind :lol:



This is the ONE thing that bothers me about fans of MJ. Sadly, this man has some shady fans. If you are a fans and have a blog, (not naming one for fear of banning AGAIN, LOL) and you talk about MJ, why do you bash him? How can you come on message boards like MJJC and MJNO.com and "praise" MJ and then go on that other board (I ain't saying the name) and bashed the living crap out of the man?I know EXACTLY who (that number of people lol) /what you're talking about too!!!! You KNOW it girl. I know EXACTLY lol.

You tell it. gon' head girl.

[Rasta Pasta]

Oh, I didn't answer the question if MJ fans are a blessing or a curse to Mike.
Curse - Phony Fans

This is the ONE thing that bothers me about fans of MJ. Sadly, this man has some shady fans. If you are a fans and have a blog, (not naming one for fear of banning AGAIN, LOL) and you talk about MJ, why do you bash him? How can you come on message boards like MJJC and MJNO.com and "praise" MJ and then go on that other board (I ain't saying the name) and bashed the living crap out of the man? You have to seriously question the loyality of that fan (I am just describing a number of "fans" that do this. Not one in particular.). How can you bash someone that you claim you love? How can you bashed a man skin disorder basically saying that because a bunch of ignorant losers say that MJ does not have a skin disorder, you start to believe them because they make "sense"? So, what "fan" are you? In some of the "fans" blogs, these "fans" ALWAYS talks about the trial and never supports MJ but comes on respectable MJ boards and plays games with the fans regarding their loyality. We have seen "fans" like this and these types of "fans" are more likely to spread lies about MJ and then try to say that RF comes on the boards and gets it from the boards. Riiiiight. (BTW, I do believe that RF does get his lies about MJ from MJ boards. Sometimes, I also believe that "fans" talk to RF and tell him lies about MJ.) Fans who talk to RF and Harvey Levin and see nothing wrong with that at all. Forgetting that these two losers basically called MJ everything but a child of God. These types of fans are not going to go away until some people have the guts, for the sake of MJ's legacy, to get rid of these trolls.

I know I have a lot "negativity" regarding this post, but I needed to be honest with you people. It is good to be observant about these things and called them up when suggested.

love your post..

and the charlatans.. are a big problem.. I don't frequent many blogs.. but I can image the double life some lead.. some times. they slip up on the forum...

and the part about RF.. I totally agree with you

[qbee]

There was also something that suprised me Why would Michaels fans
"publicly" bash his new mixes and songs on Youtube -

I can see discussing ones likes and dislikes in a Mj forum or message
board with other fans _ but to bash Michaels songs in public just becuase
you dont care for a particular song seems so wrong to me and even a
betrayal of sorts.

I ask what are they trying to do Sabotage Michaels efforts efforts and turn
others in the general public against him - That really bothers me _ and they are still doing it -

can anyone give a justified answer or reason why this is exeptable as a fan .. I just dont get it - It makes me feel sad.

[J5master]

There was also something that suprised me Why would Michaels fans
"publicly" bash his new mixes and songs on Youtube -

I can see discussing ones likes and dislikes in a Mj forum or message
board with other fans _ but to bash Michaels songs in public just becuase
you dont care for a particular song seems so wrong to me and even a
betrayal of sorts.

I ask what are they trying to do Sabotage Michaels efforts efforts and turn
others in the general public against him - That really bothers me _ and they are still doing it -

can anyone give a justified answer or reason why this is exeptable as a fan .. I just dont get it - It makes me feel sad.

Cuz they're "keepin it real" :rolleyes: Oh how i loathe that phrase lol

[Forever_Mike]

Oh, I didn't answer the question if MJ fans are a blessing or a curse to Mike.

Man..... I gotta be honest about this one. I think it is a mixture of both. I am going to make a general post because I want to cover all of the topics about this question.

Blessing - Loyality

The fans are very loyal to MJ. That was proven during MJ's very difficult time during the trial. I have never seen so much love for one amazing man than in his trial. The fans, including moi, were always there for MJ and we all cried when he was vindicated. (Well, actually I was too happy to cry). The loyality that I sense and see with majority of his fans is still there. We still go after the media when theyare wrong. We still defend MJ on those crappy blogs (which I go to to read, ONLY!) We do our part for Mikey. We are really his support team.

Curse - Disrespect

The fans can be very disrespectful to MJ. For example, I have had my friends talk to me about how some of his "fans" bashed his children, particulary poor Blanklet, because of his hair and skin color. I am bothered by this because what person would bashed a five year old child because of his God given looks? Don't those fans understand that bashing his children is basically bashing MJ? Another thing that I find disrespectful towards MJ is when fans want MJ to release music quickly just because they are bored. If these fans are bored and are literally waiting for a MJ CD, they need to get a hobby. MJ does not owe any fan anything. If they can't accept what MJ gives them, they should not be complaining.

Curse - Lack of Privacy

Sadly, once MJ became a legend, he got a little too carried away with his fans. He became closer to them and he started being personal with them. That is all sweet and all. It is an honor for a fan, really anyone who adores MJ, to contact him and talk to him. However, some fans take it way too seriously. It has gotten to the point that fans get into his business and come to boards, websites, the media and start telling people. WHY? What happened to his privacy? What happened to your privacy? Fans who do this should keep their mouth shut and if they need to tell people, tell their friends. Not the whole world.

Curse - Attacking his Family For No Reason

It is legendary that MJ fans cannot stand some members of his family. That is life. I am not a fan of Randy, Joe, or Janet. Randy - I am not going there. Joe - It has nothing to do with his as a father. He did something pretty stupid to someone I respect. Janet - I can respect her as a person, well, I try, but I have an issue with someone who goes on television shows that bashes her brother and blames her brother for her weight issues. No one told Janet to eat those two popcicles back in the day. She wanted to eat them. How is that MJ's fault? Just saying. Y'all know that I am honest about her. I leave nothing out regarding her. However, when fans bash his family to the point of pure hatred, I had to just really have to shake my head. Look, we do not have to like all of his family members, but can some of the fans at least respect them? Just saying. Trying to call Jermaine a "liar" just because they can't see MJ performing with his brothers again was uncalled for. Just saying.

Curse - Phony Fans

This is the ONE thing that bothers me about fans of MJ. Sadly, this man has some shady fans. If you are a fans and have a blog, (not naming one for fear of banning AGAIN, LOL) and you talk about MJ, why do you bash him? How can you come on message boards like MJJC and MJNO.com and "praise" MJ and then go on that other board (I ain't saying the name) and bashed the living crap out of the man? You have to seriously question the loyality of that fan (I am just describing a number of "fans" that do this. Not one in particular.). How can you bash someone that you claim you love? How can you bashed a man skin disorder basically saying that because a bunch of ignorant losers say that MJ does not have a skin disorder, you start to believe them because they make "sense"? So, what "fan" are you? In some of the "fans" blogs, these "fans" ALWAYS talks about the trial and never supports MJ but comes on respectable MJ boards and plays games with the fans regarding their loyality. We have seen "fans" like this and these types of "fans" are more likely to spread lies about MJ and then try to say that RF comes on the boards and gets it from the boards. Riiiiight. (BTW, I do believe that RF does get his lies about MJ from MJ boards. Sometimes, I also believe that "fans" talk to RF and tell him lies about MJ.) Fans who talk to RF and Harvey Levin and see nothing wrong with that at all. Forgetting that these two losers basically called MJ everything but a child of God. These types of fans are not going to go away until some people have the guts, for the sake of MJ's legacy, to get rid of these trolls.

I know I have a lot "negativity" regarding this post, but I needed to be honest with you people. It is good to be observant about these things and called them up when suggested.

Great post! Thanx

[mistermaxxx]

Blessing because we are down with his Greatness and Genius and Importance with his place in Music.

Cursed becaused expectations were set so highly once upon a time that because of striking such a powerful chord around the world for a certain amount of time, MJ can never go back to just being the way he was. He set such a high bar and that sentiment ain't lost.

[Forever_Mike]

That is very sad. I remember from one of the latest shopping sprees, the one where the two street fans guarded him as he found his car, one of them asked Michael what he was doing and he said "Trying to be like you." Then there was the time he visited a freind in Germany in there private home. He had been planning on going outside to walk some path and couldn't do it because the fans found out he was there. And the time in GB last year in the hotel where one of the fans in the lobby got too agressive and Michael told his guard "[he] is hurting me"

I think on the one hand it pleases him that he still has such draw but on the other he feels a loss for not being able to do things others take for granted because of it.

That was so sad! Made me angry. But I just thought that if people are able to find out where MJ is at, then maybe its not such a bad idea to have fans around him. The thing is that these people will include fans and non-fans (like the person that was hurting him that day). So maybe if real fans are there then at least they can stop these 'nutters' from hurting MJ.

I hope MJ's security team etc are able in the future to prevent anyone from knowing MJ's where abouts (when he wants to be alone). Until then tho' the real fans may be a 'comfort'/buffer' for MJ to stop the nutters.

[SoS]

I feel Michael's fans are an absolute 100% blessing.




That is, until they start acting like a curse :lol:


okay I'm leaving :lol:

[Forever_Mike]

I feel Michael's fans are an absolute 100% blessing.


That is, until they start acting like a curse :lol:


okay I'm leaving :lol:

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

[J5master]

Also when I see fans talking about "should we support this T25 project or not?" knowing full well that MJ is backing it and all that....I just don't understand lol. I'm not saying everyone should buy it, but why boycott a project MJ obviously wants you to BUY? LOL. Just stuff like that makes me really furious and frustrated. We are supposed to be his SUPPORT system...and it's like after the trial, all of that was shot to hell.

[KOPV]

^^ That's cuz some fans (not me) but some are fans simply because they like his music and would like more music.. Not really SUPPORTERS.. There are different type of FANS..

There are fans and there are fan-supporters.

Some people wont see it the way I do, but.......

[J5master]

well if they like his music...and they see that this could be, even a test (cuz MJ did just come out of a big trial) to see how well the public receives it...why wouldn't you wanna support it? This obviously could be a lead up to more music. lol I'm not saying everyone should buy it, but it's the ATTITUDE towards some things that has me baffled. It's...hard to explain. lol Nevermind lol

[mello1]

Oh, I didn't answer the question if MJ fans are a blessing or a curse to Mike. ..

Curse - Attacking his Family For No Reason

It is legendary that MJ fans cannot stand some members of his family. That is life. I am not a fan of Randy, Joe, or Janet. Randy - I am not going there. Joe - It has nothing to do with his as a father. He did something pretty stupid to someone I respect. Janet - I can respect her as a person, well, I try, but I have an issue with someone who goes on television shows that bashes her brother and blames her brother for her weight issues. No one told Janet to eat those two popcicles back in the day. She wanted to eat them. How is that MJ's fault? Just saying. Y'all know that I am honest about her. I leave nothing out regarding her. However, when fans bash his family to the point of pure hatred, I had to just really have to shake my head. Look, we do not have to like all of his family members, but can some of the fans at least respect them? Just saying. Trying to call Jermaine a "liar" just because they can't see MJ performing with his brothers again was uncalled for. Just saying. ....



Okay, we get that you don't like certain members of MJ's family, but how is your criticism different from the MJ fans who, in your terms, 'bash his family to the point of pure hatred'? Is this a matter of degrees and if so, how can one tell the difference?

Just asking, not bashing...

[Mechi]

As long as fans buy his products they are a blessing.

The rest is business I'd say, he's a professional in every aspect.