I already said I'm out of this thread, but I am dropping this new update in here, since it addresses a lot of questions.
Update #3
Nov 21, 2013
Questions and Answers
Hi everyone!
A lot of people have been wondering about certain elements of the campaign, our research and the proposed book. We recently received the below collection of questions and felt that they were all very valid questions and that our backers, and the public, would appreciate knowing our responses. So, here they are:
Q: Given that your team have already made up your minds about Cascio songs, how are you going to be able to maintain objectivity?
A. We believe our approach with the A Truth Untold campaign speaks for itself in terms of objectivity.The work at the heart of A Truth Untold isn’t about what any member of our team thinks or feels about those songs. It’s an objective work. It will document the facts and detail the events that unfolded based on the first-hand recollections and testimony of those involved. Not every detail we’ve uncovered thus far suggests that the vocals aren’t Michael’s, just as not every detail suggests that they are. We are here to uncover ALL the facts possible so that the audience can draw their own conclusions.
Q. How can you tell the whole story if the other side (Cascio, Estate, Sony etc.) doesn't talk to you? Wouldn't it be better to try to secure interviews with them before making promises about uncovering the truth?
A. We sincerely hope that all parties will participate in our quest for the truth and contribute whatever information they have. We have reached out to many of those on both sides of the controversy. Some, but not all, have already participated in interviews or provided useful information. Others have indicated that they’d be open to doing so. Our work will not be considered complete until we feel all parties on all sides have had sufficient opportunity to tell their story.
Q. Why a book? Why not a website or even a e-book for lower costs?
A. Our plan is to publish both a physical book and an e-book. Even though our information will be made available online and in an e-book, we feel a physical book is important because it has lasting presence. Michael Jackson’s artistry will be revered and studied for centuries to come. We hope that this book will play an important role in documenting a key moment in Michael Jackson’s posthumous artistic legacy. Based on early manuscripts, the book may be upwards of 300 pages in length. That’s a lot of information that could easily be inappropriately taken out of context or worse, lost completely on the world wide web. A physical book is also something we know many fans will appreciate, as not everyone is comfortable with electronic media. A physical book also provides for a nice reward for those who’ve backed the work we’re doing.
Q. Don't you think there is confusion regarding what this book will be about? Some people expect you to explicitly state that Cascio songs are fake, however some of your comments include presenting both sides and letting people make their own conclusions. Your recent description says the book is not only about Cascio songs but MJ's final 3 years in the recording studio.
A. We want to dig as deep as possible, uncover the untold facts, and present them in an informative piece of literature. This could not possibly be considered an objective piece of investigative journalism if all parties are not given an equal opportunity to tell their story. We are here to lay out all the facts objectively so that fans can draw their own conclusions.
One of the most exciting things we’ve been fortunate to attain as part of our research is incredible insight to Michael Jackson’s final years in the recording studio. The information we have learned from that insight, combined with the information already on public record from many of the high-profile producers who worked with Michael, will allow us to detail how he worked and what he was working on. After all, a number of the posthumously released songs, including those provided by Cascio and Porte, are attributed to that period of time. So naturally we will go into as much relevant detail about Michael’s final years working on music as possible. It’s part of the story.
Q. Do you really think this book could bring closure to the fans in regards to Michael album?
A. Absolutely. Part of the problem right now is that fans continue to go around in circles with theories and speculation. There’s a lot of bickering and negativity and this is largely attributed to the fact that there is not enough factual information on the subject available. We are here to break through that bickering with something solid and tangible. And the information that is available has never been assembled and articulated in a way that paints a complete overall picture with testimony from those who were there.
Q. Why not start with the forensic analysis first? What happens if the forensic test says it's Michael, or it cannot be determined either way? What happens if you interview people and they say it is Michael on those songs?
A. Forensic analysis is a big part of the work we want to move forward with, but our independent funds simply do not allow us to engage those services without this Kickstarter campaign. We have however done a lot of the groundwork assessing the science, the methodology and the potential outcomes of a professional forensic analysis. We’ve also vetted a number of different types of sound analysts to ensure we engage the services of the most appropriate experts in the field. Forensic analysis will be significant and among our largest investigative expenses, but by no means is it the entirety of our investigation.
Whatever the forensic results are, we will publish them. If we interview people who believe that the vocals are in fact authentic, which we have, we will publish their testimony. We treat the opinions and accounts of ALL sources with equal regard. So long as the information comes from a legitimate and relevant source, it will be published, analysed, and cross-checked. We are guaranteeing a fact-driven work from which the reader can draw his or her own conclusions.
Q. Why not reveal who you have interviewed, and the topics you have investigated? Why the secrecy about the project?
A. We know it may be frustrating for eager fans, but we must abide by journalistic due diligence. At this stage of our investigation we have an obligation to protect the confidentiality of our sources and the information they have provided to us thus far. We are also in the process of conducting further interviews which may influence the way particular events are presented. Remember, the investigation and the manuscript are not complete at this point. We need to fact-check the information provided to us and, where possible, present that information based on several corroborating recollections. In the case of conflicting versions of events from different sources we will articulate both accounts and allow the reader to draw their own conclusions. This takes time and until we can corroborate as much of our research as possible we are not in a position to disclose it. We do not want to misrepresent the facts.
Q. Do you think Cascio, The Estate, Sony etc. will even respond to you given that you are openly against these songs?
A. A Truth Untold is not openly for or against these songs. A Truth Untold is openly questioning these songs. We acknowledge that we all have opinions on this issue, many of which have been strongly voiced in the past, but we must set those opinions aside and allow the facts to dictate the narrative of this project. We hope all parties are open to contributing any relevant information they may be able to provide towards our research as we pursue our quest for the truth.
Q. Why not a lawsuit?
A. Even though we are not attorneys, we’d imagine anyone who purchased the album is capable of filing a lawsuit if they see fit. A Truth Untold is a research project to be written and published as a book. The information published in our book will be the most thorough and accurate account publicly available regarding this issue. Once published, anyone can use the information presented in our book however they see fit. In theory, we suppose that could include someone out there filing a lawsuit. But to be clear, that’s not what A Truth Untold is about at this time or in the foreseeable future. A Truth Untold is about discovering and documenting the facts.
If you have a question that is not answered here please feel free to send it to us and we’ll do our best to address it in due course.
Thanks once again to everyone for your support. It means the world to us.
The ATU Team
(I hate how the forum removes the paragraphs automatically after a copy-paste....)
