I have been reading the existing 'singles box-set' threads with interest, and hopefully, without regurgutating the same old points, I thought now was the correct time to write this mail to those who may read it with an open mind.
I stress this is [b]my[/b] mail - and makes [b]my[/b] points.
If others have a different opinion - then that is good - but please start your own threads rather than flame mine.
I also understand that I am not forced or compelled to do anything against my will.
However, I do believe 'some' Queen fans agree with me, and so I thought I would like to articulate these thoughts on both mine (and their behalf). So; if at least one other person agrees with me, please leave a supporting message to show that it has been worthwhile.
For example - I am [b]very[/b] lucky, as I own six watches:
A 'Rolex Perpetual Submariner' which I received as an anniversary present.
A 1947 'Omega Chronometer Classic' which I inherited from my late father-in-law.
An 'Accurist Greenwich Commemorative Limited edition' (which I bought myself)
A '2001 Hamilton Electronic' a friend took back from the USA.
A Queen 'The Works' promo wrist-watch (another present), and finally,
A cheap 'Swatch' men's chronograph - which I wear most of the time.
Now my point is - I am [b]not[/b] in the market for another watch.
If anyone wanted to buy me another watch for Christmas - please don't - I have enough.
Spend your money on something much more needed and worthwhile.
Therefore, I do not write this from 'sour grapes'. Nor do I have an axe to grind.
Even if the 'singles box-set' was made from solid gold discs and jewel encrusted sleeves - I would still [b]not[/b] be interested.
I do [b]not[/b] want it - I do [b]not[/b] need it.
It really is that simple - and in today's credit crunch economics and 'environmentally' friendly climate - I think that this message should be heard [b]clear[/b] and [b]loud[/b] - the 'singles box-set' is a marketing disaster. (As I so eloquently expressed in the past - wrapping sh*t in tinfoil does not make it chocolate!).
Forget all the 'yes-men' mentality and sychophants. (If only someone had the bottle to tell Elvis he was eating too many burgers, or had the guts to say that Ali faught one fight too many - what different tales we could now tell). [b]Might[/b] (as history tells us) - does not mean [b]right[/b] - and this product is [b]not[/b] right on so many levels - and needs to be acknowledged as such.
Spin is for politicians, not buisness men. Queen are now a dying band - and if they think they are immune from the buffeting of the current economic fall-out, they will soon find that like F.W. Woolworths, they too will collapse from corporate incompetence.
I really do not expect any sensible discussion or reply from GB or the 'powers that be', but the main lesson from 'Woolies' is - 'do not deliver - and the public will quickly move on'.
As it is, I have a wallet full of cash and credit cards - but Queen PLC (do not deserve) or will smell one penny of it - and without money, QPL will quickly wither and dry-up.
If QPL want my (or my representative) cash in the future, they better come up with some seriously inventive ideas - or it sounds like the death knell for one of rock's most ingenious and innovative bands.
[b]PS[/b]: Yes, I dare say QPL [b]could[/b] survive without my single meagre solitary contribution to this project - but like many in here, I feel that my voice is [b]not[/b] alone - and in that sense, united we may be able to boycott this sort of tatt in the future. Perhaps then, democracy may return to the paying customer.
Thread
Posts in chronological order
Bravo.
Unfortunately, the few of us that will ignore this and other "new" releases aren't enough to stop them at QPL from getting their Christmas sales bonuses.
Unfortunately, the few of us that will ignore this and other "new" releases aren't enough to stop them at QPL from getting their Christmas sales bonuses.
Couldn't agree more, John.. Very well said indeed !
I agree with many points made by John S Stuart.
I think NOW is the time for Queen to release something new and really exciting.
If they do not deliver the following years I fear many people will not be interested anymore. It's important to keep the Queen name fresh and that needs a nice release from time to time. Not releasing the same products over and over again.
Thare are still many projects that can happen. Why not release something truly substantial like the BBC set, or a fantastic 70's DVD? Or a box with great things? or A wonderful book about the band?
I think NOW is the time for Queen to release something new and really exciting.
If they do not deliver the following years I fear many people will not be interested anymore. It's important to keep the Queen name fresh and that needs a nice release from time to time. Not releasing the same products over and over again.
Thare are still many projects that can happen. Why not release something truly substantial like the BBC set, or a fantastic 70's DVD? Or a box with great things? or A wonderful book about the band?
John,
I am no collector, nor completist, nor even proper fan of the band, and I don't have much money anyway, so I wouldn't have bought this set even if it had been true to Greg's original project.
Still, I do agree with you.
I only wish we could have clearer info on the distinctions and boundaries between the company and the band, and how decisional power is distributed.
Because I don't feel it fair that someone should take most of the flack, for someone else's decisions - as it has unfortunately happened often.
But of course I am aware that none of that critical information will ever be made public.
FWLIW
I am no collector, nor completist, nor even proper fan of the band, and I don't have much money anyway, so I wouldn't have bought this set even if it had been true to Greg's original project.
Still, I do agree with you.
I only wish we could have clearer info on the distinctions and boundaries between the company and the band, and how decisional power is distributed.
Because I don't feel it fair that someone should take most of the flack, for someone else's decisions - as it has unfortunately happened often.
But of course I am aware that none of that critical information will ever be made public.
FWLIW
Well done John. If we could only persuade other people here to do the same and not buy this shite and other similar releases we would be doing something worthwhile. But we are in the minority.
I want a watch...
[QUOTE]
[b]DARREN1977 wrote: [/b]
Well done John. If we could only persuade other people here to do the same and not buy this shite and other similar releases we would be doing something worthwhile. But we are in the minority.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the support guys.
It is nice to be recognised as something other than some weird cult on the outer fringes of the 'zone!
[b]DARREN1977[/b], what makes you think [b]we[/b] are the minority?
In the absence of any [b]'real'[/b] verifiable figures, all we have to rely upon is the 'spin' coming out from QPL, and frankly, I really do not hold any confidence in the reliability of QPL as a [b]sole[/b] source of information - especially if they need to hi-jack 'Queenzone' to brow-beat us into believing how good this product is - and how well it has been selling.
Interestingly enough, the following story has been doing the rounds since Sunday:
http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20081221/908/ten-more-trouble-for-madonna-as-new-sing.html
If established stars like Madonna are finding it hard to shift '[b]new'[/b] product - what gave QPL the arrogant assumption that stamping out a new glut of tired discs (albeit with the Queen logo) would perform any better?
[b]DARREN1977 wrote: [/b]
Well done John. If we could only persuade other people here to do the same and not buy this shite and other similar releases we would be doing something worthwhile. But we are in the minority.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the support guys.
It is nice to be recognised as something other than some weird cult on the outer fringes of the 'zone!
[b]DARREN1977[/b], what makes you think [b]we[/b] are the minority?
In the absence of any [b]'real'[/b] verifiable figures, all we have to rely upon is the 'spin' coming out from QPL, and frankly, I really do not hold any confidence in the reliability of QPL as a [b]sole[/b] source of information - especially if they need to hi-jack 'Queenzone' to brow-beat us into believing how good this product is - and how well it has been selling.
Interestingly enough, the following story has been doing the rounds since Sunday:
http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20081221/908/ten-more-trouble-for-madonna-as-new-sing.html
If established stars like Madonna are finding it hard to shift '[b]new'[/b] product - what gave QPL the arrogant assumption that stamping out a new glut of tired discs (albeit with the Queen logo) would perform any better?
[QUOTE]
[b]Sebastian wrote: [/b]
I want a watch...
[/QUOTE]
I will ask my wife for you, but I think she's too prudish...
(Try using fake NY or Italian accent!)
[b]Sebastian wrote: [/b]
I want a watch...
[/QUOTE]
I will ask my wife for you, but I think she's too prudish...
(Try using fake NY or Italian accent!)
[QUOTE]
[b]DARREN1977 wrote: [/b]
Well done John. If we could only persuade other people here to do the same and not buy this shite and other similar releases we would be doing something worthwhile. But we are in the minority.
[/QUOTE]
So you're saying that if we DON'T buy this, QPL is going to release something we will buy?
That's interesting marketing. I don't think that's ever been tried before. Usually when a brand stops selling, after countless re-packaging and re-designs, they just stop even trying.
MAKE IT STOP.
JUST MAKE IT ALL STOP AND GIVE ME SILVER HANGMAN STATE OF SHOCK, studio version.
Ah, that feels much better. But I'm still probably gonna buy the box set. If anything, it will force me NOT to buy the Big Country Box Set which is better for us all.
[b]DARREN1977 wrote: [/b]
Well done John. If we could only persuade other people here to do the same and not buy this shite and other similar releases we would be doing something worthwhile. But we are in the minority.
[/QUOTE]
So you're saying that if we DON'T buy this, QPL is going to release something we will buy?
That's interesting marketing. I don't think that's ever been tried before. Usually when a brand stops selling, after countless re-packaging and re-designs, they just stop even trying.
MAKE IT STOP.
JUST MAKE IT ALL STOP AND GIVE ME SILVER HANGMAN STATE OF SHOCK, studio version.
Ah, that feels much better. But I'm still probably gonna buy the box set. If anything, it will force me NOT to buy the Big Country Box Set which is better for us all.
[QUOTE]
[b]John S Stuart wrote: [/b]
[QUOTE]
[b]Sebastian wrote: [/b]
I want a watch...
[/QUOTE]
I will ask my wife for you, but I think she's too prudish...
(Try using fake NY or Italian accent!)
[/QUOTE]
I have a friend in NY. Would that help? :P
[b]John S Stuart wrote: [/b]
[QUOTE]
[b]Sebastian wrote: [/b]
I want a watch...
[/QUOTE]
I will ask my wife for you, but I think she's too prudish...
(Try using fake NY or Italian accent!)
[/QUOTE]
I have a friend in NY. Would that help? :P
well said John!
But, do expect a lousy response from Greg (in case he wants to respond)
But, do expect a lousy response from Greg (in case he wants to respond)
I totally and cheerfully approve of John's post.
There are some sad facts stated by the archivist which have been somewhat bypassed. Mainly the fact that this wasn't QPL suit's (awful) decision, but the band agreed of this too.
[i]"It was the band that decided not to go with the elaborate 10-CD set, not mine."[/i]
"[i]The band decided that putting out a Singles Collection which effectively offered 60 or 70% of the album catalogue (when you stop and think about it) was not what they wanted to do at this time. They simply wanted to offer a Singles set, not their life's work.[/i]"
Sad to say, after reading this I don't see a chance that any anthologies will be released anytime soon.
There are some sad facts stated by the archivist which have been somewhat bypassed. Mainly the fact that this wasn't QPL suit's (awful) decision, but the band agreed of this too.
[i]"It was the band that decided not to go with the elaborate 10-CD set, not mine."[/i]
"[i]The band decided that putting out a Singles Collection which effectively offered 60 or 70% of the album catalogue (when you stop and think about it) was not what they wanted to do at this time. They simply wanted to offer a Singles set, not their life's work.[/i]"
Sad to say, after reading this I don't see a chance that any anthologies will be released anytime soon.
Nice one John.
yeah.