Greg: The first edition of your book was GREAT. I have it and I like it a lot. The fact that it was made before Internet access was a popular way to interchange information makes it even better. I don't think anybody has got anything against your first edition.
I haven't read the second one but I know many fans were excited about the idea of it being re-released and upgraded. The final result was considered to be pretty much the same and does not reflect the fact that you now are in a much better position to do your job better. Maybe the book was 10% better while it could have been a thousand times better (ok, I'm exagerating) if given the time, checking your sources more times, acquiring new sources, having full support from your publishers and doing your homework once again.
Yes, it is a tough work and you did it over ten years ago. Maybe you think you deserve some slack for doing that very good first edition of your book (given the circumstances) but I understand the criticism is ONLY about your second edition and it should be treated separately. Some people don't like you and criticize your book based on what they think of you and that is not fair (yet, I don't think Barbara is one of these persons). But you have to admit that there are many good points and some constructive criticism and it is not only "Greg bashing", ok?
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[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Queen Archivist wrote: [/QUOTENAME]I have a question for Queenzoners... the intelligent ones anyway.
WHY DID YOU NOT WRITE THE BOOK? YOU ALONE, OR YOU WITH FRIEND/S?????? WHY?
Why did you not take on the writing of the work which you now slag off? It's very simple.[/QUOTE]
Why? Because I like other bands as well, and wouldn't want to devote my research time to just one band. I think someone like Jesus Christ or Mother Teresa would be a much stronger subject to tackle.
Because I have to pay the bills and writing a book about Queen really isn't going to make THAT much money, is it? I mean, I doubt you're driving a Ferrari.
Because aiding disabled children around the world is much more rewarding.
Are those 3 good enough reasons? Well, here's number 4: CAUSE I'M NOT A FRICKIN' NERD WHO LIVES IN MY PARENTS BASEMENT AND COULDN'T GET A COLLEGE DEGREE!!!
WHY DID YOU NOT WRITE THE BOOK? YOU ALONE, OR YOU WITH FRIEND/S?????? WHY?
Why did you not take on the writing of the work which you now slag off? It's very simple.[/QUOTE]
Why? Because I like other bands as well, and wouldn't want to devote my research time to just one band. I think someone like Jesus Christ or Mother Teresa would be a much stronger subject to tackle.
Because I have to pay the bills and writing a book about Queen really isn't going to make THAT much money, is it? I mean, I doubt you're driving a Ferrari.
Because aiding disabled children around the world is much more rewarding.
Are those 3 good enough reasons? Well, here's number 4: CAUSE I'M NOT A FRICKIN' NERD WHO LIVES IN MY PARENTS BASEMENT AND COULDN'T GET A COLLEGE DEGREE!!!
What is the point, everybody makes mistakes and no-one , and also no book is perfect.
So although there are some mistakes in the book it is still worth reading.
So let's stop talking about the past and look at the future!
There is 1 thing I must mention about someone (I think he was one of the contacts that helpt you with the book), he is not a good source , example look at his concert data. A lot of you will know who I m talking about, mentioned as a bad trader on some site.
So although there are some mistakes in the book it is still worth reading.
So let's stop talking about the past and look at the future!
There is 1 thing I must mention about someone (I think he was one of the contacts that helpt you with the book), he is not a good source , example look at his concert data. A lot of you will know who I m talking about, mentioned as a bad trader on some site.
It's such a shame that a member of Queen Productions could be reduced to this sort of behaviour on a fans website. You really do no favours at all for yourself Greg. What do you think you contribute by coming on this site and shouting in capital letters? What gain is there for you in receiving the hostility you receive,even if a fair proportion is deserved? Surely in a salaried, high voltage job such as yours there isn't even the time for this sort of nonsense? These questions aren't sarcastic I promise you, I'm genuinely baffled.
Your rhetorical talents should be used elsewhere, Mr Brooks, in the research and book writing you do.
Your rhetorical talents should be used elsewhere, Mr Brooks, in the research and book writing you do.
It's such a shame that a member of Queen Productions could be reduced to this sort of behaviour on a fans website. You really have no puropse at all, Greg. What do you think you contribute my coming on this site and shouting claptrap in capital letters? What gain is there in receiving the hostility you receive,even if a fair proportion is deserved in many's view? Surely in a salaried, high voltage job such as yours there isn'teven the time for this sort of nonsense?
At the risk of being seen as needlessly argumentative and petty, my answer could be...
"Because I always knew that if I did so it would automatically be incomplete and inaccurate"
However, to be more honest...
I did (sort of) write a book. I still have a folder with my notes on each of the bootleg tapes I acquired - dates, tracklists & timings. Also included is a page for each released group or solo album with similar notes and details of how many live performances are on the aforementioned tapes. Finally there is a list of all alternate versions in order of release, with track timings and a note of which were available on CD. My own personal Queen archive.
But it never occurred to me to make a proper book. Firstly I would have assumed that others would have had more/better stuff (and thanks to the internet I have been proved right 1000 times), and secondly it was only for my own benefit anyway. I'm a self-centred nerd...
I did, however, write two pieces intended for Record Collector articles, which I only now remember. One was on solo work which was supplanted by the last good article they produced on the band (the advertorial for Freddie's 60th doesn't count), the other for a subject that they haven't actually covered yet. Hmmm....
Why was neither submitted? They were handwritten, which I instinctively felt would be an unattractive format, but that's probably an excuse (although true). What is true is that I lacked the confidence to submit it. Maybe I should re-try now I am buoyed by technology...
"Because I always knew that if I did so it would automatically be incomplete and inaccurate"
However, to be more honest...
I did (sort of) write a book. I still have a folder with my notes on each of the bootleg tapes I acquired - dates, tracklists & timings. Also included is a page for each released group or solo album with similar notes and details of how many live performances are on the aforementioned tapes. Finally there is a list of all alternate versions in order of release, with track timings and a note of which were available on CD. My own personal Queen archive.
But it never occurred to me to make a proper book. Firstly I would have assumed that others would have had more/better stuff (and thanks to the internet I have been proved right 1000 times), and secondly it was only for my own benefit anyway. I'm a self-centred nerd...
I did, however, write two pieces intended for Record Collector articles, which I only now remember. One was on solo work which was supplanted by the last good article they produced on the band (the advertorial for Freddie's 60th doesn't count), the other for a subject that they haven't actually covered yet. Hmmm....
Why was neither submitted? They were handwritten, which I instinctively felt would be an unattractive format, but that's probably an excuse (although true). What is true is that I lacked the confidence to submit it. Maybe I should re-try now I am buoyed by technology...
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Queen Archivist wrote: [/QUOTENAME]I have a question for Queenzoners... the intelligent ones anyway.
hat area on because it was a huge and daunting task.
Too lazy? Not enough knowledge? Too scared of the critics? Probably a bit of each.
You tell me the reason/s, if I'm mistaken above.
What stopped you writing a vastly better book than me?
[/QUOTE]
Dear Greg,
I did not write a book about Queen because it's childish. For me Queen is a hobby. I am a fulltime law student and I do want a REAL carreer. That's why I don't waste my time on writing a Queen book, I rather work on my thesis for university. I think if you went to college you would understand.
regards
hat area on because it was a huge and daunting task.
Too lazy? Not enough knowledge? Too scared of the critics? Probably a bit of each.
You tell me the reason/s, if I'm mistaken above.
What stopped you writing a vastly better book than me?
[/QUOTE]
Dear Greg,
I did not write a book about Queen because it's childish. For me Queen is a hobby. I am a fulltime law student and I do want a REAL carreer. That's why I don't waste my time on writing a Queen book, I rather work on my thesis for university. I think if you went to college you would understand.
regards
Oh dear, sweet Greggieboy, my darling, sugarlips, little pumpkin of mine. Writing such a book and then go through the same shit as you? Merci beaucoup. I pass.
Somewhere, in all this mind-boggling rant, lies the secrets of Queen. I just haven't been able to find them yet.
And I only write cookbooks.
And I only write cookbooks.