From '93 to '97, I would defend U2 on other websites, whether that be a writer who debased them and needed to "set the facts straight" or whether that be a fan on another fan site.
Then I realized that it's pointless. There are plenty of artists I don't like - or songs I don't like. Having, say, a Celine fan come here and brag about how good she is won't change my mind. I can appreciate Celine has a great voice. And there are a token few songs I don't mind. But overall, Celine is not for me and that's all there is to it. No matter what a fan says, it's not going to change my mind.
Now, if there's a new artist and I've only heard one song, I might be willing to give the artist a second or third listen (i.e., the entire album, not just a current single). I've done this with Radiohead. I own 4 Radiohead albums and the last few really haven't done much for me. I'm one of those who enjoyed their work in the mid-90's and not much since. But I gave them plenty of listenings - they just aren't for me. I can appreciate their talent, but their music isn't my taste. Likewise the Smashing Pumpkins. I thought they were brilliant - but Corgan's singing hurt my ears. Michael Stipe's crooning is brilliant and I've always enjoyed R.E.M. But Corgan's singing reminding me of some dying whale - it was whiny and high-pitched, it just wasn't for me. So despite the brilliance of the Pumpkins' music and lyrics, it was the vocals that drove me away. Still, I gave these artists a chance.
Most likely, R.E.M. fans have given U2 a chance too. Now, if they feel U2 is competing with R.E.M., then that's ridiculous. The market will expand to accomodate both. And R.E.M. will be inducted into the Hall of Fame when it's their time. However, if these R.E.M. fans are just slagging on U2 out of ignorance, I would only recommend they listen to more songs. Otherwise, I would just ignore them. As I wrote, it's tough to convince others that they are "wrong". People have to discover this for themselves.
Therefore, just recommend some of your favorite U2 songs and leave the forum - nothing more should be said. It's really not worthwhile having "wars" over U2 on non-U2 sites.
Then I realized that it's pointless. There are plenty of artists I don't like - or songs I don't like. Having, say, a Celine fan come here and brag about how good she is won't change my mind. I can appreciate Celine has a great voice. And there are a token few songs I don't mind. But overall, Celine is not for me and that's all there is to it. No matter what a fan says, it's not going to change my mind.
Now, if there's a new artist and I've only heard one song, I might be willing to give the artist a second or third listen (i.e., the entire album, not just a current single). I've done this with Radiohead. I own 4 Radiohead albums and the last few really haven't done much for me. I'm one of those who enjoyed their work in the mid-90's and not much since. But I gave them plenty of listenings - they just aren't for me. I can appreciate their talent, but their music isn't my taste. Likewise the Smashing Pumpkins. I thought they were brilliant - but Corgan's singing hurt my ears. Michael Stipe's crooning is brilliant and I've always enjoyed R.E.M. But Corgan's singing reminding me of some dying whale - it was whiny and high-pitched, it just wasn't for me. So despite the brilliance of the Pumpkins' music and lyrics, it was the vocals that drove me away. Still, I gave these artists a chance.
Most likely, R.E.M. fans have given U2 a chance too. Now, if they feel U2 is competing with R.E.M., then that's ridiculous. The market will expand to accomodate both. And R.E.M. will be inducted into the Hall of Fame when it's their time. However, if these R.E.M. fans are just slagging on U2 out of ignorance, I would only recommend they listen to more songs. Otherwise, I would just ignore them. As I wrote, it's tough to convince others that they are "wrong". People have to discover this for themselves.
Therefore, just recommend some of your favorite U2 songs and leave the forum - nothing more should be said. It's really not worthwhile having "wars" over U2 on non-U2 sites.
Syd!
