Ava Adore
The Fly
Forgive me if I have started a new thread when this is quite honestly an offshoot of someone else's; however, it got me thinking about something... and thought it should have it's own forum for discussion-
Why are we so afraid to criticize U2?
Now think about it. Don't just write down the first thing that comes to mind, because it is so much more than simply being a fan. U2 fans really get into heated discussions about this or that, and we are so quick to jump on the defensive. I am guilty of it myself, and nearly stormed out of a class last week when everyone began to turn our lecture into a 'U2 sold out' argument regarding their performance at the Super Bowl. I was furious. How dare they, I thought.
But... the thing is... and maybe I am thinking too much because I of what I am studying... but, when is too much too much? U2 have been in the public eye for a year and a half now with at least another year rumoured to be ahead. The minute someone criticizes them and says, it's time 'disappear' for awhile, we get all pissed off and can't deal. 'U2 should do what they want, they shouldn't care what other people think' etc... That's where, IMO, we are wrong. This has nothing to do with Jubilee 2000, or anything 'political' or charitable. I will not put a stamp on good work that helps people... I am simply talking about 'exposure' as a band, plain and simple.
U2 are a band. A band is a business. Businesses are to be run in a successful fashion. You need to know when to promote, what message to send out and when to step back. Up until this point (and I am not saying this has stopped) U2 have run their 'business' IMO successfully. They have a good following, they have sold millions and made a ton of money. But they are not perfect and everything they choose and do is not always perfect. So why can't we admitt that? See that? Criticize? It's not a betrayal. It's not not being a good fan. I dunno, maybe I have no point. I guess I just can't see why everytime a person seems to have a different opinion than the 'norm' we are so quick to jump down their throats.
Feel free to do so at me if you feel the need. IMO, I think U2 should cool off. Do their summer tour, then take some time off. Over exposure can be the kiss of death. They have successfully become the 'Best Band In The World', take your crown, bow and go away graciously. Come back when you are ready to challenge the norm again. With new music, a new image and a new idea... tour... goal. ATYCLB and 'Elevation' has been stretched to its limits.
Yeah, U2 should do what they want and yeah, not everyone's opinion matters... but to say they should not care about what people think at all, is naivite. Yeah there are us, who will follow them to the end, but you know, we are a minority, and when U2 stops listening, stops caring what people think, well, then they might stop and I don't want that to happen.
This is a business people. Never forget that.
Well... That took balls, lol. I am so going to get flamed for this, but perhaps you all won't read it this far down, 'cause its so bloody long. haha.
And just to reiterate--> My point with this is not to compete with gherman and his thread and what we think U2 should do or not do... it's about the subject--> and why we fail to see both sides.
------------------
...there's so much doubt in every heart,
for all our faults we carry on
...
[This message has been edited by Ava Adore (edited 02-15-2002).]
Why are we so afraid to criticize U2?
Now think about it. Don't just write down the first thing that comes to mind, because it is so much more than simply being a fan. U2 fans really get into heated discussions about this or that, and we are so quick to jump on the defensive. I am guilty of it myself, and nearly stormed out of a class last week when everyone began to turn our lecture into a 'U2 sold out' argument regarding their performance at the Super Bowl. I was furious. How dare they, I thought.
But... the thing is... and maybe I am thinking too much because I of what I am studying... but, when is too much too much? U2 have been in the public eye for a year and a half now with at least another year rumoured to be ahead. The minute someone criticizes them and says, it's time 'disappear' for awhile, we get all pissed off and can't deal. 'U2 should do what they want, they shouldn't care what other people think' etc... That's where, IMO, we are wrong. This has nothing to do with Jubilee 2000, or anything 'political' or charitable. I will not put a stamp on good work that helps people... I am simply talking about 'exposure' as a band, plain and simple.
U2 are a band. A band is a business. Businesses are to be run in a successful fashion. You need to know when to promote, what message to send out and when to step back. Up until this point (and I am not saying this has stopped) U2 have run their 'business' IMO successfully. They have a good following, they have sold millions and made a ton of money. But they are not perfect and everything they choose and do is not always perfect. So why can't we admitt that? See that? Criticize? It's not a betrayal. It's not not being a good fan. I dunno, maybe I have no point. I guess I just can't see why everytime a person seems to have a different opinion than the 'norm' we are so quick to jump down their throats.
Feel free to do so at me if you feel the need. IMO, I think U2 should cool off. Do their summer tour, then take some time off. Over exposure can be the kiss of death. They have successfully become the 'Best Band In The World', take your crown, bow and go away graciously. Come back when you are ready to challenge the norm again. With new music, a new image and a new idea... tour... goal. ATYCLB and 'Elevation' has been stretched to its limits.
Yeah, U2 should do what they want and yeah, not everyone's opinion matters... but to say they should not care about what people think at all, is naivite. Yeah there are us, who will follow them to the end, but you know, we are a minority, and when U2 stops listening, stops caring what people think, well, then they might stop and I don't want that to happen.
This is a business people. Never forget that.
Well... That took balls, lol. I am so going to get flamed for this, but perhaps you all won't read it this far down, 'cause its so bloody long. haha.
And just to reiterate--> My point with this is not to compete with gherman and his thread and what we think U2 should do or not do... it's about the subject--> and why we fail to see both sides.
------------------
...there's so much doubt in every heart,
for all our faults we carry on
...
[This message has been edited by Ava Adore (edited 02-15-2002).]