BackTalk Creator Weighs In:

[ohsherrie]

Keep me in mind next time, Drew. I can proofread like a mofo and can keep a secret.

I'll just shoot the transcripts directly to you and no one else will have to know.

[NealIsGod]

Keep me in mind next time, Drew. I can proofread like a mofo and can keep a secret.

I'll just shoot the transcripts directly to you and no one else will have to know.

Sounds good, Sherrie. Be sure to include lots of coffee.

[ohsherrie]

Keep me in mind next time, Drew. I can proofread like a mofo and can keep a secret.

I'll just shoot the transcripts directly to you and no one else will have to know.

Sounds good, Sherrie. Be sure to include lots of coffee.

Will do.

[NoMoreTails]

Fucking disappointing and downright sad is what it is.

You know what....I don't even care what they are saying about me and this damn feature - they are NOT a reflection of reality, nor of any realm of sanity.
They are only pissy because their wiggler is gone.

I know for a fact that Steve has read the entire feature and he has no problem with it. If he doesn't, then why should this lot have a problem???
And poor Deen.....fuck me.

I had to go to an old friend's funeral Wednesday. They were killed in a car accident before Chrustmas. THAT is reality. Get a freeking life already before it is too late.

As for the proof reading - I picked 3 VERY passionate Journey fans I knew of and 3 professionals that I am friends with/work in the industry. ALL found typos, which was the whole point. They only read the bloody thing, they did not write or edit it to their own adgenda.

What a cook-a-hoop this whole thing has been from one particular section of the fanbase.

How could you NOT have KNOWN that you would have be castrated for involving Dean in this? If you had ANY sense of reality yourself you would have kept Dean out of it to keep credibility with as many fans as possible.

The entire thing has blown up because of these things:

It SEEMS (meaning: whether it is true or not) that the band simply tossed Augeri aside for someone who had a voice they liked better. This is reflected in both the press release and your interviews.

It SEEMS like this decision was made MONTHS ago and the band, thru the offical website, was bullshitting their fans for months.

It SEEMS like 8yrs of the "this is a BAND now" talk was all propaganda and lies. Again, this is reflected in YOUR interviews.

So, when the news hits the fan that you allowed the main instigator of so much hatred towards both BT and Steve Augeri to "proofread" these interviews, OF COURSE you and the interviews are going to drawn into all of the rest of the anger.

Seriously, you are better this Andrew, much better...and smarter. You should have seen this fastball coming towards your head - and ducked.

People compare this to Perry leaving. Well, that's not even close, IMO. They handled that one OK. This is even worse then when Styx fired DeYoung. The only thing that could make this change worse is for somebody to file a lawsuit. I suppose Perry hasn't had his say yet, at least not publicly...so there is still time for that too.

I agree with Monker completely. Of course the Augeri fans there are going to be upset with the most anti-Augeri people here, one of them the main tapegate proponent, being involved. On the other hand, it was safer to have them involved than pro-Augeri people who may have leaked info if they were upset with the contents. More neutral people, where SA is concerned, could have been utilized. I don't intend for this to imply that I think OhSherrie, Deano, or TNC potentially could or would have altered or leaked the information in the interviews.
Hey to my friend '13.

[Abitaman]

I have read thru 8 pages of this crap, and that is what it is, crap. SO WHAT, if Andrew sent the interviews to someone else to proof read. So what if he sent them to someone period to read. This is his website. Was I invited to read? NO! Does it bother me ? NO! Some here do not need to know anything before hand (much less after). Some are trouble makers, so don't care what happens as long as the Journey continues. So everyone move on, Please. Lets start a new year off right. And Andrew, sorry to hear about your friend-ERIC

[Andrew]

Next time? Like at this point I even want there to be a next time?

Arghh.

IF there is a next time, I'll keep the proof reading to my eyes only.

The response from one section - one SMALL section - of the fan base has been very disappointing, but somewhat predictable and expected.

[ohsherrie]

Next time? Like at this point I even want there to be a next time?

Arghh.

IF there is a next time, I'll keep the proof reading to my eyes only.

The response from one section - one SMALL section - of the fan base has been very disappointing, but somewhat predictable and expected.

Don't say that. It sounds like you're letting them get the best of you.

There are a lot more of us with you than against you.

[Andrew]

Don't say that. It sounds like you're letting them get the best of you.

There are a lot more of us with you than against you.

Yeah, I know.....not ONE single negative bit of feedback from all the e-mails and messages, only a few from that other board and of course, our resident grinch Monker. Why should I let that affect me? I shouldn't, but the nature of their personal attacks is very disappointing.
Why attack the messenger?

I will say this - I have learnt a lot about some sections of the fan base through this. And I have learnt a few lessons myself - I won't go into that publicly, but I have taken several mental notes from all this.

Where to from here? Still not sure though.

[Lula]

Where to from here? Still not sure though.

Forget about the people that have attacked you personally. Forget about those that take issue with your Journey forum. Remeber the love that surrounds you. Where to from here? Onward and upward with a Journey we can be proud of. Onto a prosperous and healthy 2007. Some will enjoy what is in store, others will not... that is just life.

Happy New Year Andrew !

[ohsherrie]

Where to from here? Still not sure though.

Forget about the people that have attacked you personally. Forget about those that take issue with your Journey forum. Remeber the love that surrounds you. Where to from here? Onward and upward with a Journey we can be proud of. Onto a prosperous and healthy 2007. Some will enjoy what is in store, others will not... that is just life.

Happy New Year Andrew !

I'll drink to that.

[Daza]

Don't say that. It sounds like you're letting them get the best of you.

There are a lot more of us with you than against you.

Yeah, I know.....not ONE single negative bit of feedback from all the e-mails and messages, only a few from that other board and of course, our resident grinch Monker. Why should I let that affect me? I shouldn't, but the nature of their personal attacks is very disappointing.
Why attack the messenger?

I will say this - I have learnt a lot about some sections of the fan base through this. And I have learnt a few lessons myself - I won't go into that publicly, but I have taken several mental notes from all this.

Where to from here? Still not sure though.

I personally thought the interviews were spot on. Even though I don't agree with the Augerri situation and how it was handled, I have a great deal of respect for JSS. He is currently living the dream...and good luck to him. How many Journey fans..if they could sing...would turn this gig down......No one.

What I don't agree with is mentioning 'Rockin Deano' Andrew. Did you really have to mention him in your feature? Why should you have to 'convince' him to be a little less restrained on YOUR message board...he should respect you enough to do that without you asking him! You talk about the nature of other peoples 'personal attacks' in your post Andrew. Just look at what he has said in loads of posts to other people, he has threatened some people personally. Andrew....In my opinion, you are losing a lot of respect talking about this guy in your excellent feature. Your website...and message board is well rid of him in my opinion. God knows what Perry thinks if he reads his posts...he surely would avoid the band like the plague in any mention of a reunion. Hey, I am not a member of BT.... but i understand how they felt seeing Ross Valory etc. pictured with him. It's as if the Journey legacy is soiled being pictured with him.

[joybringer1]

Don't say that. It sounds like you're letting them get the best of you.

There are a lot more of us with you than against you.

Yeah, I know.....not ONE single negative bit of feedback from all the e-mails and messages, only a few from that other board and of course, our resident grinch Monker. Why should I let that affect me? I shouldn't, but the nature of their personal attacks is very disappointing.
Why attack the messenger?

I will say this - I have learnt a lot about some sections of the fan base through this. And I have learnt a few lessons myself - I won't go into that publicly, but I have taken several mental notes from all this.

Where to from here? Still not sure though.

Hello Andrew, I hope you remember me from Firefest. I complimented you very warmly on your achievements with this site back then and told you I was sure that its success was in no small measure down to your professional approach. So I hope you'll permit me to say that in this instance I feel you're showing no understanding of the hurt and distress of the Augeri fanbase. I'm not one of them, indeed I'm one of the poor UK saps who spent a lot of money under false pretences to hear him "sing" but I find their loyalty (even if it is misguided) rather touching and your reaction to them totally callous.

As a previous poster pointed out, there is a definite undercurrent of resentment towards Augeri in the interviews of Neal and Deen which is bound to rub his supporters up the wrong way. Monker made some very salient lucid points about the whole situation in an earlier post in this thread but because he's gained himself a reputation as a moaning trouble-maker you brushed off his remarks. Even Monker can be right sometimes, you know

I was a vociferous supporter of Dean during the Tapegate affair but even his nearest and dearest would be the first to admit he's the very antithesis of tact and diplomacy and his prima donna attitude makes him a laughing stock (albeit a very charming and likeable one!). After all the venom he's poured on Augeri's fans I can't understand why you don't seem to get it that they are so up in arms at his involvement, even just as a proof reader. To them it's as though you're giving him your official stamp of approval.

I am quite willing to believe that Augeri is not the sweet, humble man they think he is and that the resentment that came through in the interviews is probably totally justified. I don't belong to any camp except my own but I can fully understand that those who worshipped Augeri are bound to be feeling as though he's had a raw deal. Why is it so difficult for you and so many posters here to put themselves in their shoes? Why is it so difficult for you and so many posters here to see that publicly acknowledging that Dean was involved was always going to be a red rag to a bull?

Of course everything that has happened is for the best and I for one believe we have Dean to thank for that. But it's much easier for the victors to be gracious so why not show a bit more compassion for the sore and suffering losers?

Thanks for the interviews, by the way, I thoroughly enjoyed them. And sincere condolences on the death of your friends.

[Andrew]

Points taken.

Proof reading is required on many occasions and is normally just part and parcel of any big feature...it was not supposed to be a big deal and if it was not for someone promoting their participation, it would not be an issue.

That said, lesson learnt. Perhaps in hindsight it was a poor choice, given the tensions surrounding Dean's every comment/move in realtion to Steve Augeri.
It was not a reward of any such type (a silly notion really)...just a spare of the moment decision as I know what a passionate fan he is.

BUT - for the record - and here I am defending this yet again......but the article was seen only by 6 people prior to it's release - a couple of long time friends (who have nothing to do with Journey as such) and a few people I know are seriously die hard fans and would proof read every word and report back any typos. But no one seems to care about that - it is (as usual) Dean's involvement that raises the hackles with those that believe he is the culprit for removing Steve singlehandedly.
Those that do believe that seem to forget the various rumblings before Dean got involved and not to mention Svent in Sweden and his SRW comments.

That's it I think...this saga has run unabaited throughough 2006, I'm sure not going to let it run thru 2007 too.

I thank everyone that has responded positively and for those that didn't enjoy it....well....

[Andrew]

PS. I might add that it can be very draining to read people's negative perceptions of me, my feature, my site, my work and what I should have done/could do/what they would have done/could do....some comments here, but the majority in other forums of course....

I just need to take a break from all things Journey for a while. Starting....now.

[Natalie]

PS. I might add that it can be very draining to read people's negative perceptions of me, my feature, my site, my work and what I should have done/could do/what they would have done/could do....some comments here, but the majority in other forums of course....

I just need to take a break from all things Journey for a while. Starting....now.

I wonder how Steve Augeri feels if he's read anything here.

[larryfromnextdoor]

its being made out that andrew is the bad guy,,as if he has no feelings for "them" ..i have read some of those posts..misguided is mild....that site, at this point is an embarrassment ,, and needs to be made a cyber parking lot...

[larryfromnextdoor]

PS. I might add that it can be very draining to read people's negative perceptions of me, my feature, my site, my work and what I should have done/could do/what they would have done/could do....some comments here, but the majority in other forums of course....

I just need to take a break from all things Journey for a while. Starting....now.

I wonder how Steve Augeri feels if he's read anything here.

embarrassed.. ashamed.. humiliated.. and i bet he feels the same way about his misguided hardcore fans.. scary...

[SF-Dano]

PS. I might add that it can be very draining to read people's negative perceptions of me, my feature, my site, my work and what I should have done/could do/what they would have done/could do....some comments here, but the majority in other forums of course....

I just need to take a break from all things Journey for a while. Starting....now.

Just remember Andrew, "That which does not kill us, makes us stronger"

Happy New Year

[Daza]

PS. I might add that it can be very draining to read people's negative perceptions of me, my feature, my site, my work and what I should have done/could do/what they would have done/could do....some comments here, but the majority in other forums of course....

I just need to take a break from all things Journey for a while. Starting....now.

Please don't take my previous post as bashing you.. It ain't. I backed you to the hilt re. Leppard and the covers album.

Here's to 2007 and the continuing success of your website.

[*Laura]

PS. I might add that it can be very draining to read people's negative perceptions of me, my feature, my site, my work and what I should have done/could do/what they would have done/could do....some comments here, but the majority in other forums of course....

I just need to take a break from all things Journey for a while. Starting....now.

Andrew,I can understand your dissapoitment.However,I hope that the positive things will outweigh the negative ones.

If there is one thing I have learned from my own experience and of others too,is this:the magnitude of someone's success is measured by the jealousy and envy of the others.
That's what's happening,so don't waste your energy.Gotta save it for 2007.
Just learn what you have to learn and move on.

I wish you a very Happy New Year!

[NealIsGod]

Yeah, Drew, wear the jealousy of those people as a badge of honor. It means you done good.

[Enigma869]

Hello Andrew, I hope you remember me from Firefest. I complimented you very warmly on your achievements with this site back then and told you I was sure that its success was in no small measure down to your professional approach. So I hope you'll permit me to say that in this instance I feel you're showing no understanding of the hurt and distress of the Augeri fanbase. I'm not one of them, indeed I'm one of the poor UK saps who spent a lot of money under false pretences to hear him "sing" but I find their loyalty (even if it is misguided) rather touching and your reaction to them totally callous.

As a previous poster pointed out, there is a definite undercurrent of resentment towards Augeri in the interviews of Neal and Deen which is bound to rub his supporters up the wrong way. Monker made some very salient lucid points about the whole situation in an earlier post in this thread but because he's gained himself a reputation as a moaning trouble-maker you brushed off his remarks. Even Monker can be right sometimes, you know

I was a vociferous supporter of Dean during the Tapegate affair but even his nearest and dearest would be the first to admit he's the very antithesis of tact and diplomacy and his prima donna attitude makes him a laughing stock (albeit a very charming and likeable one!). After all the venom he's poured on Augeri's fans I can't understand why you don't seem to get it that they are so up in arms at his involvement, even just as a proof reader. To them it's as though you're giving him your official stamp of approval.

I am quite willing to believe that Augeri is not the sweet, humble man they think he is and that the resentment that came through in the interviews is probably totally justified. I don't belong to any camp except my own but I can fully understand that those who worshipped Augeri are bound to be feeling as though he's had a raw deal. Why is it so difficult for you and so many posters here to put themselves in their shoes? Why is it so difficult for you and so many posters here to see that publicly acknowledging that Dean was involved was always going to be a red rag to a bull?

Of course everything that has happened is for the best and I for one believe we have Dean to thank for that. But it's much easier for the victors to be gracious so why not show a bit more compassion for the sore and suffering losers?

Thanks for the interviews, by the way, I thoroughly enjoyed them. And sincere condolences on the death of your friends.

This may be the most rational and well thought out post I've ever read on an internet forum! I'm not sure that I've ever seen the words "antithesis", "salient", and "vociferous" in one thread! Good job

John from Boston

[larryfromnextdoor]

john ,, big words are so cool... gymnasium,, gynecologist,, macroeconomics,, heterogeneousness (that means a whole bunch of people that are different, but the same ),, presumptuous.....i feel smarter just typing them letters..j/k

[Granny]

john ,, big words are so cool... gymnasium,, gynecologist,, macroeconomics,, heterogeneousness (that means a whole bunch of people that are different, but the same ),, presumptuous.....i feel smarter just typing them letters..j/k

[ohsherrie]

Yeah, Drew, wear the jealousy of those people as a badge of honor. It means you done good.

That sums the whole bag of BS up perfectly. NIG's one liners always have a point.

[larryfromnextdoor]

Yeah, Drew, wear the jealousy of those people as a badge of honor. It means you done good.

That sums the whole bag of BS up perfectly. NIG's one liners always have a point.

i just want to know what movie he stole it from ,,,,,,, .............. a few good men?

[ohsherrie]

Yeah, Drew, wear the jealousy of those people as a badge of honor. It means you done good.

That sums the whole bag of BS up perfectly. NIG's one liners always have a point.

i just want to know what movie he stole it from ,,,,,,, .............. a few good men?

I dunno Lar, but it works.

[Rockindeano]

This is hard for me to digest.

Let's think about this.


You all think I had a smile on my face when I undertook this entire ordeal? I worked my ass off, doing what I did, and there was a lot of negative feedback, mail and PM's than I care to share. Am I proud of what I did? Yes and no. I am NOT proud of the anger that overtook me, and made me pissed at every turn. I am proud that I made Journey better, and once again a living heartbeat. You all forget this. Before I took on the Blog, Journey was decent, to the occasional fan. They were getting by, but look on Neal, Jon and Ross' faxces. Look at Deen? That guy was doing TWO jobs! Again, had Augeri had been a man, he would have stepped down, like Perry did in 86. I will always respect Perry for doing that and standing up to Herbie in that regard. However, how anyone can defend a singer who isn't even singing, is beyond me.

[joybringer1]

This is hard for me to digest.

Let's think about this.


You all think I had a smile on my face when I undertook this entire ordeal? I worked my ass off, doing what I did, and there was a lot of negative feedback, mail and PM's than I care to share. Am I proud of what I did? Yes and no. I am NOT proud of the anger that overtook me, and made me pissed at every turn. I am proud that I made Journey better, and once again a living heartbeat. You all forget this. Before I took on the Blog, Journey was decent, to the occasional fan. They were getting by, but look on Neal, Jon and Ross' faxces. Look at Deen? That guy was doing TWO jobs! Again, had Augeri had been a man, he would have stepped down, like Perry did in 86. I will always respect Perry for doing that and standing up to Herbie in that regard. However, how anyone can defend a singer who isn't even singing, is beyond me.

It took someone like you, with your fire, determination and anger to do what you did and see it through to the bitter end. You see things in black and white, an essential trait for a general going to war. But now the battle's over you are continuing to pour vitriol on the vanquished troops of the "other side" at every opportunity.

Some people are born leaders, some born followers, right along the scale to blind followers. People at one end of the scale such as yourself can change their allegiance and opinions more easily in the face of new and compelling evidence, just as you have done . Those at the other end of the scale are less flexible and an allegiance or emotional investment once made, is much harder to relinquish. This is why some of Augeri's followers are still true to him regardless and you have such a hard time understanding that.

Even on an Internet message board I see the good in you (General) Deano - if you could just learn to be more compassionate to the losing side and less vitriolic to anyone who doesn't share your opinion you'd be pretty near perfect And cause our beloved Andrew a lot less headaches as he's the poor bugger who has to take the fallout of your actions most of the time.

[NealIsGod]

Even on an Internet message board I see the good in you (General) Deano - if you could just learn to be more compassionate to the losing side and less vitriolic to anyone who doesn't share your opinion you'd be pretty near perfect

And he wouldn't be Rockn'Deano either!

The "losing" side doesn't deserve compassion. They deserve pity because they are made up of delusional people. Maybe this will shake them out of it.