At the end of the day..

[Tom Jrnyfn]

Do we really matter? Us passionate music fans who critique every little thing about our favorite bands..Or are bands more concerned about the causal fan (who could give a crap what we talk about in forums) that goes to a show, buys swag, buys concessions and make it profitable for all Involved..

[Andrew]

Yes, I believe we do matter!

[Lula]

I don't think I matter. I don't think we matter, sad but true.

Come visit us Tom, I'm at Katy's

[Carlitto H@kk]

Do we really matter? Us passionate music fans who critique every little thing about our favorite bands..Or are bands more concerned about the causal fan (who could give a crap what we talk about in forums) that goes to a show, buys swag, buys concessions and make it profitable for all Involved..

I think they care AND pay attention to these forums.
They know the power the internet has and how useful
it is to 'instantly' get info out to thier fans (no pun intended considering what's going on now).

And a band like Journey, that relies on thier "Hits" or "DD" getting fans
to fill the seats, really needs to connect with us Whackos that
pour so much emotion into these boards because WE wind up
being the biggest and greatest PUBLICITY machine they could ever dream of...
And we work for free

Think about it, how many times over the past 6 months have you
talked to friends or Co-workers about Journey and this tour, especially when
they were coming to town?
You talked about the singer change right?
You talked about the reviews you've read, right?
They can't pay for publicity that good.
Word of mouth from those of us here can go a long way...

So yea, I do think that they care and that we 'count'.

[tammy]

I think we do. We tend to be the ones to appreciate the more obscure songs & also be much more appreciative & understanding (believe it or not) of all the blood, sweat & tears the band has to go through. The casual fan probably doesn't even think of them as human...just product.

[ArmaniJeans]

I think dedicated fans do matter, as an anchor for a larger fanbase, to sustain it during difficult times, and for the most educated feedback about projects, musical directions, etc.

That said, do I think any band owes it's dedicated fans anything more than the best CDs and live performances they can provide, and their sincere gratitude for the support? No.

I don't think they owe their fans an explanation, any personal information, business or financial information, or even a minute of their personal/offstage/down time. Hell, they don't even "owe" anyone new music. When to continue and when to quit is also completely a band's perogative.

[Tom Jrnyfn]

I don't think I matter. I don't think we matter, sad but true.

Come visit us Tom, I'm at Katy's

Damn, I wish I has some time off.. Say hi to Katy..

[NealIsGod]

Do we really matter? Us passionate music fans who critique every little thing about our favorite bands..Or are bands more concerned about the causal fan (who could give a crap what we talk about in forums) that goes to a show, buys swag, buys concessions and make it profitable for all Involved..

I will ask JSS if we matter at the next party.

[ohsherrie]

What Carlitto said.

[sadie65]

I'd say this about any classic rock band and the people who frequent chat groups/internet forums to discuss them. You matter...just not to the degree you would most likely like. While the band most likely does appreciate your commitment to them, and even may appreciate your candor about their performances...they also realize you are die hard fans given that you do frequent a chat group/forum. In other words...you are already money in their pocket. I do not say that in any kind of inflammatory way. Not at all. But when you consider that the majority of people attending their concerts are not people who frequent places like this...then I don't think the band relies on you near as much as you would like.

Again, I mean nothing inflammatory here. I hope you all go on enjoying this band and what it has to offer.

Peace

[duke22]

I believe we all matter. The good and the bad.

My belief is that you can partipate in life and try to effect change or you can just go along for the ride.
I prefer to participate as I believe most people on this board do or they wouldn't be here.
They would be like I was for a while, just a lurker on the boards.

[MartyMoffatt]

I'd say this about any classic rock band and the people who frequent chat groups/internet forums to discuss them. You matter...just not to the degree you would most likely like. While the band most likely does appreciate your commitment to them, and even may appreciate your candor about their performances...they also realize you are die hard fans given that you do frequent a chat group/forum. In other words...you are already money in their pocket. I do not say that in any kind of inflammatory way. Not at all. But when you consider that the majority of people attending their concerts are not people who frequent places like this...then I don't think the band relies on you near as much as you would like.

Again, I mean nothing inflammatory here. I hope you all go on enjoying this band and what it has to offer.

Peace

I agree. We are important to the band in a small way, in that they may dip in here now and again to gauge opinions or look for ideas, and maybe even for a bit of an ego boost (let's face it everybody likes to hear nice things said about themselves). However, from a commercial perspective they know that we will pretty much buy their product whatever they do, so we are not key to their business decision making. Their business decisions will likely be based on what produces the best return for them, and that means catering for the 95% of fans that DON'T frequent these forums.

Marty

[styxman]

It matters not what they think of us but what we think of them....we're the important factor here not them, without us they wouldn't exist. The Fan holds all the power and respect must and should be given at all times to us powerful mortals

Cricket starts tonight by the way

[MartyMoffatt]

Cricket starts tonight by the way

I thought you were a Scot. You're not supposed to be interested in Cricket! Just another 8 1/2 hours to go.

Marty

[lights1961]

Cricket starts tonight by the way

I thought you were a Scot. You're not supposed to be interested in Cricket! Just another 8 1/2 hours to go.

Marty

I never have been able to figure that game out...

We matter, just not in a MICRO way that everyone on message boards wants! Like the band telling you what they did this morning, yesterday and what they will do tomorrow... they are more interested in the BIG PICTURE as in our buying their concert tickets, CDs and merchandise. The internet makes us seem more important---because its in your face everyday----but in reality--- KEY WORD... REALITY----all of us together matter more than the individual.


Rick

[Moon Beam]

Do we really matter?

I will ask JSS if we matter at the next party.

And just why for the love of lyrics didn't
you ask him that last time?
Your slackin Niggy.

[NealIsGod]

Do we really matter?

I will ask JSS if we matter at the next party.

And just why for the love of lyrics didn't
you ask him that last time?
Your slackin Niggy.

We were too busy discussing you, Moonie.

[Liz22562]

As always Sadie, your post was classy and concise!

Waving hello from this side of the pond,

Liz

[NealIsGod]

As always Sadie, your post was classy and concise!

Waving hello from this side of the pond,

Liz

Much like yours, Liz.

[Moon Beam]

We were too busy discussing you, Moonie.

As if

[Liz22562]

Thank you Nigmeister!

[Melissa]

As an individual, no way do I matter, lol.

But it's obvious there are a few here who do.

And those of you (but not me lol j/k) who JSS (at least I think it was him, right? lol) responded to here, you struck him enough somehow obviously.

[The Ghost Rider]

I matter to me...and that's all that matters to me.

[ArnelRox]

Think about it, how many times over the past 6 months have you
talked to friends or Co-workers about Journey and this tour, especially when
they were coming to town?
You talked about the singer change right?
You talked about the reviews you've read, right?

U make a really good point there. I have shared audio clips of JSS singing w/at least 20 people who previously said Journey was nothing w/out Perry, some over the phone, some by email. Some of the phone people have asked me to email them clips after hearing it. Imagine if each of us here got 5 new people to buy Journey tix for the next concert? We could make an impact.