A few weeks ago, several of us got really upset and went somewhere else because of this (well, most of us stayed here, but temporarily posted elsewhere). I actually had my account cancelled, and about a week or two later, really began to miss the diversity this place has to offer.
But before I had my account cancelled, I had been rallying for a different set of rules for this fan club because Meat takes part in our discussions.
Those of us who stood up for Meat's feelings of upsetness were told we were in the wrong and "shushed"....As well, those who felt Meat was in the wrong for being upset were "shushed". Generally by threads being closed. This has been the solution for years and has not worked. I agree its definitely time for something new.
The "new" thing has to be that, as part of the fan club rules, all comments must be respectful of Meat Loaf, and anyone who is not respectful is the one that should be individually "shushed", and, if they do not comply, should be banned.
"Respecting Meat & The NLE" should be regarded as:
- Talking as if your in the same room as Meat Or A Band Member
- Personal Opinion such as "i do not like this" is fine
- Personal opinion such as "this performance is crap" is strictly forbidden
- Critique of Meat Loaf as a person strictly forbidden (and unwelcome)
- Mods take those lovely "hidden nuggets" of criticism as actual criticism, rather than letting them slip under the rug
There is an undercurrent of negativity that resides here. And that undercurrent is caused by the constant clash between two groups of people:
The "True Fans"
-Fans who go out of their way to treat Meat respectfully and act like a "fan" would towards an artist he/she adores.
-Generally are agreeable to Meat's ideas and form their thoughts towards him respectfully even if the thought is in disagreeance
-Feel bullied by "Honest Fans"
The "Honest Fans"
-Fans who feel that freedom of speech is the utmost important feature of these forums.
-Will speak their mind and word things how they feel in the moment without worry about how it will effect Meat.
-Tend to upset Meat at times, but also encourage some good conversation and laughter at other times
-Feel bullied by the "True Fans"
Generally most people on here fit into those two categories, whether they have always been a part of one or the other is irrelevant. I tend to side towards respecting Meat as I feel honored to be able to speak with him as a young boy who grew up on an island in Canada! What a dream come true. But I also respect those who speak their mind. Sometimes honesty is extremely refreshing.
But in the end, we have now collectively upset Meat. Blame cannot be placed in any one place. And as a group, it is our responsibility to right the wrong we have done. Perhaps an apology card is in order Caryl ?
But first, we need to decide how we can assure that this will NEVER happen again.
First step in my mind is that this forum have a new set of rules. This fan forum is *not* just any fan forum. It is one in which the artists visit and regularly participate, and it has shown over the years that rules that rules that would normally apply to just *any* fan club do not suffice here.
Thoughts ?