Gwen:

thenegativecreep:

The record store part made me laugh, but here's my side of the metaphor- Both CDs cost the same amount before. You wake up in the morning, and someone came in and stole your enhanced CD, which you obviously got because it wasn't more expensive. To improve the metaphor further, let's say the record company came and stole your enhanced CD. You go to the store because you love the CD, but now, it costs more for the enhanced one. And then you start thinking "You know, are those enhanced tracks really worth the extra money?" and a lot of us are saying no.

I'm sorry, you've lost me.

Nothing has been taken from anyone, no users have paid anything to use this site "as-is" and subscribing is completely optional.

 

 

I agree with the user above me (can't remember, sorry), this isn't the greatest metaphor, so maybe my side lost a little... Heh I thought it wasn't that bad, but... This has been taken from us. A few months ago, we could do anything on the site. Now we can't.

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HiP QWNS

The idea that no one likes this idea and there are no subscribers is untrue. Dozens of people are signing up for subscriptions and are currently getting the chance to pick up exclusive merch and getting the opportunity to see Alice via ticket giveaways from the site among other features that are continuing to evolve. 

 

this is what bothers me; what about the fans who can't afford the subscription? do they have to miss out on these 'exclusive' contests, tshirts etc.?

It's bad enough that we can become members of a fan club for a band that hasn't released a record for over a decade.

FIRST MUSIC THEN SUBSCRIPTIONS!

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-How the mind does shout for rest
When the bodies shaken, yeah
Oh the tightness in my chest
Still your leaves I'm raking-

Fuzhi:

Gwen can you answer my question from page 1?: 

Who exactly have made the decision to make a subscription only section of the website ?

And what are the band members opinion about it ?

 
I dont really like the record store metaphor - I order a fair amout of japanese cds each year to get all the bonus tracks from my fav. bands but what exactly does that have to do with making a small part of this website a subscription only part ? Its not like you get exclusive music for joining the Baldy club.

Anyway Im glad that the powers that be decided to at least let the text reports from Baldy remain open. Obviously that also means that people have even less reason to join the stupid Baldy club.

 

Sure! I'll try to answer your questions as best as I can...

What happens on this site is decided by Alice in Chains and their management. I cannot speak for the band; but, as the subscription is up and running I believe that their opinion of it was that it was a good thing.

Just to clarify, the subscription is not the "Baldy Club", it's an all access subscription to AliceInChains.com, which will offer exclusive new music when the band is ready to provide it. 

At this point the all access area includes video footage from week one of the Re-Evolution tour and we just received week two that we'll post up as soon as possible. We're also almost ready to roll with an extended photo gallery now that we've got a few images to roll with from the tour. We also have had the pleasure of contacting some new subscribers and getting them pairs of tickets to some of the shows. In addition to this, we have some limited edition posters from the upcoming Acoustic Hour shows that we offered first to subscribers.

It's been pretty hectic; but, our team is really satisfied in what we've been able to offer in the first month. This subscription will continue to evolve and we'll continue to strive to make it great value for money. Thanks for expressing your interest in this new feature of the site.

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...You my friend, I will defend.

And if we change, well I love you anyway.

NothingSafe:

The idea that no one likes this idea and there are no subscribers is untrue. Dozens of people are signing up for subscriptions and are currently getting the chance to pick up exclusive merch and getting the opportunity to see Alice via ticket giveaways from the site among other features that are continuing to evolve. 

 

this is what bothers me; what about the fans who can't afford the subscription? do they have to miss out on these 'exclusive' contests, tshirts etc.?

It's bad enough that we can become members of a fan club for a band that hasn't released a record for over a decade.

FIRST MUSIC THEN SUBSCRIPTIONS!

I agree with the music first thing... Let's start a petition. Who wants a CD now instead of a subscription?
1. TNC

You know, I had a "Lauren needs an AiC tshirt fund" last year, I'm not kidding you can ask any of my friends about this... I don't have money just laying around to spend... And what I do, definately not on something as pointless and unrewarding as this... CD? Just got a Foo Fighters acoustic one. Concert? Queensryche's getting that money. TShirt? I'm buying a Rage for Order one soon, and at the concert, I'm not leaving 'til I have one. See, the point of this list is that AiC is currently stagnant in Ohio. I would get more out of a Nirvana fan club (ouch). And it's pathetic that all they can do is this, not put out a CD, not tour everywhere, no, just subscriptions...

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HiP QWNS

For those who are actually paid members or if Lindsay or Gwen can answer, I have a few questions about how this all works. It seems again, that the Baldy stuff is the only real benefit currently. So does it get updated any quicker. Like right now the most current show is August 31st. Has it been updated for paying members? Also, how quickly after you buy you subscription is it activated? I know a forum that I am a paid member of, it is instant, as soon as you paypal money, you have all the privileges. My wild guess is that is not the case for this site, but how long does it actually take?

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That's how you become great, man, hang your balls out there.

Reds, you are correct about the Baldy stuff being the only 'relevant' benefit thus far.  Members also have an opportunity to purchase some special merch, although currently there is not much of interest to me, though the posters are cool, they are also pricey.  There were some current tour ticket giveaways for members, and one backstage video is posted.  No written Baldy postings since 8/31.  More benefits are being promised as forthcoming.  Membership does appear to be activated upon receipt of payment.  Paypal is not accepted...bummer, though I did suggest it when I registered.  I hope my membership is prorated so that my year is not being counted until at least one more benefit of membership is revealed...as of now I am not bowled over with the lovely partying gifts

So essentially, you pay for the privilege of purchasing "pricey" exclusive merchandise?  How about they throw in a "free" t-shirt or something for the $30.?!?!

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"For every star is formed in fire, and so it goes for you. And every face along your path, sees your heart is true." DuVall/Constantine

perversionsatisfied:

So essentially, you pay for the privilege of purchasing "pricey" exclusive merchandise?  How about they throw in a "free" t-shirt or something for the $30.?!?!

HEY NOW!!!  don't be getting greedy......you DO get a plastic membership card

that in itself has got to be worth.......what?.......twenty-two cents

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sludge:

a wet nurse w/ 8 golden cocks under her

Yeah, I joined, but kind of wish I had waited.  I figured at least there'd be some longer, more up-to-date baldy posts/vids.  The photo section is still not up, and as mentioned earlier the "exclusive merch" isn't all that and a bag of 'tater chips.  However, I imagine once things get "up and running" and more things are added and features become available, then it will be a worthy investment.  My 2 cents.

I don't think you're able to join with a european credit card; mods?

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-How the mind does shout for rest
When the bodies shaken, yeah
Oh the tightness in my chest
Still your leaves I'm raking-

i see no point to join a fan club when Ive already spent enough on the music, shirts and concerts.  The only thing I still would like would be an autographed photo to add to the collection, which if they decide to include one, ill pay the money to join. 

I joined VR fan club and wasnt impressed with what i got, and the "exclusive" access to their boards has crappy fans and crappy topics.

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One can only receive and retain

NothingSafe:

I don't think you're able to join with a european credit card; mods?

Currently the Store only accepts payment with either a Mastercard or Visa. I have been told that we should be introducing Maestro, Switch/Solo within the next month for our Euro community members.

 

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...You my friend, I will defend.

And if we change, well I love you anyway.

dickliquor:

HEY NOW!!!  don't be getting greedy......you DO get a plastic membership card

that in itself has got to be worth.......what?.......twenty-two cents

What?  We really get a plastic membership card?  I didn't get one.....well, now I am really pissed

Well, I broke down and bought a membership.  I love the band so I guess I should continue my support.  Maybe I'll get lucky and get some tix out of the deal. 

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SCB

Damage Inc.

I must say that usually when you join a fan club or w/e you want to call it, you usually get some kind of item for joining. Countless bands offer shirts and a few give you like an exclusive cd. I've even gotten just a poster before.

Perhaps these are some things to keep in mind when changes are made in the future to the AIC "fan club"?

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www.laynestaleyfund.com