"Going To A Town"
"Going To A Town" Palais Garnier
"I'm going to a town that has already been burnt down
I'm going to a place that has already been disgraced
I'm gonna see some folks who have already been let down"
"I'm going to a town that has already been burnt down
I'm going to a place that has already been disgraced
I'm gonna see some folks who have already been let down"
Some fans feel that George Michael's fandom has been figuratively burnt down, disgraced and let down ... let down by his family, those charged with the 'duty' of upholding his legacy, his music label and lastly by one another. The level of 'hurt', lack of transparency and distrust is of epidemic proportion. Every fandom has has its share of discord but what sets Michael's apart is that much of the acrimony between the fans is the direct result of twisted plots intended to distract their attention away from what is really going on right under their noses.
"There are three types of people in this world: those who make
things happen, those who watch things happen, and those
who wonder what happened" - Mary Kay Ash
Several months ago, a narrative was introduced into mainstream discussion regarding the reinstatement of George Michael's: official website, social media outreach, merchandise, tributes and legacy management. Whenever this author introduces commentary on legacy matters her views are met with mixed reaction; however as fans and consumers it's important that we fully understand what is going on all around us.
The views that this author has expressed with respect to legacy issues are her own and have been presented as delicately as possible. My views are shaped by the lessons imparted onto me by my late mentor who shortly before his untimely passing quipped, "They mock me, today, but mark my words when I'm gone the vultures will swoop down and take what was once mine." To some degree, this author feels that the lack of official presence is opening the door for the enterprising among us.
"Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go"
In the past few weeks, we have heard a lot about the social media accounts of George Michael's fans being suspended for copyright infringement. Copyright is a law that gives the owner of a work (ie. book, movie, picture, song or website) the right to say how other people can use it. The fact that some chose to misrepresent the origin of the complainant(s) to create hostility between Michael's fans was disturbing and another example of why fans need to surround themselves with facts.
Fans seem to misunderstand the discussion regarding the reinstatement of George Michael's dormant website. The consensus among a broad spectrum of fans is that a website alone will not make, break or sustain a legacy. Yet, those who make this argument flock to surrogate websites to fill the void created by the lack of social outreach on behalf of the 'official team'. Michael himself would often rally fans around one another that sense of leadership is the model that should now be employed.
Some fan's feel that although the official website was 'good' it was need of tweaking which in all fairness may be a valid observation in that innovation is essential in keeping an audience captivated. For instance, many have been drawn to a website offering rare articles and interviews; an area in which www,georgemichael,com could expand their current archives. With the emergence of surrogate websites the pressure is off of the 'official team' to be the foremost authority on the subject of George Michael.
"About Symphonica"
George Michael was the captain of his career which begs the question what was his 'vision' in terms of giving shape and focus to his legacy? Michael was seemingly an articulate and knowledgeable man with a keen sense of foresight. In each phase of his career he knew what he was aiming for in terms of his sound, the imagery, musical arrangement and production so are we to believe that what we have seen, thus far, would meet the high standards of excellence that he strove for?
For this author, the logical people to inquire this of would be Lippman Entertainment who managed George Michael until his death. Truth be told, this silly author attempted to contact their offices in an effort to introduce commentary on the many possibilities that the future holds in terms of Michael's legacy and maintaining his brand directly from the people who understood him as well as his business model. There was no real expectation that they would or could speak with me.
"Change the changeable, accept the unchangeable,
and remove yourself from the unacceptable
-Denis Waitley
There has already been enough inaction and it's unacceptable when everyday we see people hurting and hurting one another. Fans need something positive to look forward to and they need someone in an official capacity to say we hear you and we got this! We all have a duty to make a difference if we can and that's this author's sole motivation for doing what she does. With open minds and hearts we we can make a difference together!
* FINAL ORDERS BEING ACCEPTED
For pricing, information or to order this t-shirt to commemorate
what would have been George Michael's 56th birthday
please Direct Message Tonia
Twitter: @Toniakats17
Proceeds to benefit MacMillan Cancer Centre
