CURRENT SECTIONS:

  • Which Prince record have u re-purchased the most times?
  • How should society close Pandora's Box and what role does the government play in this?
  • PRINCE, never 2 go on tour or record another album?
  • What do NPGMC MEMBERS think of WB's so-called "Best of" CD?
  • Feedback on the NPG MUSIC CLUB
  • if NPGMC has a subscription service and Napster houses some of the files, is this copyright infringement or not?
  • Pre-Launch NPG Music Club Feedback
  • Shoutz 4 the New Jointz
  • What is ur vision of NPG online?



    Posts r 100% from r readers. They do not represent the views of this website or the NPG.

    * Please note that we reserve the right 2 edit or rephrase ur report or not 2 include it on the web page. By submitting emale 2 this address, u agree 2 allow us 2 post ur messages. All messages r read even if not shared. We will not post ur emale address or any web addresses in ur message.

    • What is ur vision of the ultimate online musical NPG Xperience?

    A Complete Album bought on the net would be cool.perhaps an alternative to selling the Crystal Ball 2 set in brick and mortar stores sell the WHOLE set on the net 4 a reasonable price (or 4 each song u want 2 xperience)

    Robert III

    What I would like is about 8 songs each month for a monthly Payment of around $10. I would like new songs and stuff from the vault . It would be nice to be able vote for which vault songs we want. A system which enables you to resume broken links would also be nice.
    Thanks Nick.
    number 1: A "Make your own cd" capability whereby there's an online list of the entire vault and we pay for the cd, shipping costs and manufacture of our favourite compilation. (because you've only got limited space on your hard drive; not everybody has a cd burner and mp3 is not the best of qualities)

    number 2: I would like to see the promotion of more npg affiliates - for example the (almost legendary) "Michael Bland & Sonny T's Funky Drum n' Bass loops".

    number 3: A new artist section on npgonlineltd to showcase up and coming artists so they don't have to go through the old record company system just to get recognised.

    I hope these dreams get realised within my lifetime. Peace, Chopin

    Well, I am truly excited to be questioned on this subject, and delighted to be able to respond. I will, (as I always have) pretty much buy anything Brother puts out there, as it is always a sign of the highest quality experience available. What can you say?...you find an artist that has a somewhat parallel trip to yours with such a musical gift and you groove on the ride. But as far as this (NPG online) goes I would just have to put in that It is my deepest hope that the files be in .cda format instead of that lossy OTHER one. With such a love for the grooves, I would make a poo-poo face if I were to hear such beauty all tin-ey and compressed sounding. It would be like a dude playing Wagner on an accordian!-not horrible, but nothing I want to spend my hard fought cash for. How you choose to distribute it is your deal..you will always get my bankroll for music 1st and 4most.

    I appreciate your desire to hear our voices, E.M.L.3

    I'm computer Savy and I enjoy working on my computer, BUT I don't have the time it takes to sit and download songs on a Monthly basis. I certaintly can't do it on a Daily basis, because of my work schedule. I think the On-Line Music is a way of the future, but I urge you to always continue to put out your music on CD's, Albums etc. I enjoy buying the music and looking at the footnotes that are always present in your wonderful artwork. Your artwork alone and your message in it, is a big inspiration to me. I collect your albums and CD's and I do not want to stop. So do I sound Old Fashion? Maybe some things are great just the way they are. Your Music is GREAT and I truly respect your talent.

    So I don't know how to Vote on the Poll. I wish you had a catagory that read...
    ** If the music was availabe on a pay as you go download site, would you still purchase a complete album when available?
    To this I would answer yes. I would enjoy being able to hear the music on-line when it's available (and I'm available), but in the long run I want it on an album to keep. I know albums take time to produce and I think the on-line idea is a great way to get some of the tracks out to US before hand, as a great buildup!

    Anyway you look at it, I say GO FOR IT!!!! Please get out some Music to us, we would really Love to hear it!

    Smiley :)

    ok, here`s what i would like to see: one official prince "bootleg" per month consisting of a 2 cd live show from any tour or aftershow.sold either at 1800 new funk, but preferably npg online.if you want to run a monthly subscription program,this is the way to go,and prince wouldn`t be seen as copying pearl jam. i know i (and many others) would love to have a new live prince cd show up at my door every month.

    roy

    - how about pay per download for casual browsers as well as a monthly option, giving subscribers extra goodies for their commitment?
    - how about webcasting events from the park?
    - how about streaming NPG video clips with the option to buy a more tangible form on every page? (get your shipping warehouse ready...)
    - how about cd give-aways and merchandise offers?
    - how about scheduled chats with the npg &/or prince?
    - how about a wonderland of archives and a FLASH/conceptual paradise? Let the 'fams' interact. Give them a place for input, let them be seen; discussion groups and forums.
    - how about taking creative entries, like that of art or video, multimedia 'fam' offerings... then praise one now and again. Nurture the creative talents of an upcoming global age...inspire them to them to create.
    - how about online NPG RADIO?
    - how about dreaming the ultimate dream? NPG broadband TV

    Thomasina

    i have no problem paying for music online. i would love to see some live perform. as wel. i rather not get a whole record online because of sound quality and i rather buy my c.d. and have full artwork. also all my brothers and sisters ain't internet ready yet. i would dig "remixing" songs. i would love for prince to poss. pick songs and tell us the state of mind behind them. i can remember hearing "when doves cry" for the first time and going to get my purple 45.(still got it!) i was listening to the symbol record tonight,and i can remember thinking when it came out that the first 5 tracks were more creative than the r&b records that year. still is too. it would be nice to know things about records from the music side Thanks chris cox
    I think it's great that Prince wants to revolutionize the industry. However , the feeling of anticipation of NEW MUSIC on a newly released CD is insurmountable. I think the NPG should not abandon the old style of racing to the store at 9am to physically buy a new CD the day it's released. There should be BOTH outlets of dstribution. A new CD at the local store. AND experiental downloading of alternate and "underground" releases. The whole concept should be MORE accessibility to NEW and OLD MUSIC. And --importantly within a timely fashion.

    Sal Inzauto

    A close encounter of the Nth power...around the world sounding of a pure community of love, an instrumental, vocal and physical(dance) day of expression...Similar to your day of prayer...yet all of us around the globe participating in the inward and outward expression of love,towards each other, the planet, our universe,all that is, our Creator...24 hours Mass Communication ...Thank You!PRAY 4 PEACE,MayaMiara
    Let me tell you what I'd like to see. I feel Prince should offer a live concert in mp3 format for download, which would allow people to burn their own CD. Charge a dollar a song or $8 to $10 for the entire album. Include artwork that can be downloaded (as was done for "Crystal Ball")and possibly a QuickTime video of one song for those that purchase the album. I think that "The Undertaker" CD that WB ordered destroyed years ago would be an excellent choice (use the original artwork ). Let this be a test as a possible business model.

    José

    I don't want to see pay-per-download on the npg online web site... because i don't like to hear music on computer, and burn the song is not a good idea... What i think it could be a good thing is to put online 100 songs title.. And each person can choose between 10 or 20 songs for 10 or 15 $.. You burn a cd with this selection and send it... there are a lot of automatic machine and computer who can create cd like that... and the cover too.. it's not more expensive for npg record, it's the real future... because the pay per download is probably a good thing in the US, but in europe a lot of people have only a modem and pay the phone.. In france , for exemple, to download a 3 Mo file, you have to wait 20-40 minutes... and during this time you pay phone... some people have cable or DSL line, but it's really new here... I think "pay per download" can't fight the bootlegers, because it's easy for them to compilate music, even with the protection.. But with the "own cd creation", you send an "object".. and a lot of fams like to have a real CD.. With that you can stop some bootlegers... and what i'd like to add is : look what PEARL JAM realise with their live CD... This band out the show in each european country.. The french show in france, the german show in germany ... 25 CD... A lot of Prince 's fams, dream of that with PRINCE..

    Peace
    and say "hello" to him from paris :-)
    Raphy

    Hi, Firstly I have a couple of concerns about this club (but after that it gets pretty positive):

    1. Pricing. I have heard that tunes may cost a dollar each. For the occasional tune this is fine but potentially for an a full album (a soon to be out of date term?) that starts to add up to something fairly equivalent to buying it on CD. Also keep in mind that a large proportion of the audience still has to pay by the minute for internet access at relatively low speed. So while this would be cutting out some middlemen it would be including others.. and could cost many of us more.
    2. Subscription. The trouble with subscriptions is knowing in advance what you'll get for your money. Over the last year or so we've seen many announcements on the site which have still not yet come to fruition. Personally, before I subscribe, I would need some sort of assurance as to what I would be getting for my money. For instance, if I was paying $10 a month it would be nice to know I would get a live performance recording by default if there was no new material.

    Despite my concerns I think a music club is a great idea and has much potential. It may also be an opportunity to test tunes for potential commercially released albums. Imagine if over a year or so perhaps as many as 50 tunes (I know, this is probably just wishful thinking) were released, fans/fams/friends (delete what's not en vogue), as well as getting a constant supply of great music, would have a chance to give feedback on the tracks. This information could then be used to aid in the compilation of an album to sell through the more traditional methods. Ideally this would be remixed and extended versions of the tracks since it's a pretty safe bet that fans/fams/friends (delete what's not en vogue) would buy it anyway and that'd be selling them something twice.

    Hope this helps,
    GOF

    I was so happy to get such a great song like "cybersingle" from the site. It is such a generous thing that Prince shared something with his "Fams" for free. I like the idea of both monthly subscriptions, and pay-per-song. I was just wondering about how many songs would be offered per month, and the price of both options. That would seem to make the difference to me. I would also like to be able to download some full length MP3 videos of certain songs. That really brings the visual experience together on certain songs. My connection speed is not that great at the moment. I am using a dial up isp, so real music and videos play pretty well....but not as well as if I was using a high speed internet service. I actually work for a cable internet service whose speeds surpasses 56k 100 times over. I am looking into getting cable internet service or DSL in the near future.

    Ed

    Well,
    1. More frequent updating of "The Vault"
    2. More info about the music
    3. Live pics from paisley concerts or other concerts
    4. A chat room
    5. More Interactivities ( see for examples NIN.com)

    Greetings from The Netherlands,
    Neversin.

    Once I had a vision about listening to all those tracks in the Vault - just as they are.... I logged on to the NPGOnlineltd.com Vault channel and selected the songs I wanted to hear that night. It was a marvelous experience, listening to all the songs hidden for such a long time and in real proper stereo sounding. First there was only a selection of songs but every month more songs were added until the complete Vault was open on the Internet... And also track-lists of albums never released were available, so I could finally listen to the orginal versions of great albums like Crystal Ball, Dream Factory, Come and much more in the sequence as intended at the time...

    And it was all so easy: first time I got myself a listening-credit through my credit card and after that, every time I logged on and listened to my favorite music, automatically a certain amount of credit was subtracted from my account, and when the minimum was reached, an automatic upgrade listen credit was proposed by NPGOnline. No hassle with ordering CD's, just log on and enjoy the Vault experience!

    Is it a dream or can it be real?

    Love and reagrds,
    Ronald Verloo

    A cd monthly will B geat ! Please give us music in good sounds quality support, as the time U wrote. we are ready for Music of the future of prince.
    The NPG website is good as it is sofar but here are some idea's
    * an online web chat, were fams can meet eachother online
    * a weekly poll concerning questions about reality and so on
    * an online web forum where the fams can discuss NPG subjects
    * add some live webcams, lotsa fams have never seen the park
    * a better intregation with the newfunk & paisley park website
    when you need more details about this emale please let me know :)

    Casper F. Martens

    What is my vision of the ultimate online musical NPG experience? I suppose I would vision a monthly music club, that offers new music for download, on a subsciption basis. This way fans have already paid and can download all of the music that is offered. If it is a pay per download, will fans be able to sample the song first, before paying?

    I also feel that releasing a new album that we can purchase is also needed. Perhaps something different, than what is offered on NPGOnlineLtd. There are many people who do not have access to the internet, and I wonder how these people will be able to enjoy the wonderful music that will be offered? For those of us who do have internet access and a CD burner, we will be able to download and transfer the music onto CD, but the quality is never as good as a released album. I know I would like to hear the beautiful music ~ crisp and clear.

    For now, I will sit back and wait patiently, for what is coming our way. Whatever it may be...

    I would like to see the site become more clear about future projects. "Coming Soon" pages that are nearly a year old - and still no release date in sight for the highlighted project(s) - gives the impression that npgonline, and indeed Prince's whole operation, is in complete disarray. This could be a completely false assumption, but it IS the message that gets sent. If projects are coming soon, great, advertise the sh*t out of them. But if they get postponed or cancelled, update the appropriate "Coming Soon" pages to reflect the change.

    As for the music club: I am ALL FOR IT! I will mos def sign on!! However, I wish that Prince would clarify the *purpose* of the music club. Is it facilitate a greater flow of music than can be accomplished through the continuing "mainstream" releases? Or will the music club take the place of "traditional" cd releases.

    If the purpose is the former, FAB!!! If it is the latter, I don't think it is the best option. I, personally, will always want to walk into a record store and have the excitement of buying that one album each year (and pouring over it like Encyclopedia Brown when I get home).

    David Stout

    u may want to consider the music club idea, I think that that will work efficiently. As with others, send monthly or biweekly mailing via email regarding new releases or promotions and the like. It will keep all concerned apprised. Also, some feedback forum, i.e., a specific chat room, message board, or messaging system for devotees would keep things current or at least in the curve....please do contiunue to develop these means, plain postings are so one dimensional. thank you.
    Eye think that NpgOnline should put up more videos on the site, like all the new videos that Prince is making, and even record some of the paisley parties and some of the live 2r rehearsals so that it will generate more hype 4 the the road trip that the man is about 2 take. and when he does in fact go on 2r, u guyz can record some of the per4mancez and post them on the site. or @ least take pix of the per4mancez so we can all c what'z goin' on. Also, the Vault could B updated more often, Prince haz plenty of songz of hiz and the NPG 2 put out there.

    Thank u 4 giving me the oppur2nity 2 talk!
    Radical-Man

    File sharing over the internet has certainly changed how we view our personal music collections. As I am a consumer, I am writing my views as a consumer. Incidently, I voted for neither format for distribution. I think the concept of pay-as-you go is ok, but unfortunately I think that will lead to a majority of the people just sharing the few "purchased" song amongst themselves. I don't think that is the direction you are leaning in. And the idea of paying a monthly fee is asking for alot of faith in something that has yet to see the light of day. As a fan who has waited (and is still waiting) for promised albums such as "Roadhouse Garden" and "Crystal Ball II", I am skeptical to these so-called projects. I do want new music, but not if it's being created to fill an order. I think that would lead to the concept of "Why should I do anything, when I can do nothing?" and hurt the quality of what the fans recieve, ultimately hurting the artist as well.

    Do you remember when the cassette recorder first came out? What affect did that have on record sales? CDR-burners and MP3'3 are just a continuation of that. I still take pride in having the "official" release of my favorite artists, packaging and all, it's my way of showing support I guess. A file that can come from either the "official site" or a friend who wants to share it with you - there is no difference to me, I'm not that moral! *wink*

    So PLEASE keep pressing the records. I think it's safe to say that anyone who would purchase an MP3 would prefer a CD. But in all honesty, I wouldn't pay for an MP3 knowing that it will be on Napster (or a number of different resources) the same day, free of charge.

    Few people know what they truely want in this world. Immediate wants seem to cloud over long-term benefits. Take as much time as you like, do it right :)

    Leanne

    Online musical Xperiences would be cool. It's hard to tell if it would be attractive to people who aren't fams (yet), but if the prices aren't too high it could be da bomb!

    - Sigsgaard

    I voted for monthly subscription fees, but I believe if someone can't afford the monthly dues then the music should b accessable by a pay-per-song. And of course it would b great if the music was just free, but the artist does deserve 2 get paid 4 his/her work, so free music probably isn't quite a possiblity. ,br> As 4 the future of this site, u could go so many directions: online videos, songs from up-coming cds, late night jams, up coming jams, interviews of all the band members, I wanna box set 2;( 1800newfunk could use a boxset) ne way, more chill'n shirts and jackets and hats. A chat would b nice, w/ music 2 choose from while u're chatt'n so we could all talk about what particular song was playing- that would b sweet. And mayb even visuals 2 go w/ the song- now that would b ultimately tight. But then the music @ the sight would b paid 4 w/ the monthly subcription, do ya c where this is going, limitless possibilities. neway,
    jason day
    I would like to add some input on the PayPerDownload or Monthy Music Subscription ideas you have:

    1) Please put up HIGH quality mp3s so they near the quality of CD such as having a bitrate of 192kbps or above. 128kbps mp3s really hurt the quality of the music and is hard to enjoy.
    2) I recommend putting out whole CDs, I mean like 12 or more songs up on your website so it seems like we are downloading a full album and we can enjoy them as a whole and like Crystal Ball, covers are a PLUS and/or online booklets that we can download and print out!! :)
    3) You can also release Vault music in a different section also, ranging from different eras like outtakes/demos from say 1994 or 1986 and give information on each song so we have more information about the music we download.
    4) Offer a feedback email address for this new "Xperience" so we can communication what other stuff we'd like to hear from Prince & The NPG....old or new so FAMS can be in closer touch with the music experience.
    5) Full live concerts from present and past can also be put up, since pretty much all of hardcore Prince fans are sick of crappy bootlegs and rather get material straight from the source, why not put up Prince concerts which he felt were the BEST from each tour?

    Thanks!
    R.

    Hi- I love the site and am a huge fam. Written here many times! I think we should pay monthly and be able to download music as you go. I think it would be cool too if we could print out the lyrics and design to just so we can have it for always. I really love the labels and inserts of CD's and don't want to miss that ten years down the road with these songs. Peace and be wild- what about new power pets? Love Lisa
    Thank u 4 asking 4 our opinion
    I would love 2 have a hit of Prince every 3 months of the following
    - An unedited 'classic' LIVE performance
    - A 70+ min set of studio Vault material
    - A disc of new music
    I'm less likely to pay for downloads as I don't own a personal computer and its still nice 2 have a physical disc in your possession

    Whatever is decided...it needs to happen FAST
    Peace and respect

    While online music distribution is revolutionary, eye don't think it's the solution. Music can't change the world if people can't access it. By relying on online distribution we r taking something that should b inclusive and making it xclusive. There r many fams who still do not have regular access 2 a computer. Of those who do, many do not have cd burners. Of those who do, many consider cover art, a printed lyric booklet, etc. 2 b a vital part of the music xperience.

    While eye would NO DOUBT support ANY online venture, as a true music lover, my vision involves something in the vein of a CD of the Month club, where a yearly fee gets actual cds dlivered 2 members' doorsteps as often as 1ce a month or at least seasonally. People without computers wouldn't b left out, nor would those who don't live in close proximity 2 a wrecka stow. Wreck-it companies could b avoided, listeners wouldn't b stuck sitting in front of a computer 2 xperience the music, more $$$ could b spent on the music itself versus equipment 2 play the music such as computers, cd burners, etc., sound quality would b optimal and aural pleasure would b nhanced with tactile pleasure would b nhanced with visual pleasure.

    PROgress is a PROcess. Whatever u'all dcide, eye'll support it. Anything will b better than the current CONventional system's mockery of Art.

    U asked 4 my 2 cents. Eye'll give u a dollar. Make that change.

    LOVE Terri

    I think that if you're gonna distribute new music online, you should also make it available to buy on a cd. Some dont have the capability to download music and burn it onto a cd. I do, but I know many people don't. Even if you just sent a cd and a jewel case (you KNOW it would be madd cheap) and then had extensive artwork and liner notes available to download, online. Charge, like, 5-8 bucks for the cd (assuming it as a fair amount of music on it). OR, have all three options available. Pay per download, pay per month, pay per cd. Whatever. And there it is.

    John

    Here are my opinions:

    I wish all people were honest, still Prince should use caution when selling downloads. The downloads will show up on Napster and Scour and only a small percentage of us would pay for them. Running the studios at the Park is not free and all the fams should get this. Still some people won't.

    Ok, take a look at what PEARL JAM has done by offering fams 25 double cd bootlegs of music direct from them. They offer this at a great price. A 2 cd set of excellent sounding live material from Pearl Jam for about 12-14 dollars. Now go online and try to download 50 cd's of music from Napster! Ha Ha.. it could be done, still you download one track and the sound quality may vary from another. Your downloading 50 cds right! Its just as easy to pay the 12 dollars. By offering this they cut out a lotta the bootleggers. They will always be there, still by offering quality and quantity it put the squeeze on the nuts of the bootleggas. Prince in my mind must do this.. go after the bootleggers market.

    Now, downloads can be used to promote new music. Why PRINCE has not put up a MP3 of Clips from the forever! Upcoming Coming Soon (yeah right = just like the smiths 'how soon is now' lol) Rave Limited edition cd, I'm not sure. Still downloads can be used for this. U2 are doing this and just watch the new U2 cd go to #1.

    The quality of downloads are still really not as good as cd, and its simple not everyone has a computer. AND Everyone does not have a cd recorder. I think NPG Online should stick to selling cd's. The Paisley Park staff may even think about doing more business through the mail. Send out a catalog. Simply not everyone has a computer in the fan base. I think NPG Online should even try to promote the Crystal Ball and New Power Soul again. I always though the use of order forms in the jackets of Princes next new release would be smart. Put a coupon describing the Crystal Ball and New Power Soul and boom you sold a lotta copies.

    Get your cd's to the market if you plan to sell them. It's simple. I do no longer see New Power Soul and Crystal Ball in the stores. I live near Washington, DC - WE LOVE PRINCE HERE!!! Still where are these cd's from NPG? No where to be found.

    Prince release them all. ALL AT ONCE. Pearl Jam has it right. Release in quality and quantity. All at once…I think the RAVE cd was traded major time through Napster, from the looks of things. Release a bunch of live stuff from way back till now, rehearsals, offer them from 1800newfunk and stores.

    Peace, hope NPG/Prince releases some more music soon.

    For me,
    My ultimate Prince Online Xperience would be to have a music section set up like a record store. I could go in and select ANY or ALL songs of Prince's unreleased tracks to choose from, pay with a credit card, and then download them. Another great xperience would be to have a photo section where I can go and see new and old photos of Prince so that I'm up to date as to his styles and looks.

    Other than that, NPG Online is pretty much what I'd like it to be. The news is relatively current, there's a discography, and it's visually appealing.

    Thanks

    the world of npgonline.ltd is already nifty so props to all of those people who work so hard to keep it going. the artwork on this site is very original and the design is solid. thanks for making it so.

    my computer is an untrustworthy piece of [$%@] so for me downloading songs in MP3 format is not practical. i'd like to be able to go online to NPG, select songs from a catalogue, pay for them, have NPG burn them onto a CD then ship them to me.

    i haven't participated in an NPG chat yet, but the idea is great. imo it would be nice if the paisley park jams could be broadcast live visually/musically online simultaneous with chats, [although i don't see how it would be possible to prevent bootlegging of live material.]

    it would also be nice if NPGonline featured a message board, or an input section of some kind.

    ok that's my 2c. thank you for hearing my voice!!

    x

    The biggest issue I see (and I think I speak for everyone) is the lack of commitment from Prince to us. We are committed to him - so a monthly subscription would be the best way to have a firm guarantee of a deliverable product. The mp3 files should be better than 128K - we should have the option of mp3 files up to 256K (hierh quality), if we are paying for files - we should receive CD quality, not a compromise.

    If pay-per-download is used, he will only get annoyed when only a few do it, and the rest of the people Napster it. I know he is a fan of Napster, but this could 'bite him on the bum' !!! (as we say in England).

    Regarding my first comment, what about Rave In2 ? and all the other items we have been tempted with ?

    Love to the man and all at NPG Online ! Looking forward to whatever follows.

    Regards
    Julian Bashford

    Yeah, I can envision this:
    Both subcription and pay-per-download would be the bomb. I would pay a monthly fee to access your site.
    It would be a squeal if the site layout had background music by Prince and others, talking heads and engaging video mixes of past performances, smipets, etc., as part of it''s overall experience. Oh, and I would loooovvve for your site to offer instant messaging access to your own chat rooms . By subscription , of course . Then we all could kick it over new music, videos ,concerts and par-tays. You can establish a permanent link to buy concert tickets, new music ncluding some of those rehearsal tapes..... ahh huh, yeah Baby, make them available too. - paid per download. And last but just as good, Have a page set up for weekend party packages for fams wanting to visit Minneapolis for the weekend or attend Prince Fest: or sumpin. hotel and airfare included. ( I have issues about travelling alone and unawaited.)
    I'd like to get it all direct, particularly the music, If you can supply it, I'd damn sure buy it.

    R ya feelin' me.
    Tanya

    I would pay to hear new or unreleased songs and live versions of existing material. I would like to be able to go to NPGOnline and pick up several tracks, not just one. It could be something like one or two new songs and two other existing songs, either a live version or an older unreleased track.
    hello...given the chance 2 xpress myself as a part of the music listening family, i would just like 2 say that the monthly subscription plan would b the way that i would vote simply because the amount of music that may be made available will cost us...the fams...much more $ per song than a flat-rate monthly fee all will be able 2 afford...then again if u have the per song option available as well then some ppl can just get the song or 2 they want and not be a part of the collective if they do not choose...so i believe there should b a choice between those 2 options available...as far as the music is concerned, we want 2 b able 2 hear from the entire catalog of the wonderful world of Prince...including concert jams, outtakes, new music...all at our fingertips 4 our listening pleasure...all we ask in return is 4 Prince 2 believe n his fams..we will not let him down...peace and b free....

    Hardie Arrington..living 2 see the dawn..

    God is available 24x7 to those who turm to Him.... the Internet will always be a pale comparison. However, scripture ecourages us to reach out to those in need and Christ Himself clearly stated that "any of these things that you do for the least of them, you do for Me." The Web, NPG Online and any number of sites miss the mark by failing to create and nurture community. By refocusing NPG Online around the needs and dreams and visions of it's many visitors, real community, the kind that empowers you, can be raised up and set to work for Kingdom purposes, with positive results for people in need... and we're all in need

    I am positive that Prince, via the NPG Online site, could plant the seed to launch the ideas and skills of the many willing FAMS 2 create a NEW POWER GENERATION.

    Pauline & Kim

    What is ur vision of the ultimate online musical NPG Xperience?

    I'm looking forward to your having music available to download online. It will be very convenient and quick. No postage and no outragous prices like record stores. You didn't say it would be cheap, but I assume that your goal is to put the music in the hands of the people who love it not get over on us. This is the future - and I'm glad it will be.
    ... I think that
    1. it is not very easy 2 download a song from the internet - 2 much time, 2 much money 4 it!!!
    2. I (and many more) have not the possibility 2 pay 4 it with a credit card and I know (my own experience!!!) that if I send a check from Europe it usualy takes about 2 months till U recive it!!! So please tell me how could I pay 4 that music???
    3. it surely is a good idea 2 give the fams a new possibility 2 get some of Prince's music but I would rather buy a new CD (and even than not online!!!) than download music in not very good quality!!!
    4. I AM SORRY 4 ME THAT THERE WILL B SOME NEW MUSIC OF PRINCE I WILL CAN NOT LISTEN 2 (Just think - I had 2 wait more than 2 years before I could have the Crystal Ball CD!!!) ... well ... PLEASE THINK ABOUT YOUR IDEA ONE MORE TIME!!! DO MONEY MATTER 2NIGHT??? I still hope it DO NOT!!!
    Sebastian Chudak / Poland, Europe
    I strongly prefer the traditional option of a hard copy purchase of new releases in CD format. Currently, the online experience comes up short for my music needs, whether it involves an MP3 player or high quality speakers attached to the computer. I don't always want to use my computer to access new music. Although I'd use either proposed online format, please keep new music from Prince and The NPG available in the usual way: as an actual CD, surrounded by appealing visual art and inclusive of credits and lyrics, on display for purchase at the local music store or online.
    How about some live webcasts from the Paisley parties that most of us would love to see but live on the other side of the world! Also, when an album is released how about releasing the stuff that didn't make the final album cut on the website (see Smashing Pumpkins).
    Maybe it's me, but I would prefer if new products, such as the symbol guitar, the new music - Rosie Gaines, NPG's "Peace", "Rave In2 the Joy Fantastic" - weren't being advertised unless they were actually available for purchase. It's been about a year and still no release or purchase dates for any of the products you list in your "Coming Soon" site.

    Peace and B wild!
    Benjamin

    heyyyyy, SO FAR THE SITE IS GREAT IT IS ONE OF THE BEST ON THE NET. WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IS MORE ON LINE VOTING ABOUT UPCOMING LPS OR MAYBE WHICH TRACKS SHOULD GO ON PRINCE'S NEXT LP'S OR WHAT SONGS SHOULD BE PLAYED ON THE TOUR THAT ABOUT TO JUMP OFF. ALSO HOW ABOUT LETTING FAMS SAMPLE SONGS IN THE DISCOGORPHY AREA . AND MORE PICS OF THE PARK AND PRINCE (PAST AND PRESENT)
    It definitely depends on the amount of the monthly subscription and the price per download. There are some of us who would buy anything that you put out and the monthly subscription would be great. However, I feel the majority would be better served with a pay per down load. Therefore I feel both options should be made available. I would hope that this effort is unlike other recent efforts, such as the Rave Into the Joy Fantastic. You really wet out appetites and fail to deliver the goods. For your true fans, the delay is almost unbearable. So, please do not promise before you can deliver. This is very discouraging and will do more to tarnish your online efforts than promote the experience. Either way, I am in. But eye would like to know; Where is all of that new music that you promised we would be hearing as soon as you were loosened from the chains of WB
    What I vision for NPG Online is a return to chatrooms, but more exciting is this: I believe we should offer live video forums on spiritual and social issues. Specifically, I envision Prince inviting "fams" to meet at Paisley Park to participate in a live forums on particular topics. This forum would be broadcast live on the Internet and offer those watching to submit "e-mail" type questions or insights to the group for further discussions. When I visited Paisley Park during the Prince Celebration I was impressed with the foyer with the skylight (I believe part of the Oprah Winfrey interview was there). I envision a forum there with a cozy atmosphere which contains props such as couches and recliners. It is a non-threatening and comfortable atmosphere.
    i would love to hear monthly beats from the P!! but, i would want them delivered to my door on CD!!!!!! not MP3, they are cool-but CD's are an entire package that you can listen to anywhere. plus... if they are just on MP3, bootleggers will press up CD's and sell them, taking $$$ away from THE PARK! misc. free tracks on MP3 would be cool, but for actual releases, my friends and I dig it on CD or vinyl!!! (speaking of vinyl, where is the HOT WIT U 12"???) Prince said he was gonna release a bunch of albums at 1 time not too long ago. where are they? PLEASE RELEASE!!!!
    To whom it may concern

    U R doing a fantastic job. I would purchase individual songs that you place on the site and I believe that others will too. If you build it they will come.

    The site is surely a wonder in it's current mainfestation. It is clear that so much love goes into the production of the site. It is easy for me living here in Australia to feel the immediacy of what is happening at Paisley Park. I've never been there in person but it sure does feel like I have!

    The site as I see it needs no improvement. I am sure that the immensly creative people who currently work at bringing the site to us will continue it's evolution.

    Everything is in place. All we need now is to purchase the music. I would be more than willing.

    Kind Regards
    Josh Forgie

    I think you should have a place where fams can come and view live performances and Trax plus videos from on stage and back in the day. I think that would cut down a lot of the bootlegging going on online. Also a place where fams can come and share there talents as well like we send you stuff of ours that we did to Prince music or something related with Prince and you put on a Fams Talent Show. Things like that would really make you funky and free. Love is LOVE

    Let's all join in.
    MayRain

    Get a maling list 2gether - U know - the ones who ckeck in every couple of days 4 new releases - U know we'll buy it - so let us know about it and how 2 get it - email the new release info 2 these "fams" and we just click "send" with the loot attached.

    Jim

    Hello, All Praise to the LORD. Here r sum ideas that where floating N my head
    1. Online live video so we in the new world can participate n any events at the park....atleast special ones.
    2. Online talk (video... maybe or is that 2 far.... the power of touch or sight is something) with NPG & The Prince
    3. Music Videos for downloading
    4. Can we get some of those clothes please....atleast the old designs (there are really not old)
    5. Chat rooms available 4 non AOL
    6. Last but not least music....music.......& more music
    ThankU 4 caring about R opinion.....There R many of us who really care N more ways than one...The Revolution has just really begun........Love4OneAnother........Mystical- Columbus, OH
    My ultimate NPG Musical experience Would be if there was an archive of Music and Video so i could look up those concerts that i've been to and relive the funk. I started following the tours since 1987 in Utrecht (holland) and haven't missed any tour since. Or bring out a collection of aftershows on DVD,from the early days until now!!! Man would that be something.

    Further the monthly subscibtion of new vibes would be excellent. Music as it is supposed to be. From the artist directly to the fams. No deadlines for you or waiting for us. When it is done it's done. Wrap it up and get it out there!

    maybe................ not only a musical xperience ...but a Visual one too.....the Page could be done in 2D or 3D..........so when it opens it's like being in a record store.....and clicking on different things could play different sounds ,videos, samples of songs and a radio station.........................Sights and Sounds.................:):)..... radio station would be cool for getting new songs out.........
    Dear people

    It will be great to download new trax over the 'net and I thank you for the opportunity to have my opinions considered.

    However, I think I speak for many fams when I express my concern that future releases are going to be on-line only. This is because I like the FREEDOM to listen to Prince's music wherever I am and whatever I'm doing, without having to be restricted to a computer. In addition I like to appreciate the music in the high sound quality it deserves and I know the equipment on my P.C could never do it justice.

    My dream would be for the New Funk to be avaliable on the 'net and on actual C.D's so that we could have the freedom to chose and you could have the opportunity to innovate and develop the internet possibilities further. Having the new groovez avaliable on C.D's would also put all the bootleggers out of business who are clearly making a fortune off of Prince's music by illegal means. The demand is clearly present for more music on actual C.D's and the NPG music Club could also fufill these desires as well as catering for those who wish to listen on the 'net.

    Thankyou
    Antony

    How about NPG online Concerts with Real Player as the showing of the LIVE concerts being held at no other than ah hem PAISLEY PARK....U charge a ticket price of your (choice to go directly to U know dat wonderful charity LOVE4ONEANOTHER)...then U dont have to worry about seating...and U could have U know chat about the CONCERT on your NPG CHAT ROOM right after...and U know HE (the he man) can show up like BackSTAGE right in your own dang living room (NOW PONDER THAT) no more blah blah headaches about when where and WHY....NPG its own Concert destination oh and U could have like U know MACY GRAY (dang pardon the typing on dat one) OR U KNOW George CLinton, Larry - dont have to worry about takN dat bus all over da place...U can DO IT!~!!! well thats about it for now....eye will thunk of something else for ya LATERZ....chow chow meows...NOW finish EATN your breakfast LOL.
    SingMia~Arjuna
    Nobody can stop the music file exchanges. Even if napster will B taken down, there will B other systems like that. Musicians got 2 find a different way 2 gain money. As hard as it sounds, but CDs as a source of income will die. Musicians will have 2 go on tour 2 get money and 2 B able 2 keep their high living standards. Peace! Tom.
    For starters, Prince has never been one to do what the fams or anyone else wanted him to do. He has always been on the cutting edge, doing what he wants to do. I am always curious to see what new level Prince will take things to. It seems that NPG Online LTD offers something for every level of Prince 'fam'. From those that care only about the music to those who listen to the message that Prince has been giving in his music for all these years, to those that complain about everything that Prince does or is involved in, to those who idolize him and everything that he does. However, there are elements that are missing that was on the Love4OneAnother site, which includes the more spiritual issues that many loved to discuss. The only thing that I would change about the current site is perhaps to add a message board, make the site more interactive for the fams. It could be used the same as a chat room, and Prince and the NPG could post and respond at their leisure. It would also allow Prince and the NPG an opportunity to find out what the "fams" want (though Prince has always done what he wanted and I've been very thankful of that fact). Issues or questions of curiosity could be posted by the staff at NPG Online LTD or by Prince and the NPG, and discussions could then be had in that manner. Just a suggestion.

    Love and Peace to You and Yours,
    Brenda
    "benni"

    Since not everyone who loves The NPG and Prince is online I think you should offer us Fams a choice. Give folks the option to either...
    A. Get your music by download
    B. Have the option of getting it through 1-800-New Funk
    ** Be able to sign up for a monthly subscription online/ phone order and then have the New Funk sent to you as it gets released. I only have internet access at work at this present time and it wouldn't be possible to get the New Funk via the internet. It would be nice to have a choice to get it mailed to my home. I am presently preparing to get a computer at my home so that I can access The Vault. However I am still a little hesitant to just jump into cyber-space feet first, because if everyone begins doing all their business online then eventually it would make it very easy for Spooky and His Minions to shut us all down and tap into all the communications we have with eachother. I think we should really consider the harsh reality that we could be heading towards if we all become reliant on the internet as our main means of communicating and sharing.
    I love to see that you are being progressive about getting your music out online. There will always be the unsolvable issues with protecting your work from piracy. However, by building a relationship of trust with your fams you can ensure that one copy of a song sold won't turn into a million given away.
    For real, man...who cares? I trip on your music since so many time and for truth I just can't get enough. So if I have to pay to listen to your new sounds, it makes no problem for me. I'm ready. The future of NPGONLINE LTD. More music for the real fans. Big commercial records with beautiful videos for the world but more personnal works, live records, work of art for the ones who love you on the internet. An artist like you needs this two dimensions. You need to exist in the public eyes but you have to be free to do whatever you want. Each one of us is ready to follow your way but it's time to go back to the charts. Because we're sick and tired of listing to Britney and the others.
    Share your talent with the world, man! Come on!,br> Chris from france
    Okay, so mayb eye don't know much, but what eye do know is that NPGonline really REACHES out it's hands 2 people. If u r anything like me, u r looking 4 enlightenment, constantly seeking knowledge, of the things unseen. I would luv 2 see the more spiritual side of this form of communicating. Can u post a bible scripture. can u have an online bible discussion. Is this not what it is truly all about? Sometimes as people we get so lost in the Natural world it's hard to look out of the spiritual side of the glass.. we end up drowning in our own worst fears.. when truly the fears are of this world.. and we only should have one true fear.. GOD.

    If it's not much 2 ask 4.. could u maybe host a room where people like myself who are seeking creative outlets.. can post there poems or songs on u'r web site. I have many inspirational writings as eye am sure many FAMS do. U r in a position 2 really help those who have no other way of getting their stuff read...Isn't that what it is all about. Saving others, so that we might learn from all others spiritual & life Experiences!

    4ever peace and u'r corner of heaven. Deborah.

    to have a monthly music subscription with download accessibility but also....i'd pay MORE if u'd just snail mail me the ACTUAL cd's from paisley park...(like i actually WALK to the mail box outside my house and THERE'S A NEW SINGLE IN IT!) i think the sound quality suffers immensely from burning downloads. call me old fashion :-) we CAN have a music club for ERRRYBODY...i know the postage and labor to actually mail out new releases will be costly but i'd rather give 16.99 to paisley park than tower records! and if u should need a dynamic person to come work in the new music club to get these cd's out to the public via snail mail, i'll need full benefits package plus entry level salary of 35,000/yr. thanx :-) catherine
    In my opinion, people like to have options. We should be able to have a choice...should we not? We should be able to choose monthly subscriptions or pay per download. Also, since Prince has his own label, studio, etc., he should, if profitable, continue to put out cd's, not just music on-line. We want to see the pictures and words too. Fams like me, want it all, baby!!! We love it all!!! I can't get enough!!! I have met a lot of people in his band(s). Maybe someday I will meet him and get to know him too.

    Peace + love4oneanother,
    Mark Anderson

    Hi

    In my opinion, the evolution of the new online world of music will force artists to put the emphasis on live performances (again), just like it was way back in the fifties and sixties, before music became a mass consumption product instead of art, as it should be.

    So, the NPG is kind of a religion to a loth of people, and the only way to increase our numbers is to go on stage and play. Besides, regardless what some might say, the new funk of the nineties was great. So keep goin'. Thanx :)

    The present info available on NPG Online is well presented and keeps fams up to date. Being in London I feel as if I visit Mpls ever week! I feel the service can be improved by having message boards where fams can get in touch with each other and also post messages for NPG.

    I'm looking forward to the music club which ever format it takes. The idea of buying music online and downloading at a fee would a great service

    As for the chatroom, excellent concept but alot more thought should go into the design and format of the 'room' possibly a number of rooms with a set number of occupants and the availability for chatters to speak on a 1-2-1.

    Hope the above helps
    Peace and Love
    Diane

    Regarding the music download question, I wanted to let you know some of the difficulties for me to download music in general. To begin with, I don't have a fast connection (only a 28.8 modem), and I have an old computer (running at 75 mHz), so downloading music is a painfully slow experience. One three-minute song can take an hour to download. At some point beyond a few minutes of waiting, I get impatient with the wait and begin to wonder what's the point.
    Secondly, I don't have a sound card or speakers to then listen to the file, so there's really no point in downloading it to begin with.
    Therefore, I usually turn to a friend who has a faster connection and a CD burner. I have to ask him when it's okay for him to go to his place and download stuff there, then I have to burn it immediately because he doesn't really have the hard drive space to hold music files. So I get the music, but then it's on a blank CD-R with no track listing, song length, musician information (who played what), recording information, photos, etc. New music, but it's crappy presentation.
    I would like to get music with some color inserts, photos, recording information, etc. Even a monthly CD delivered in the mail would be better for me than downloadable mp3 files.
    I know music over the Internet is supposed to be so fabulous and wonderful, but for me I'd rather just go pay for a professionally produced and packaged CD from a music store. It's higher quality all the way around.

    Hope this feedback helps.
    Take care.
    Gregg