Who is that “man behind the curtain?”

Happy,
Be careful what you wish for. For you will surely get it!

I didn’t butt in at all yesterday, but it seems that we continue to beg the question…..

Yes, all David needs is a hit recording and he’s THERE! (paraphrasing) But may I humbly ask, how in the land of all things fuzzy is David supposed to have a smash hit album if his product is not marketed in a way that gives him adult credibility? What about worthy recordings like Eva Cassidy’s that no one ever heard? Talent is not enough. David is THE VOICE. David is a FORCE. But he is still a human being who walks this earth and he has to be marketed.

Hits are born in the studio but they die quickly without nurturing.

Speaking of ‘buff’, ladies……those new pics/videos….now that’s a thermos I would carry around. Is that the Archulator action figure you were talkin bout?

“Pawsome price”
OMG! It’s painful.

I don’t remember seeing this video before. It is David singing “Smoky Mountain Memories” on Utah News during “David’s Day” on May 9, 2008.
(Thanks to snarkyarchies.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qarIyr4u5EA

Marlie, I agree. I feel like his marketing is going from bad to worse. Why are they doing this?? Things were going overall well last year. What happened?

Rascal, you can’t seem to let this go, can you? I am worried for you.

mommuzboys – Is your avi meant to be facetious haha? It’s much better product than the Build a Bear ad.

Isn’t that Jason Mraz just to David’s left?

Pawsome!

whatjusthappened

my avi was meant to show we were all a bunch of rascal’s gang…family…however different we are

but i changed it this morning- after i saw the new post pic

The salt from my tears is knotting up this bear’s fur!

Let’s NOT talk about love.

Can we use the $1 donations to save David?

FG, When David performed in the Sacramento Jingle Bash, I saw him as free and completely clicked in and comfortable. He seemed his current age and appealed to older teens and adults. I want that David back.

I may be totally reading into things here, but I am wondering if he “heard about it” from certain entities that that performance was too sensual and immoral.

Since the Jingle Bash concerts, something has been “off” and I can’t quite put my finger on it.

Hey freo – I think we will see that David again at the tour. His passion cannot be reined in while he’s performing. I think the older teens and adults without ODD don’t even know about icarly and BAB. Seeing him live will sell them – the issue is getting them to the concert! Most folks I talk to either don’t know who he is or still call him ‘that kid from Idol’ – they don’t even know that Crush is by him! ???

FunnyGirl – nice post

But the FUNNY thing is, David IS cool and his marketing team should help promote that. David was involved in choosing the cover for his album. He chose something cool rather than something with his sweet smile. David is obviously working on his, shall we say, musculature (I have to be careful, it’s too early in the a.m. to get SF started). That is cool in today’s world. His taste in music is cool. He has acted very cool in some of his interviews (Kathy Griffin, Sleazak, etc). Many find his (what was that again, HG?) his soft masculinity VERY COOL! The marketing people just have to highlight his coolness. Over time it will pick up momentum. Right now, they seem to have abandonned it altogether.

Why is eighteen too young to be moving in the direction of his musical idols? Don’t get that! He is not too young to be cool.

We are not faulting David. And we have his back. But somebody out there should be thrown to the bears!

I can’t believe that Jeff is even on board with this current marketing. Jeff is clued in to popular music and I think has a clue to the bigger world out there. I just don’t get it.

I’m going to stop fretting. I love David, you all love David. We’re just going to have to bite the bullet and get through this phase. I’m psyched for the tour, for the concert I’ll be seeing at Infinity, for the videos of the other concerts and his tour in the Philippines. I’m just going to take a deep breath and let it go (I promise!) LOL!

Hey Funnygirl! Maybe one of them will be Chris Brown. I heard he needs to soften his image somewhat

LOL BAB wouldn’t sign him though…..

marlie7 – AMEN!

Good Grief.. if I send them a thousand dollars will they take that t-shirt off the bear ?

I can’t take it anymore… MY EYES>>>MY EYES !!!

And I am irritated enough right now that I don’t really care if someone gives me the 5000 reasons that I shouldn’t be negative.

I can feel the way I wanna feel.

I was all pumped…listening to my zune..just working away..and had a great idea for a poll…so I logged in to my favorite peeps…and BLAM… talk about a bubble burster.

David’s marketing doesn’t have to “compare” to anyone.. i.e. Josh Groban, Jason Mraz… because
#1. He doesn’t compare
#2. He’s unique in too many ways too count.. does he not deserve more creativity in marketing strategy ?
#3. By marketing to your “target” audience, you are doing a disservice to David and his fan base. Unless I want to swing by the DayCare after work and hand out bears to promote the VOICE.

And sadly enough… I absolutely think David agreed to this promotion because it is for Charity…but again… when it comes to deep pockets…why give much thought to this rare and gifted artist… the guy dreams are built upon.. .he’s just a casualty in the world of big money makers?

He’s not a marketing scheme. And even though I’m NOT in advertising and marketing… even I can come up with at least a hundred different ways to make him more marketable without exploiting his humbleness and generosity.

sorry …rant over… I don’t think I’ll log back in til later tonight because…well… I just can’t… these things take the wind right out of my sails…..and I respect David too much to approve, or whine and complain…so I’ll engross myself in my Zune..my work… and enjoy ..WCW IT OUT…which is wonderfully uplifting.

BTW…my idea for a poll…was a top 10 list of songs that could be covered by David that would take them to perfection… I was thinking one could be Beautiful, by Christina Aguilera… I think he could transcend that song into infamy. . .. or should we through a beanie cap on him and have him do a rendition of On the Good Ship Lollipop ?

Dawn65 – I want David to do Stevie Wonder.

OK

Please understand that this post comes from my heart and the concerns that rest there. If I get egged, so be it.

RASCAL – I am worried about you; your stress levels and the health of you overall mindset regarding this issue. I believe that you are OTT with your obsessiveness regarding your view of the miss-management of David and his career. You have certainly made your point repeatedly now. Whatever contract that has been signed, is signed and cannot be broken, I ask that you please let it go. I believe you have a powerful voice in the blogging world with regards to David, and further incitement of the Internet masses will only serve to give power to those out there who would use this to try to devalue David and his career.

What will be, will be.

LOL silverfox! hehehe!

The Build a Bear thing is for Charity, enough said really.

If you would like to have a cool lunch box then go to ebay and you can buy one……
ELVIS…THE BEATLES…MADONNA…THE JONAS BROS…and many others…

David Archuleta, 18 years old
Chris Brown, 19 years old
Rhianna, 20 years old…

Can you just imagine the fast rise to stardom for Chris Brown with his life style? David sang in the line-up with Chris at least on one occassion… Is that the place for David?

What happened to Chris and so many other young stars before him makes one stop to think perhaps a little differently about the road to success and how you travel on it…It is time for a drastic change…

Way to go David…be there for all ages…Your talent that is so rare speaks for itself…

joner…#42…you hit the nail on the head…The country music singers seem to have a different way about them and I have always enjoyed many of them…David would be much loved in their industry…

Although I have had to get over a few hurdles of understanding David’s marketing…(marketing such a farmer-go-to market sell your wares kind of thing) myself I have seen signs that David’s rise to stardom is just as different as his voice…When you see a video of him singing at a fire station (ever so bravely) after 9/11, then you have to realize that he is so very different…

Breath deeply, relax, let it go….I promise you David will lead…although we may not always understand…

It’s interesting how some of you want to excuse this BAB marketing gimmick as “Charity,” and I’m so grateful David is the kind of guy who would never say “no” for a Save the Children charity.

However, that’s what makes this marketing Valentine’s Day BAB thingy all the more sickening. Using charity and David’s image to sell stuff. It’s all about commodity, even down to exploiting someone’s good will to sell a bunch of bears. I’m not impressed.

And yes, “soft masculinity,” especially in the wake of Chris Brown’s bad behavior, has a chance to make a comeback. I just cannot accept that David being David – sweet inexperienced young guy with mad talent – cannot be marketed in today’s pop music. You mean to tell me a bunch of his songs on his CD – “Waiting for Yesterday,” “Desperate,” “Barriers,” “Somebody Out There” – can’t be marketed successfully? Puh-lease!

What I see is his management going the easy way out – they’re capitalizing on his young cute looks to sell STUFF, and they’re just satisfied that such a young cute guy has a nice voice to sell the music too, but his talent is being marginalized; that is what it looks like to me with these types of gimmicks.

I’m really annoyed at this, sorry if I’m being negative. We all know if David looked like Elliot Yamin, Jive would never take him down this route (of course, they didn’t sign him either, and Elliot had to work with an indie label so what does that tell you?).

I’d rather David work with an indie label and produce quality music and build a slow career towards artistic credibility than to be used up in these ways by a major label like Jive. Heck, if David was eventually going to go down this kiddie route after all, then I really wish he did sign with Disney. At least Disney would have made him into a multimillionaire doing so.

I don’t know. This just feels like REGRESSION, and I cannot believe that, when David was 17 last year, he managed to emerge as a young adult. Now that he’s 18, they’re treating him like he’s 12. Ridiculous!

But, so as not to be completely negative, I’d love to contribute to Dawn65′s top 10 songs David could sing to perfection. I vote for:

1. “Tender Love” by Force MDs
2. “Ma Cherie Amour” or any other ballad by Stevie Wonder
3. “Hey Jude” by the Beatles
4. “Ordinary People” by John Legend
5. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye
6. “Amazing Grace” hymn
7. “Your Song” by Elton John (God, can you imagine?!)
8. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban (again, can you imagine?)
9. “Human Nature” by Michael Jackson
10. any Spanish ballad.

Anyway, I have a late morning, but gotta run! Until next time!

silverfox…David will …”Kiss a girl”…when we least expect it to happen…We will wake up some morning to the news on Fanblast or Snarky’s…and it will be exciting…everything David does is exciting and different …I love the pictures of him in Hawaii…

Hi Kizzi and everyone – We can go round and round forever on this issue and never change anyone’s mind nor should we want to. The experience of David is uniquely personal. I just feel that it is more productive to positive, as often as possible, and enjoy this as much as we can, right now, in all of it’s furry glory!

Many of you are assuming that I am making a particular statement with today’s feature, when in fact I have offered no opinion whatsoever. FunnyGirl’s #55, for example, is as legitimate a response as any. The fact that this image evokes more of the kind of concerned responses in evidence here has nothing to do with me or my perspectives. (It is possible, incidentally, for some of us to hold different–even conflicting–perspectives in our minds simultaneously.)

FG – I am a recovering worrier, pessimist. Spent years doing that and It wasn’t fun and people didn’t like me and I was in leadership positions. When I switched my focus, life became loads of fun and I just deal with situation as they unfold (I actually do crisis management as a huge part of my daily work life). So my words and actions revolve around facts and truth. I can easily admit I was wrong which happens periodically.

ND is a 360 degree fan site….that is what I really enjoy about it as I can see everyone’s perspective and, of course, rascal, himself, has a vision and insight that speaks to me on so many levels. See, right know there is a sense of a looming dark cloud on the horizon and it is ok if I say I don’t agree and why as long as I am respectful of others. What I know for a certainty is truth will find its way to the light.

Wow.

Are we in some alternate universe where when you turn 18 you suddenly age backwards?

Or maybe it’s just David.

We always knew he was unique!

Whenever David is doing something that surprises me, I just remind myself that he is the “Rebel Without A Crown”!

This is David. He said, “I don’t care where I’m going, ’cause I know where I wanna be… It’s time for you to see…..” I saw in a vid posted in the previous thread in which David said that Works For Me was about him. I think Tofan or Freofan posted it? Sorry, couldn’t remember for sure.

The lunch box really got me at first sight. But after not so accidentally, but on purpose, I forced myself to stare at them many times, I was okay with them.

If the young teens could sit through “When you say you love me” while loving it, I can listen to David saying, “It’s room 513″ on iCarly and laugh with him.

I bought his itunes, his cd, the Elle, the Square and his Life Story. I got his Reno tickets at 10:05am during presale. I will buy iRock the Vote when I figure out how to do it. (I only saw the option of getting a Season Pass to all iCarly Show last night!) I will buy his lunch boxes if they come out. I am taking my daughter to BAB and get the download card to his song. I am allowing my daughter to skip half a day of school to drive 3.5 hours to see his show with me. (Thanks for the advice of some teachers here. SandyBeaches, did you say an experience with David singing is more memorable than a day of school?)

I love the Archulator and I am trusting him. Maybe it’s a big mistake, but it’s a chance that I’ll take. He will redefine sexy, masculinity, and life as a pop star. Yes I know.

Oh yes. Are these the eyes of someone you could love?

ronaldsf 61 – lol

As far as I can tell there are no conflicting perspectives at ND on ONE issue – our unconditional love that sometimes makes us testy when we perceive that David is being wronged.

And since I have no experience in marketing (except maybe being manipulated by it) I regret getting involved. I excelled at lurking. Stink at posting. A waste of my time.

And I wish the motto of my profession was “First do no harm.” haha

I can’t wait to play the game….

http://www.snarkyarchies.com/2009/02/arch-madness.html

haha!

SB #53..I don’t think so! We will never know when David has his first kiss..for all we know he already has..but he won’t tell..he’ll be vague..He will want to protect the her. Just like he didn’t say who he took to the Senior Dance..and I really appreciated it, cuz everyone would have hated me cuz he said I was awesome & besides I don’t have room for all the hate mail I would have received..uh..
oh.. that was just another dream I had! sorry!

SB #60..You & Kizzi just wanna kill me right? Cuz you know I will die!? Well I can’t die cuz I have tickets and flight reservations for Albuquerque 3/14, then Reno 3/18!! Can I really wait that long..LORD help me! to remember that David is 18, and acording to most, a very YOUNG 18!! What the HECK!! Why did I ever keep watching AI last year?? What did I do to deserve this? This “kid” is killin’ me!
But at least I didn’t reserve extra seats..just in case?? You are the cra-zeh one!

I am so looking forward to the David The Voice, LIVE! tour..I can hardly breathe when I think about it! To hear THE VOICE live again..

As much as I love John Legend, Eva Cassidy, and Jason Mraz, I don’t think you can compare them and thier marketing to David.
Although these artist are well respected in the music industry and have solid fanbases they can’t compare to artists who have changed the game because of their unique, once in a lifetime talent.
Those artists are the ones that are always mentioned here, Elvis, Elton, Stevie, MJ to name a few. No one can touch them because no one can replace them.
I think David has that one of a kind quality and that’s why it’s hard to market him at 18. He appeals to 10 year olds and 70 year olds.

I also think AI spoiled his mature fans. I mean we got to hear him sing Imagine, Stand by me and So it goes, songs we would never usually hear from an 18 year old pop star. There was a point when people were actually saying he could never make it in the current pop scene. Fast forward a year and people are saying he is being marketed too much to the young demographic.

I think eventually David and his management will find the balance between Build a Bear and When you say you love me. I think it will take some time and patience.

SF 71…So you are the one who he took to the prom!! You let it slip!!

Just imagine this…flying into Washington the day before, driving to Viriginia Beach…anxiously awaiting the concert…next night going to the concert…excited of course…second time to hear and watch him sing with better seats this time…Then…when you want to savor his beautiful runs or quietly watch his emotional expressions…(and of course he brings the occassional chills with his higher notes)…then…people are talking or squealing or cheering…What do you do??…It could be such a waste…You go to the balcony box just above the stage and all is clear and peaceful and I can concentrate…on every beautiful note…The row G could be better for closeness…

Also, when we call you there needs to be a clear reception…

I’ve been a lurker for some time now and I’m gone give this a try, excuse my rambling.

I have a couple of co-workers who are David fans because of my good morning videos to them, neither of them have odd to the extent that I do. I actually was considering therapy for my odd because I thought there must be something wrong with me. How could this man/boy have me so mesmerized and intrigued? I’ve become an internet junkie looking daily for all things David and I found ND. I realized I’m not crazy! Look at all these smart and eloquent writers who love David, some maybe more than me…. I’d really like to see that questionnaire to see what we have in common that links us to The Voice… I really like that SF.

I do have to do my research when no one is watching, my hubby thinks I’m obsessed. My granddaughter, 12, who is in a gifted program thinks I’m silly and is enjoying the ODD grandma. She likes David and his music, watches ICarly and by no means does this dumb her down, she thinks it’s a fun silly show. She and my daughter who also likes David, but doesn’t have ODD will be attending the Pomona concert with me, along with one of my friends from work… I can’t wait!

What led me to delurk was a phone call I received from a family member that thinks David is a great singer, but doesn’t get my ODD. She wanted to know how someone like the JoBros, no offense to anyone, can perform on the Grammy’s with a legend like Stevie Wonder when they can’t sing! I agree. I googled them and they are totally marketed toward the tweeners, yet there they were.

I’ll confess that I didn’t know who Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Sara B., Eva Cassidy just to name a few were until David started blogging about them, yet I know who Stevie Wonder is. I’ve asked my family and friends if they new who these singers were and so far 2 out of 15 had heard of them, but they all knew who Stevie Wonder is. What I’m trying to say is if the JoBros can get an invitation to perform at the Grammy’s with none other Stevie Wonder and all their marketing is towards the tweeners, my granddaughter doesn’t like them or any of my high school and college age family members, then this should not hinder David’s career. When I forward youtubes, articles, any info to promote David I do it based on the relevance to their age group. The more mature stuff to the older crowd, they’ll never know about ICarly, the BAB stuff because there isn’t any reason for them to access it. On the other hand I do send the younger stuff to my grandkids, nieces and nephews because it’s relevant to them and they won’t see the more mature stuff because they’re not looking for it.

Whew!!! I hope we can move on…. Rascal what did you think of his rendition of the SSB at the ProBowl?

Hi FG {{{waving}}}. Long time no “see”. I miss Sheriff Archie

For the non hand-wringers, way to go! Not sure if it is the path of least resistance, but it sure avoids raising one’s blood pressure or adding more wrinkles over this – to borrow TOfan’s description – perfect storm.

For those still hand-wringing, please repeat after me:
“This too shall pass… this too shall pass…this too shall pass”

TO ALL – anyone care to have BREAKFAST WITH DAVID?
http://ksmb.com/Article.asp?id=1154479

BETSY – is that a beanie Adam is wearing?

Aaah those eyes – twin pools of adorableness. And those lips!

JONER on #42 – I sure hope that somewhere down the line in David’s career, he will at least collaborate with a country artist. Yup I agree, he will nicely fit in. Positioning him in that huge market would be less problematic.

Hi

AMEN……. FUNNYGIRL 16..WE ALL LOVE DAVID AND I’M KINDA TIRED OF THE CONSTANT BASHING ICARLY BUILDABEAR WHAT EVER…JUST GIVE HIM A BREAK…

THE BAB……. SONG IS WHAT DAVID IS ALL ABOUT LOVE & PEACE…CAME ON PEOPLE….!!!!! I AM TIRED OF THE CONSTANT PUT DOWN OF DAVID…

I emailed the link out to a couple of adults, I’m a grandma of 8 and they’re older than me and to my daughter, 30 …..they all loved it.

… David sings the way Superman flies … we’ll all be humming it in our sleep, even you Rascal!

Bebereader, I completely agree!

I’ve listened for the 6th time and my blood pressure actually dropped!

It’s a lovely song and has a wonderful message.

I have to say, when I clicked the link to the Save The Children charity, my heart swelled with pride that David is associated with this organization.

If I was walking in a mall and I heard David’s voice coming out of the speakers, singing this song as I passed the Build-A-Bear store, my heart would be filled with pride, my eyes would be filled with tears and my soul would be filled with love for David Archuleta, THE VOICE!

It’s all about EXPOSURE! David’s popping up everywhere, at the Pro Bowl, at the Mardi Gras, at Disney in Orlando, at children’s hospitals, tree lighting ceremonies, Sundance and now in a song that sends a good message for a popular store in malls across the country. Most of these are very heavily populated locations to get David’s name out there. It’s got to be a good thing!

SandyBeaches <3

Re your post #324 on the I’m Yours thread

You took the time to say some very nice things to me and I have been remiss in acknowledging your kindness. Please accept my thanks now. It meant so much to me at the time and always will.

btw rascal- I had a beautiful poem all picked our for you should you lose the lunch box, but now I’m not sharin’ it……

rascal, stong words!! I actually wanted to hate it, but dang it, it’s David’s voice and it is the Voice that hits me in my heart literally no matter what he is singing. I don’t have my usual framework of sophistication or perspective when it’s David. He sings and I turn to mush.

When you sing for charity, when you sing for children…you can not lose yourself as an artist…… check out below and enjoy the examples …..( I wish David had…)

ray charles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZJxL3PrrLM

aaron neville
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WsXtCPE7Ww

hootie and the blowfish
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B3P-WANiQk&feature=channel

all on Sesame Street…….

I hear where you’re coming from Rascal. I guess I’m actually very torn on this and have decided to be positive and patient. I listen to John Legends, Eva Cassidy’s cds as well as David’s other influences and I wish that David could have gone in more of that direction for his first cd. I think his heart is into the more acoustic driven pop music, a la Mraz, Mayer, Bareilles etc right now, and this can be seen in Somebody out there and Works for me. Regardless I am very proud of what he was able to do with his first album.

I think his second album will be very telling as he will be around 19 or 20 at the time. (Hopefully!) I think he will be marketed differently for that album and will have more freedom.

I guess what I was trying to say is that with the greats there was no established path. It’s not as if legitimacy within music industry guarantees greatness. How many Best New Artist Grammy winners have faded away? Many critically acclaimed artists end up having cult fanbases but never really break into the mainstream.
On the other hand many teen idol artists have gone on to great things. Elvis, Beatles, MJ etc. Eventually their artistry shone through. We can’t say for sure that his current marketing will hinder him because we can’t see into the future.

It depends on the artist and his or her own path. There is no formula to become a legendary artist. I think it’s the complete opposite, maybe a mixture of talent, luck, the right timing and that x factor. That why it’s so exciting to be a fan of an artist that has that potential.

Gosh, sorry for rambling on…it’s so easy to do with David! And as always Rascal I love hearing your take on things.

Rascal…

I am a very avid fan of “Biography” and am always amazed at the super stars who had so many missteps, failures, bad songs, horrendous movies, horrible TV appearances in their backgrounds. I’ll admit I am a Tom Hanks fan, but where in the hell did Bosom Buddies (sp) come from? How did he ever overcome that start in his career?

Good performers rise above the low points in their careers, GREAT performers learn and grow from their less than stellar beginnings.

In today’s techno world David will always be surrounded by any “missteps” he makes, AI will always loom large in his life (and if that isn’t sometimes a miserable cross to bear), every song and performance will follow him for time infinitum. If this sweet little (albeit amateurish) song breaks his spirit and causes him sleepless nights in his future then David doesn’t have the strength or fortitude that I think he does. He will overcome!

Besides, I don’t believe that anyone can assume embarrassment for someone else. I think that is a very singular encombrement.

rascal108- from the website with the song…. “And if you’re a huge David fan like I am, you can also buy a beary cute David Archuleta tee for your furry friend to wear!…”

are you implying that you don’t think BAB is donating the profits from the David Archueta tee shirt to charity?…..

Rascal, you were sounding harsh like Simon in your comments on David’s BAB song:

“I am finding it extremely difficult not to consider this cloying, mawkish, horrendous piece of drivel the veritable nail in the coffin. I am literally embarrassed for him. This is precisely the kind of recording that will haunt him and make him cringe for the rest of his career… Assuming he has one.” Wow.

But David said that among all judges, Simon was the one who made him want to improve more. He would work harder so that Simon would like his performance too. The whole world knew that David succeeded. Just look at Simon’s reactions to David’s performance on the Top Two night.

Now, if David worked hard to win Simon over, Rascal, I am sure that he would work hard to win you over. You maybe skeptical now, but in the end, he will win you over.

Rascal, me, too. I don’t know what’s going on. I am not an elitist in my musical tastes; I am just so very frustrated because I believe that David is truly very talented and has a beautiful and rare voice. There is no focus to his marketing campaign. I think that things have been going south since Sacramento Jingle Bash, when he was uninhibited, sensual, glorious, and free. Something happened after that (either in his personal life, involving the church, or who knows) and things have been ‘off’ ever since then.

Rascasl # 57 “Many of you are assuming that I am making a particular statement with today’s feature, when in fact I have offered no opinion whatsoever.”

Don’t try wiggle out of this.

“The fact that this image evokes more of the kind of concerned responses in evidence here has nothing to do with me or my perspectives. ”

This would only be a valid reaction if the post was an stand alone post with NO previous buildup. Really Rascal, what did you really expect the reaction to be after the last couple of posts?

HG restores my faith in nD… do you want to join me as one of David’s “yes people?” I’m upgrading my system’s hard drive (as per Angelica’s prudent advice.)

happy, I don’t get why most people here are so negative about David being marketed to teens and kids. If some people don’t see that he’s also being marketed to an adult audience (pro bowl, inauguration, award show appearances, etc.), then they are not looking close enough (maybe tunnel vision by being too focused on their negative feelings about the teen marketing, I don’t know). Of course the main focus is on the younger audience – the age groups close to David’s own age. David is still a kid after all. He might be 18 now, legally an adult, but he is still a kid at heart. Can’t we patient for him to go the adult route when he actually feels like an adult and just enjoy the ride until we get there? This doom and gloom-vibe on here is frustrating to no end. Jive would be stupid to try and market him as something he clearly isn’t ready to be yet. Why demand of him to “take the responsibility” of being a serious artist, when he clearly enjoys being young and having the freedom of not being limited to a certain route yet.

Also, Jive and Azoff’d be stupid to not market him to this huge demographic group = kids & teenagers. I think we need to see things from a different perspective here, need to remember what it was like to be David’s age, need to see what Jive is looking at here. There is plenty of time for David to grow into the serious artist he’s destined to be. His talent, his gift is supreme and will prevail. We need to accept that he is only 18, that he IS a teenstar after all. Sometimes I think us older fans want him to be all adult for our own selfish reasons.

I think all this worrying and gnashing teeth is leading nowhere. Sorry.

wow, rascal. “nail in the coffin”

HG…

I think I’m missing something here. This song IS NOT a single…nor will it get radio or TV airtime. It is to be purchased as “bonus” for charity, if you buy a Make-a-bear. Based on what was written on the Make-a-bear site David was approached by the owner, this is not a Jive instigated maneuver. I am sure the only way David got a release to even record this is that it is strictly for Charity.

If we are going to blame anyone (such a horrible word: blame) for this turn of events then I think it has to fall on David and his Father/manager. David is a very faithful and obedient member of his religion and is serving his “church mission” by being an example of the ideals of young manhood that his church expresses. This “bear” song, the firesides, the visit to the Mormon Polenisian Cultural Center, possibly even his Nickelodian experiences, and his Christmas sing-along with the Osmunds are all part of this “wholesome” image that is part of David.

I am in no way criticizing these choices, they are the Archuleta’s to make. I know how strong the influences of the Mormon Church can be on its members and how many of them commit to upholding its standards. Jeff has pointed out how proud he is that David is upholding these standards and consequently, they more than anything else are influencing how David is approaching his career.

If you are not Mormon or haven’t been raised in a Mormon area you may not really understand how strong an influence the “Church” has on its members. Don’t for a second think that Jive is the sole culprit here for the marketing decisions.

Oh, and what I mean by “elitist thinking” is that it seems to me that a lot of people here want to limit David to only go on adult shows like let’s say Oprah, perform only at venues like Carnegie Hall, and never sing spontanously during radio interviews ever, at least not without checking in with his publicist first. To me that equals basically robbing him off all his youthfoul joy and spontaneity.

Would I rather see him on Oprah than on iCarly? Of course! Would I rather see him get nominated for only one Grammy than seeing him win 3 Kids’ Choice Awards? Yes!

But what I refer to as “elitist thinking” is not David’s way, I believe. His talent is supreme, made for elite venues, for an elite audience, no doubt, but his thinking, his persona, his conviction is not elitist. He’s just a boy who wants to sing and reach people, regardless of age, gender, heritage, profession. To him it doesn’t matter if he’s singing for 5 people at church or 50,000 at Pro Bowl. He wants to be there for everyone. For the young kid who loves a lunchbox with his pic on it. For teens who love to see him goof around with kids their age on their favourite teen TV sitcom. For young adults who share his love for “different” music and the artists he admires. For the older ones who recognize the older kindred soul in him… David is for everyone. And that’s what they market him as. That’s why he is all over the place. Why some things seem so random, maybe unfocused. Why there seems to be no selection. At least that’s what I gather from what I have seen. I think they’re just trying to please as much people as they can. But of course, as said in my previous comment, the main focus is on David’s age group. As, frankly, it should be at this stage David seems to be at.

Also, I didn’t know that being adult means I’m not supposed to enjoy stuff like iCarly and “Let’s Talk About Love”. Why ever not? It’s much more fun embracing it and enjoying David’s stellar vocals than being all negative about it.

Of course that’s just my opinion.

AnniefromtheEU — If you don’t get why people are frustrated by the marketing decisions, then you have not been reading this blog. It has nothing whatsoever to do with selfish interests. Indeed, quite the contrary. It has to do with David’s interests — if those interests involve being a successful singer with enough of a general audience to support his being able to develop his music in a creative and flexible fashion.

The marketing to children and young teenagers compromises David’s ability to be taken seriously by the critical group of industry and public market segments that he will need in order to support his career going forward.

This is exacerbated by the fact that David has credibility challenges in this regard to begin with. The marketing to children and young teens moves his chances for market legitimacy in the wrong direction.

Wow! My 2 cents. As the song is still ringing in my mind, “STAND BY ME” he sang, even IF his management/marketing team is a trainwreck, I say, “I will David, I will stand by you.”

It is incredible to me how with the past Idol season long gone and the new one in full force, how many posters on You Tube are just NOW discovering David Archuleta (I typed OUR David Archuleta, but he belongs to the world). I have to believe that in spite of his management that his continued exposure will keep him from dropping off the face of the map. Yes, he may have to re-invent himself at some point but he may have to do that anyway when people are open to him having had a few “experiences” under his belt.

Angelica, Hi! I am going to the San Antonio concert and am beside myself to say the least. Wish I could make to Beaumont, but money is an issue. Would have loved to at least have met you. Love your sentiments, which I can tell are very well moderated for our PG -14, 16+ audience. LMAF. As to his “hmmm (clears throat) sensuality”, he has that in spades but somehow keeps that in check to some extent because I think he knows how easily the masses are “moved”.

No tomatoes, please. Although, I love my salsa. Speaking of which, when are we going to see some more “moves”? A little shimmy here, a little shimmy there never hurt anything. Gosh, I am so excited for this TOUR!!!

Rascal…

I’m not saying it won’t be out there, he!! it’s already on Youtube. If a radio station decides to play it…so be it. It can’t be nearly as bad as the profanity filled bar shows (prior to AI) that the idol winner has on youtube.

If this song reaches beyond the in place “fan base” that are already loyal to David I would be surprised. Gee wizz, I’ve never heard David Archuleta on the radio here in Phoenix, yet.

Rascal, I know you are the GREATEST supporter of David’s magical voice (HG runs a close second) and I truly don’t want you to give up on David. Hopefully his peep take the time to come to his fansites and to really understand that there is a very legitimate concern about how David is being marketed and how much ND would like him to go in the direction his amazing voice should take him.

But, alas, in the mean time I’ll just be glad that he has recorded a few songs that I truly love and will continue to listen to over and over.

#43 Chenson Well said ( out of the mouths of babes) j/k. I really respect you and your opinions.

Who here has not made an mp3 of Let’s Talk About Love song? hmmmmmm?

It’s for charity. Making a major deal out of it on the heels of the “manufactured” Lunch set is very likely OOT.
If there be any doubt Rascal is love in my book.

We long for some positive inspired reflection on David’s talent. Once the tour starts, I am sure that wish will be fulfilled. I won’t be able to make any of the concerts this time, so I am counting on all my ND friends to report back the GOOD news.

Abrra

I am one of the regular ND posters who has consistently disagreed with Rascal (and others) on this issue.

But as much as I enjoy visiting other fan sites, there’s nowhere else I feel as comfortable expressing alternate points of view as here at ND. I may disagree with everyone here at times, but I never have to hesitate sharing my take on things.

Guess what I’m trying to say is that it feels the opposite of “elitist” or “negative” here. It feels welcoming and respectful and, above all, a place where everyone fiercely loves and supports David Archuleta.

Now, marketing schmarketing… when can we get that Spanish version of Crush?!!!!!

Peace, love, tenderness and {{{{{hugs}}}}} to all!

Help! I’ve been trying to find the association or tie-in between Save The Children and BAB or Build a Bear Workshop. I went into the Save The Children website, and it is a very worthwhile charity, and they have many celebrities, corporations, and companies who are associated with the charity..but I can’t seem to fine BAB listed on their website. I just want to know that what HG says can’t possibly be true on #51

“Using charity and David’s image to sell stuff. It’s all about commodity, even down to exploiting someone’s good will to sell a bunch of bears”.

90% of donations to Save The Children go directly to children’s programs..10% to adminitrative costs..
Good distribution IMO..however..I would be happier if BAB was donating 90% of their sales to Save The Children, instead of $1.00..so in essence, BAB is using David to sell Bears..yes or no? Jus’ sayin’

I’ve listened to the song twice & I’m with Liz in that it’s David..and it’s hard not to love THE VOICE.

AnniefromtheEU ,brooklyndawn …. i agree.

Everyone I have shared this song with has loved it. I work in a very pressured environment with layoffs looming over our head due to the economy. The response has been “I really needed a lift, thanks”, “This song lifted my spirits” and these are not fans, so I don’t understand how it can hurt. Maybe I’m naive, and my acquiantances are bunch immature beings for liking the good feeling the song gave them… I don’t know.

Love and Hugs to all!

Gee, why didn’t I get the memo- there’s a new blog entry?