A Wired Fandom
How Technology Changes the Fan-Artist Relationship
David playing an online game/chat with fans a few months ago
In 1967, Canadian media theorist Marshall McLuhan coined the term, “the medium is the message,” to describe how the way that the media’s message is delivered to us (such as through the medium of television) shapes how we think about the information. One of my favorite activities reflects this thinking process. When taking breaks from working during the day, I enjoy listening to David’s song, “Somebody Out There,” at a high volume on our large stereo system. The music’s richness that physically surrounds me helps me reflect on life experiences invoked by the tender lyrics.
McLuhan died in 1980, and thus did not live through the computer age, but he left behind a partial manuscript that described the computer as a new medium that would impact people’s thinking and culture as a while. Focusing on the computer’s general impact on society is beyond the scope here, but we have certainly seen computer technology’s impact on the relationship between musicians and their fans.
Through Internet technology, this image of David at his roundtable interview in Singapore last month was seen within minutes by fans worldwide.
When I avidly followed the pop band Air Supply in the early 1980s, I never imagined the user-friendly communications technology that would help me stay in touch with David’s daily activities. In fact, many music labels now require artists to stay connected with fans through regular voice messages, texts, vlogs and blogs, and more recently, Twitter. The artists’ electronic communication not only helps maintain positive relationships with their fans, but is also a cost-saving and convenient extension of the labels’ marketing efforts.
David is no exception. I learned last week that all American Idol contestants have MySpace pages set up by the show’s publicity staff. We initially followed David regularly through his blogs and vlogs that he regularly posted to his MySpace page during last summer’s tour.
A still image from one of David's early vlogs to his fans on Myspace
As a child of Generation Y, David probably communicates with his fans and closest friends in the same ways. David comes from a generation of teens who are truly wired to the Internet. A May 25 report from the New York Times reported that American teens sent more than 80 text messages a day (or 2,272 messages a month) in 2008. The same article reported that some teens even go to bed with their phones to avoid feeling left out of their social circles.
When I enter my college classroom for a class session, my students who are David’s age are usually frantically texting on the phones, surfing the Internet on their laptops, or talking about their most recent fights with someone over Facebook. I now have policies prohibiting students from texting and using laptops after class has formally started because students could not stop using the devices during lectures.
During the American Idol tour stop in Cleveland last September, we saw David talking with one of his hometown friends on his cell phone while signing autographs with his free hand. He told fans waiting by the buses that he was talking to a hometown friend about his or her dating dramas. Unlike myself, who did not have a personal computer until 1990, neither David nor my students have known their personal relationships not to be shaped by computer and internet technology.
As David’s fans, we enjoy following his activities through his diligent blogs, vlobs, texts, voicemails, and most recently, Twitter. Coming back to McLuhan’s point out how the channel of communication shapes how we think about the information, I argue that David’s use of Twitter has especially changed how I perceive him. His Tweets give me a more informal and humanizing glimpse of his everyday life. Through his Tweets, I’ve learned that he recently almost put body lotion in his hair, hand washed one of his shirts at 2 a.m. because he couldn’t go to sleep, and was recently approached in the airport by a woman who said he looked an awful lot like David Archuleta.
This may sound strange, but the Tweets help me feel closer to David in several ways. The messages show me how hectic, demanding, exciting, and sometimes hilarious his promotional and recording schedules are. His schedule reminds me of the complex wonder and sometimes messiness of my own life.
Secondly, the Tweets provide a new avenue of communication between David and his fans. In a May 25 Newsweek interview, David said of Twitter: “It’s addicting.” During Friday’s concert in New York, David sent a Twitter message to fans about how the performance was going while on stage! His message: On stage in New York talking about lettuce with the fans haha. About to sing the last song now! Gotta go back to the performance now! I felt like I was present at his concert.
David sending a Twitter message during his NYC concert.
Last Tuesday, David personally responded to my question via Twitter about how he felt about an upcoming concert in Alaska. “I’m really excited! Never thought I’d get to perform in Alaska! Haha,” he told me.
Although it is delightful to communicate with David in these new ways, the use of this technology between musicians and fans raises important additional issues. The Twitters help me feel closer to David, and he clearly enjoys responding to fans’ Tweets, but I was struck by a comment David made recently in the Newsweek article mentioned above when asked about his relationship to fans. “I don’t think [fans] realize it’s a one-way thing going on. You’re not getting to know them,” he said.
After reflecting on his statement, I realized it was true. Sometimes I feel like I know David because of his communication, but I am a friendly stranger to him. No wonder Jordin Sparks said in the same Newsweek article: “[Fans] all feel like they know us, because they grew with us on the show. You have to be careful with what you say or how far you let people in.”
Additionally, I am concerned about some possible consequences when technology gives fans perceived feelings of access and familiarity with musicians. These feelings can take a negative turn in a troubled fan’s hands. David’s fans witnessed a potentially harmful situation several weeks ago, when a fan’s Twitter messages to David took on an increasingly delusional, demanding, and angry tone. We witnessed a second situation several days ago when someone apparently hacked into Jeff’s Twitter account and sent fake messages.
A separate situation this week reflected the results when these activities go entirely too far. This past week, an Australian woman was sentenced to 26 months in jail for cyber-stalking former American Idol runner-up Diana DeGarmo. She had hacked into DeGarmo’s MySpace account and intercepted e-mails between DeGarmo and her family.
David’s security helps protect him from such harmful situations. However, the impact of technology on music fan communities is undoubtedly powerful and complex. Therefore, I would like to hear your thoughts on these issues: How have vlogs, Twitter, and other channels of communication changed how you perceive David? How has technology changed your experience as a fan? What do you think are pros and cons of musicians’ use of technologies to keep in touch with their fans?
I look forward to our discussion on these issues! Please feel free to offer discussion on points not covered by the questions I listed above.
-Freofan
ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
freo-
Great post! I am so glad David came along in this day and age where we have the ability to connect with him in these ways. Every vlog, twit, blog he offers somehow makes my heart grow bigger and bigger for him. This young man has forced me to advance my technical skills and I am extremely challenged in that area. Not only has David come along and engulfed our hearts, but look at the friendships we have made because of him.
Me loves the internet
I always groan when others bemoan the rise of the internet – sure, it does allow for some people to blow you off more easily and put you at arms length, but then again those are often the people you don’t want to know anyway. The internet conquers the barriers of distance, and therefore time as well, in the realm of communication.
That was a very perceptive observation of David’s, about how the internet can be a one-way street. He is always encountering people who feel an immediate intimacy and closeness with him, or who know random facts about him, about whom he knows absolutely nothing except for the fact that they absolutely adore him. On the other hand, it enables David to relate more easily to his fans on the same level, as “friends” with whom he can communicate daily about whatever is on his mind. He is not simply an elevated figure who people know virtually nothing about besides his public persona – then it would be harder for him to relate to people the way he wants.
But it is still a one-way street. I remember the incident where a fan posed behind David while her friend took a picture, and the fan tickled him from behind and probably freaked him out a bit. The internet gives some people the illusion that they are “included” within one’s circle of privacy and trust, when they actually are not.
Good morning everyone! Loving this article, Freo. It’s such a thoughtful, reflective post on David and his relationship with his fans.
I, who had spoken out earlier on Twitter about a month ago, now find myself checking David’s twitter religiously (haven’t joined yet though). I do love how David uses so many different communication technologies – texts, cell phones, twitter, blogs, and vlogs – to keep us all connected. There’s a certain intimacy that is felt, and even here where fans feel so connected with each other (even if we’ve never met), we would plan to go to a David concert together as if we’re regular friends (and I guess we are). I also think of that comment David made in the Newsweek article, about how fans think they know him intimately but he doesn’t have the same access to us. It wasn’t a comment that implied, Those fans are delusional. It was more: I wish I could know them too!
Having said all this, as a college professor like you, Freo, I’m absolutely annoyed when my students just pull out their cell phones or blueberries and start texting (and now tweeting) in the classroom (hence why I too have a digital technology policy), so my take on David’s tweeting at his own Tribeca concert is colored by my attitude on this. The video of him doing it was cute, and the tweet he sent us was sweet. But, if it were any other performer than my beloved David, I would have been ticked and would have thought it was rude.
Now, we all know David is anything but rude, but this obsessive “wired” behavior is indicative of his generation. They really don’t know any boundaries b/c any other performer (let’s say older performers) would never even dream of doing such a thing on stage. Even during his Newsweek roundtable interview, only he and Jordin were busy tweeting away while the others were paying attention to their interviewer. This is a little inappropriate, don’t you think? I did have that moment of chastisement: “Oh, David and Jordin, you guys need to stop with the tweets.”
I will say though that, now that I see even David, the sweetest, most polite guy I know, obsessively on his cell phone, laptop, and twitter, I definitely have a different take on my students. I’m not sure I will automatically jump to the conclusion that they have no home-training and are just impolite when they’re on their choice technology. But, I do think David’s generation need to learn some boundaries between the online and offline world.
One thing that David’s various technologies, which connect him to his fans, have made me think about is the way the music industry hasn’t come up with innovative ways to get their music out there. I mean, I love getting a tweet from David, where he tells me he can’t wait to go see the delightful movie “Up” (it makes me think he and I have the same movie tastes, for example), but it irks me to know end when I’m commuting in my car and when I’ve got my radio on, his music isn’t being played. Sure, I’ve got David’s CD, which I could play, but that’s not the point. The point is: David’s music should be as “out there” as David himself is to his fans. Why, if David has developed this intimate connection with his fans through technologies, can’t his label do something similar with his music? Is there a way they can use different technologies – outside of radio, TV, CDs and downloads – to get David’s music heard on a mass scale? If the porn industry became a billion-dollar industry b/c of digital technology, as did the video game industry, I’m wondering if the music industry can’t do something similar.
I guess I’m thinking someone like David can lead the way in bridging music and technology.
Don’t forget that the DJ in NYC urged David to get his phone and tweet.. it wasn’t his idea and he was, as usual, obliging. I cannot imagine him doing this on his own. I too am addicted to the personality and information that comes on Twitter, not just from David, but the reality is he has 40K followers and I have 29 or so. Hello !! His remark about the “one way street” was important and real. I’ve been wondering if his personal time is now down to so little,especially since he isn’t mentioning his friends much. I hope that’s not true because the spring of your 18th year is so critical. It’s the last dance with your friends from high school as everyone prepares to part ways. His path surely thrills him… a dream realized.. but there are big changes for him too. All I want is for him to be happy and for me to be able to hear him sing.
Thanks for reminding me of the DJ prompting David. That’s true. As is Jordin and David tweeting since they weren’t in the same room.
Of course, with David not mentioning his regular friends, especially since I’m assuming he didn’t get to go to his senior prom, means he’s in a completely different universe. High school is rather mundane compared to touring the U.K. or parts of Asia. There’s a trade-off, but David still seems pretty happy.
Then again, I have noticed, for all his tweeting to us, he still keeps things pretty private, so he probably won’t reveal what he’s doing or not doing with his friends.
FYI – New song in the Song Series – see the front page, Arts and Archutainment section for that post.
Freo – Yes, the e-age, instant communication is the latest, the now of staying in touch. Dwindling are the cards, notes & letters via snail mail, faxes, and even phone calls are on the wane.
The business world is all about electronic communication, to be faster, acquire more information in short bursts of time equates to instant access. People in the business world even use Twitter to keep abreast of events and what is going on. Some industries latched on faster than others. Service industries (humans providing services to humans) have been slower to embrace the e-world but we see that gaining momentum now in the support and adjunct functions of the various service industries.
So, yes, the marketing of music is a business and the technology(ies) that helps sell whether it be a concept, a service or a physical product is what works in 2009.
I think there have been several generations who have grown up with e-technology. My observation is that David’s generation and a couple ahead of him and certainly those behind him have absorbed all the e-technology that arrived in my adult life time intuitively for the most part.
As far as the relationship of fans, well, I don’t see much going on in the fan world that hadn’t occurred prior to the e-generation, just faster and across a wider of pool of fans; it is certainly easier to keep up with all that goes on if a celebrity uses Twitter and vlogs, etc.
But that is also a two-way street. The celebrity who tweets, vlogs, blogs also focuses their fan base on what they pick, shares the events that they prefer to share, keeps the energy of the fan base flowing in the direction of their choice. In fact, I see this as a very savvy and wise method to communicate to fans. I like it. I think it is incredibly smart. Puts TMZ in a very interesting position as the celebrity who Tweets is letting fans keep up with him or her instantly! Yes, I LIKE it.
And David is an interesting twitterer. His randomness has always been a fascination to his fan base and tweeting is a random type of communication, i.e.,”what are you doing (thinking) now?” It does create the sense of a two-way communication, and in your case, Freo, you got a reply so that WAS a two way communication. I am wondering now if he reads all the direct tweets he receives?
Last, I travel weekly and see the use of cells, texting, email, tweets, etc. throughout my day. Certainly we more mature individuals see some “impoliteness” in how & when others use their electronic communication devices. However, I see a great deal of multi-tasking going on and it isn’t uncommon for me to have a conversation with an associate who is also reading a text or email; I do the same in certain situations where it is acceptable. Heck, I work on email while I am on a conference call; I am using the laptop and blackberry simultaneously throughout my work day. I have multiple dialogues going constantly…it is the way of business today.
So, I see this more as an adjustment of our culture to how we communicate. Often in a cultural change, the change can swing to the extreme and then settles back to a more balanced position. Don’t know if the tweet, pda, email, texting, cellphone use has swung to its most extreme, but I have certainty that everyone will find the balance of it all.
And, if it creates the pathway for David’s success, the success that he wants, in the form he wants (whatever that is–haha), then I am fully in support of it.
Now I shall have to go back and check the videos, I don’t remember JJ prompting David to tweet ~ I thought David said “I should tweet from here” ~ and he was really excited about it. He even asked everyone what he should say. Tweet Tweet.
David was asked what was his favorite tool to communicate to his fans.
I think in this day and age, the ability and the avenues David has embraced to engage his fans is amazing.
He doesn’t have to do these things.. and I don’t think he does it for good business practices.
I think he is really connected to his fans, and this gives him a way to stay connected.
Whereas some “celebrities” go to great length to remain detached “so they can have a private life” .. the fact that we know what David is doing, what he’s eating (haha), hysterical things that happen with him, around him, and to him .. and he shares openly.
David is REAL .. and attainable .. and this sets him SO far apart from the rest of the crowd.
That’s what makes David so awesome. He still doesn’t have a concept of himself as a “celebrity,” which is why he communicates to his fans the way he would to his friends.
We don’t know what he’s doing every minute of the day. For instance, after he left NY, he didn’t use twitter for over 24 hrs. At least he didn’t tweet on his PUBLIC twitter acct. I have no doubt he also has a PRIVATE acct for use between he & his very trusted friends. David must and does keep some semblance of privacy in his life. He uses all the forms of technology at his disposal to keep his fans abreast of what he wants us to know. And it is most certainly a one way street, although it may not feel like a one way relationship when he is in our midst. He has a way of making us feel we matter to him on an individual basis when we are lucky enough to have those few minutes or seconds to speak with him. The danger comes when we THINK he thinks of us as more than what we are, devoted fans who love and admire his music the way he loves and admires say, Jason or Natasha. But the fact of the matter is he will never get to KNOW 99.9% of his very devoted fans, and we will never get to KNOW David the way his very trusted friends & family do. That’s the way it should be.
Also, David is not the only celebrity who is using Twitter, blogs, texts, & mobile phone messaging to keep fans “in the know” of what they want us to know…Most if not all of the top celebrities, from David to Elizabeth Taylor are doing the same thing in one form or another. But we have to keep in mind they let us know what & when they want us to know with random comments or long though out blogs and in David’s part, his great Vlogs, which I prefer.
David is a celebrity. He is a fan’s dream of a celebrity due to his very caring and loving nature. He has an intuitive way of connecting with his fans on a “personal” level with his Archugazes, hand touches, waves from the stage, etc. I know first hand how it feels to be on the receiving end of that connection and it’s hard not to feel it is personal on David’s part..but alas it is not. Like he said, we HAVE to realize it’s a one way thing going on. He will never get to know us personally. And that is why we, who have had even a glance from him go into a euphoric haze, just to crash after reality sets in. It’s happened to me more than once. Me, old enough to be his Abuelita, making me feel no older than himself!
Quite pathetic!
But it is all about THE VOICE, really David!
Freofan, What a timely and thought-provoking post!
I have always felt David’s passionate and adoring fandom is a happy product of the internet and related technology. David is certainly not your father’s star. While he came to our life via AI, we grew to love him more and more every time we watch him in Youtube doing things that are quintessential David and captured by fans in their homemade videos. Who is not enchanted when he hid under the table during a press interview, not delighted when he did a handstand in a parking lot? I know my own fascination with him grows with each Youtube, each blog, each text-message, each voice mail, each vlog, and each tweet. Who among us does not look up the fan sites the first thing in the morning, last thing in the evening, and countless times in between? For those of us who are puzzled by experiencing the strange sensation of being a fan for the first time, technology has a lot to do with it. Internet breeds familiarity and familiarity breeds love. We, otherwise sane and sensible adults, are in stupor just watching him signing his name and walking around a room. The advancement of technology enables our obsession, for better or for worse.
And how about South East Asia? Through the internet exclusively, he appeared to have turned everyone there into a rabid fan, before he ever set foot there. Yes they watched him in AI, but they knew every minutiae detail about him since AI – hence the intelligent questions from the DJ’s and media. The world is flat, as Thomas Friedman would say, when it comes to David Archuleta, thanks to the technology.
David is a child of the Internet Age. He intuitively knows how to use the technology to connect with his fans. But David’s genius is in seamlessly blending the virtual technology with the real world warmth and old school charm when he encounters us in the 3-D world. It is a lethal combination.
The fans do not disappoint either. As he is a star of the Internet Age, we are the fans of the Internet Age. One fan draws cartoons and upload them, others download them and turn them into cupcakes and quilts. We are known as the “best-networked” fans. We tell each other to vote in every silly poll and show up in every obscure blog whenever his precious name is mentioned.
When he tells us so much about his life and when the fans transmit his pictures instantaneously throughout the fandom, who needs paparazzi anymore? Because of the technology, David may be our first post-paparazzi star. Without even knowing it, he may be the new millennium star that makes the paparazzi obsolete, and it would be yet another of his contributions to our pop culture.
One last random thought. Within 6 weeks of using Twitter, he already finds a way to turn it into performance art! In P.C. Richard & Son Theater, he tweeted the audience from the stage to let them know he’s tweeting from the stage ! The self-referentiality makes my head spins. What a Twitter Artist we have in him!
HG #10 “He still doesn’t have a concept of himself as a “celebrity,” which is why he communicates to his fans the way he would to his friends.”
I don’t know if that could have become any clearer to me than it did on Thursday night.
I’ve been thinking REALLY hard this morning about this, and yes SF, there ARE other celebrities that twitter. But do they blog or vlog as well ~ weekly?
I can’t think of anyone that puts the time and attention into a fan community like David does. He goes above and beyond ~ and I don’t think it’s because he feels obligated in any way ~ I think he really enjoys sharing his journey.
See ~ I’ve never been a “fan”, at all really, and NEVER to THIS extent, but I can’t seem to think of anyone that engages with their fan community the way that David does.
I think because of this open communication he’s consistently maintained, we DO get to KNOW David.. AS a person, what he likes what he doesn’t like, what makes him laugh, what makes him uncomfortable, what makes him overjoyed, what touches his heart.
If I’m wrong about this, I’m hoping to get other examples, because it would be a great way to see how David measures up.
I think ~ that unlike the majority of artists out there, David WANTS everyone to know who he is ~ he’s “just” David, but remember when he said in regards to working with Jive, that they “got” who he was as a person.
David IS the whole package (that he doesn’t think he is). Let’s face it, if he WASN’T this way, would we BE such devoted fans ?
I’m not saying that in a negative way, I’m just trying to point out, that for ME, I could see how it’s very much locked me in for the long haul. I feel invested in his success.. and WANT him to succeed.
I’ve never felt that way before. Careers are careers .. but David’s.. is important to me.
Lots of interesting comments. When David did his first vlog, I was expecting one once/month. After his first blog, I expected a blog once per week. With twitter, I expect a tweet from him at least once per day. What’s next?
We know David is close to his fans and is very appreciative of us. However, I don’t think he sees us as “friends”. He’s very selective in what information he chooses to share with us, his fans. Also, I’ve noticed that the only “celebrity” he seems to publicly tweet regularly is his Jive label friend, Jordin Sparks. I don’t think it’s a coincidence. Often people will ask him why he doesn’t follow his father, brother, Jason Castro, best friends, etc., on twitter. He doesn’t have to … they’re already in his inner circle; he can touch base with them anytime.
Freo…enlighting and a good reminder to help this generation not get too far away from standard manners at least…
I have walked into a graduating business class as a guest speaker and after sitting down,they open their laptops and their eyes are focused of course on their computers. I think that sometimes they try to pretend that it has to do with the class. I always nicely and in a humorous way (you seem to need to do that)ask them to please close their laptops which they do and finally concentrate with eyes looking at you…Later after the presentation, they have told me that it was one of the best classes of the year…I contribute much of the problems to the ones who do not teachand apply the proper laptop ettique because it is needed. I have often let their intelligence lead them, but this generation of youth have lost the concept of thinking outside the box. They have enclosed themselves in and often think of the ‘me’ and not the ‘you’.
Technology has led us to where we are but the manners of usage don’t really exist
However, I don’t think he sees us as “friends”.
That’s true, Desertrat, but when I said he tweets to his fans as if we were his “friends,” I was saying so, not with any perception that we were part of his inner circle. I was merely conveying that David’s communication style gives off that sense of intimacy. So twitter translates the communication as if David were chatting with his friends. It’s pretty nifty and quite savvy for David to make that kind of connection.
It’s why, when he delivers a voice mail to his fans on Valentine’s Day, singing “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” you actually blush as if your sweetheart had just left a message.
It’s why, when he sings about “you” at a crowded concert and David happens to look out at “you,” you really think he’s serenading “you” and only YOU.
It’s why, when he tweets random things, you have the perception that David is talking to you as his “friend.”
Now, those of us who are sane always know the distance that’s there between a celebrity and his fans, versus those who don’t and get a little stalker-crazy (like that twitter stalker who got mad because David didn’t tweet for hours, for example).
What I was praising about David is his skilled ability to create a sense of intimacy with his fans even while being able to maintain his privacy around himself and his inner circle.
Pretty impressive, considering not all celebrities know how to do this well – whether by displaying behavior that makes their fans think they’re being “diva” or arrogant, or by reacting to Paparazzi in ways that make them come off in negatively.
dawn, you said,
“David IS the whole package (that he doesn’t think he is). Let’s face it, if he WASN’T this way, would we BE such devoted fans ?
I’m not saying that in a negative way, I’m just trying to point out, that for ME, I could see how it’s very much locked me in for the long haul. I feel invested in his success.. and WANT him to succeed.
I’ve never felt that way before. Careers are careers .. but David’s.. is important to me.”
We ALL feel exactly like you do, otherwise we wouldn’t STILL be here, as HG said, after over a year. We were the first to call ourselves David’s FOREVER UNCONDITIONAL fans. He is as important to me as anyone I have ever known on a more personal or intimate level. No other celebrity has ever reached into my heart & soul in this way or has ever had the ability to make me so happy I could fly, or make me crumble in a sea of tears just with his voice. David Archuleta is as important in my life FROM AFAR as my kids are close by. How he can do that is a mystery. He is an enigma. That is part of what keeps us wanting more.
desertrat, you said,
“We know David is close to his fans and is very appreciative of us. However, I don’t think he sees us as “friends”. He’s very selective in what information he chooses to share with us, his fans. Also, I’ve noticed that the only “celebrity” he seems to publicly tweet regularly is his Jive label friend, Jordin Sparks. I don’t think it’s a coincidence. Often people will ask him why he doesn’t follow his father, brother, Jason Castro, best friends, etc., on twitter. He doesn’t have to … they’re already in his inner circle; he can touch base with them anytime.”
Exactly what I was trying to convey, David can pick up a phone & call his family & friends whenever he wishes. To my knowledge, he has never met a fan and asked for their phone #. We are his fans..the best fans in the land of fandom which is why David loves his fans..but fans only, none the less.
BTW..heard from JR and I could not be happier!!
Thank you for all of your feedback. I want to read through it and offer some of my own thoughts when I get a bit of time.
In response to SF’s comment, David also spends quite a bit of time on Facebook, but his account is not public.
SandyBeaches, I have a colleague who asks her students to close their laptops because she hates it when she can’t see their eyes when she talks. All of our academic buildings at my college have wireless, which is good and bad. It invites students to surf the Internet and chat with their friends online during class time.
David grew up in a home with multiple computers because Jeff’s business was re-selling used computer equipment. I read once that their basement was stuffed with old computers (in their old, smaller house) that were awaiting re-sale.
loving this thread…but the sunshine calls…. be back later
Going shopping now for my Del Mar trip! Three weeks & counting!
Anyone going to David’s “picksburg” solo concert?? hmmmmm?
Have a great Sunday afternoon!
HG ..
“What I was praising about David is his skilled ability to create a sense of intimacy with his fans even while being able to maintain his privacy around himself and his inner circle.”
YES !!!
Your whole post.. I was just like Yes Yes Yes !!!
He CONNECTS.. Help me GOD.. I don’t know how he does it .. I don’t think this is something learned or practiced .. it’s something he is born with. Some are born with a gift of gab, some are born with a gift of humor, some are born with a gift of humility and grace .. and dang it if David wasn’t born with ALL these things.
SF .. “We are his fans..the best fans in the land of fandom which is why David loves his fans..but fans only, none the less. ”
Yes.. we are his “fans” but I believe to David ~ that’s no small potato.
In response to one of Kizzi’s comments, my generation (Generation X) is comfortable with computers because we grew up first with video games (late 1970s onwards), and personal computers (early 1980s onwards). I did not use the Internet until college, but I adapted to it readily because I adapted to other technologies at a younger age and I think that those other technologies were developing the same skills I needed for Internet-use literacy.
#16 HG, thx for the clarification. For the record, I still have the Valentine’s Day voice mssg saved on my phone.
Freofan and HG, as faculty, you may be interested in reading Marc Prensky’s article: H. Sapiens Digital: From Digital Immigrants and Digital Natives to Digital Wisdom. http://www.innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=705&action=login
I’ve heard Prensky speak at conferences. He has a lot to say about students (digital natives) vs. faculty (digital immigrants).
one more thing before I head out..
dawn, David also has this ability to recognize fans to whom he had a “connection” with, whether with his hynotizing Archugaze or just having a very short seconds long conversation, or reaching out & touching hands, or fans who go to multiple concerts and sit where he can see them from the stage.
So he will definitely recognize YOU next time you “meet”. Are you ready??
It will be wonderfully exciting when he says, “Oh HI” with that look that says “I know you!” 
See you later!
SF ~ my love ~ my sweet ~ my expert on all things David ~ you ARE trying to unnerve me aren’t you.
GEEZ ~~ I was like all squeee ..and you bring reality in my face and slap me with it.
No .. you just made me realize.. I’m am INDEED .. not ready.
GULP .. off to by a phone.. before Abrra kills me… haha
Happy, lucky you to have sunshine. All I’ve got is rain this Sunday afternoon. Keeping my fingers crossed that the sun will come out later so I can get some walking done in the park.
Thanks for article, Desertrat. Although I’m not sure students and faculty are easily divided between “Digital Natives” and “Digital Immigrants.” Like Freo said, there are those of us who are Gen Xers, who may remember a time when we had typewriters but who have definitely grown up with computers even before the Internet boom. I didn’t start using e-mail until I was in grad school.
At the same time, many in David’s generation are “tech savvy” only insofar as knowing how to use the technology. I’m always having to teach my students how to PRODUCE the technology. It never ceases to amaze me how many of my students who text and tweet and blog and vlog don’t know the simple task of how to develop a web page. Worse, quite a number are intimidated by it, but teach them I must. So, I would complicate the conversation by saying Gen Xers have a special place in serving as Digital Mediators (rather than Digital Immigrants) because we, more than our older counterparts, learned HTML Code, while the younger generation exist in a world where the code is already translated for them.
Just food for thought.
Clarification: “At the same time, many in David’s generation are “tech savvy” only insofar as knowing how to use the technology” should be “At the same time, many in David’s generation are “tech savvy” only insofar as knowing how to consume the technology.”
When my daughter was in middle and high school, she had a huge fan crush on U2. She found a fan club notice on the back of a magazine and she connected with others by… wait for it… writing letters. She corresponded with fans all over the world. She’s only in her mid-twenties now and it’s a completely different world. Wow!
Oh, and I just bought a buncha cool TDC buttons. I plan to wear one and give out the others. It’s a fun way to connect with other fans at shows.
Yay! The sun has come out. I will check back here later, guys!
Great post and discussion!
Freo, great article. I am really enjoying the conversation today!
I teach kids 6 – 12, so I don’t have the issue of looking at a sea of students with their faces in their laptops, but that pretty much describes our faculty meetings LOL! It’s become a socially acceptable way to attend a meeting. You’re pretending to be there, but you’re really off buying shoes or IMing a buddy.
We are a distracted, over-stimulated society! Much of the teaching that I do in my elementary school music classes involves returning to our bodies, focusing and listening. When you are quiet, what sounds do you hear? Can you connect to your partner and create a motion? Can your voice blend in with the others? Slowing down, doing one thing at a time, being where you are right then.
Freofan ~ Such a timely and though provoking post. I am loving all the discussion and had to laugh at the way you ended your article. Put like a true teacher, with questions to inspire thoughtful responses in an essay format. And it worked!
I
freo…Several years ago our university offered laptops to each student and they were included in the enrollment fee. Free technical service was part of the plan. The entire university was wired for the internet and the fixation began. All of their courses were intertwined with their computers and it was a bit overdone.
I can see then why David spends so much of his time conversing one way or the other but it keeps people from being lonely when they are by themselves. David said a long time ago that it would be nice to have ’someone’ to be there when he comes home (wherever that may be)…A lot of young superstars are messed up emotionally and connectiong with others easily can be what makes the difference.
davidfanLIZ #31…I love what you are teaching to your students. I hope that other educators will follow the same line of teaching, they so need it.
Freofan
I have learned how to do so many technical tasks simply by being a fan of David. Your post has inspired me to create my first YouTube video. We all love David’s medley of songs. My wish is that one day he will record a full version of ONE.
davidfaLiz
Grab your daughter and sit for awhile.
Abrra
Abrra – I saw this on youtube before you posted it here – fantastic! The song choice, the pictures….wow! Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks Marlie. I forgot to mention—bring ICE. He is one spicy nacho!
Abrra
Silly computer posted before I was finished. I am not very tech savvy (like some of you.) I wanted to applaud not only Freo’s well-written post but all the rest who have commented, especially YJfanofdavid, HG, Ronald, and Kizzi. I have learned so much about technology since getting on this wild David roller coaster, (and let’s not forget the merry go rounds.) I do think the immediacy and intimacy provided by technology in all it’s myriad forms today fuels our ODD. We have a constant supply of our drug of choice and in David’s case it is particularly potent. For one thing he is a fascinating creature without even trying, which makes him all the more fascinating. For another thing, though it is certainly a one way street, i.e., we get to know him and he can not do the same with all of us___with David there is a crucial difference that other celebrities lack.
David truly cares about us, collectively if not individually, and you get the sense that he would feign have it otherwise, if it were possible. He really goes out of his way to understand how much it means to us to feel connected. I guess what I am trying to say is, unlike so many stars, David cares about our feelings. He has shown this in so many ways. From making sure each fan is taken care of at an autograph signing, (I have seen him run back on 2 separate occasions to take care of a fan he missed,) to his seemingly inability to resist returning a fan’s ardent wave during a concert. Even though he has probably been told by some that this is simply not done. And there are the several occasions when he has shed tears in response to our love for him.
It will always be a fact that we know so much more about him than he can ever possibly know about us. But as Rascal pointed out, this IS a relationship. He needs us, we need him. We are forever connected, as much by the fibers of our hearts, as by the fibers that transmit communication.
abraa 35-♥♥♥. great song.
Abrra – #35, Oh my, that was stunning, just beautiful! Thanks so much for that. Can you imagine David doing a cover of the whole song? Total meltdown!
Abrra, Love your video! One + sweaty David = passion overload. You need to make more!
Angelica, Agree with everything you said!
photo of david w/reo speedwagon:
http://picasaweb.google.com/m/photo?uname=joel.dehlin&id=5341843893517326274&aid=5328573893562530225
Freo, great post! Have loved reading every thought-provoking comment too. One of my inlaws had the good fortune to be in one of Marshall McLuhan’s classes at the University of Toronto, and I can’t help thinking of McLuhan’s writings every time a new technology pops up.
Along with “the medium is the message,” McLuhan also said “the medium is the massage,” meaning the effect of the medium (independent of content) on a person’s senses. I see David’s use of Twitter as a perfect example of this.
His random asides are endearing and hilarious but if he only tweeted “hey, David here” all day long, he’d probably still have thousands of followers because, as you point out so well Freofan, it’s that feeling of intimacy the tweets produce that bonds fans even closer to him.
Angelica, #38, “David truly cares about us, collectively if not individually” — that’s really the crux of it, for me. He cares about his fans collectively, period.
No matter how many times he remembers names or faces or replies to tweets, it is still very much a one-way street. I noticed at the N.Y. concert when he said he felt relaxed, as though he was hanging out with his friends and someone called out “we are your friends” he looked uncomfortable for a second, until someone else said “your New York friends” and he preferred the sound of that.
desertrat – great article, so true!
HG: My sons are 22 & 25 and they are tech savvy, as in natives, as are their circle of friends. I don’t think they are the exception. Website, easy, use one of the free website programs. Facebook, its a snap. Myspace, for emo’s they say. Blogging, well, that’s for ppl who have something to say, an issue, emo’s mostly
they tell me-ahahahahaha! And they have been quite vocal about their opinions on blogging since I got involved in it!
You and I are of different generations and in different industries, and, from my point of view I see a bell curve on this with my kids and their friends and my grand kids (oldest is almost 15) and their friends in e-technology smarts and skills–its inborn, intuitive, not new, just a part of their daily life and how to communicate and access information.
#43 TOfan: I often think that as much as I am trying to figure out why I am a fan, David is figuring out why he has fans. It reminds me of the Chinese finger puzzle…you put your index finger in and then you can’t get out if you pull away. Its only when you go to the center of the puzzle, you are freed.
TOfan “No matter how many times he remembers names or faces or replies to tweets, it is still very much a one-way street.”
I couldn’t disagree more. I believe ~ AND feel 110% that our relationship with David is absolutely a 2 way street.
I guess it all depends on how you look at it…and how each person defines a relationship.
I don’t have an expectation for him to “know” me, either by face or name .. he knows I am a fan, he cares about me because I am a fan.
My 3 year old niece is at the stage where her outbursts to my nephew often included the words ..” I’m not your friend anymore”.
Friend.
As I get older and older, the word friend becomes a much broader definition. Friends ~ can be casual, intimate, long time, an infrequent visitor, family, faceless name on the internet. Friends can come in and out of your life, and there are countless levels of friendships. But I am of the belief that everyone comes into your life for a reason. It’s my hope that by the time my place on this earth is done, I will have had an opportunity to reflect on all the beautiful people that have touched my life.. and what they’ve left me with. I can PROMISE you.. David WILL be in that reflection.
I didn’t think David was uncomfortable at any moment during thursday’s event.
Perhaps when he heard the word friend, it suddenly occurred to him that friends come in all different degrees.
I agree with Angelica, David cares about us collectively.. probably more than most people ever will. He is deeply moved by our generosity, acceptance and support. And try as we might, we can never truly show him .. how much all his hard work and dedication is truly appreciated.
Abrra, congrats on your first Youtube video – loved it! I had never heard “One” before David sang it in the medley and I was blown away. I remember leaving his concert with that song playing in my head…he left me longing to hear more of it, and now that you’ve posted the full recording, I know his cover would be sublime.
We can only hope!!
Zoe
Thank you! I had never heard it either. David teaches me so much. I am having a blast exploring this MovieMaker program. I can do merry go rounds!
Abrra
Abrra – Hahaha! I don’t know WHAT THE HECK you’re talking about (moviemaker, merry go rounds), but whatever you’re doing and learning, just keep sending your jewels our way!
Zoe
WHATTT? You have to become a regular reader here. MovieMaker is the program used to make the video for YouTube. We have a favorite saying here at TDC called Merry go Round. It refers to taking a clip of a video and putting it on repeat, for effect. I just made one.
Abrra
Abrra,
Teehee…okay, I am a regular reader here and you’ve embarrassed me a wee bit. As smart as I think I am with all the different computer programs I use at my office, I don’t know the first thing about making a video for YouTube. One of these days I’ll have to get my kids to show me.
In the meantime, I will continue to be a grateful recipient of the countless gems posted by the many talented contributors here at TDC.
And thanks for the merry go round of “My Hands”… David outdid himself with that one!!
david at reo concert
since the link didn’t show, here it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMQGU8op7oU
desertrat and marlie7….YOU ALL Rock for posting that clip
I think there will be another from the audience. Another person is uploading videos of the concert, so I’m hoping we get the whole thing…like how the heck did they invite him up there, just wave him up? LOL
SOOO FUN!!!! What a blast for David and HE ROCKED IT!!!
The crowd must have been going wild!!
Makes you think he could walk onto the stage of any concert he was attending and blow them away with his vocals…WOW!
Thanks desertrat and marlie.
I think it was brave that they invited him – tee hee. He was rockin’ it!
Dawn65, your reflections on the many kinds of friendship are beautiful ones. Maybe you’re right and I misread the pause I noticed on Thurs.
But when David says “I don’t think [fans] realize it’s a one-way thing going on. You’re not getting to know them,” it reminded me of an earlier interview where he said people many know all these facts about him but they don’t really know him.
Although he very much appreciates our support, how kind and considerate his fans are, and wants to share his music with us, I think he wants to be clear about the difference between a fan and a friend. Not only is he not getting to know us individually, we can’t really say we know him.
With technology making it so much easier for fans to follow every footstep and learn every detail about a performer’s life, and then to make and maintain contact with that person, setting those boundaries between public and private life is going to get very tricky, especially for someone as open and accessible to fans as David has been.
The Gods of Music have spoken.. and David has answered.
David… David… David… this is quite a leap.
I’m bursting. And 1:14 …. W O W Z A
Only David Archuleta could sing with Miley Cyrus one month and REO Speedwagon the next.
GO DAVID !!!
The REO Speedwagon concert clip is a perfect example of how technology has changed our experience as a fan.
Technology FTW!!!!
WOWZA!!! David rocks it OUT!!! Watch out Cook!
Spontaneous David…no time to prepare, no time to worry, just walking out on stage and lettin’ it rip.
I likey spontaneous David.
WOW! David rocked it and was having so much fun up there!
Dawg, you can sing the phonebook! haha
AND THOSE HIGH NOTES!!! I agree Joner, WOWZA!
I loved his tweet about remembering now how much he loves AOR music. There is no doubt he could walk out with just about any group or artist and fall right into whatever they were doing. He rocks beyond, beyond….. How very cool.
I guess I’m spammin’ a bit tonight….
Great post Freo and I love all the responding posts as well!
I found it very interesting that David, a member of the teen technology/communications generation, felt a sense of relief when he lost his cell phone because nobody could call him.
That to me is one of the downsides of all this modern technology…it’s hard to get time alone anymore.
I thought it last night when I heard that REO Speedwagon had invited David on stage to perform with them at the concert:
That is cred. You don’t get that any other way than by being recognized by respected musicians. Most teens don’t know REO, but adults do, and that is the target audience David needs to reach. And, yes, he rocked it!!
Hello everyone. I wondered where some of you went after parting from rickey.org.
WOW!
David! Rock Star! Amazing, cra-zeh vocals!
methinks Kevin Cronin (that was him with the gray hair, right?)may have thought…WTH!! This kid CAN ROCK!..gimme back the mic!!
WOW! I am flabbergasted! David almost took over the show! Heck, he did til Cronin took the mic away! hahahahaha! David owned the stage for the few minutes he was on!
GO BIG D!!!
I love Kevin’s comment as David finished his bit -
“Oh baby, David Archuleta…this kid can SING baby!”
David getting lots of love from the rockers – YES!!
angelica..absolutely, that is cred!! I can just imagine what the conversations were from the audience as they left the arena..”WOW! What-Just-Happened?? Was THAT little David Archuleta??”
Bet they never dreamed David could out sing Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon! Amazing!
David’s on fire in that clip! Thanks for posting!
River, #65, true confessions … when I read his tweet I had to google “AOR music” LOL “Album Oriented Rock” — this David ride is soooo educational.
Hi, Fe! I remember you from Rickey’s! Those were the days. I try to still over there now and then.
Abrra..beautiful tribute video! The photos are perfection! Some I had never seen before! And of course the song…the song I never really listened to til David sang a snippet, now it’s one of my favs. You did a great job on it! Gonna check it out again before I go to bed..
Good night all! For David..
Dear Lord,
Please take care of David. Watch over him, protect him from all harm. Cloak him with your love and give him the strength to endure all that is thrown in his path. Give David the courage and guidance to say no to those who ask for more than he can reasonably give. Surround David with loving and supportive people who love him UNCONDITIONALLY as we, his Archangels do. Separate David from those who have agendas other than for his well being. Give him rest when he’s weary. Give him the stamina to sustain his hectic pace. Give him assurance when he feels doubt. Give him joy when he feels sad. Cloak him always in your protective arms during this time on his journey. Keep David and and his voice healthy & strong as he fulfills his Destiny which was written in his Book of Life before he was born. And please Lord, give us, David’s forever fans, the wisdom to know when and how to do right by David. Open our eyes and help us in the way we support David so that it’s always in his best interests. May his positive and good Karma continue to attract those with positive and good Karma! May he continue to encounter goodwill and happiness! May he continue to be healthy and strong wherever his journey leads him. Though we may be unworthy, we humbly pray. Amen
David, hope you have a good night & sweet dreams. Keep with you all our love, prayers and warm thoughts! Take care and keep your cell phone with you at all times! Remember to tweet an SOS if you ever find yourself in need of help from your Archangels! We will be there for you in a flash! We will always love you madly!
Contigo siempre con amor!
Wow! Fe, I remember you from rickey’s. It’s so good to hear from you and welcome to TDC.
Freo, Great post. Being a fan of David has really brought me into the 21st century, technology-wise. I have always done just what it took to get by in life, but Gawd, now it’s eveything I can do just to keep up with The Tweet Tweeter! Having a daughter close to David’s age, I have resigned myself to her texting while do everything else. I use to get on her about studying with the tv, texting, and who knows what else, on until someone said that this is how their generation function best. So since she maintains her honor roll status, I have learned to leave well enough along. So unlike what I’m use to.
I would like to say also that I have learned soo much here at TDC and thank you to all of you who are soo capable and are willing to help those of us who are a little “technologically challenged”.
Abrra #50, you go gurl! Maybe I will try to make a video one day.
desertrat, thanks for the REO/David video. Every time I think I couldn’t possibly be prouder of him, he goes and goes something that is gives me the warm fuzzies to the nth degree. That was such good exposure for David, how much better can he dispell the “ballad boy” image. Rawk on Superstah!
SF
Imagine That!
Abrra
Abrra, finally saw your video. Really lovely work!
I was wondering why David could perform on stage w/REO but he wasn’t allowed to sing w/Sara Bareilles. I found that both REO and David are managed by AGP (of Azoff mgt). I also discovered that Azoff owns I Love All Access, the VIP concert ticket resource.
#50 Abrra, enjoyed the loop! Is rock star David next?
desertrat ~ I don’t think David asked permission this time. You know how rebellious these rock stars are. haha.
I love when Cronin takes the mic away from David at the end after he just wails it, like, hey dude, don’t Bogart that mic! LOLOL!
I love it how David dashed to the front of the stage as if he owned it. And the way he bounced away waving goodbye. Aw, David! You’re freaking awesome! I wanna see a different angle, like center front.
Freo,
thanks for the opportunity to reflect on this issue.
My students, mostly teens, drive me nuts with their cell phones. They set them on silent mode, but keep texting at the slightest distraction on my part. For me they’ve been stimulated to the point of indifference. I’m an EFL teacher and have Internet access and a nice interactive whiteboard at my disposal, so it’s by no means a boring lesson, and I tend to improvise a lot as I try to take into consider their own agendas. Something that bothers me is how they seem to live in their particular, customized world. Even when I use music in my lessons, and I do my best to make sure I play what they like, some ask me to let them use their Ipods. They just don’t want to negotiate or share. It’s a challenge for an educator. However, I love my teens and tweens and I’ll never go back to teaching adults if I can help it. They’re simply more interesting.
Freofan, loved your post. Have decided, I will take David in as many forms as I can get him.
And yes, I too have become quite educated in techno ways solely because of him.
And now, about that rockstar David! Holy cow! He really does kill you, doesn’t he? That man should be allowed to do whatever he wants to on a stage, because it is his dwelling. It is where he lives. It is what gives him life.
The very wise Mr. Randy Jackson said it all…
“When you can sing, you can sing anything…AND YOU CAN SING ANYTHING”.
Ain’t it the taaaruuuuth.
desertrat . May 31, 2009 at 10:18 pm .
Thinking about a new Merry Go Round……….
Abrra
Freo – interesting post and wow, a lot of great comments.
I have been in technology for xx years LOL. Actually got my first PC in 1984 (sheesh) and was a programmer and taught Lotus 1-2-3. I started communicating over “the internet” in about 1988 with a product called Genie from GE and it was mostly geeks like me using green screen and typing on a command line (don’t ask). Then when Compuserve came along, I joined that and that was mostly geeks then, too (probably 1989 or thereabouts).
In all this time, as much as I love the technology, I have to say that it can be a terrible medium for effective communication. You have all seen a flame war over an email that someone reads in a way that was not meant by the writer. And as Freo noted, a hacker can make trouble for anyone – and has.
And in my work as a project manager on tech projects, it is always the errant email that causes some kind of uproar among the teams. People read “tone” into communications that often were not intended.
I also think that technology has created a “sound bite” culture. How often do people take the time to read fully about an issue or event in order to understand the full nature of it? We have so much information being pushed at us, that it is hard to focus on just one thing in order to delve deeply enough into it for full understanding.
Tweets and Myspace and Facebook all have their place, but I wonder how much more superficial we can all get with these one-liner tools. How much information do you get in a 140 character line? Just enough to make you think you know something, and not enough to really be meaningful.
It is fun to read David’s tweets, don’t get me wrong. And I know the people here tend to be good thinkers and practical (oh, except when we are watching KL DLG). But I wonder if the kids who are so comfortable with a tweet could ever read a whole article in the New York Times or Newsweek without losing focus.
I love technology – it pays my bills – but I wonder about it’s impact on society all of the time.
Abrra #84, “Thinking about a new Merry Go Round……….”
Could it possibly be from about 1:12 – 1:24 on the REO/David video? Pretty PLEASE!!!
desertrat “I also discovered that Azoff owns I Love All Access, the VIP concert ticket resource.”
NICE investigating…
can you find out if Azoff also manages Fleetwood Mac ? Because they are in Utah in a few days, and David could sing Landslide with Stevie Nicks.. and I could … well.. I don’t know…
Dear Azoff .. you have been redeemed.. you are forgiven.. and I heart you.
Dawn
abrra–love your video–your subject is “ONE” of beauty
tofan #59–you’ve said exactly what I’ve been thinking thru all of this conversation concerning the one way street–thanks
Who is going to the very first VIP? we are hatching a plan for asking David to sing ONE.
Abrra
Oh, I KNEW I was gonna be THRILLED with the REO Speedwagon performance, and boyhowdy, I am THUH-RILLED! I can’t say I’m surprised, because I am NOT. But thrilled, oh, yeah baby.
And Abrra, Merry-Go-Rounds FTW!!! Yayayay! Love BOTH of your debut vids!
Joner, like I always say “Jez throw him out there and let ‘er’rrrrippp!” LOL
mm mmm MMMM! Sho’ NUFF!
Abbra #90
You stole my thunder! haha I came up with this great idea tonight to let David and TPTB at Jive know how serious we are about our desire for David to sing his version of U2’s “One”. That’s why Abrra asked, in post #90 who from TDC is going to the first VIP in Hartford. We would like that person to present our letter(s) to David at that time. We’re working on it so be prepared to voice your opinion in the upcoming week, if you so desire. More details to come.
bebe, with all this ONE talk (LOVE THE IDEA)I just have to drop this in (for our viewing convenience)
KILLS me DAID every time.
*Thud!*
beebee #93
“One” word:
******THUD*****
dawn65 #87,
per this article, fleetwood mac is affiliated w/azoff.
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/news.html?d=158548
David onstage with REO! Singing his face off like there was no tomorrow – the surprises this kid pulls off is endless, bottomless. He KNOWS Reo – am proud and dumbfounded at the same time!
WOW… just wow…
I can only imagine what the audience must thinking… must be shaking their heads like – “was that the ballad kid from AI? seriously??!”
LOL
BTW, in case this has not been posted (as I think I have 10 threads still to read – hahaha!!!),
Jen of FOD has shared downloadable mp3s and mp4s of David’s performances at the PC Richard & Son Theater in NYC!
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=c5051ab4222a35b0d5a101cf914073b4dadf70b72849f020
Now that is definitely a plus in the wired fandom!
Good morning everyone. I’ve been up for a while, so I posted a reflective piece “The Measure of Success” on my Soul David blog.
I believe it was this week last year that it was announced that David signed with Jive, right?
http://souldavid.wordpress.com/
I see David’s use of technology is an effective arsenal against the malicious press cos it is a way of controlling what others may try cover about him.
Him tweetering/blogging about where he is, what he is about to do, what caught his fancy at some point effectively pre-empts the likes of TMZ, tabloid sheets etc…
As a child born into the era of high-speed & progressively intrusive technology, I think David knows exactly what he is doing and why he is using most of the technology at his disposal.
As a person that is inclined to randomness, tweetering serves him well. Also serves as a good source of more things to smile about wrt to David
Which brings me to the thing with fans. I think that was very circumspect & insightful of him to say that we do not realize that “…it is one-way.” Sharing bits and pieces of himself in blogs and tweeter, creates this semblance of familiarity or intimacy, even.
But when he said “it is one-way…”, I took that to mean, “hey you know you can trust me that am the real thing… am still a regular guy…BUT I hope you understand that I cannot say the same thing about fans…”
For David or his management cannot trust someone just because one is a Archie.
So am all for David’s optimal use of technology. Now to harness that to spread his artistry should be in Jive’s agenda…
OK, am still going through my mails and saw this
Sorry if this has been posted before.
Fan Pack For His Fans!
David Archuleta will be releasing a digital bundle of fan favorites, exclusively on iTunes, on Tuesday, June 9th. As he prepares to go on tour with Demi Lovato this summer, David is releasing one live video and two never-before-released audio tracks that have proven to be crowd pleasers at his live shows around the world. The live “Touch My Hand” video coupled with “Zero Gravity” and “1,000 Miles,” a Vanessa Carlton cover song, will be bundled together to kick off the excitement for the summer tour!
Beginning Sunday, June 21st in Hartford, Connecticut, David will open up for Demi Lovato on forty-three (43) tour dates nationwide. Please visit DavidArchuleta.com to find out when David will be in your city!
If you’d like to show your support as a dedicated David fan either online or in your local market, become a part of David’s Street Team! It’s totally FREE to join! Just go to FanCorps.com, click on Teams and scroll down to David Archuleta. Click on his icon and sign up today! You’ll be assigned a variety of tasks like post the Fan Pack release date on your MySpace page or post a tour banner on your Facebook profile or blog and review about the tour once you’ve attended a show. It’s really SIMPLE. Build up enough points for completing the tasks and become eligible to receive some David Archuleta swag!
One last thing … thank you to all of the 26,000 fans that have become part of David’s Mobile Fan Club! If you haven’t joined yet, please call David at (801) 386-8196 now to be a part of the mobile fan club, hear exclusive messages and receive text message updates! This too is FREE to join!
For the latest on David, check out DavidArchuleta.com, David’s MySpace and then follow him on Twitter!
ZG with ATM & TMH – gaaah!
And what is that figure — 26K only???? oh come on guys!
bebereader #92
SORRY!
I wanted to post while it was fresh in my mind. You did come up with the idea first.
KUDOS!
Abrra
Thanks for that info, JR. I heard about this i-tunes release. Is this just for itunes, or will there be a general release? Be sure to promote either way.
ABRRA on #84 -- about a new merry go round? How about an endless “i love you” from David?
Best way to start the day, eh?
GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!
HG – when the local Archies were having dinner with Mike & Eli on their 1st night here, Mike did mention that it would be via iTunes though he said things could change.
In the same manner that for months, Jive wasn’t interested with ZG until the 2nd weekend of May… that’s when Mike made his final offer to Jive on ZG and got their yes that same weekend — right before they came to Manila.
So who knows? What is important I think is a demand is created. If there is no market – which is highly unlikely! – am sure the arch angels could figure out a way to create that market, right? LOL
Well, Arch Angels helping out with the market, isn’t that what we do best?
Love that merry-go-round! ha ha!
JR {{{Hugs}}} So good to see you again. You bring a unique depth & balance to TDC imo.
HG – read your article; nice analysis. What really took me by surprise was the use of the word “content” as it relates to the progress of David Archuleta’s career. I had a different sense of your outlook on that.
TOfan – Your description of “friend” vs. “fan” resonated deeply. I realize that the music that David makes is what I am moved by; the personality, the looks goes to a beautiful package for the music. It took me a while to separate the two.
However, I have been moved deeply by great art and by artists with less than beautiful packages. I have been a fan. What I have come to grips with is what Happy described in her “Leave The Rest” article…that his art stirs the subtleties of human emotion, that his music opens my mind and my heart to a much wider circle of those around me, and that is really the gift that I receive & why I am a fan.
And, I believe that each fan experiences that gift as they individually need to on a personal level. Its why we have the same but also different experiences when listening to David’s music. I also think that because of how deeply David’s music can move us, it can quite naturally lead to exploration of the “friend” connection. Strangers don’t move us to tears, to transformational thoughts and actions–great art does, genius does.
He is 18, he is young, he is a normal boy-man sharing a rare gift. His gift is, at least for me, to open my mind to the people around me, to connect. And, so, that makes me a fan connected to all of you on this David-fan journey (substitute adventure, TOfan, since you dislike the word journey
)
Dawn65, I’m with you on the thought of David joining Stevie for Landslide … we’d need those paddles back! lol
desertrat, I thought the same thing about the thwarted S. Bareilles duet. Good detective work!
marlie7, really interesting to hear about this whole technology thing from an actual expert!
kizzi, “I also think that because of how deeply David’s music can move us, it can quite naturally lead to exploration of the ‘friend’ connection.” Very true but I think this is where technology (including getting to “know” David through our TV sets) plays such a huge role. Pavarotti’s La Boheme has moved me deeply for years but I never had any desire to meet him. Whereas I felt compelled to at least meet David once, to see that he was real. That sounds so strange and I can’t explain why but there it is.
*waves* to kizzi and TOfan….. no time or energy to comment, did you two get my emails?
TOfan: I think I am saying the same thing you are about “friends.” I think there are levels of being a fan and I am just saying that wanting to explore some type of “special” connection at certain levels of fandom isn’t abnormal but one cannot label it as “a friendship” but more as “an acquaintance.”
I have desired to meet other artists or people at the top of their medium and I have. Let’s see, here are some of the people I intentionally made time to meet because I admired their work: Ken Blanchard, Uwe Reinhardt, David McCullough, Bob Woodward, Elton John, Michael Bolton, BB King, and there are others. Did I want to be their friend? No. Did I want to see what made them tick? Yes, definitely.
However, I haven’t actually wanted to blog about them. LOL
A-ha, Kizzi! If you read closely, you will see that my “contentment” lies in David; the jury of course is still out on Jive (whom I’m learning to resign myself to accepting their shortsighted plans).
Valbraz #81, I totally hear you on that one. The current generation of college students have an attention span of about 10 seconds. They are used to multi-tasking and I have definitely noticed that students can no longer listen to a lecture and take notes. In fact, most don’t know how to pick out information from a traditional lecture.
The students want to be entertained. Fortunately, I am not a straight lecturer and prefer a combo of short lecture, discussion, group tasks, visuals, etc. to mix things up. It’s the only way I can keep their attention.
The texting was really bad this past semester. I suspect it will be worse in the fall so I will have to have strict policies upfront. I think I am going to count the day as an absence if I see someone texting in class. I find it so incredibly rude after I have spent hours prepping for a class.
If I were interviewing David and he were texting, I think I would be annoyed. The teacher would come out in me.
My students coming in this fall will be David’s exact age, as he would be a first-year college student this fall. It got me thinking about his education this morning. I wonder what his plans are. I guess he was trying to do the GED, but did not even have time for that. He was a strong student taking some college placement classes in high school.
“The students want to be entertained. Fortunately, I am not a straight lecturer and prefer a combo of short lecture, discussion, group tasks, visuals, etc. to mix things up. It’s the only way I can keep their attention.”
I do the same, Freo, including music and video!
What else can we do to keep their attention? I’ve done lots of creative things to keep them “entertained,” short of dancing like Ellen. 
Can’t wait for the iTune bundles !!!
Thanks JR ~ even though I already knew they were coming ~ it’s exciting to see it posted above. Can I squee?
24 day countdown.
Anxious is a good word. I think the VIP sessions will closely resemble the feel of Tribeca ~ and I couldn’t be more excited.
I hope David is enjoying complete downtime.. no writing..no recording.. just chillin… cause he has a tremendously busy summer coming.
HG, I totally hear you! I consider myself to be a very creative teacher and I try hard to make things interesting and real. I suspect that although David would be a cooperative and conscientious student in my class (though perhaps quiet in discussion but reflective on essays), he would be no different than my students of his same age.
I wanted to throw this out: We’ve seen David go to lots of concerts recently. I am wondering: Does he gets tickets through his label or manager? (he’s been in VIP box for at least one).
Also, how does he get to meet these bands and go backstage at all of them? How do they know he is there? Does he contact the venue itself and they arrange something knowing him? How did the band on Friday know he was there to call him up on stage? Sounds like it was arranged in advance?
Anyone know or have thoughts?
Kizzi- have we been talking?, lol..well yes, of course we have, but not about this lately. I had to laugh when you referenced “leave the rest” because you know me well enough to know that this all is part of what I was hoping he would leave.
I understand the advantages to a celebrity and their associated labels in using all this technology to stay connected to their fanbase. And I am not a technology hater (hell I am a blogger for goodness sake, and I LOVE my washing machine…no desire to go back to the old washboard.) But every coin has two sides, as this thread demonstrates. The advantages are self evident: free promotion, free press, free ability to keep yourself in the mind of your fans, and a little fun communication will do no harm. But to me the recognition that these communications are about business and his career must not be forgotten. There in lies the danger, if you want to call it that.
Anyone here from the D.C. area and would like to meet up later this week or weekend? Contact me through the contact form on this site.
I don’t believe that David has an individual connection to his collective fans beyond their connection to his art and its associated career. I don’t believe he went on AI to gain fans in the same way that Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan want fans in their lives. I don’t think celebrity was his motivation. I think he was motivated by the desire to begin a career in music so he can make a living through his art. I believe he has said this repeatedly. The fans are a component of that career, a vital component. The fans are also a component of the art itself in live performances; fans and their presence and participation should not be overlooked by any performer. Fans are also a component of the art indirectly in so far as the type of art that is released commercially, the format of the shows etc. But the nature of this relationship is all about the art and the career. It is about the art, I don’t believe it is an individual relationship but a collective one, powerful and collective.
When fans begin to personally attach to the artist, I believe it is just that, an attachment. Attachments are usually more difficult to build into healthy relationships. For me, the personal nature of the artist is a distraction from the art. The live performance experience is powerful, the event is a gift. I prefer that the history that as a fan I build with an artist depend on the connection that the art makes with me, not on personal strengths, weaknesses or habits of the artist. For me, all of the personal stuff gets in the way. Real human relationships are complicated because they require give and take and sacrifice. Part of the beauty of art is that it just gives and I can just take; the artist gives and I take. That is why artists are so precious to me, they give because they must and I take because I can. Their art is a treasured gift. David’s art is my treasured gift and I prefer to leave the rest.
#117 happy – Yes, what you said, yes!
Freo, my first dream of David was of him as my student in a classroom. He was exactly how I imagined him to be: quiet, shy, and attentive.
Happy, Amen, you said it so well. Thank you!
One thing that irks me about ZG being released only to iTunes (if that’s indeed the case) is that the label is relying on the fans via wired fan networks to do all the marketing work. The label then doesn’t have to spend more money to promote the song properly via radio and PR placements on TV, etc. The fans become cheap labor.
What do you think?
David’s senior class is graduating this Friday. A while back I posted a dream I had about David graduating with his class and singing their Senior Song at the commencement. I don’t know what the song was because I woke up. The dream was so real to me that when I did wake up I felt a deep disappointment that is was just a dream. But it felt SO REAL that I could not forget the dream. Then I found out the date of his class graduation AND that David would in fact be home (I got chills!)for the appearance on 6/6 and I just can’t help but wish my dream would come true. Maybe it’s not a big deal or that important to have that high school diploma since he is technically a millionaire only one year “on the job” to some people in his inner circle. But I think deep down, when the day comes, if David is not included in that procession, receiving his diploma along with his friends, he will feel some regret. IMO, of course.
And I can just hear all the teachers & professors here who will be overjoyed if my dream would come true…
Anyway…also wanted to tell Abrra her video has been featured at FOD!
Anyone planning to catch David in “Picksburg”??
freo – Jive is known to be cheap. Smart business move if it works and if they thought of this strategy!
Freo – I think this is a dumb move (sorry Kizzi) because if there was ever a song that was made for radio, it is ZG. Do a little promotion and it would take off on its own. But will it get radio play because it’s on iTunes? I don’t know – do program directors of radio stations pluck things from iTunes? I doubt it.
Awhile back, David’s HS principal indicated that he would be allowed to walk with his class. I was assuming that was based on if he completed his GED or not. Or, maybe they let him walk and/or invite him to sing as a nice gesture.
Not sure if you knew it but Daniel is now being homeschooled. Not sure about the others.
Marlie, I believe the label has to make some kind of effort to get ZG on radio. I agree with Freo in that they’re relying on the fans to do all the work. I’m annoyed (obviously, Kizzi, my contentment hasn’t lasted too long, has it?), not just because ZG deserves to be out there in the mainstream, but frankly, I’m sick of the recycled crap that is cluttering the radio. Seriously, “Boom Boom Pow” (which gets played on a loop)? Really?! A piece of (fill in the blank) is what that is.
But, you better believe Black Eyed Peas’s label is promoting the heck out them, which is why radio audiences are being assaulted on a constant basis. So, I don’t see why Jive can’t make the effort, just a tad. They did for “Crush,” is there a reason to not try with a third single?
On another topic, I do hope David gets to graduate and walk with his class, so I’m with you, SF. I’m already looking forward to the vids and pics.
No worries Marlie, I do and say dumb things a lot – lol.
However, it is my understanding that the recording artist pays for all the costs of promotion. So, don’t really know whose decision it was or if it was negotiated or anything really–just speculation.
When Forbes reported David made $1.3M I read a comment from Soundscene (in the music industry and very credible) over at Snarky’s last month:
http://www.snarkyarchies.com/2009/05/wheee.html
She starts off with “I think they do mean it as total earnings (basically what he gets after the record label takes from the top). But he’s still got employees and management to take care of (i.e., the band and his management), as well as Uncle Sam. So any figure reported by Forbes is always your gross income. They don’t discuss all the things you spend your income on…”
She goes on to say he ends up with a pretty nice paycheck. That Jordin Sparks didn’t make her first million (take home) til last year and she thinks David will this year. She says she heard David was paid very well for Manila and will be for the Lovato tour.
She also did an article last month on Snarkys describing her theories on why ALTNOY didn’t make it, how Jive works marketing for its artists, hits off albums, how often albums are produced, etc. Great reading. http://www.snarkyarchies.com/search?updated-max=2009-05-27T09%3A17%3A00-04%3A00&max-results=18
Also, the fans wanted ALTNOY and, well, what did we know? LOL
Don’t forget, Kizzi, that it wasn’t so much the fans wanted ALTNOY. But when we were presented it in a choice of Touch My Hand and My Hands, ALTNOY seemed the stronger of the 3 songs. The label DID NOT present us with a bunch of other tracks. Seriously, would we have chosen ALTNOY if we had a choice of Zero Gravity or even Barriers or Works for Me or Desperate?
And one more point before I head out of here: no one will ever convince me that “Touch My Hand” is a more marketable and “better” single than ALTNOY. In my opinion, TMH is definitely one of the weakest tracks on David’s debut album, so I’m not one to argue that the fans are more misguided than the label. Has TMH done any better since David performed it on AI? Haven’t heard anything; of course, correct me if I’m wrong.
Kizzi: “However, it is my understanding that the recording artist pays for all the costs of promotion. So, don’t really know whose decision it was or if it was negotiated or anything really–just speculation.”
I had read that somewhere, too. If that is true, then the label does what? Lends you the studio and pays to have the CD pressed? I need to go over to wikipedia and do some reading – I’m ALL confused LOL
What I remember HG is that there was a poll on FOD about that.
And, I also know that the majority of music buyers aren’t in my age group, have my musical taste; so what I think is best, well…lol!
freo – I didn’t know that Daniel was being homeschooled. I had wondered how on earth he made it to school EVER, because he is up all night chatting online or twittering.
I can see how a public school would be hard now, with his situation.
I’ve just never been a fan of homeschooling.
Unless the parent is a real teacher.
Just my opinion.
ALTNOY is 3/4 time or perhaps 6/8 (my music reading days are long gone). That is why it is hard to play on the radio. It doesn’t have the 4/4 beat that you hear thrumming out of the car windows as people go down the street. I kid you not, that has an impact on some people’s ability to listen, sing along and “get it”.
Just one more interesting thing related to Soundscene’s article at Snarky’s was SeattleArchie’s comment to Soundscene’s post—third one down on the comment page — gives a perspective about time intervals between album releases. Gives a broader perspective for those concerned about sales and success.
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8282839731046899810&postID=5154652789733142601&pli=1
YUP. Both Davids were equally and handsomely paid for their gig in Manila. More than 3x what they were supposed to have received for their AI Tour.
And yes, the producers made a killing… and will earn more because it is customary here to show the concert on TV
What I find interesting in that Forbes list is the fact that DA has not yet signed any major endorsement nor does he enjoy the purse strings given to AI winners, to promote his career.
So someone from his management is handling that side of the business well.
Re ZG — if it does not enjoy mainstream launching, the only way for DJs to play it is if demand is phenomenal. And by all indication – it should be. Even non-fans are excited for that song. Am not sure about Jive being cheap but here’s the thing: We as David’s supporters know what our side is up against. Does the other side know?
What I do recognize as sheer force is our investment in seeing through that David gets what he deserves. And am aaalll fine with that
Soundscene left out one entity when she listed who David has to pay/support….his family.
According to what Daniel has mentioned on Twitter, he mostly homeschools himself using the computer and books. I wonder what curriculum he is using. I had a student once who had also homeschooled himself using the computer.
Years ago, Lupe was homeschooling all the kids at home when they were very young. This is according to an article in Wall Street Journal (profile of Jeff’s business).
freofan #125, I didn’t hear that Daniel was home schooled, but I did hear that he was studying for his GED. What is the age students can “drop-out/quit” school in Utah with parents permission? I’m thinking he just left school and is working on getting his GED, cuz don’t home schooled “students” earn a diploma just like a regulay student versus a GED certificate? I don’t really know anything about what is required to be home schooled other than the student must have a qualified instructor in the home, or is that not correct? What do I know? Not much!
Jackry, I think both Davids made at least 300K from their summer Idol tour (I forget the figure — I had heard a close figure at some point), so I am thinking that they at least made 700-900K (US$) for this appearance? Or was the pay triple a single Idol summer tour appearance?
SF, I don’t know either. Would be curious to hear from someone familiar with this area.
The homeschooled students I’ve had since being at my current institution are often the hardest working and very bright, but at my previous institution (a much larger institution) they tended to be very variable. I had one student (who taught himself on a computer-based curriculum) who was totally lost because he had never followed a syllabus.
JR4DA! Welcome back! I have missed you and your great insights and finds.
I believe David’s father recieves a salary as part of his management, so is still supporting his family. I wonder with marlie just what the label provides. Seems like an artist has to pay a lot of dues before they see real earnings, and even with a growing bank account, the money is investment capital for the business.
Excuse me, my sweetie just tweeted me. Go to get take that.
“With my little sister on her field trip for lunch. Haha! All the little kids!”
Bwahahaha! Hang in there David! Good experience for when you are a dad.
Angelica: This is what Soundscene wrote about what Jive, Azoff & 19 do (in her considered opinion) at Snarkys last month:
For complete post go to: http://www.snarkyarchies.com/search?updated-max=2009-05-27T09%3A17%3A00-04%3A00&max-results=18
Jive is responsible for putting together David’s album, printing it, distributing it, and promoting it. They are in charge of picking singles and pushing those singles to radio. Azoff is David’s management and are in charge of promoting David. They set up TV show appearances (iCarly, Hannah Montana), award show appearances, talk show appearances, and a whole host of other events that promote David, or get David out there in the public eye. I think Azoff also sets up a lot of touring stuff–the UK tour and the Demi tour, to be specific. But I didn’t see those contracts, and I have to believe Jive had some say in the matter.
19 is made up of several divisions, only one of which is involved in David’s career–19 Recordings (19R). 19 Entertainment produces American Idol and 19 Management manages artists. Neither of these divisions have anything to do with David. Nobody really knows how much 19R does for any artist coming off of Idol, but they act like a second label, and they get some of David’s money. It’s something most signed artists coming from Idol have to deal with.
I think David earned closer to 75K for the Idol tour. Cook, I think earned 100K, if I remember correctly what I read. That was acually their paycheck with no incidental expenses as everything was covered by AI, ie..transportation, security, promos, photoshoots. All they have to pay for was their own personal stuff.
I don’t think they earned quite as much as 700-900K for the Manila Concert..not even half that amount. More like 200-250K for David and a little more for Cook. And out of that, they had to pay their band and other expenses.
I also know David’s paycheck For Del Mar will be 100K, made public some time back.
Every gross dollar that David earns..he nets maybe 25% after expenses. He has said he has fame, but has yet to see fortune.
So even though “technically” on paper, he is a millionaire according to Forbes, he may not have that first million in the bank until the end of this year.
If there is a Christmas Album, I have it will be the biggest selling Christmas album ever. And David will definitely see his “fortune”.
All this is JMHO..you know me & my opinions..
(sorry).. I have A FEELING it will be the biggest selling Christmas album ever..
kizzi#143
Thanks for the link. I printed it out and now will set to studying it in earnest to try to wrap my non-businesslike mind around it. I wish some institute of higher learning would offer a BA degree with a major in David Archuleta. With all the homework, reading assignments, research, thought, and papers I’ve written, I would be walking in my own graduation ceremony this month. heh. I would have a lot of company too. The class TDC 2009. FTW.
Ok this what I remembered: all top 10 finalists who joined the AI Tour got 100K each – I think that is the standard fee for some years now. However, I read somewhere – I cannot find it now cos I just resurrected my laptop from the dead – that Cook & Archie got higher fees for this year — but they got the same amount.
For Manila, you would be pleasantly surprised SF — they were paid equally and within that vicinity!
At least I can say that for the work DA did esp for the 1st 3 days, he was worth every penny! They worked that kid to the bone esp for Days 3 to 4, am telling you!
The band got it good. All R&R while the 2 Davids were working – LOL! At least Mike was able to work on something… something… for the album
JR..I totally forgot about all the other “Stuff” David did while in Ma-NEE-la! Silly me! The man is one of the hardest working young men I have ever seen. And you are right..he is worth every penny. Same as in Singapore & Malaysia. Seemed he was on the go constantly and he was loving it!
And may I say..it’s so good to have you back! You were badly missed!
Per the WENN Entertainment News Wire Service, January 31, 2009,/i>, contestants on Simon Cowell’s U.K. talent show, X Factor, will receive L50,000 ea. for their 3 month tour. This is ~$80,000 US dollars. Another article says that Idol contestants make slightly more than those on X Factor.
David’s latest tweets:
************
Watching my other little sister play softball haha
25 minutes ago from web
With my little sister on her field trip for lunch.. Haha. All the little kids! 2 hrs ago from web
*************
He really does love his little sisters! Wonder if he’s incognito?? He has over 65500 followers on twitter!
Hmmmmm, these figures are really interesting. $100,000 for his Del Mar appearance? Is that his asking price? I wonder how much he earned as an opening act for either McFly or Demi Lovato?
Also, remember how long ago we once dreamed of getting David to do a private performance for us… Would it cost us $100,000?
You know me and my willingness to keep a lofty dream afloat! Besides, I recently saw Up.
HG..I don’t think that’s HIS asking price, but nevertheless, that is what he is getting. Cook is getting the same amount for his concert there a couple of days prior to David’s. BTW..Del Mar has not S/O..which is very surprising considering the LA Nokia Arena regular & upgrade VIP tickets have S/O.
I was wondering why David was removed as the opener for the State Fair gigs on the summer tour and replaced with solo concerts and my theory is that the pay would be minimal as an opener, especially if there’s another artist added to the bill. It seems to me at this point it is about David’s worth as an artist. Granted, the solo venues are small, but they will be most likely S/O, and then there’s the VIP option which will also be S/O. I said before if I had KNOWN there would be the solo concerts, I would NOT have made plans for AC or Manchester NH..in fact I am rethinking very seriously those two concerts and making the solos instead (except for the Rave Venue which is a mosh pit).
Why do I feel so giddy that we are here discussing money and fans and David is off spending time with his sisters and finally going to see “UP”?
Dawn – I’m with you. He understands what family means, he is committed to them, embraces them, and will stay grounded through his love of them. David not only “get’s it” he “lives it”.
It’s so nice to see David relaxing and spending time with his closest friends and siblings/mother. I bet he is just drinking this up. Must be nice for him to get a restful night’s sleep before the crazy train starts up again.
BTW, in the big listing of summer events in my area, my local city newspaper opted to show David and Demi’s photos!
freofan – Very interesting post and a very interesting discussion. This place can sure stimulate the brain and David stimulates the heart and soul.
I have enjoyed reading this thread…everyone has made thought provoking and valid points.
As for me all this technology has enabled my new found fan status. I have so many accounts and passwords it’s hard to keep them all straight, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’m so thrilled that he’s having some time off to spend and do things with his family. He has more than earned. But as we have seen his true home is on stage.
Happy
Please check the contact page. I submitted somethig for Song page.
Imagine that?
Abrra
JR – so glad to see you again. And glad to see those kinds of figures for the Manila concert. It is about time he saw some decent compensation for all his hard work! And did you say something about Mike working on “something, something” for the album while in Manila? Are you holding out on us?
David spending one on one with his little sisters. Imagine he is enjoying it as much or more than they are!
dawn #153..actually, I was starting to get kinda weirded out talking about money and David in the same breath. It feels like it should be a private issue but unfortunately his earnings have been made public. I imagine he’s more weirded out about it than I am though!
The only thing I know is that if I’m going to buy tickets to see David, I would much prefer most of the proceeds go to him and not to some other performer…in this case, Demi.
What a day David had today! You can feel the love he has for his little sisters. He’s a really good brother. The best!
Look at David go!
http://mallplace.com/tweeter-wall/mr-twitter-universe
David is so precious and loving. I wonder what he thought of Up? So far, it’s my favorite movie coming out of 2009. Will he like it better than Finding Nemo (probably not) or WALL-E?
Inquiring minds want to know!
Have you seen this cover of SOT posted at FOD?
It’s so sweet!
David is on XM Radio tonight..I’m not a subscriber so I’ll have to wait to hear about it tomorrow. Dang it! Anyway…
Good night all! For David..
Dear Lord,
Please take care of David. Watch over him, protect him from all harm. Cloak him with your love and give him the strength to endure all that is thrown in his path. Give David the courage and guidance to say no to those who ask for more than he can reasonably give. Surround David with loving and supportive people who love him UNCONDITIONALLY as we, his Archangels do. Separate David from those who have agendas other than for his well being. Give him rest when he’s weary. Give him the stamina to sustain his hectic pace. Give him assurance when he feels doubt. Give him joy when he feels sad. Cloak him always in your protective arms during this time on his journey. Keep David and and his voice healthy & strong as he fulfills his Destiny which was written in his Book of Life before he was born. And please Lord, give us, David’s forever fans, the wisdom to know when and how to do right by David. Open our eyes and help us in the way we support David so that it’s always in his best interests. May his positive and good Karma continue to attract those with positive and good Karma! May he continue to encounter goodwill and happiness! May he continue to be healthy and strong wherever his journey leads him. Though we may be unworthy, we humbly pray. Amen
David, hope you have a good night & sweet dreams. Keep with you all our love, prayers and warm thoughts! Take care and keep your cell phone with you at all times! Remember to tweet an SOS if you ever find yourself in need of help from your Archangels! We will be there for you in a flash! We will always love you madly!
Contigo siempre con amor!
ALTNOY was #1 on the countdown on XM.
Did someone mention a possible movement afoot to request David to sing the entire song “One?”
Valbraz, thanks for posting that cover of SOT – haven’t heard it before. He does a really good job. It’s interesting how he uses the same subtleties and touches of David’s version – makes you wonder how is it possible to cover a David song? Hmm… It also makes me appreciate more how David is able to put POWER behind the tenderness of his singing. Of course, puberty helps, but David’s ability is really unique imo
JR, that video of David saying “mahal kita” over and over again was funny as all heck! Put a big smile on my face! Salamat!
Just now saw the REO Speedwagon clip. It’s so awesome to see David stride up to the front of the stage and belt it out! David is still a bit awkward in how he moves, but he is bold and in the moment! It’s mindblowing to watch this and compare it of videos of him just 2 or 3 years ago, when he was so shy and unsure of himself that friends had to coax him into singing?! …
Hi all!
HG: I loved Up…took my daughter. I was hooting and rooting and just loving it all the way through. The short movie before Up was also amazing.
This discussion has been very thought provoking. About a week ago in my paper there was a fascinating article discussing how celebrties need training on the proper use of twitter. Basically said it can be totally overused and make you look stupid ( Ashton oh my how do you spell his last name?) The article said he tweeted stupid things too much. It said if used correctly it can be a powerful tool and postive force. When all of this twitter business started I checked out some celebrites and it seemed at at least a number of the tweets were not personal- more just from a PR person- (yuch)
When David started I was excited. Then there was the TS incident and the incident with Jeff’s account. That definately cooled my jets, signifcantly on the whole thing.
For David, as he is his own best marketing tool, I can definately see the up side to it. But from what I have seen, some peple are doing it practically all day long and it seems a bit overwhelming all the time and adds to our mad, mad, mad world. I mean, it feels like not lving life somehow.
So, I guess I am now accepting of it, but hope David will use it in moderation and not all the time. And with that said, of course I voted for our boy as Mr. Twitter about 6 times, because that tweet about them calling his name at the airport and about eharmony both had me ROFL…
So I say David: Tweet, but please ONLY in moderation please…(every few days….would work for me)
Emmiegirl #165
“Did someone mention a possible movement afoot to request David to sing the entire song “One?”
Yes I mentioned it! It’s in the works and we will keep you posted. I sent all the info to happy to check out for TDC. Waiting to hear.
I couldn’t agree more, Ronaldsf. Of course, the boy’s voice is sweet, but that’s all he can do, I guess. I don’t think he’ll ever develop David’s power.
I still prefer this one -- tenderness seasoned with a good measure of intensity and passion
David! If you can sing, you can anything! WHATever! Lava bomb! FIRE! FIRE!
Never heard him do a vibrato (was that vibrato?) like that, and in a such high note, before!
Okay, so to add to my wishlist:
Motown album
Spanish album
Christmas album
Jazz standards album
ROCK ALBUM
Valbraz, I think that unique combination of power, passion, and tenderness David brings is precisely what gripped me when David sang Imagine
ronald!!- i missed you. I am so happy you are back…now we need some suggestions from you for our Songs Series.
We have 4 entries to date in the Songs Series and will post number 5 as the ONE campaign in the Songs in the Key of David tab. Seems appropriate to post a campaign about a song you would like him to sing under a post that includes songs-we-would-like-to-hear-him-sing, lol. Will post it tomorrow…in the meantime marlie7 has a suggestion….
http://www.thedavidchronicles.com/2009/05/songs-in-the-key-of-david-4/
bebereader, it was you! Thank you, thank you! Keeping all my fingers and toes crossed!
happy #172, I haven’t really started thinking about individual songs to submit because, well, I KINDA want David to sing every song lol… I don’t even know how to begin…
On Mariah Carey week I was hoping he’d sing “Vision of Love”…
During Neil Diamond week I wanted him to sing “I’m a Believer”…
During Great Rock Songs week I was hoping he’d sing “Your Song”…
There are just too many to think of!
Hey guys, Kevin of REO S posted some pix of our David on his site: http://www.kevincronin.com/news.htm
“Oh baby, David Archuleta…this kid can SING baby!”
Yeah Kevin baby, you betcha!
I am a kid with a new toy!
My newest video. I liked the MegaMix music so I had to make a video.
Abrra the MovieMaker freak
Good morning everyone!
Raelovingangel, whenever David takes hours or even a day or 2 to tweet, I think, cool, he’s living his life. And sure enough, the update is about what life he’s living.
David tweets random but relevant things. Yes, as a fan, I like to know he eagerly anticipated then enjoyed the same movie I did.
And it’s fun to hear how he went to this concert or that one, or how he’s accompanying his little sisters on a field trip.
Don’t really need more info than that (i.e. like when he “got his first kiss” – to quote that hacking twitter incident – none of that is our business, and I’m glad David has a sense of propriety about what his fans might want to know but what they don’t need to know).
David is fun to follow because he keeps it interesting and casual without ever becoming too familiar.
Now if David’s management could figure out how to market David the way David markets himself without resorting to Disneyfication…
Speaking of which, I didn’t tune into that silly and irrelevant MTV Movie Awards until the news talked about the Eminem incident, and I’ve got to tell ya – this is not the MTV I grew up on. MTV was strictly a teen/young adult affair, but now it’s all about the tweens. Never before had Eminem looked so out of place in an MTV setting. No wonder David’s management is promoting him the way they are. Can anybody over 18 still make it in show biz? Will David need to worry when he’s 19?
So glad TWEENS were not invented when I was a “tween.”
David was #1 at XM
Downloadable link to interview – thanks to becky of fod
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?xmenwi4vdmz
A transcript of the same interview posted at Archuleta Philippines and Snarkies
I forgot to mention – ALTNOY was #1 at XM.
Meanwhile, 2 weeks after the Manila concert, David’s album is still in Manila’s Top 10 Overall ranking:
1. Ikaw Na Nga – Willie Revillame
2. For You – Richard Poon
3. My Inspiration – Charice
4. Giling Giling – Willie Revillame
5. Fearless – Taylor Swift
6. You’re The Inspiration: Music of David Foster – Various Artists
7. Long Time Noisy – Kamikazee
8. David Archuleta – David Archuleta
9. I’ll Take Care of You (Platinum Edition) – Richard Poon
10. The Fame – Lady GaGa
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer | June 2, 2009 | page D3 (Entertainment)
Well, goes to show you that the Philippines is an ARCHIEpelago – am soooo lame! hahahahahaha
Good morning TDC peeps!
JR – So glad to see you are back!
How can ALTNOY be #1 when I never hear it on the radio at all?
Strange, but in my area, Crush is still played every day. In fact, I am hearing it more than ever. *resurgence*!
Speaking of all things Twitter, I believe what just happened could be a first. Not sure though.
Adam Lambert kind of just came out on Twitter.
MrAdamLambert
http://twitpic.com/6gpvh
Me and Drake (my boy)
Here’s a pic of David with No Doubt, mom, little sis and his bestest friend Fish. I had never seen a pic of Fish before. She’s really cute! hmmmmmm?
http://archuletafanscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/no-doubt-1-water-mark.jpeg
So that’s the legendary Fish! She is cute. I’m forgetting when David went to the No Doubt concert.
Cute girl. Nice figure, same hair and coloring…and she was the one who brought him out of himself when he was so shy about photos and other stuff. A true friend who knew him when he wasn’t a star. Not saying nothing, it’s his own business and like he says, he’s not ready yet, but…
I approve. Just sayin.
Angelica..And she has an exotic, somewhat Oriental/Asian look, or maybe Persian? Shorter than David too! hahaha! I always wondered what “Fish” looked like. Very cute indeed…looks good next to David!
Look at us..match-maker, match-maker, make me a match! lalalalala
Starting out as best friends makes for a great…well you know…
I would like to report a broken CD ~ David does not know how to save in life during Don’t Let Go.
He spoils us
So that’s the infamous fish…. very cute indeed.
Angelica – I approve. Just sayin.
SF – Starting out as best friends makes for a great…well you know…
Ditto to both of you…
BTW – Are the mp3 and mp4 files of David’s performances being saved here in this mansion? If so, please direct me to them. I’m looking for a mp4 of the REO/David video.
JR – Welcome back! YOU were missed, as well as all the tasty info you always bring to us at TDC. Thanx for that.
Regarding Fish, isn’t she the one in the pic of the two of them making goofy faces? Sense of humor, easy to talk to, hmmm sounds like a list of preferred qualities by… let me see, David?
SF – when is the concert in Picksburg? Am having trouble securing VIP pkg for the David/Demi tour and thought maybe there was a reason. Also was seriously considering going to NH for final concert, then heard about the HIS concerts…..
The solo concert in Pittsburgh (”Picksburg” per David, haha! is July 28 in place of the DE State Fair. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 9am EST. If VIP’s are offered, they will be added for purchase probablt the same day. The venue is the Byham Theater, a really nice seated venue. I am going to this one.
BTW..my sister has 2 DEL MAR floor, section 3, row 9 tickets for sale at face value, which includes fair admittance. These were for daughters, but I already had tickets closer to the stage for them…so if anyone needs tickets, let me know. The floor center section seats are gone or selling at scalper prices.
Geesh! Please excuse typos on previous comment..
DJA
http://www.mediafire.com/jenleighbarry
She has a lot there. The tick is navigating to the one you want.
Abrra
Hey everyone! Hope you are all doing well! I’ve been super busy. I just wanted to say – is it interesting that he didn’t mention that Fish went to the concert with him, his mom, and sister? He has told us about activities with his friends before…It is none of my business of course, but I think she is super cute. I hope he ends up with someone he knew from home, from before Idol. They should get married immediately and have 16 archubabies.
So THAT’S fish ~ I think I had her confused with someone else ~ but I’m not sure who now.
Fish appears to be filipino (this would also fit into’s SF’s feeling about something else she mentioned).
She should be done with highschool on Friday ~ maybe she can go on the road with David !
Perhaps Perhaps …
Not trying to rush him ~ whatever makes HIM happy ~ makes me thrilled to pieces ~ I just worry about him on the road ~ getting lonely ~ but then again ~ I guess he’ll have demi and her blender this summer.
Very interesting ~ thought provoking ~ not really .. I’m too busy trying to remember to vote every 20 minutes ~ because I’m sure David lost HOURS of sleep worrying about his ballot for Mr. Twitterverse .. bwahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
On another note ~ why do I have a gut feeling he has already shipped out again ? Like ~ he’s not in kansas anymore ~ and is someplace else?
So, what is this? Have we all given up on Mietra?
Don’t forget also that David learned the hard way to protect his female friends from his “fanatic fans” – wasn’t it Mietra or someone else who received tons of hate mail because fans thought she was going to go to the prom with David?
Him not mentioning Fish at the No Doubt concert might just be his way of protecting his friends – whether he’s dating or otherwise.
Just saying…
LOL HG – I haven’t given up on her. She is pretty too! And you are correct, he may be protecting them. But we don’t even know her real name so….but yeah, I just want him to go out on a date soon, I don’t know why! Not that he has any time for anything. Wouldn’t it be great to see some candid shots of him out and about holding someone’s hand?
I must credit my dearest OJS759 from Canada for the idea of the candid hand holding shots! Perhaps he could make it onto TMZ! “David Archuleta spotted holding hands! GASP!”
I realize that the thought of him dating will send some fans into true heartbreak. And for that I am sorry.
dawn65 – she definitely is asian but I think more like korean, chinese or japanese. Like the asian in Crush video. I have relatives who have relatives who are mormon and live near SLC. Thought how cool if she was somehow distantly related. Just dreamin again…….
Why is it that David’s seeming attempt to keep his personal life on the “down low” just fires up our desire to get the “low down”?
Is there a song in there somewhere?
LOL
LOL Joner!!
And how much longer will we have to wait to hear Rascal’s comments about the David/REO video???
RASCAL, where for art thou my dear?
SF – thanks for info on Pittsburgh. Definitely a possiblity. I love Pittsburg. My son lived there for a year and we visited him once in the dead of winter. Weather could be brutal as summers are as hot as winter is cold. Really historical place as most of east coast is, though. Would have liked one near end of tour on east coast, as I will be back east then. That’s the problem with Alaska. Would have jumped on that one, for sure.
Geesh! David dating someone would be the sweetest thing, but I don’t know if we need to know: his protective fans would really act up over it, and heaven forbid they found any flaws in the girl … Yikes!
I’d actually rather it be secret since we are already inundated with too many Taylor-Swift-is-dating-a-Jonas-Brother; no, wait, that’s Miley-dating-a-Jonas-Brother type of Hollywood gossip. To add David into the mix of “who’s dating whom” (even if it’s a hometown girl) is so not what he’s about, and do we want to feed that animal?
Speculate all you want, but I’m of the “let’s not look for confirmation” camp. Besides, I think his flirtations and Jordin tweets are far more interesting than whether or not he’s kissed or held hands with one of his female friends-turned-girlfriend. That’s an area of his life that I realize I’m not really curious about, for some reason.
And don’t you love, as Joner says, how he keeps the “down low” on his personal life? It’s far more intriguing than if he were a David Cook asking somebody out on a date ON CAMERA.
Quite simply he’s a gentleman with a private life.
Yes HG – he can never please everyone, the poor guy! I honestly don’t need to know about his personal life. I just want him to be happy.
He is such a gentleman, he’ll probably apologize to the girl after he kisses her! LOL
Do you ever wonder if in fact it is leaked at some point .. that he truly is attached to someone ~ if that would affect the “fan base”?
It’s hard to determine what the WOW factor is for some fans, heck .. I don’t even know if I could pinpoint it myself.
I’m not trying to pry ~ I hope I didn’t give anyone that impression ~ I just worry ~ I know his first love is his music and his career ~ I just want him to have it ALL.
If I could buy it for him I would (happiness) .. because he just has no clue how much we appreciate him.
HG – you’re so right, way to keep things in perspective.
Really excited about the XM thing (ALTNOY #1). How does that translate to radio play? Anybody have info? I’m one of the crazed fans who wanted ALTNOY for 2nd single. Was so dissappointed that it got so little promotion (I mean, Asia loves it!!??!!). In fact, I posed the question about the label’s expectation of fan promotion back when it was released, as NOTHING was being done by them. You know, if we like it so much and want it then we needed to prove it was worthy by promoting it – what? So when they talked about ZG being a fan fav and being released, I just kind of cringed…… Why do they not appreciate his wonderful talent? Do they not want to make some bucks or are we just so fan crazed that we are delusional? I am so puzzled. I want ALTNOY, DLG, Barriers, ZG all on the radio. I love Barriers & DLG, are they not radio friendly, too? One thing about ALTNOY, I did notice the beat thing. It was difficult to move to but then, with all the dance craze stuff, can’t someone think (dance) outside of the box? Come on dance peeps, you used to be so creative.
oh fanda .. if they would release Barriers and YEDL .. I’d pee my pants with joy.
If I’m being honest, part of my lack of curiosity has everything to do with the vibe David gives off. He still has that innocent aura about him. His eyes are wide and sparkly, his communication remains in an open manner, and as much as I loooooooooove his walk, he still has a bit of an awkward gait.
Now, as soon as David’s eyes get hooded – as if to suggest he’s got a secret that he’s enjoying – and as soon as his awkward gait is replaced with just the hint of a swagger, then is when I’m going to speculate about who the lucky girl is who got to be David’s first kiss.
~ dedicated to all my Sayreville buddies and ONE lovers~
oops~~
ONE~Merry Go Round
FG “Perhaps he could make it onto TMZ!” oh HEAVEN FORBID.. poor David is terrified of TMZ.
I can’t wait til the day he fears no more and tells them where to stuff it.
David doesn’t need paparazzi .. he’s beaten them at their own game.. living life.. open.. free.. and with his endless amount of communication.
Being that he is so quick on the draw ~ he could quelch rumors pretty quick.
But he’s getting older and wiser with each passing day ~ and is learning ~ he makes even the most seasoned celebrity seem untrained on how to respond to awkward questions.. just flash that grin David.. we know the one
djxox ~ I am at work ~ I can’t watch your merrygoround until I go home.
Sayerville.. ONE .. that’s a lethal combination and I won’t even risk it.
I love how we’re all on video making operations. Trez cool.
I finally got caught up on my work and the boy tweets me he’s in the chair about to get a haircut. What!! He just got a haircut a couple of weeks ago! Is he getting a buzz cut for the summer? haha. hmmmm.
Dawn~ Risk it~
Angelica, I was thinking the exact same thing. It’s only been two weeks, to be precise.
Hi everybody. It’s so nice to able to put faces with names since the PC Richard love fest. I hope to meet some more of you at future David events. There is one guarantee in life. If you meet a David fan at a David event, that person will be a friendly, warm, high spirited person. I hope the folks who met me felt that way about me last Thursday.
I was reading an article from Counting David’s Character about how David is one of only 3% of teenagers who have not yet been kissed by the age of 15. Since David is now 18, that % is more like 1%. The message in the article clearly states that this fact about David is very positive and embellishes his status as a great role model. I have to take some umbrage with this premise. When did society demonize kissing? I’ve been a hugging and kissing fool since I was 12. It’s a wonderful thing. It’s natural, it’s nourishing and it promotes good will. David should be encouraged to kiss people, as long as it is mutual (like it wouldn’t be for anyone).
To lump kissing in with promiscuous sexual behavior is like saying a cool breeze is the same as a tornado. I think David is one of the best role models for anyone of any age, but to imply that his having not had his first kiss is part of that is, imo, completely missing the point about what makes David so dang special. I truly hope that David’s positive influence will not be diminished if he happens to kiss someone who does not turn out to the mother of his children.
Btw, if David ever decided to open a kissing booth and charge a buck per kiss, he would raise enough cash to cure every disease and end world hunger.
bliss – kissing FTW LOL!
“Btw, if David ever decided to open a kissing booth and charge a buck per kiss, he would raise enough cash to cure every disease and end world hunger.”
Now THAT is bumpersticker material right there !!
Hi Bliss !!!!!!
In the meantime, our golden boy has gotten a haircut, and heard himself on the radio while getting his hair trimmed .. he said it was awkward.
I hear what you’re saying, Bliss. The idea that he hasn’t kissed anyone (which we only have on David’s own admission) shouldn’t really be an indication of anything with regards to his “character.” Although I will say, if there is anything to say about David, it says more about his willingness to admit this about himself to the general public than it does about who he is in terms of his moral choices.
I would even say that such a position – David not having his first kiss at his age indicates that he’s a positive role model – is every bit as problematic as the other position, which would either ridicule him for not having done so or speculate about his sexual orientation.
Either preoccupation is a clear judgment about his sexuality, which gets us away from what makes him a great artist, I think.
FG #197, what candid photo of David holding hands?
I think Fish is a little older than David, one or two years. She was a friend of Claudia’s.
David considers Mietra like a cousin per one of his very first interviews on AI. The same interview he described how he met Fish through Claudia and how she helped him get over his camera-phobia. He has said he considers them two of his best friends.
I believe David when he says he has no time to focus on a “relationship” now. His focus is on his career. I also think if there were more than friendship between Fish & himself, she would not have been in the photo. He would have wanted to protect her. But the thought of him & Fish as a couple is a nice thought.
I hope this site isn’t the only site doing all the speculating! If so..I am sorry David! I will stop now!
I would like to speculate …
How many times a month he gets a haircut .. LOL.
He must be stocking up on them.
Being on the road he isn’t afforded time to “groom”.
I shall take up collections ~ David should have the following on the summer tour”
1. A barber
2. Pixar On Demand
3. Internet Access
4. Seamstress/who irons
5. Personal Shopper
6. Gift courier
7. Fresh fruit delivered daily
8. Video chats with his family and friends daily.
Any other requests?
Hg ~ Though I jokingly commented about the photo with Fish, I too hope his personal life is kept on the down low, cause I really don’t want to know the low down. But why oh why, does that picture just make me really, really happy? Sometimes I think I want his happiness more than I want my own, and I worry about him getting hurt. Like I’m his mom or something, but please, please, don’t let him get his heart broken cause that would break mine too. She just looks like a nice girl that could be trusted with that precious heart.
And not a skank ho like the woods are full of. OK. I’m done. Just please, God, let him find somebody wonderful and live happily ever after. OK. I’m done for realz this time.
djxox ~ Going home to ride the ONE Merry Go Round. Maybe that will suppress some of my maternal instinct. heh.
I agree with some of what you said.
I also believe that David has deliberately chosen to “refrain” from kissing as that can and does lead to more intense “desires”. And as we have witnessed, David is a VERY passionate, sensual young man. He unleashes all his passion on stage and I think for now, that is enough for him. The stage is where he releases all the “tensions” if you will, most guys his age have.
I don’t think he will ever just come right out and say he had his first kiss..I think he will let us know when he finds the “right girl” and we will have to assume the rest. He will find it disrespectful to say anything more. And it may tomorrow or in 5 years..who knows??
All IMO..again as usual.
Er…..David at a kissing booth???? Wha????
Excuse me while I run out to buy some stock in Chapstick.
Sorry..MY PREVIOUS COMMENT WAS IN REPLY TO
Bliss #218
Angela, I think it was Bliss who once described the crew here as a bunch of “Jewish mothers,” so I guess that comes with the territory: of matchmaking and worrying about his broken heart, I suppose. ha ha!
Speaking of Bliss, soooo… you mentioned that Counting David Character article, so I looked it up. If anyone cares to read, here’s the link:
http://countingdavidscharacter.blogspot.com/search?q=never+been+kissed
And I must say, I almost laughed out loud at the author being “scared” of what teens do get into sexually – until I remember being stunned by a recent conversation of 18 year olds, where they were anything but innocent (David really is precious in this regard). Also, he sounds like a dad, and now that I have friends my age who are dealing with their kids on the verge of puberty (I’m not yet a mother, so all this can only be theoretical for me), the way they’re all freaking out over their children’s budding sexuality is so eye-opening. These are the same people I remember in high school and college who were doing far more riske stuff than I ever did, so it’s so weird listening to them panicking because their son or daughter is discovering the opposite sex.
So, in that regard, I can see how someone like David would seem such a “positive role model” since he calms their anxieties and give them a sense of ideal adolescence. Of course, is that fair to David?
Especially when – if we take the interview that was referenced – the more salient message to me was NOT that David had never been kissed but that he’s the kind of guy who can build up a girl’s self-esteem. She thinks something’s wrong with her because of how some guy treated her, and David’s there to remind her: “There’s nothing wrong with you. Guys are just dork faces.” ha ha!
David is Love.
Isn’t that a better example of his “character” than the kissing thing?
David had said they were spending time with his grampa. (I’m assuming it’s Jeff’s dad). Anyway, when he said he was getting a haircut, my first thought was that his grampa may have told him, “Time for a haircut, don’t you think son?” like all good old fashioned grampas.
I hope it was just a trim around the neck only and left enough to wear it spiky on top!! I can’t think of any other singer out there with hair as beautiful as David’s. It looked gorgeous in Asia!
SF .. I’m thinking .. haircut.. Grandpa.. Big DAY FRIDAY????
I think you’re right.
trying to remain quiet and calm.. but I think you’re right I think you’re right I think you’re right.
Having children slightly and much older than David .. ~ I can confidently say ~ life has far more concerns and moral standards than kissing.
It’s just IMVHO ~ but I don’t think the lack of kissing or having a girlfriend has anything at all do with David’s “morals” .. I think it has more to do with his focus and dedication. He realizes those things take time, and could very well distract him from what he sees as “the prize” right now.
He works SO hard.. probably a lot harder than most 18 year olds on the face of the earth ~ he almost is wearing blinders trying to reach for that golden ring.
Keep reaching David.. we’ll build you ladders.
“Early Adolescence”, by Richard M. Lerner … was published before David was born. Things are “slightly” different.
Kiss away David ~
Finale Hair!!!!! Oh, I soooo hope it’s like this!
http://www.david-hq.org/photos/displayimage.php?pid=3929&fullsize=1
Joner ~ does he really HAVE a bad hair day ~ well okay.. for the ALTNOY video ~ but that wasn’t his doing ~ that was silly stylist with no taste ~ David usually does his own hair… it’s always quite lovely. LOL
Good Hair FTW
Thanks for the link Abrra!
What’s with all this kissing talk? ….lol
It never ceases to amaze me how any David news starts the most intellectual, interesting and entertaining threads. Love them all. I do believe he will never kiss and tell, but I think we will know, there will be a subtle change in him….but for the meantime the stage and music are his lover….whatever makes David happy makes me happy!
Welcome back JR! You’ve been missed.
Dawn..yep..My dream ****sigh****
We’ll see…
joner#233
Coming out of lurkdom to totally agree on Finale hair!!!!!!!
And…oh my heck!!! That is a lovely and large photo…
be still my beating heart!
Finale hair FTW!!!
and a nicely tailored tux jacket to go with:):):):)
djxox . June 2, 2009 at 4:16 pm .
NICE! This is not your official vid is it?
Abrra
Joner-
Finale Hair!!!!! Oh, I soooo hope it’s like this!
I love that hair and that fabulous picture!
Abrra #238~ Yes,it was taken from my own video from Sayreville.
Angelica #244~line forms to the left..have fun~
For a site that wants to protect David’s private life as a big off limits there sure is a lot of speculating going on! I guess as long as it’s the right person?
I can think of a few sayings…
“Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket”
“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”
“Don’t judge a book by its cover”
“If the shoe were on the other foot…”
Not that I haven’t done my own speculating, and heaven knows I have… and my conclusions are polar opposite to what I am reading, using the “takes one to know one theory” but I have been trying to restrain myself from getting into the mix. Sometimes you just gotta say what’s on your mind…
BTW, I make a mean tomato sauce…
Dawn, Hi. I agree with your assessment that David’s lack of kissing is not a function of his morality. David would never “use” anyone to satisfy his curiosity, and he just does not have the time to devote to a relationship that would include that kind of activity.
Also, the only reason we know that David is still “waiting” is because he has been asked a million times by the media , and David is simply telling the truth. If he had never been asked, the subject would never have come up. Along with everything else, David is rooted in the truth. I’d love to hear an interview with David that does not include the words “girlfriend” or “lettuce”
HG, you raise another great point. By propping David up as some kind of the “perfect teenager” he is being set up for a fall from grace at some point. David is about as wonderful a person as it gets, but he should not be seen as the criteria for “normal” teenage behavior. That could create a backlash by other teens towards him,since they could not possible measure up to David in an way, David does not want to be seen as superior or better than his peers, and in no way behaves as if he feels that he is.
bliss – Also, the only reason we know that David is still “waiting” is because he has been asked a million times by the media , and David is simply telling the truth. If he had never been asked, the subject would never have come up. Along with everything else, David is rooted in the truth.
Because David doesn’t lie, we know when asked anything he tells the truth.
And your right if these interviewers did their homework they would already know the answers to these questions.
mikesd 241, no tomatoes from me.
i have no comments/speculations to share re. david’s private life; i guess because i think of david sort of like one of my nephews. he is who he is and that’s what i respect and admire.
djxox #212 –
Lord have MERCY! I’ve got goosebumps on top of goosebumps watching this Sayerville “One” merry go round. That is one smokin hot tamale performance!!
David, you’re gonna be the death of me
When I was David’s age, girls had friends who were girls; boys had friends who were boys. If a girl had a friend who was a boy, it was safe to assume it was her boyfriend. With a few exceptions, we didn’t have friends of the opposite sex. That’s just the way it was.
But times have changed. My 18 year-old daughter has many friends who are boys, none who is her boyfriend. Teenagers still go out in groups, sometimes paired off, many times not. And they always want to take a friend along with them wherever they go, even when accompanied by parents.
I wouldn’t put the mortgage on it but knowing today’s teenagers, I think David and Fish are just friends, nothing more.
JR~~Wecome back! You were missed, as if you couldn’t tell!
mikesd #241,
All I did was post a photo link of David with No Doubt, little sis, mom, and a very close friend who happens to be a beautiful young lady, and who not many fans have ever seen a photo of, it started all kinds of speculation not only here, but at all the other sites too. This is the price of fame…speculation about everything until truth puts the speculation to rest.
I just got an email from someone who reads FOD. She asked me if I was supporting their push to have David record Apologize.
Quote
“what you think about the petition to get David to record Apologize? Personally, I’d rather have him record I’ll Be or One. ”
/BOGGLE
What are they thinking? We need to get them on the right track. Didn’t he sing that 53 times? And didn’t Jive pass on that ( assuming).
We need a cross site letter writing campaign. Hand written postcards to have VIP folks deliver to David at as many venues as possible.
Abrra
mikesd #241 Good point about what is okay to talk about, and what is private. We gush about body parts, we assume he has never kissed anyone, we discuss the nature of his relationship with Fish. What connection does any of this have to do with his Voice and his art? Not judging here, just asking….
djxox . June 2, 2009 at 7:35 pm .
Sorry I wasn’t implying you stole it LOL
Imagine,I will explain another time and place.
/wink
mikesd . June 2, 2009 at 7:54 pm .
I agree about the trend of postingtoday. I skipped most of it. WHO CARES? All the uproar over doing what comes naturally.
We have more work to do about getting ONE sung in full on tour!
Abrra
Just Marly # 237, “and a nicely tailored tux jacket to go with:):):):)” and may I add: and the lovely white V Neck shirt!<3
This picture is my all time favorite. I looked for it when I was setting up my avi, but could not find it. Thanks Joner for posting it at #233.
I love that calm and gentle smile.
Is this only news to me?
That DAVID IS GOING TO RECORD A CHRISTMAS ALBUM!?
(in addition to a 2nd album this year)
Straight from the horse’s mouth folks:
http://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/2009/06/02/david-archuletas-agenda-includes-another-album/
I’m so excited about this! I’m reprinting my wishlist for the album. Hee hee!
1. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (Jackson 5 version!)
2. What Child Is This?
3. Mary Did You Know?
4. O Come All Ye Faithful
5. Do You Hear What I Hear?
6. I’ll Be Home for Christmas
7. O Christmas Tree
8. The Christmas Song
9. Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
10. White Christmas
11. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
12. Ave Maria (Schubert)
13. O Holy Night
14. Joyful, Joyful
15. Silent Night (acappella)
ronaldsf..isn’t it great?! He wouldn’t even need music! An all a capella Christmas album with just David’s beautiful voice..the only instrument needed is The Voice..would be awesome. Music and/or a capella, it will be huge for David and a great gift for us. Can hardly wait..almost more so than for the next album, David Archuleta II…
Good night all! For David..
Dear Lord,
Please take care of David. Watch over him, protect him from all harm. Cloak him with your love and give him the strength to endure all that is thrown in his path. Give David the courage and guidance to say no to those who ask for more than he can reasonably give. Surround David with loving and supportive people who love him UNCONDITIONALLY as we, his Archangels do. Separate David from those who have agendas other than for his well being. Give him rest when he’s weary. Give him the stamina to sustain his hectic pace. Give him assurance when he feels doubt. Give him joy when he feels sad. Cloak him always in your protective arms during this time on his journey. Keep David and and his voice healthy & strong as he fulfills his Destiny which was written in his Book of Life before he was born. And please Lord, give us, David’s forever fans, the wisdom to know when and how to do right by David. Open our eyes and help us in the way we support David so that it’s always in his best interests. May his positive and good Karma continue to attract those with positive and good Karma! May he continue to encounter goodwill and happiness! May he continue to be healthy and strong wherever his journey leads him. Though we may be unworthy, we humbly pray. Amen
David, hope you have a good night & sweet dreams. Keep with you all our love, prayers and warm thoughts! We will always love you madly! Contigo siempre con amor!
Imagine when David actually does something in his personal life that does not have to be guessed at and wondered or worried about?
What would we be able to say and in how many words? Perhaps… “that’s good or how very nice for him or that’s just great and now on to his new album”…or something like that…
The wonders of stardom…
A near 60-city summer tour, a 2nd album and a Christmas album in a little over 4 months…whew, I am so glad he loves what he is doing!
(am veery excited about the Christmas album too!)
Here’s some more information for those interested in the letter campaign to have David sing the full version of “One”. Go to the “Song in the Series” campaign page at this link for further info:
http://www.thedavidchronicles.com/2009/05/songs-in-the-key-of-david-5-a-campaign/
Guys,
Feel free to visit my mediafire account for all the pix and videos of David in Manila. They are grouped by folder by daily happenings
http://www.mediafire.com/jackryan4DA/MANILA
Uploading the vids to youtube is taking foreeeeeever so am putting them up to mediafire as well.
Yes RONALD… it must be news to you LOL – hey am just teasing ok? Am just flippin’ happy that we will get 2 albums from him in the next 7 months!
Mike did confirm (when we had dinner with him & Eli) the Christmas album which to him will be a walk in the park for David! Meanwhile they have started preliminaries for David’s 2nd album which he expects to come out Q1 2010.
This was also the time that Jive confirmed acquiring ZG for David. I suppose the Fan Pack is the start for the ZG launch
Breathe in… breathe out…
jackryan4da- I’m a little confused about the ZG/Fan Pack thing.
Are they releasing live versions of ZG and ATM or studio versions? If they are studio versions, is it the demo version of ZG or a new version done with the current band?
Does anyone know more about this? Why does Jive like to confuse us?
SF #122, “And I can just hear all the teachers & professors here who will be overjoyed if my dream would come true…”
My greatest wish for David right now is to graduate with his class.
Angelea #146, Speaking of class, I love “The Class of TDC”.
HG #151, “Also, remember how long ago we once dreamed of getting David to do a private performance for us… Would it cost us $100,000?”
If the price includes David singing Desperate, I’m there!
mikesd #240, ““takes one to know one theory”.
I have had people to try to use that “theory” on me (still don’t understand why), but they are mistaken–wrong.
mbmonchi #261, “Does anyone know more about this? Why does Jive like to confuse us?”
Oh,oh, I know–because they’re Jive turkeys, heehee.
Speculating about David’s personal life – be it dating or graduation – means one thing: It’s a dry spell as we await our iTunes fan pack next week!
Here’s hoping for a least one leaked grad video (if David is in fact marching and in fact singing).
G’nite all!
MBMonchi – this is what I got from Mike who owns (his words) ZG:
1. After months of getting back & forth — Jive finally said yes to him about David recording ZG. Jive’s reply was hot fresh cos Mike gave Jive his last offer, the week before they came to Manila. Mike was even reading Jive’s reply from his mobile phone. Yup, I was sitting right next to Mike (he smelled nice, btw)
2. They cranked up the mix for ZG. The demo version that we’ve heard is gonna be tame to what Mike has now and which David will record. He asked if I have seen videos of David performing ZG, to which of course I said – HELLO! He said if I like that, then I would love the new mix
3. He doesn’t get it what took Jive to decide on ZG.
4. The iTunes release is definite. He hopes that ZG will be released as a single in the traditional sense. He is not counting that out, based on how Jive changes…
The Fan Pack refers to a live video of TMH and never-before-released trax of ZG & ATM. Am thinking that FanPack ZG & ATM are recordings of live performances or at least for ZG, its demo version
BUT I don’t think it’s the new ZG that Mike mentioned cos David has not recorded that one.
Oh, I forgot to include in my recaps, Mike also mentioned about re-mixing WFM. He was willing to let us hear it but the owner of the resto arrived at that point (we learned later on, after all photo-taking that he was one of the concert sponsors).
So that’s another sumthin-sumthin to look forward to.
Would love to see David in a grad gown. I hope he got enough hours to march with his classmates.
SF – you got mail
ABRRA, KNOTLISER & DAWN — Mike & Eli loooved your “little project”! You know the David’s US Tour CD + the card + bookmarker — showed it to them and they said that David’s fans are unbelievabled!
The local archies ooohhhed and aaahhhed over the package. The red ribbon was a nice touch. However, according to some, the bookmarker defeats the purpose – cos one would not read on anymore. Someone said it is more like a bookstopper LOL!
Was supposed to show the set to Jeff and/or David but didn’t reach that base. Next time around perhaps
Just want you to know am mighty proud of your labor of love.
VEE/JULIEBUG – if you are reading this – pls know that you are always in my prayers and that I have missed you both!
210 HG “Now, as soon as David’s eyes get hooded – as if to suggest he’s got a secret that he’s enjoying – and as soon as his awkward gait is replaced with just the hint of a swagger, then is when I’m going to speculate about who the lucky girl is who got to be David’s first kiss”
THAT had me ROFL… so well said…but I wish that FOD had not listed Fish’s name. ( or as my daughter says nick-knack name)
I think the original pic did not reference her over at fan scene…. In fact I wish the pix had not even been posted but- as someone said- the price of fame or being around the famous.
RonaldSF- Great Christmas listing.
And YES YES YES to One for the cover- and as much as I love anything David sings and his cover of Apologize ruled- I think One is the way to go.
Ok, off to another day at the saw mills….
I just want to join in and say how overjoyed I would be for David if he gets to graduate with his class. I am sure it would mean a lot to him.
Ronald – I LOVE your list for a Christmas album!
I spend time here everyday and just want to say that I love all of you:)
Hi archiesfan4life! Long time to talk to, haha!
I too am keeping fingers crossed that David will graduate with his class. It’s a milestone that would no doubt mean the world to him and to his family and friends.
“One” for the cover – yes!!! I think it has the potential to become a huge fan favorite like
“Angels”.
Ronald, don’t know if this is considered a Christmas song (I’m Jewish), but would Amazing Grace be appropriate to add? I just love me a TON of that one!
I’m hoping among the other thousand things Mr. Archuleta accomplishes in one day, that perhaps the toting around of his GED book was to get the test completed in time for graduation.
I don’t care if there are pictures or videos (as a fan yes) but for David .. no. I hope beyond hope that he gets to achieve this milestone..since he’s given up so many to fill our worlds with pure love.
Everyone send good vibes and prayers that Friday is a .. never forget day .. for David.
I am hoping David’s FAME does not hinder any decision to allow him to graduate with his class by TPTB at the Murray High School Administraion offices. After all, David has brought so much positive attention and publicity to the school so far. Just think how it will look in the future when David Archuleta, THE worldwide Superstar, singer-songwriter, actor, philanthropist, world ambassador of goodwill and tireless champion of charitable causes, is listed in THEIR school history of famous graduates! Right??
SF, The Pittsburgh venue presale started this morning (see Snarky for detail). I just got my ticket online (promo code is Crush) — it gave better seats than ordering over the phone. Good luck!
Zoe, You and I should start our Jewish Fans for Amazing Grace petition.
The outcome of Friday should be interesting. If David is allowed to walk with his class I could see him not wanting to be treated differently from any other graduate and to simply be “David” on that day. On the other hand, if you have David Archuleta in the audience, who better to sing an inspirational song on such a special occasion.
Whatever happens, I hope that David feels comfortable and happy.
bebereader – thanks for the One link!!!!!
JR – thanks for all the info! Wow, job well done. Am pleasantly surprised to know his 2nd album is coming out in early 2010. I was afraid they would shoot for another year end release and I felt that would be rushing things entirely too much. And a remix of WFM! Assuming more like his live version? Yes…and maybe with the yeah yeahs, and umm hmmms, and ohh nooos! Probably just a dream, but a sweet one.
(And am sprinting over to check out your goodies.)
oh JR ~~~~~~~~ you should our project to Mike and Eli ~~~~
that was nice. I’m glad they think David’s fans are unbelievable.
should.. that should have been SHOWED ~ wow ~ if someone finds my typing ability laying around here ~ there’s a reward for returning it ..
YJ..saw that, but I saw it too late and the seats now are too far back!
Where’s your seat?
Picksburg is too far for me. I think I’m good for this summer.
Maybe David will do some Jingle Balls this year.. so I have to save SOME time and money .. LOL
I have tickets to 5 shows
SF, My seat is fifth row but it’s to the left of the stage, not center– I ordered soon after it opened for resale, but that’s the best I could get. Now maybe they will offer VIP?? Then I will have to scramble again…
I meant presale. I am frazzled from all that scrambling this morning to get the ticket…