I am thrilled for David that he will get an opportunity to broaden his horizons, but the two things I really like about the McFly tour are the clear indication that David’s management is not as narrow-minded and unimaginative as previous decisions might indicate, and the sheer showmanship of McFly as a terrific master class for David’s stage skills–not hoping for anything from David remotely like what the McFly boys do (that’s just ridiculous and creepy), but it’s an area where David has some room to evolve, and I suspect he will benefit handsomely from regular proximity to a bunch of rabble-rousing, freewheeling performers.
Although I remain deeply disappointed that money is winning every argument in decisions about the U.S. market, saddling David with image risks and compromises that could take years to undo, the international leg of his ’09 tour is likely to have more of a positive impact on his image here than it might otherwise have, say, a decade ago, all because of our beloved Internet. News is fast and global, now, especially in entertainment, and the fact that David is touring with a band that has been favored on some of the smartest sites this side of Gawker–particularly and especially on gay sites (gay opinion is a powerful driver of what’s cool in the young-adult opinion-maker markets; I’ve said before that David would be wise to cultivate his appeal there)–is good news indeed.
I would still like to see more imagination in PR and marketing stateside. I’ve been asked a number of times to share my views on possible solutions, rather than just constantly playing Casandra, so, here goes. Music marketing is not my specialty, there are much more experienced folks than me to turn to on this, but off the top of my head, here are just a few ideas:
Surprise cameos at smart gigs. I am clueless as to who exactly these smart gigs would be, but I’m talking about up-and-coming performers, singer-songwriters, small combos, who are cultivating young adult audiences with a clear predilection for authentic, skilled, interesting music. The point of this is not to gain wide appeal or to sell albums but to generate buzz in the right quarters and seed the alternative press and blogosphere with a clear message that David Archuleta intends to be taken seriously as an artist and not just an American Idol alumnus with records to sell. Let David pick the gigs and a few acoustic songs. These smart, hipster audiences will be gleefully shocked at how impressed they are with him.
Surprise cameos on cool shows. The quickest and best way for David to become cool without sacrificing one iota of his already fabled conservatism is by making fun of himself. Appear suddenly in a skit on Saturday Night Live as a Boy Scout in the middle of a tawdry backstage party. This kind of thing writes itself. It’s easy. It’s hilarious. And it will confer upon David instant cool cred.
Artistic photography in fashionable magazines. David is gorgeous. Period, end of story. This should be celebrated and captured in beautifully artistic and interesting ways in publications like Paper Magazine and Arena Homme Plus. The reaction of the Elle Magazine readership is both utterly unsurprising and tangible proof for anyone blind enough to miss this.
Here’s the thing. None of these ideas are anything that David’s PR and management team don’t already know and haven’t done a million times before for other artists. David is undoubtedly being told that these strategies can be implemented later, once the kiddie market has been exploited. They’re probably telling him that he should in fact not engage such opportunities now, for fear that he would only have to repeat them later, and which would allegedly be harder to do.
Bull. The only reason they’re not doing them for David now is that they don’t provide instant cash by selling albums. They are part of a long-term strategy to build an image for David that will not only place him in a far better position to cultivate the audiences he deserves, but which will better reflect the full and true dimensional range of the man. David doesn’t yet have enough cred to get on the cover of Paper Magazine. But if they don’t start cultivating that direction soon, he may miss the chance altogether.
It’s easy, of course, to engage in armchair marketing. David’s people would be justified in their resentment and dismissal of those of us who constantly tweak their very able and, I suspect, for the most part well-intentioned noses with how things should be done. But David isn’t just any young new artist, and despite the fact that every über fan of every artist probably feels that way, even an objective reading of David’s attributes will reveal an extremely unique individual indeed. I hope David’s people can find it in their hearts to forgive us for blathering on about how much we care and how much we think we know.
We love him, that’s all.
btw, the JoBros are on SNL right now. So cute, so boring, so not talented.
Rascal #151…I understand…
OMG… you could hear a pin drop in here. I swear I’ll have to go back to being a closet fan.
p.s. we have horses? I thought we only had brownies.. I feel completely left out now.
Just read #100, Rascal says:
“Guys, I appreciate your concerns, but it is time for me to apply my energies elsewhere for at least a little while. Who knows, maybe something will come up. Maybe a private forum. Check back occasionally, and perhaps there will be a little potted plant of some kind, all ready to grow again.”
I feel so much better now. Yes, by all means, Rascal, take a well-deserved break to attend to your own affairs. I will certainly check back regularly and I hope it would not be long before we hear from you again.
Going back to reading the remaining comments.
In case the door to comment is shut before I could come in here again, may I extend my love and sincere thanks to Rascal and the delightful gangs here for the pleasure of your company and opinions!
Sigh, I feel so lost, this is the only site I love, maybe in the interim Snarkies would be fine.
Rascal,
Your voice will truly be missed.
I can’t imagine going through this journey that is David’s career, without your eloquent, thought-provoking words and the joy that I get from reading the posts here everyday.
This is such a special place…really…
dawn- use the contact form to send rascal your email. ask him to forward it to me regarding sayreville.
I can’t tell you how sad I am right now. I have followed you from Rickeys, missed your beautiful and eloquent words when you left Rickeys, and was ecstatic when I discovered ND.
I know that I don’t post as often as some, but checking in here daily has become such a routine with me, that I’m almost as obsessed with ND as I am with David. I’ve met the most incredibly intelligent and wonderful people on-line here, which have developed into real life friendships, that I hope will last well beyond my blog years.
I understand your need to do this… I just wanted to let you know how much being a part of the ND community means to me. I’m hoping that this is just temporary and i want to let you know how much I will miss you and I love you.
rascal, I just realized that you were being facetious once I read all of the comments, particularly the “obnoxious” ones preceding yours.
Very sad that there are always people who think nothing of being very unpleasant, uttering things they may not if they were face to face with you.
Needless to say I’m very sad, worse than the first time you shut down. But if you say your decision is based more on things you need to give attention to than on reactions from whoever/whatever people out there to what you’ve been saying, then I will wish you the best.
I firmly believe as David does, if something happened, then it was supposed to have happened. No matter how it feels now, there is something else waiting for you obviously. Ironically, this turn of events is mirroring my own situation in some ways. Instead of losing my job this Monday, I was given a chance to transition to something else that on the surface did not look as good but your words echoed mine in that, in the end, this situation of mine is actually what I had been contemplating so I could divert my attention to something that I’ve been feeling I really needed to. So I completely hear you.
Please know that this blogsite of yours is where I’ve been coming to without fail everyday since the AI days because I loved your writing and the content that you provided. It is the only blog that actually discusses David’s artistry. Granted things got heated sometimes but you gotta love the regulars and the occasional posters.
Those of you who felt/feel nDers are snooty or whatever, I will just say I will pray for you for you are needing more love in your heart for yourself. Peace.
rascal, I look forward to when you come back and I think you will because David is not going away. He is here to stay just like us.
caseydog, thank you for letting me know about the update.
happy 156 .. done 8( .. I’m so sad.. I’m off to bed now
Rascal, I truly undertand and I am not going to beat a dead horse, but your departure occurs and has overshadowed what I have been looking forward to for days. A discussion about how David should be marketed.
Joymus if you have the time email me at deecee675 @ hotmail.com. I have a question for you.
rascal, I can’t thank you enough for ALL that you’ve done. I am rereading the posts and I sincerely hope to be part of a private forum in the future. I wish you the best of luck with everything. When I spoke of my own situation above, I did not mean to say at all I can actually understand what you are feeling as only you know what it’s taken to keep this blog going and to swim uphill sometimes. I will miss you and this house/home very much. I am actually still struggling to process it all.
I was there when you took that first break Rascal. It feels different this time. It’s entirely your right to do as you so desire.. I get it. I just don’t want you to go.
I’m not done learning from this place. I started college because of David and you. All these classy, fascinating people who write about David with you “at the helm” have inspired me to learn. I will sorely miss your “lectures”.
Thanks for the great times. PEACE!
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”
Bad weather, snow, sleet, heavy rain, kept me away until now, and I find that so much of this little part of the world that I have been living in and enjoying so much has greatly changed in the matter of just a couple of days. How strange! How wonderful! How sad life can be!
First, I am thrilled, Thrilled, THRILLED! that David is going to overseas soon, leaving Puritania for Freetania! What wonders those three months will do for him…to be shown that the world need not be a confining, constricting place, but can be a liberating one. His role model may well be Josephine Baker. When I earlier wrote that he had some mountains to climb before he could be taken seriously as a mature artist, I did not anticipate that those mountains would be the Alps. How glorious for him! His ascent begins, and I am so extremely happy for him. May he surmount all obstacles that may be put in his way by well meaning but life-inhibiting others and become acquainted with an even greater power than any he now knows, the power of the untethered soul, because he is the happy warrior who….
“… is the generous spirit, who, when brought
Among the tasks of real life, hath wrought
Upon the plan that pleased his boyish thought:
Whose high endeavors are an inward light
That makes the path before him always bright:”
And we Archie and ND fans, in our happiness and our grief, may remember the words of the Great Bard:
“….Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove.
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests, and is never shaken:
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken.”
Thanks for the memories, Rascal. Don’t let the bastards get you down. Hope all turns out well that means well.
Rascal, I just want you to know that I may have disagreed with a few people here, (mainly the unsympathetic lurkers), but have always agreed with you. Even when I may not have liked what I read, I knew there was more than a grain of truth in what you said and was enlightened and better for it.
You are a sweetheart, I want you to know that. Let this go if you need to, but know that in David’s kingdom of fans, he has lost a powerful ally in you and in this blog.
I feel such a loss. Where will we go? I can not hurrah on a daily basic on other fan sites on the latest puppy dog cuteness of David or the adorable way he sneezes. Jeez. He deserves more thoughtful sites and insights than that. He is a genius. I suspect you are too. Well, adios and take care, dear Rascal. Please come back to us. We and David, need you more than you know.
I got the news from SA. I enjoyed your earlier posts. But yes, lately your criticisms has been destructive rather than constructive. I myself would not agree to unjusifiable gushings of whatever David does, but I certainly do not understand why there should be mockery and ridicule…if I should have lost my respect for you in my earlier post, then I don’t think I will ever gain that respect for you after reading rachel’s post at SA. That one was really it. I don’t think you are a fan at all…and I suppose this site ‘closing down’ is the best option for you.
And for those of you here who joined the ‘making fun of and really looking down and mocking’ on David’s recent activities , you should read up on a post at SA about the definition of being a LOYAL FAN. I can accept you all are great fans,but are you loyal? Are you supportive? Are you constructive…
PEACE!
persimmon #166: You will have to acquire a few more of the scars that come from living a bit longer before you are able to distinguish the difference between true love and puppy love. I realize that my words will not make the least impression on you, because that is the way it is with those who find rational thinking a bothersome bore.
persimmon, rascal started this site out of love for David and his music and I don’t suppose you know the effort that goes into maintaining a blog or you wouldn’t be dismissing him and his effort so casually. I will have to chuck your attitude to complete ignorance.
Maybe some day you too will understand the difference between a critique and what you characterize as “mocking, ridicule, looking down”.
And lastly, FYI, there is a mutual respect between this site and the snarkies. Why don’t you ask Amy, or Dana, or Sabrina?
Good night!
rascal, hope that your new avi is only temporary. We need your voice, my friend.
I have been a lurker forever, it seems, but have very rarely posed. I will miss this sight immensely—it has helped me through life-threatening cancer. When I was in the hospital, there was a computer not too far from my room. I would stumble out to it with all these gizmos and gadgets hanging off me, and google “noting david”, and read all of your wise, inspirational and witty words. Rascal, you and David have kept me going! I know I will be able to keep up with David--he is going to be hugely famous some day--he already is in my mind. But I don’t know where else I will be able to feel like a part of a community like I have here. I have a wonderful family, and many loving friends, but I feel like you are all my family, too, even though you don’t know me. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how much I will miss you--you make my day—every day!
So then where is silverfox? Looking among the disaster for David’s evening prayer…well we can all remember what it is and that will be close to the same…
I think that there is always a fine balance that is needed which is I guess… not speaking in the English language that becomes difficult to understand and then there are different translations…that is where the trouble can come from…If we speak with the perhaps simplest and purest words that all can understand then we can avoid conflict…This I say in good faith….For the kindness of the thousands, speaking in a more simple version would be giving the care and understanding that makes a place not just for some but for all who want to be in this place to learn and enjoy the powers of David…
I believe that every one of us sometimes has feelings that we want to express but it would be costly considering the multitude of people from around the world who frequent here and on other sites…Speaking in more of a universal language keeps us without trouble…
Leaving is unfortunate and not the only option for sure…
rascal…I believe that #170 is the reason to stay here…not the conflicts, the dramas, the silliness, well, the silliness is fun…but, beyond everything else, beyond everyone else, there are the people whose lives are enriched and healthier because of this site…
The most important reason came with the posting #170..Some of us don’t need to read here to get by but so many do need this place….
SF -- I am missing you. Would you mind if I posted this on your behalf? Love you sweetie, hope you are doing okay.
Dear Lord, I am unworthy to ask, but I am asking anyway, please Take Care Of Our Earth Angel, David.
Watch over him, protect him from all harm. Cloak him with your love and give him the strength to endure all that thrown in his path. Give him the courage and guidance to say No to those who ask for more than he can reasonably give. Surround him with loving and supportive people who love him as we, his ARCHANGELS do. Seperate him from those who have agendas other than for his well being. Give him rest when he needs it and stamina when he feels fatigue. Give him assurance when he feels doubt. Give him joy when he feels sad. Cloak him always in your protective arms. Keep him healthy and strong so that he can continue to fulfill the Destiny that was written in his Book of Life before he was born.
This I, though unworthy, humbly pray. Amen.
There is not a good end to the day when SF is missing…
Thanks davidfanLIZ…this will be all sorted out and we will have to have good faith…
mellowmom#170, AMEN!!!
I’m afraid our silverfox is without words. I can only feel for her and miss her nightly prayer for David. It’s been a long time since I haven’t seen her prayer… Sure doesn’t feel right…
LIZ, thanks for posting SF’s prayer. It wouldn’t be right for it not to puctuate this day. It truly appropriate.
Thanks david fanLIZ. Maybe now I can get some rest.
I know not one of my people are going to understand my affection for this site………………
Rascal, these past few days have been a rollercoaster ride. But always, always we turn to you to hear your eloquent thoughts on the latest details of David’s career. Each day I come to nD first to see what is up. I have come to love all the posters here most notably SilverFox, hello gorgeous, happy…too many to name. Perhaps you’ll take your leave only to return tan, rested and ready to opine. I wish only the best for you, Rascal. You are a gem.
persimmon#166
You have an interesting name. This from a post by Rascal this evening #166
“Just to give you guys one perfect little example of what’s been going on, I actually received a hate mail about my departure note!! I’m not kidding! Calling me pompous and delusional. Can you imagine? I mean even if you think that, who kicks someone in the ass on the way out? Wow, that’s icy.”
As usual, he says it better than I ever could. And as to whether we here are loyal and supportive, yes we are. I guess I was absent the day the actual loyalty oaths were siged. I am loyal, but I have a right to dissent with his management just as Rascal and anyone else here. At least we used to. I read this tonight on the Golden Archie site, as long as we’re sharing:
“Well, Rascal is gone. He got some really unkind emails and is going to shut down to concentrate on other things right now. This makes me so sad. I have loved the thoughtful comments there and have felt so much love for David. Not always the rah rah kind but it was in a way stronger than the superficial stuff I read elsewhere. People, including Rascal, (who I really believe is a sweet guy with only David’s best interest at heart) took the time to really pour their heart out there. Some of it was not always rainbows, some of it was thunderstorms too, but that’s life and we need the rain to appreciate the sun. And believe me, I felt plenty of sunshine there too. The fact is, though David is still young, he is a once in a lifetime experience. I have read about Rembrandt and Mozart, but never thought I would actually live in a time when an artist of that magnitude lived. Some people don’t get David, just as some people didn’t get those great artists till they were gone and future generations had to learn about them in books. Those blessed with ODD are those who perceive in their very souls that something new and wondrous is on the earth with us today. Those who lived before and those who will live after will miss this miracle. Rascal tried to make people see this, and if he was at times, only lately, harsh with David’s management, it is because he knows what David is and the potential he has to change the world of music, and thereby change the world. It is a sad day. I have not always agreed with him, but he has made me think and cherish my ODD as a real gift of enlightenment in this age. I will miss him and his thoughtful, often hilarious, sometimes irreverent blog and bloggers so much. Rascal truly loves David, and was often moved to tears by his music and whatever love came his way, which was not that often. He carried a huge burden to fight against critics and those who would try to diminish or trivialize David’s gift in any way and for that I will miss him.”
Correction on the posting: rascal’s was at 85.
Wow Rascal, I am totally shocked and my heart has sunk to the floor! My respect and admiration for you is just peaking and you are closing ND? Wasn’t it yesterday that you were talking about going to UK for David’s tour? What had happened within the last 24 hours?
I am a permanent visitor. I start my day here everyday. I know it must be real hard to maintain a blog like this and I marveled at you all the time. But truly, I was expecting this blog to be one of the last ones standing for
David!
David needs ND, otherwise his world journey would be too lonely. He’s barely 18, he needs strong support when he tries to venture into exciting but uncharted waters. ND people understand his “Works for Me” and “Don’t Tell Me.”
It is almost funny. Who am I to ask you to stay? I did not post much. I was bland. You don’t even know me. Why should you listen to me? I am just too s.a.d.
Please take care of your business and yourself first and come back to loudly support David in your own special way. If starting a private forum becomes your decision, please clue me in.
Sincerely,
Peru.
Oh no! Every time I sit down at the computer I have to come here to catch up with the world of David and the bantering back and forth and all the thought provoking, interresting conversations directed by you, Rascal. Unless you actually take this site off the internet, I am going to consider that you are on an extended vacation or a long business trip. We need a postcard from time to time so we know you are still around and that you might actually come back. Thanks for caring about all our opinions!
hm… I am too busy for last 2 months… so I have checked your blog, but have little glance of the comments only, so basically I don’t know what happened at all.
I’m shocked for your leaving.
I love David so much, I hope somedays when his status is what you’re hoping for, you will come back.
Take care.
Rascal! Noooooo!
Your voice represents the grandest vision we could conjure for David.
What would we ever do without notingDavid?
Gosh!
Dear Rascal,
I came out of lurking just to tell you how sad I am after I red that you are going to close this site.
I have been here with you and with all these wonderful people from the beginning. But because of my bad english language and the big time difference, I have not been part of the conversations. I don’t know how to say what I want and when I am here you all are sleeping. Like now.
Today when I came here as usually and red your post I start to cry. And have been crying three hours now.
Somehow I feel like i am loosing David when I am loosing this site. There are adult, fun and intelligent people here and I have felt that I can share my love to David with all of you. And it has been a great pleasure to read your threads and all the comments.
Of course I understand that you have to think your own life too, so I am not mad. Only so sad. And I really hope that you will find time and passion to come back as soon as possible. With your beautiful words (allthoug I need to read them with dictionary) and interesting opinions.
So, thank you Rascal and all the others!
With great respect
Nina, from Finland, living in China now.
Thank you, Rascal for bringing together one of the best groups of fans, ever. I hope your respite at this time is brief; but if not, I wish you an abundance of joy in your future endeavors equal to all the hours, days and months of happiness, delight, tears and laughter you’ve given us. All your time and hard work for NotingDavid is truly appreciated. You may be “out-of-sight” on this blog, but you will be stay in our thoughts…with much love!
🙁 Rascal
I dont know what to say really, I sympathise with your reasoning but I just feel like your letting ‘them’ win by doing this. You dont always say what the masses think and thats part of what this site great. I dont always agree with what you say but I have never once doubted your intentions or your passion for David and his success, you only have his best interests at heart and no one ‘gets him’ more than you do. Sometimes people forget that. I remember being thrilled when I found this site many, many months ago. It has always been the place where I feel I can relate the most to Davids fans, we may all be different, but we all share the same philosophy on David, that not of one from a fangirl perspective, but one from the artistic and spiritual perspective. I have always come to this site (even for so much of it as a lurker) and I love it here.
Its a shame to see this go and that some of these people have had such a bad effect on you. Sometimes you have to unpopular to stand for what is right, or for what you think and back it all the way to the end. I hope you reconsider but I understand you havnt come to do this to make enemies either.
Good morning everyone! I probably won’t get another chance to post another comment before this blog closes, but I did want to say thanks to those of you who have e-mailed me. I won’t get a chance to respond to all of you but hope to catch up by the end of the month.
Also, for anyone who wishes to see an interim blog -- during Rascal’s absence -- please check my “All Things David” site (which I haven’t tended to in a while, so busy keeping up my other blog). I will have a new post up directing traffic to the Interim Blog that NDers can use to meet up and share our insights. All Things David is at:
http://allthingsdavid.blogspot.com/
Finally, Rascal, I realize that I forgot to say “I love you” on Valentine’s Day. Well, a day late, but I love you! It’s never too late to say that, right?
I’ve been in tears reading through the latest comments since my last post, which is probably what is propelling me to keep something going -- despite my insanely busy schedule (in which I always make time for David and ND). It’s a sad day when the Archangels go to war -- that usually signals the beginning of Armageddon and the end of days, doesn’t it? I hope this won’t impact on David in any way. What a travesty that Rascal, as Joymus has said in #135, is the first “casualty.”
Have a great week, everyone -- despite recent developments.
Let me add: check the All Things David site for new info at the end of the month, or the beginning of next month.
Peace!
As I fly past the coffee..without socks..without brushing my teeth…I’m going warp speed to inquire on the status of impending doom.
Alas.. doom… is still upon us..
Rascal, I hope you’re still reading and my apologies for blatantly disregarding your request that we stop writing about you and get back to discussing David.
I just wanted to say thanks. I didn’t always agree with what you wrote, but always enjoyed the way you wrote. It was a pleasure and you will be missed.
However, I can’t say that I feel sad. It’s much like when a good friend tells you that they’re moving to another job or another city or another country. I know that they have their own lives to lead, and have very personal reasons for decisions they make. All I can do is hope that something good awaits them where they’re going. I try to think of what it means for them and not for me. So, best wishes to you. I hope you enjoy some peace and much deserved down time from taking care of this blog.
But it’s not like you’re really going anywhere. I know you’ll be following David’s career and will be lurking around the various fan sites and we’ll hear from you sooner rather than later. Someone as ‘verbal’ as you could not possibly keep quiet for too long. Take care of yourself.
Rascal: My oldest son is home for the weekend, so I missed popping in last night and slept late this morning. I got my coffee, came into my office and logged on. Scrolled down without reading the blog header and noticed…goodbyes?
I want to say how much I’ve loved this place. I came here and read for a long time before I finally dared to post. I read your commentary with eagerness, waited for a new post hungrily, read the comments of all these wonderful people with warmth in my heart. It saddens me to see you go, to see the community you have built scrambling for a new home or a place to temporarily hang our hats until you can come back (hopeful thinking!)
You really have built a community, a very rare and bejeweled community filled with diversity and color and sometimes raucous good fun mixed. This has been a gift to us all. Thank you for being here, for daring to call it the way you see it, for giving us this place to share our love of all things David.
I hope you have a good rest, can focus on what you need to and will come back to us when you can. This is a sad day.
Rascal, there is nothing I can say that has not already been said, and so much better, by others. I have loved you and this site since its inception and missed it during the hiatus. I am a longtime lurker who visits every morning and evening and feel so comfortable here.
There is no other place like ND. As sad as I am I wish you all the best and hope you will be back. I will continue to visit as long as the site is up with hope in my heart. Thank you for your hospitality here. Much love and best wishes to you.
HG #190 -- Thanks for stepping up, even in the middle of traveling and some personal sorrows.
Let’s all continue to stay in touch while rascal takes his break.
I sent Sf an email. I told her we missed her prayer and asked if she was ok. I hope she posts some feelings today. She is the sunshine of nD.
Thank you LIZ for stepping up in her absence.
Abrra
HG, All I can say is…Thank you. I wasn’t ready to “let you go” yet. Rascal neither, but I DO understand. Doesn’t mean I have to like it!
Thanks, Rascal, for being such an eloquent and elegant host.
Thanks, NDers, for being so much fun, for laying your hearts on the line, for being realistic, for being so compassionate, and for LOVING David so much.
The one thing life has taught me is that there is no black and white, but only shades of gray. This site has given me the opportunity, whether seriously or with wit (I hope) to understand all of the nuances of the joy and sometimes a bit of the sadness that comes from supporting someone I have never met.
And to you, Rascal, Thank you, for answering my questions about ‘how to market, David’. It, truly, has and is giving me a great deal of new perspective. I am sure that it took a lot of your valuable time and it is muchly appreciated.
Until…….
RASCAL -- as usual it will take me a while to sort out my thoughts. (((HUGS))) to you. I understand that you must do what is right for you. This is said with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat.
Thanks for ALL that you have done for David and the NDer’s. Words are not enough, yet words are all I have.
Take care and God Bless
Rascal,
I don’t post but I lurk not just daily but hourly. I have not only ODD but also OnDD. You provided the much needed vision and analytical mind in the mostly saccharine David fanworld. You are the voice of reason guiding me in this perplexing journey. Your passion and jubilance over David’s artistry validated my obsession. Your occasional irreverence is infinitely amusing. I understand your reasons for taking a “sabbatical” at this juncture and I appreciate the heat you took over at some of the fan sites on behalf of those of us who shared your views. What can I say, not everyone inhabits the enlightened world you live, even those who have in the past expressed admiration for your championing of David. You are the greatest fan of David. Your voice will be sorely missed. (Who is going to properly interpret David singing with McFlyless for us now?)
For now we will just have to carry on without you. Like someone said, our heart was broken on Valentine’s Day.
Thank you for all you have done for David and for us.
This is a well established site…can it be left this way and someone(s) (with the abilities) host the site for awhile giving time a chance to pass by? Sometimes we were totally discouraged and dismayed at the plans for David and with time came the answers…he is insulted and has labels and goes on…The good people here are much more valuable to you then may appear and they are worth your staying…
Give the site another thought rascal because of the importance of its existence and its impact on the readers and for the fact that you created something appreciated by so many others…
After fifteen years in the making, we were in mediation Friday and it was the most gruelling experience filled with lies, that anyone could endure. Name calling, untruths, exagerations…and we could not say a word until we were allowed…history making, many $$$$$$$ involved…but in the end we won…stay in there with what you believe in…
Other sites have had similar happenings and it goes with the territory I guess but solutions can be found…
Done my best kiddos…someone take it from here…this is an intervention!!!
I am going to be gone for several hours…I sure hope that rascal & SF will be here when I get back…and that the Phoenix will be rising from the ashes….
the Phoenix is a constant and that is what is needed…
OK How about this……
Rascal please stay for the sake of Siverfoxe. She is apparently in deep mourning over your decision to fade into the shadows. We almost had to be tucked into bed with no prayer last night! Thanks LIZ. ( remember LIZ? she made you cry).
Is it possible to hand the reins over to some loving poster who can keep the lights on for the rest of us, until you return?
Abrra
If Rascal closes the posting here, I don’t know what I’ll do without this site.
So, I’m offering to set up a “sister site” in the next 24 hours if it helps. We can then wait until HG has some time and see if she wants to open her site as she offered. But I can’t wait until the end of the month or mid-March (half of David’s concerts will be over then). I don’t want to loose touch with the people I have “met” here and those I will be meeting at Infinity.
There won’t be beautiful postings like Rascals, but there will be a place to “convene” and discuss and show our love for David.
Thoughts?
Way to go marlie7…it doesn’t have to be beautiful and anything goes to keep going…beautiful postings can come later…not that important…
One last question before I do go…can the makeup of this site be kept and added to???????
/nod
Go for it. We won’t survive the fluffy bunny sites. good for those who can. We have several spiritual, informative and insightful posters to carry us through the tour. Just need a tent until our home is open again.
Abrra
I’m with you SandyBeaches#202:
“This is a well established site…can it be left this way and someone(s) (with the abilities) host the site for awhile giving time a chance to pass by?”
I will go one step further. The Golden Archies site, who despite the name are all in their 40s and 50’s with a few 60ish and more than a few in their 30s faced hurtful critics after AI. Not advocating going there of course, but this….
The site is private. You not only can not comment there, you can’t even enter or view unless you are a member. It was started after AI, when some of the younger fans on the AI forum became critical and insulting of his more mature fans. Also, it is managed by several moderators who take up the slack for whoever needs to take a break and it’s not all on one person’s shoulders. Some of you, like HG are more knowledgable in these matters. I only know that going private worked for the GA when some critics felt they didn’t have the right to express such “inappropriate” thoughts, like appreciating his obvious good looks and even admitting to the sin of ODD at their “advanced” age. Food for thought.
Good afternoon everyone..
I was out most of the day yesterday, came home and found out the sad, very bad news that rascal has taken LEAVE OF HIS SENSES!!
Anyway..I sent rascal an email..he knows how I feel.
But I know there are times when a break is necessary, to regroup, renew, and come back with a new sense of purpose. David is too special, too much loved by rascal, so I really don’t see how he will stay away for good. It’ll be like an itch he can’t scratch or get rid of that only nD
can soothe. So as everyone here has pleaded..go, take care of personal business, rest, see David across the pond..and come back. Your faithful will be waiting.
I tried to register at GA site. I am still waiting for ” approval” and I am 59 yrs old! Good for them. They run a tight ship. Keeping options open. I still rather have what we have here.
Abrra
#210 Hi SF! I missed you. You know, it was the “Lady Blasting David Archuleta” video that brought me (somewhat) out of lurkdom here many months ago!
When thinking about a simple way to have a private forum, Yahoo groups comes to mind. I am the moderator for some online writing groups that are private and know how to administer that. Perhaps that would suit us for now until we recover from shock and figure out if Rascal will come back or someone else will create a new site.
Any other thoughts on that?
Good morning rascal, if you are reading our comments today. In spite of the hateful people, I hope you feel some comfort as I do when I see so many comments from people coming out to say how much they’ve appreciated this site.
mellowmom and nina6161, your posts made me cry giant tears that I had managed to keep under control until this morning.
Angelica, what a beautiful write up you brought from Golden Archies. More tears. Thank you for that.
YJfanofdavid, thank you for the OnDD! So very appropriate. Now I know for close to a year, we were having OnDD on top of ODD.
This site is my primary site to come to and had become a home to me. I love FOD and Snarkies too and I am terribly saddened that the world out there makes it so difficult for alternative fansites to exist. It’s really not even alternative, it is simply another wonderful site for discussing David and his talent. David’s vast fanbase is made up of vastly different people and DIVERSITY MAKES A LOT OF SENSE, but for now, intolerance wins the day. That’s why I am sad and frustrated.
But for rascal, I remain positive. I believe things will be fine whatever happens.
🙁
Are you leaving, Rascal? I thought you didn’t care about what people think! I know I haven’t been visiting much, but I love this site very much, and I love your articles!
I understand that you gotta do what you gotta do. And while a part of me is… relieved you’re closing the comments, I really think that’ll do more damage than good.
Anyways… peace out Rascal. Love ya, babe!
#213 marlie7, Yahoo Groups “Works for Me.”
Nice to see you post SF! Just now got your email. I am glad you seem to be fairing better then most of us. Your love for the site and rascal is an inspiration.
Abrra
I think everyone should reread #133. Rascal isn’t going away because of the comments or other people’s perceptions. It seems purely personal if I read that right.
Hi everyone: Like all of you a hole has erupted in my David fan world that cannot be bridged. Rascal I wish you well and will look forward to your commentary when you have time to write.
Private blogs are certainly an option and maybe where some of us want to go. I will explore the private, mature David fan sites, thanks for the information.
HG has offered an option of another open blog which some of us are also interested in. If you want to be emailed and keep up to date about the progress on this option until HG gets back from her trip, email me at kizzix2008@gmail.com . We are thinking of something holding true to rascal’s tenants but with guest blogging like at Snarky’s and responsibility spread across a group, rather than anyone individual.
SF, good to hear from you. Someone up thread described you as sunshine, and, for me you are also at the heart of love for David’s artistry.
Warmest regards and well wishes to all of my friends, acquaintances, and reticent lurkers here at notingDavid.
I also have to come out of lurkdom to express my sadness with all of this. Noting David is the one place where I can read and laugh and cry and be shocked and enjoy all of the blogs and comments from Rascal and all of the regular posters -- whom I am have come to so admire and respect.
I am a member of the Golden Archies and I would love it if any of you would feel comfortable enough to temporarily visit the forum -- just until HG starts hers or Rascal decides to come back.
We have some very thoughtful and intelligent people there -- all 35 and older -- it is a very diverse group -- some realistic, some all rainbows -- but the differences make up our substance. I know that our Mods would love to have any of you -- all of you could only enrich our site -- even if only for a little while.
I will miss the intelluctual debates of all things David on this site. It is where I come to read when the rainbows blind me.
Rascal, you are one of a kind and one in a million. You’re an amazingly talented writer and a man of great passion. Your insights on David will be missed. This is the one site you could count on to have intelligent conversation about David.
Thank you for giving of yourself to us. Your generosity has not gone unnoticed. I wish you the best. I should be so lucky in the future to be honored by more of your writing.
Marlie, I’m with you on anything you set up. I’ll be in touch via email.
Persimmon #166 “I can accept you all are great fans,but are you loyal? Are you supportive? Are you constructive…”
Ouch. That really hurts. A lot. And yet, I somehow knew this would happen. Fan factions splitting off, some deciding what it takes to be a “true” fan, and thereby declaring themselves the “better” fans. Sad, so sad.
I love Snarkys to bits but posting there I often feel as though I’ve sat down at the cool kids’ cafeteria table and they all get up and move to another.
Even though I’ve disagreed with Rascal and many other NDers many times, I’ve never felt that way here. Never. And if anyone has because of anything I’ve posted, I apologize.
So a loyal bunch? Supportive? You bet. (not sure how to be more constructive than trying to spread the joy of David’s music to everyone you know)
David’s fans are so diverse and I’m sure he wants to make room for all of them. I love that there are so many different sites for David. I just wish this could continue to be one of them. Along with the discussions and the gushing, there’s so much wonderful sharing that goes on here. I’ll really miss that but maybe we can figure out a way to carry on for the time being.
SF, thanks for your wise words. You’re right. We Can Work It Out!
Sorry, rambling here. Peace be with you all.
For a temporary home for the group while Kizzi and HG get things going, I invite you to join David’s Annex on yahoo groups.
Just send an email to
davidsannex-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
You will receive a return email with a link to the site. The group is private, so I have to approve the invite. On the comments section when you join, just let me know your avi name here so I can recognize you. I know some of you may not have posted and may want to join. That is fine. Unless someone gets absolutely crazy and flaming on the group, I have no intention of keeping anyone out.
One rule I would like to impose, though, is no copying of anyone’s words to another site without their express permission.
Only members will be able to see the postings.
There are sections to post pictures, permanent links (you can do that in the messages as well), Polls, files, etc. Could be a great place to share David stuff and not lose it!
Vermeer, I feel your pain. I have been in a mourning last night and have not recovered from the shock and sadness. There are excellent suggestions of alternative forums where nDers can convene while we’re Waiting For Rascal, but, Rascal, is it possible that we “squat” here while you are “out of town” taking your well-deserved sabbatical? I know you have indicated you will close the comments, but how about if you allow comments to continue and recycle a picture or something from the past posts (no new materials) every so often to provide some comments relief? Sorry I am resorting to shameless begging.
Love you with all my heart.
A Chinese old saying -- If you truly love someone, you provide honest opinions/comments, not showers of dainties.
We didn’t lose a battle/war at all, and we will regroup and get stronger!
SF, great to see you here today. Without your presence, rascal’s house is not quite the same.
HG, you may be gone already but just wanted to say, I’m sorry I didn’t even get around to expressing my sympathy to you and your family what with all that was happening here as well as in my personal life this same week. I wish you well and safe travels.
Longtime lurker and occasional poster here who, along with the rest of you, is struggling to come to terms with the abrupt ending of (or, HOPEFULLY, please, please… temporary break from) what has been such a welcome daily relief for my ODD.
Rascal, you are as brilliant with your words as David is with his artistry, and I am grateful to have been educated and inspired by you and the intelligent, thought-provoking, loving and often hilarious ND community.
I suppose in the coming days and weeks we will all find other fansites to share our love for and information about this remarkable young man who has captured our hearts, but I doubt there will ever be a leader or kinship of fans who will touch me in quite the way that this community has.
Best wishes to all and God bless.
I am at a lost for words! It’s like mourning a lost of a very dear friend. It will take a long time to get over it, if at all.
Rascal -- I will not over-analyze, nor question your decision. All I will do is wish you all the best and thank you for welcoming us in your house of David. You don’t know me coz I’ve just recently de-lurked. But I feel that you’ve been my best friend for a very long time, since I’ve found your site last May. Good luck to you and hope to bump into you again in the near future.
All these kind and gracious offers… and I can’t for the life of me pack and leave home. I’m an orphan. I know I HAVE to… and it feels like it’s impending at any second…yet… I can’t make a decision.
I’m not the lurker type, and I have a life that needs time and attention on a daily basis….so I’m not one to jump from site to site. I select carefully, and devote myself to it.
It’s going to be extremely difficult for me to find a new home… and I need direction..horribly. I feel as my compass has been snatched away.
How long before I have to choose…does anyone know?
Dawn65:
This is really a shock, isn’t it? Don’t worry about choosing -- I think we are all moving together with a few interim options to keep people together. I offered the Yahoo group for an interim, and I think in the long run, it can perhaps be a place where people can share files, links, vids, etc. if they want to as It has that kind of capability.
But I am also supporting the new site that Kizzi, HG and others are trying to put together, so I don’t think we will be a fractured group. Hang in there!
I am sorry to see the end (temporary or otherwise) of this site, especially in light of David’s upcoming tours. I welcome any and all E mails from anyone here and would love to keep in touch with you. My address is hacienda432@aol.com. David is on the brink of international superstardom and the quality of his music will skyrocket in the coming months as a result of his success and influence. Good luck to all here, and let’s find a way to keep posting and sharing our thoughts and feelings about David.
I think I’ve gotten everyone’s emails down…and I already sent rascal my email info to pass along to happy and marley ..since our tour dates are soon upon us.
well I guess that’s it for now.. until I find a home… I guess.
this was like the worst Vday ever.. even WITH David’s call
Dear Rascal,
I’ve been a faithful reader here most every day, since last Spring/Summer. As I read your “Update”, my heart sank as I read on, not quite believing what was in front of me!
As you wrote in your “Update”…
“It has all been for one, glorious, shining purpose:
The miracle that is David Archuleta.”
Finally, I registered today, so that I can say, “THANK YOU, Rascal!”
Warmest regards and best wishes to you; I hope we all meet again someday!
TOfan #222, Hear, Hear!
My previous post happened to be right after many negative comments and I think it might have come across negative even though I was expressing my sincere thanks to rascal for this site.
I am mostly a lurker, but I have had many wonderful times reading all of your comments here, whether I agreed or not, it was a place of thoughtful reflection and many needed days of laughter. I start my day here and end it here. I feel I know many of you, though you have not gotten to know me.
Rascal, I understand the need to take some personal time. I have tried to give up some of my “David” time to take care of my personal and professional obligations. It’s very hard to do. This ODD is a real pain at times, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love David. I love everything about him. He has made my life more enjoyable. ND was one of those joys!
Go and do what you have to do, but do please let us hear from you from time to time. Especially if you go see David across the pond. We want to hear about it as only you can do, good or bad!
Take care Rascal, and once again, thank you for all the time you have taken to bring this great meeting place to all of us.
To all the other wonderful, devoted fans of David here at ND. You have been a light in my universe and I salute you all.
Hi all,
We did a little social experiment on Yahoo groups. There was a problem with email addresses displaying, so I have shut down that group. Kizzi is working on something cool, so hang in there.
Rascal I am coming out of lurdom today to say how sad i am that you are taking a break. I so enjoyed visiting here and mostly lurking every day--but I sure did feel comfortable enough when I wanted to say something that I could. I will miss that and your insight. Best wishes from a fellow ad agency gal.( Y&R 20yrs)
Rascal,
David needs you.
How am I going to do when all I can see from hear on is “OMG David is so amazing.”?
Perfect timing. Now that I see that there is an alternative location set up for the regulars, I will close the comments and let notingDavid rest.
Thanks everyone, for all your kind comments.
Think of me
think of me fondly, when
we’ve said goodbye
remember me
once in a while, please
promise me you’ll try
When you find,
that once again you long
to take your heart back,
and be free
if you ever find a moment,
spare a thought for me
We never said
our love was evergreen
or as unchanging as the sea…
but if you can still remember,
stop and think of me
Think of all the things
we’ve shared and seen,
don’t think about the things
which might have been
Think of me
think of me waking, silent
and resigned…
imagine me, trying too hard to
put you from my mind…
Recall those days,
look back on all those times,
think of the things
we’ll never do…
there will never be a day when
I won’t think of you.