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MBrevard · 08 Apr 2003, 22:48

Hi, Meat! I'm sorry. I don't post very often. I'm here at least once every day, but I'm still shy about all this. I'll probably always be a Rookie here. But this is a topic which has been playing in my mind for quite a while now, even before both your recent comments, and I can't sit quietly by this time and say nothing.

I am one of the older members of this group. In my lifetime, I have only been involved in two fandoms and sadly now, this same thing has happened in both of them. I have long been simultaneously amazed, appalled and sometimes, even horrified to read reactions about you at the Steinman site. When you posted there a couple months ago about the upcoming tour, I had an actual shudder go down my spine, as I awaited what I thought would be the onslaught to come. Thankfully, only two people responded: one with a semi-sarcastic remark and our Markus at this forum, who was happy to greet you, as you deserved to be, at their messageboard. I felt great relief.

I have long tried to understand this animosity some of the members of the Steinman forum seem to feel toward you. From what I have seen around the net, this is not your first time dealing with this subject, and it is obviously a sore point with you.

It's very difficult to make sense of something which has none. I guess I'm lucky that I've never had any problem enjoying both of you and the things you do together, as well as individually. But (and I hate to put words or feelings in anyone else's mouth--I have enough problems putting them in my own :) ) I have long gotten the feeling that the reactions some of these people have toward you go back to the early problems you had with Jim and his feelings then, as you described in the book. Somehow, that strained relationship needs to be maintained, even if it no longer exists (and obviously doesn't or you wouldn't continue to work with one another); that liking you is in some way being disloyal to Jim. I'm not sure this is even going on at any kind of conscious level. So many things we fans do, are not. This is just my theory. It may or may not be true, but it's the only way I've been able to explain it to myself, in trying to make some sense of it.

Again, these are just MY feelings, as I have read their messages for quite some time, but they seem to resent any time you give yourself credit for anything having to do with the success of the albums you both did together, as if somehow, when you show pride or discuss your part in those projects, it takes away from Jim's contribution. I find it very sad some can't seem to understand that it was a "partnership"--that both of you brought much to the mix and that nothing would have been accomplished if either of you had been missing from it!

I have found the same sort of thing in the other fandom I was involved in, as well. But I've never understood how putting one person down, helps to lift someone else up. It makes no sense to me. When people work together, aren't they ALL doing their best when things go well for EVERYONE?? When you're working as a team, then the object is for everyone in that team to do their part and work together. One part of that team isn't better than the rest. Everyone adds to it--or subtracts from it when things don't go smoothly...

The funny thing is, Meat, I think a lot of these people really DO like you--if nothing else than as being the person who performs Jim's songs better than anyone in the world. I think that a number of them actually go to your shows--some quietly, others talk about them openly. So, there is this dichotomy which has been set up there and nothing is being done to dispell it--either by Jim or by the person who runs the site, who knows him. And as long as that is the case, nothing will change.

Certainly nothing you do or say will change it!

May I go on for a little while longer on a related subject (I'm sorry--I said I don't write often, but once I get going...)?

Let's try to put all this into perspective, since you seem to be SO upset by it.

For a very long time, we ran a large club and website for another actor. He is a very dear friend. And he used to tell us stories about what he called the "Kafka Korridors." He used to have a big TV series and every autumn, when the network was doing its Fall Promotion, they set up one floor in a hotel and all the actors would go from room to room, to be interviewed by different newspapers, TV, magazine reporters waiting for them in these rooms. This was his K.K. And he told us that there were always certain reporters there who would deliberately try to upset him, excite him, get him to blow up. Their questions were always inflamatory. We were shocked, having no idea that this went on and asked him why in the world they would do this. What was the point? His response was "because they could; because they wanted to."

I'm sure you've had more than your share of reporters who do the same thing with you. MY point in bringing this up is that there will always be people out there with certain agendas. And I'm not just talking about reporters or reviewers. But sadly, there are fans who have them, as well: a sad lesson we learned in our other fandom. And I cried many a tear over them, until I realized what was happening. Thankfully, most fans are terrific. They have nothing but love in their heart, with no ulterior motives. But it's always good to remember that there are some who, like the reporters above, have other needs or plans, who love to stir the pot until it boils over.

You need to stay above all this "crap," for lack of a better word--well, I have a better word, but I'll refrain from using it here. You can't allow yourself to be openly hurt by any of this. Because what we learned all too well, was that once you show this vulnerability, these particular fans will continue to go after you with a vengeance. They've found a soft spot and they'll go right for it every time!!

Besides, how many people are we talking about?? I haven't counted exactly, but it feels as though there are about 25 people posting at the Steinman list--it may be a bit more, and I'm certain there are a LOT more, like me, who don't post, but who visit there to read what's been said. The exact number doesn't really matter. Only about ten or so actively write in a negative way about you. But there are MILLIONS of people around the world who are going to pick up this new CD of yours and love it! Some will having been waiting for it (some of us a bit more impatiently than others); some will just be discovering you for the first time. During the next 15 months of touring (OMG, that's a LONG TIME!!), thousands of people will excitedly be buying tickets and awaiting their chance to see you perform live.

10+ people, Meat, out of the billions of people in this planet!! That's less than ONE DROP OF WATER in the ocean!! You see what I'm saying?? If the people on that list don't want to openly like you, stay away from them!!! You don't NEED them! You have US!!!!!! WE are your army! And by "we" I don't just mean the people at this forum, but your millions of fans out here! WE are the only ones who count!!

Sadly, and I know I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, you will never be liked by everyone in this world, as much as you'd like to be. Your talents will never be appreciated by everyone. No one's are. You will never get 100% positive reviews for anything you do.

But in the end, does that matter??

Right now, you need to turn all your energies positive to promote the new album and get yourself ready for this herculean tour ahead of you. I know you are here to "get things right" as your profile indicates, and every single one of us at this forum can't thank you enough for that! Frankly, I can't think of many other people in your position who would take the time to do this sort of thing (and do it in the way you have chosen to--by being one of us). I think it is your humanness and your willingness to show it to us that makes you so very special in our hearts. But you just can't afford to let yourself get upset at things that are beyond your control.

If you read or see something upsetting, let it go! Instead, come to US! Come here or go to any of the other wonderful Meat Loaf sites around the net--places where we celebrate having you in our lives every single day! THIS is what you need right now!! WE are the people who must matter to you--NOT the 10 or so people on someone else's site who, for one reason or another, choose not to like you!!!

WE like you! We LOVE you! We support YOU!! That's why each and every one of us come here every day, to be with you, in whatever way that is to be. If there's a bad review or article, let US rail about it for you! God knows, we're all great at that!!! Let US be your army right now to take up the bad! YOU, dear soul, concentrate on the good!!

For the past several weeks, and I know I'm not alone in saying this, I have felt here a growing sense of excitement and a feeling that this is going to be an AMAZING time for you!! And nothing could make us happier. I think (hope) we all agree with you that now's the time to put Bat III to rest for a while and concentrate on what's REALLY important: CHSIB and the upcoming tour!!

I, for one, can't wait for my album (coming from the UK WHEN????

) AND seeing you again this summer at Saratoga and Kelseyville!! Just got our tickets for the first, and we are eagerly awaiting the second's availability this coming Sunday!!!

I don't believe the length of this post! You all must be blind by now!! Hey, R., could we maybe count this as SEVERAL postings instead of just one.

I might just make it out of 'Rookie' yet!!

With the way of the world right now, I send each of you love and a wish for peace and safety!

And as always, Meat, I send much love and hugs to you and everyone there!! Can't wait to see you in June!!

08 Apr 2003, 22:48	#18
MBrevard Super Loafer Join Date: 06.02.2003 Location: Deceased Posts: 761	Hi, Meat! I'm sorry. I don't post very often. I'm here at least once every day, but I'm still shy about all this. I'll probably always be a Rookie here. But this is a topic which has been playing in my mind for quite a while now, even before both your recent comments, and I can't sit quietly by this time and say nothing. I am one of the older members of this group. In my lifetime, I have only been involved in two fandoms and sadly now, this same thing has happened in both of them. I have long been simultaneously amazed, appalled and sometimes, even horrified to read reactions about you at the Steinman site. When you posted there a couple months ago about the upcoming tour, I had an actual shudder go down my spine, as I awaited what I thought would be the onslaught to come. Thankfully, only two people responded: one with a semi-sarcastic remark and our Markus at this forum, who was happy to greet you, as you deserved to be, at their messageboard. I felt great relief. I have long tried to understand this animosity some of the members of the Steinman forum seem to feel toward you. From what I have seen around the net, this is not your first time dealing with this subject, and it is obviously a sore point with you. It's very difficult to make sense of something which has none. I guess I'm lucky that I've never had any problem enjoying both of you and the things you do together, as well as individually. But (and I hate to put words or feelings in anyone else's mouth--I have enough problems putting them in my own :) ) I have long gotten the feeling that the reactions some of these people have toward you go back to the early problems you had with Jim and his feelings then, as you described in the book. Somehow, that strained relationship needs to be maintained, even if it no longer exists (and obviously doesn't or you wouldn't continue to work with one another); that liking you is in some way being disloyal to Jim. I'm not sure this is even going on at any kind of conscious level. So many things we fans do, are not. This is just my theory. It may or may not be true, but it's the only way I've been able to explain it to myself, in trying to make some sense of it. Again, these are just MY feelings, as I have read their messages for quite some time, but they seem to resent any time you give yourself credit for anything having to do with the success of the albums you both did together, as if somehow, when you show pride or discuss your part in those projects, it takes away from Jim's contribution. I find it very sad some can't seem to understand that it was a "partnership"--that both of you brought much to the mix and that nothing would have been accomplished if either of you had been missing from it! I have found the same sort of thing in the other fandom I was involved in, as well. But I've never understood how putting one person down, helps to lift someone else up. It makes no sense to me. When people work together, aren't they ALL doing their best when things go well for EVERYONE?? When you're working as a team, then the object is for everyone in that team to do their part and work together. One part of that team isn't better than the rest. Everyone adds to it--or subtracts from it when things don't go smoothly... The funny thing is, Meat, I think a lot of these people really DO like you--if nothing else than as being the person who performs Jim's songs better than anyone in the world. I think that a number of them actually go to your shows--some quietly, others talk about them openly. So, there is this dichotomy which has been set up there and nothing is being done to dispell it--either by Jim or by the person who runs the site, who knows him. And as long as that is the case, nothing will change. Certainly nothing you do or say will change it! May I go on for a little while longer on a related subject (I'm sorry--I said I don't write often, but once I get going...)? Let's try to put all this into perspective, since you seem to be SO upset by it. For a very long time, we ran a large club and website for another actor. He is a very dear friend. And he used to tell us stories about what he called the "Kafka Korridors." He used to have a big TV series and every autumn, when the network was doing its Fall Promotion, they set up one floor in a hotel and all the actors would go from room to room, to be interviewed by different newspapers, TV, magazine reporters waiting for them in these rooms. This was his K.K. And he told us that there were always certain reporters there who would deliberately try to upset him, excite him, get him to blow up. Their questions were always inflamatory. We were shocked, having no idea that this went on and asked him why in the world they would do this. What was the point? His response was "because they could; because they wanted to." I'm sure you've had more than your share of reporters who do the same thing with you. MY point in bringing this up is that there will always be people out there with certain agendas. And I'm not just talking about reporters or reviewers. But sadly, there are fans who have them, as well: a sad lesson we learned in our other fandom. And I cried many a tear over them, until I realized what was happening. Thankfully, most fans are terrific. They have nothing but love in their heart, with no ulterior motives. But it's always good to remember that there are some who, like the reporters above, have other needs or plans, who love to stir the pot until it boils over. You need to stay above all this "crap," for lack of a better word--well, I have a better word, but I'll refrain from using it here. You can't allow yourself to be openly hurt by any of this. Because what we learned all too well, was that once you show this vulnerability, these particular fans will continue to go after you with a vengeance. They've found a soft spot and they'll go right for it every time!! Besides, how many people are we talking about?? I haven't counted exactly, but it feels as though there are about 25 people posting at the Steinman list--it may be a bit more, and I'm certain there are a LOT more, like me, who don't post, but who visit there to read what's been said. The exact number doesn't really matter. Only about ten or so actively write in a negative way about you. But there are MILLIONS of people around the world who are going to pick up this new CD of yours and love it! Some will having been waiting for it (some of us a bit more impatiently than others); some will just be discovering you for the first time. During the next 15 months of touring (OMG, that's a LONG TIME!!), thousands of people will excitedly be buying tickets and awaiting their chance to see you perform live. 10+ people, Meat, out of the billions of people in this planet!! That's less than ONE DROP OF WATER in the ocean!! You see what I'm saying?? If the people on that list don't want to openly like you, stay away from them!!! You don't NEED them! You have US!!!!!! WE are your army! And by "we" I don't just mean the people at this forum, but your millions of fans out here! WE are the only ones who count!! Sadly, and I know I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, you will never be liked by everyone in this world, as much as you'd like to be. Your talents will never be appreciated by everyone. No one's are. You will never get 100% positive reviews for anything you do. But in the end, does that matter?? Right now, you need to turn all your energies positive to promote the new album and get yourself ready for this herculean tour ahead of you. I know you are here to "get things right" as your profile indicates, and every single one of us at this forum can't thank you enough for that! Frankly, I can't think of many other people in your position who would take the time to do this sort of thing (and do it in the way you have chosen to--by being one of us). I think it is your humanness and your willingness to show it to us that makes you so very special in our hearts. But you just can't afford to let yourself get upset at things that are beyond your control. If you read or see something upsetting, let it go! Instead, come to US! Come here or go to any of the other wonderful Meat Loaf sites around the net--places where we celebrate having you in our lives every single day! THIS is what you need right now!! WE are the people who must matter to you--NOT the 10 or so people on someone else's site who, for one reason or another, choose not to like you!!! WE like you! We LOVE you! We support YOU!! That's why each and every one of us come here every day, to be with you, in whatever way that is to be. If there's a bad review or article, let US rail about it for you! God knows, we're all great at that!!! Let US be your army right now to take up the bad! YOU, dear soul, concentrate on the good!! For the past several weeks, and I know I'm not alone in saying this, I have felt here a growing sense of excitement and a feeling that this is going to be an AMAZING time for you!! And nothing could make us happier. I think (hope) we all agree with you that now's the time to put Bat III to rest for a while and concentrate on what's REALLY important: CHSIB and the upcoming tour!! I, for one, can't wait for my album (coming from the UK WHEN???? ) AND seeing you again this summer at Saratoga and Kelseyville!! Just got our tickets for the first, and we are eagerly awaiting the second's availability this coming Sunday!!! I don't believe the length of this post! You all must be blind by now!! Hey, R., could we maybe count this as SEVERAL postings instead of just one. I might just make it out of 'Rookie' yet!! With the way of the world right now, I send each of you love and a wish for peace and safety! And as always, Meat, I send much love and hugs to you and everyone there!! Can't wait to see you in June!!