Readers respond to the Jive/'N Sync/BSB/Pearlman Situation (Part II)

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Oct 18, 2099 Source: Backstreet.net readers Submitted By: From: Eliza Stewards [monkey_meat@hotmail.com] Sent: Sunday, October 17, 1999 10:56 PM I knew I shouldn't have done it, but I did it anyway. I read the readers response to the BSB/NSYNC/JIVE/Lou Pearlman fiasco, and my reaction was exactly what I thought it would be- I was extremely infuriated by what some (well, one specifically) of your readers had to say. *NSYNC were NOT treated good by Lou. Lance was in the hospital for a week because he had been overworked, and he was dehydrated, exhausted, etc.. Lou is greedy. I think if NSYNC want to leave TransCon, they have every right. Maybe it could have been done more tactfully, but what's done is done. They do not have $150 million. Do the Backstreet Boys have that much money?? No. Yes, the money *NSYNC makes from 7 million CDS+, three sold out tours, merchandise, etc, IS a lot, but I seriously doubt it's $150 million They don't get all that money anyways. It's different for every artist/group, but they never get FULL profits from CD sales, or tours, or merchandise. Management and the record company take a HUGE chunk of it away from them. I know I'm coming off wrong here, I love the Backstreet Boys, but I also love *NSYNC and I can't stand to see them bashed the way they were. I HAVE to add this: *NSYNC created themselves. They were not put together by Pearlman, or anybody else. Disagree with me all you want, it's true. I think what Pearlman is doing is unjust, and just plain insane. $150 million for "damages"? Yeah, they breeched a contract, but is one action WORTH 150 million?.. Plus there are a lot of details in this whole mess that the fans have not been made aware of. I wish you wouldn't have posted that one response, every response under that one was mature and well said. That one was just a vicious and petty attack on *NSYNC. From: prez22 [prez22@email.msn.com] Sent: Sunday, October 17, 1999 8:38 PM I would love it if you could post this on your site. Thanks   Ok, to all you out there who care enough to read this, my opinion on the N Sync/Jive/Perlman 150 mill dollar law suit is...I DON"T CARE. And neither should any of you! Just my opinion but, for those fans who go out there preachin and saying, "oh let's stand behind our boys 100% and their families and support them!" give me a break! i don't think that it's any of the Public's business on legal terms of the group.  If you are an actual fan of the group (oh, forgot to mention, i'm NOT a fan of n sync) you should like them for their music, and shouldn't really care about anything else. Because it isn't YOUR problem. it's THEIRS, let them deal with it because the more you say about the whole deal people read it and then tell other people and twist it a little and it turns into rumors among the fans.  And Rumors are just stupid. And furthermore, don't you think that N Sync is a little embarrassed? (not that i care or anything) but if it were you being sued for that much money, would you want everyone to know about it and talk about it behind your back? I just think the whole thing is stupid and people should stop talking about it (yes i know i'm talking about it, don't bother emailing me and telling me that. I'm just talking about it to try and convince everyone to STOP talking about it) and you, the fans of n sync out there, should continue to listen to the music and like them as much as you did before the whole legal issues about them came up.   Thank you for taking the time to read this. -Jackie From: RolIwithit@aol.com Sent: Sunday, October 17, 1999 7:36 PM Hi my name is Nadia and I have something to say in regards to the entire NSYNC big Lou thing. Here goes, have you people ever thought to see that if both NSYNC and the BSB are unhappy with Lou, then what does that tell you about him. Oh poor Lou Lou has everybody leaving his puppet show. Oh poor Lou Lou treats people like crap and thinks he can get away with it. Well I have a thing to say about poor Lou Lou. Lou Pearlman is nothing but a manipulative, arrogant, ugly man who takes his falling out of the ugly tree and hitting every branch and then eating the bark out on everybody who he comes in contact with. I frankly feel so sorry for any of the groups who are under his control. Yeah people are saying how $150 million isn't that much. Well tell me this, have any of you learned from TLC. You think NSYNC makes a lot, but they don't make nearly as much as you think they do after all the cash they have to shell out to everybody. Yeah they aren't hurting for money, but the amount is a bit large. It seems to me that all the male groups under his control get treated like caged animals in a zoo. They are forced to peform when ill, are forced to be put on display and have people come by and ooh and aww over them, and when they are told to jump they are expected to say how high. Now I'm not some huge fan of NSYNC. I really don't like them as far as groups go. There are only 2 good looking guys out of 5 and they are a lot like BSB who were out first, but they do have talent. With saying all that, I just want everybody to sit back and think about what it would be like to be treated like that by people who aren't even your parents! Imagine somebody telling you when to go to bed when you are 23 years old. Imagine somebody telling you what to eat. Imagine having to sit there and see people that care about you being pushed around by security and not being able to do a thing about it. Imagine having to wear stupid outfits cause management told you to. Imagine somebody telling you how you are supposed to act or talk. Just imagine not being able to be who you are. Just imagine losing your identity. All these groups started out young, and they all started out around the time when you usually discover who you are. So don't you think that it would be very difficult for any of them to really know who they are as people. All I'm saying is to put yourself into their shoes and realize that money isn't everything and that money does not equal happiness. If you would like to respond to me about this you may at Roliwithit@aol.com. Nadia From: MARJORIE LAMARRE [mlamarre@sprint.ca] Sent: Friday, October 15, 1999 9:17 AM Hi BSBgirl, first thing first. It doesn't seem like you know much about record deals or else you wouldn't wrote what you did. First of all, yes I am a huge fan of N'sync and no I don't hate BSB(I have my moments) but i get to that later. N'sync doesn't have as much of money as you think first when you are an unknown band you will take any contract that comes your way and usually it is never a good deal because how can we know if you will sale records or not or if another label would be interested in you so usually you go ahead and sign and this is for any boy band group who's dream is to record a CD. You see N'sync have proven that they can sale so it is normal that they would like to have a better deal now. Yes they have made a huge revenue but guess what they only got 1million each out of what 100million or more???? You see Lou pays for everything food;rent;school; car; all the clothing you name it he will take the bill. but when you start making money he will deduct everything back to him and usually when you sale like N'sync you do get your money back and more. You mention that N'sync went behind Lou's back.. Excuse me but they have tried to renegociate their contract and guess what Transcon didn't come througt so they went with a better offer which is Jive. Trans con doesn't have the master record of no strings attached; Jive does and if you read the articles on this Trancon is requesting for Jive to give it back to them. Now as for BSB I understand if they want to go due that they are a big client of Jive and they probably afraid they will not get all the attention due that N'sync will be another big client of Jive. I feel that BSB is really leaving Jive because of that and not because they are taking to much money out of them or else they would have switch already. But if you look closely BSB always seem to be the one who have a problem sharing the spolight with N'sync. You must understand that N'sync doesn't have 150millions dollar at the bank as you may think, if someone is sueing you for wrecking their property and they are asking 5000$ doesn't mean you have it at the bank!!.. They want to make sure that what ever revenue they will be making on Jive; trancon hopes to have a big chunk of that revenue.They know that their second CD will bring big bucks$$ do you really think that Transcon cares about N'sync personally it's all about the benjamins(money)!!!!!. So why should they tolerate to be exploited like that. Ask BSB i'm sure they will tell you all about negotiating with Transcon maybe you will understand N'sync better. P.S Still to this day Trancon if making a percentage of money out of Millenium sales Marjorie From: Da Dazzly Spazzly [phunkeespaz56@yahoo.com] Sent: Sunday, October 17, 1999 5:50 PM A Faithful Fans Opinion on the Jive Dispute My name is Michelle Snow and I'm 13 years old. I'm also a very dedicated fan of the Backstreet Boys. For almost a month now, I have had to sit back and watch as the music industry and it's followers have been ripped in two. One side for the Backstreet Boys and one side for *N Sync. I feel that it is time for me to make my voice heard. In this ordeal, I would have to plead neutrality. You see, as you may already know, *N Sync made a decision (that was foolish in my opinion) to leave their record contract with RCA records to move to the younger and hipper label, Jive. The reason why I feel it was a foolish decision is because they left a perfectly good deal in order to move to Jive. Now, as a consequence, they are being hit with a major lawsuit that, while it is being settled, will take time and effort that would compromise the time they spend promoting themselves. Because of their decision, the Backstreet Boys are being affected in a very deep way. I have heard many people's opinions on the Backstreet Boys' reaction to this. Many say that they're leaving because *N Sync consists of posers who have no talent and the BSB does not want to be associated with them. Other say that the BSB is being selfish by not sharing a label with *N Sync. What I feel is that it was a very good decision. See, by signing on *N Sync, Jive takes on the responsibility of promoting two, very similar groups that are deep in competition. It is impossible for Jive to promote one without compromising the career of the other. By leaving, the BSB saves the careers of both them and *N Sync. If both of them stay on the label, each will be strangled. They cannot grow as individual groups and cannot compete in a healthy way. I think it was a very smart decision that will prove to be benificial for everyone. So there you have it! Anothey opinion! YAY! Well, thank you for listening to me voice what I feel. If you would like to send me comments, please e-mail me at PhunkeeSpaz56@yahoo.com Once again, thank you. Michelle From: SkiChic183@aol.com Sent: Sunday, October 17, 1999 4:20 PM At the beginning of all this, I thought that it didn't seem like BSB to me...they we're going to sue because N Sync was moving to Jive records...it didn't seem like BSB. But now that I know Jive didn't follow the contract, so BSB needs to stand up for themselves and not let it slide, because if they let it go then Jive might try other stuff with them...I think that in the end it was probably the right thing to do to sue them, but thats my opinion. If it had been 98 degrees or 5ive or any of the "boy bands" they would've sued then too. It just happened to be N Sync moving to Jive, so it just makes the rivalry a whole lot bigger. I have never heard BSB ever say anything bad about N Sync, yet everyone is saying that's the reason why they want to leave Jive. The reason they are suing Jive is because Jive broke their contract w/ BSB. Well, thanks for listening that's my opinion. From: Marie1Litt@aol.com Sent: Sunday, October 17, 1999 12:57 PM Hello and Good Morning. It's me again. The older fan who is really beginning to have a problem with this ceaseless controversy between The Backstreet Boys and the lesser teen idols known as 'N Sync. Okay. I have obviously made my position clear. I do not care for this group. That's not my agenda. What it is all about is what seems to be a fooling of the collective minds and hearts of the fans of BOTH of these talented young men. I have read just about all of the articles that have the raging controversy subject matter in them. I have noticed items ranging from lawsuits, to backbiting, to a seeming inability to make a comment or statement about all of this that, we the fans, the readers, the BUYERS of their merchandise have aright to know about. I, in no way, am inferring that we have to know the total aspect of what is going on. I don't expect respective members of each group to hold an open forum and site the 101 reasons why they do know want to be on the same planet, much less the same label with one another. I just think we should know where this is going to lead us. I think that one member per group can give a reasonable account of the situation. Having 'representatives' speak on their behalf is not exactly showing how much we mean to them for all of our continued support. Now, before anyone gets up in arms about what I have just said: Remember, I am totally loyal to The Backstreet Boys. I respect and admire them a great deal. I just want the word from the horses mouth, so to speak and I am about to tell you why: When I saw fit to acknowledge my growing addiction to The Backstreet Boys, it became apparent to me that I would have to do something about it. I wanted to see their smiling faces every morning. What better way to do this than to buy an abundance of the latest 'Teeny Bopper' magazines? So, I did. As I went about carefully extracting the pictures and articles from said magazines, I began to notice a trend. These magazines were positively laden with 'BSB' and 'N Sync. Sure, there were mentions of the 'others', but it was like the editors and authors knew that to maintain a fast sell out rate they would have to harness that which sold the quickest and the most. I also noticed another pattern. It seemed as if these same authors and editors would just about trip over themselves to tell the readers that contrary to popular belief, THERE IS NO FRICTION BETWEEN THE BACKSTREET BOYS AND 'N SYNC. Strange, huh? That this would be the material they tended to focus on when they MUST know there is a heated rivalry between the two. There was even a '100 facts and tidbits' about 'BSB' that included this fact and I quote: Number 99: "Despite rumors to the contrary, The Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync get along very well." I regret the fact that I had literally taken the magazine apart to such proportions that I cannot tell you which one I got that quote from, but I assure you it is the real deal. I even had to take a picture of Nick off of my wall to get the exact wording and number it was listed under. This is my reasoning. I pray I have made my stance clear. I don't want this tomfoolery to continue. I know that it will despite what I say or feel. I will always and forever support what The Backstreet Boys do no matter what, it's just I think I should be kept in the light about the truth of what's happening. I want this for all of 'BSB's' fans. Young and old. I even want it for fans of 'N Sync even if I, myself, cannot see one iota of their appeal. There is bound to be controversy and a seeming need to hide the facts from the fans. I understand that, but don't tell me one thing in the magazines--repeatedly--and another when I come to check out the latest happenings on the boys. I, in no way, hold Backstreet.Net or the Backstreet Bulletin responsible for this coverage as I know they are only reporting what has been sent to the site. I've said my views and I, again, did not set out to offend any fans of either of the two groups. I just don't want people in 'Media and Record Deal Land' to think I am a 'mark' for them just because I love 'BSB's' music and they way they make me feel. Give it to me straight. To all of us. I would be willing to bet there are more of us out there who would want to know the solid truth despite how it may make us feel to know that not everything is so 'dreamy' all of the time. Until the next time I have something to write about, Marie Martin ---Marie1Litt@aol.com From: laura c. [blgslanceluvr@yahoo.com] Sent: Sunday, October 17, 1999 6:08 AM I am not sure where to send this so I'm sending it here. I'm writing in reguard to those that write in saying that BSB is better then 'NSYNC or those saying 'NSYNC is better then BSB. Neither is the case. (my opinion people-chill OUT!) I have been a bsb fan for about two years. I have been an 'NSYNC fan for about a year. I luv both groups. I'm 19 and I am classified by my friends as obsessive. I have seen both groups live and I have posters of one group right next to a pic of the other. Both groups are different. Listen to the music people. Don't listen to the fact that 'NSYNC came out after BSB or that BSB are selfish and can't share with another group. Listen to just the music. You can hear the distictive sounds of AJ's screams or you can hear the low bass sound of Lance. Each group was started different and each group has their own style of music. Granted it's all classified pop by society but no-they're different. Please everyone-fans of pop music need to unite right now-especially with the controversy including these two great groups. Don't fight with each other-unite and fight 'society'. Fight Lou Pearlman or fight RCA or Jive. Don't fight each other. In order for pop music not to go away like it did with New Kids (yes I was a fan of them too.) we cannot let others interfere with what we like. Stick together and pop music will not dissapear like before and BSB and 'NSYNC will be around for a long time like Aerosmith or Metallica. I hope you all get my meaning. I want us to all get along. 'NSYNC fans don't fight with BSB fans, BSB fans don't fight with 'NSYNC fans. Don't insult the other group. As I was raised to believe=="Do onto others as you would have done to you." Remember that. Laura email me if you wish to comment. From: Kissy359@aol.com Sent: Sunday, October 17, 1999 12:53 AM Ok, I'm writing to you about this whole Nsync/BSB thing. I never liked Nsync and have always felt they were BSB wannabes, and when I heard they were moving to Jive, I was so angry. There are tons of record labels in the world, why choose that one? And it makes me angry how everyone keeps referring to it as a "boy band" fiasco or whatever. BSB IS NOT A BOY BAND! They play instruments, write songs, and produce. So all the haters of BSB need to realize that. They have worked so hard for so long, all for their fans. They are always great to their fans and treat ALL artists with respect, wheher or not they may like the music. It's not fair when groups like Limp Bizkit, Blink 182, and Korn go and bash BSB on tv. That's just not right. And the BSB DO NOT lip synch either. Which is another reason I feel they are better than Nsync. Even when they are sick (Rosie in May) they still sang live, and on MTV after being at a party really late and having to be in the studio by 12, they still managed to be rested enough so they could sing the next day. That shows lots of hard work and perseverence by all of them. So they do deserve a new record label because they have so much more to offer then Nsync, and they want to be able to get away from the "boy band" stereotype. I also don't think anyone should feel bad for Nsync. They went about this the wrong way to begin with. When BSB left their management, they all settled it without there being lawsuits. Nsync obviously didn't do all the research they should have cuz looks what's happening now? Their lawsuit could go on for years, which means no new album, which means no more money, and which means no more fans. They will only stick around for so long. Eventually they'll get over it. Either they'll be sick of waiting, growing out of it, listening to BSB instead, or just forgetting about it. Nsync did this to themselves people. Do not feel bad for them. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, I just want to get my point across, and this is a good way for me to vent my anger about the whole situation. From: from me [mrs32@hotmail.com] Sent: Sunday, October 17, 1999 12:16 AM I must respond to the bsb/n sync/lou pearlman thing. A few peeps aren't like what i'm going to say: Leave it to N Sync to mess up everything. This whole ordeal shows how immature N Sync really is. They go around saying how they left RCA, Lou Pearlman, etc. when no absolute plans were made yet. Apparently, this uneducated group doesn't realize that you can't just break a contract- it takes a lot of legal work to get out of one. Now they are learning the hard way. So they are getting sued for 150 million dollars, HA! Like a someone mentioned earlier they have more then enough money to pay it off, i mean with all that useless crap I see everywhere now. Maybe N Sync getting sued for millions of dollars will help bring down there conceited egos also- cause these guys really believe they're high & mighty. News flash: Lou Pearlman is quoted that he made them in case the BSB would break up. As for BSB wanting to leave Jive records now, well I don't blame them. It's not good for either group, who are 'rivals' to be on the same record label. This means that neither group will get the proper attention, marketing, etc. It's bad for business & it's understandable that BSB want the best deals possible while they are in there prime. It's terrible that these bsb-clones are ruining it for the real BSB. Now it's Lou Pearlman & Trascontinentals goal to abolish N sync. Personally, I don't care cause as long as BSB are still around I'm happy. As you can tell, I don't like N Sync. This is my opinion & I felt I should let it be told. Feel free to e-mail good or bad. Thanks backstreet.net for letting me get my thoughts across! KTBSPA!!!!! ****shelly***** From: ~Mandy S.~ Sent: Sunday, October 17, 1999 12:00 AM The Backstreet Boys were, in my opinion, most likely not even aware that Galaxy Club was advertising their appearance there. I live in the Chicago area, and heard about the appearance. I knew immediately that it was a scam, because the same club, Galaxy Club, did the EXACT SAME THING when 'N Sync was in town in August. Then they claimed that they were going to sue 'N Sync. Our boys would not do anything like that to their fans. I hate people who try to cash in on the Boys' fame. Unfair things like this should only make us love the boys more, because they put up with all this, and for who? US!!!! We love you boys! ~Mandy S.~ From: Allison Sent: Sunday, October 17, 1999 1:17 AM When I, self-proclaimed avid pop fan, logged onto my computer a few weeks ago, I went to check backstreet.net-something I often do. I saw the usual concert reviews, but was surprised to find something about that other group-you guess it, 'N Sync. Also known as MY other favorite band. Talk about the best of both worlds. Wait a second. Did it just say Backstreet...and 'N Sync..in the same sentence... a fan of both? Take into consideration that those of us who like both groups are about as rare as people who've never heard of Michael Jordan. Right...anyways, back to my story. Here I was reading about 'N Sync breaking away from their management, wanting "artistic freedom" if you will, and signing with Jive. Now, weeks later I find out that BSB is trying to get away from Jive-to get away from 'N Sync. I always thought it was OK to be a fan of both of these groups. Sure, at times I was put down by other fans who told me there was no way I could like both groups. I just always thought I was one of those unique people. Apparently not-now both of my precious bands are trying to get away from each other. Backstreet's Back is Tearin` Up My Heart.....I guess this means bye bye 'N Sync...and Backstreet. So much for the best of both worlds. ~Allison From: Flavia Froes [flavs@gbl.com.br] Sent: Sunday, October 17, 1999 12:19 AM I was reading a message from a fan who said that she thinks that Nick, Brian, Kev, Aj & Howie are getting egos....Hello?? If you really think that, God, you don't know them at all!!!!! If they are leaving Jive Records, they have their reasons and that doesnt mean that they're getting egos!!! They are very down to earth guys, and who knows them know that !! Jive Rec breached the contract they had so thats why they are leaving. And instead off saying that they have egos, we should support them, in everything they decide to do. Cause everything they do is thinking about us, THE FANS, so the least we can do, is SUPPORT THEM !! I don't mean to sound rude, but it's just that i cant take that. They are very down to earth, the true fans know that. Flavia Rio de Janeiro, Brasil flavs@gbl.com.br From: Kristen Harding [bsblove@hotmail.com] Sent: Saturday, October 16, 1999 7:10 PM Hey guys - I'm hoping you all read this and even agree with me on this issue. I for one am a HUGE fan of both Backstreet Boys and *N Sync... and I have been since both groups first started out in the US - before anyone really cared who either one was. They are both special in their own ways and both deserve credit for their hard work and talent. I am, however, very disappointed in both groups after hearing about all these disputes. Even though BSB may not be leaving Jive because of *N Sync, I still feel that it makes them look very childish. Both groups are acting like greedy little kids who don't want to play together on the playground. Unfortunately, I've lost a little respect for both groups. They should try to be mature about the whole situation and in response to how much money they are complaining about making, I feel they should be thankful for the money they *do* have. I know that if I ever see the amount of money they make from one concert alone in my lifetime, I would die a VERY happy person! I just feel that *N Sync and Backstreet are going to learn the hard way that what they're doing won't be seen in a good light by very many fans. They may find themselves very soon, with nothing at all and then what? They'll wish they had stayed where they were and could still enjoy the money they were making. This is just my opinion but I wanted to share it. Please only email me if you can be mature about your opinion too. I don't really feel like reading rude emails from people with nothing to back themselves up besides, "you're stupid" and I won't reply to them. I'm sure some of you feel the same way I do and that you voice your opinion too! Thanks, Caitlin! Kristen From: Robert Crombie [sanchiryu@email.msn.com] Sent: Saturday, October 16, 1999 5:03 PM Okay, first of all, N Sync had this whole thing coming to them. They broke contracts and as far as I'm concerned Pearlman is right to sue them. I am completely anti-N Sync and would be very happy if they just broke up. But of course this will not happen, they make too much money and have to many brainwashed fans. Pearlman formed this "singing group" and they owe him their popularity. In my opinion I think they are just trying to tick BSB off. They say they are friends but everyone knows they aren't. N Sync is trying to steal BSB's fame and fortune and BSB is trying to get away from them. But anyways, I'm so sick of hearing about "poor" N Sync! And if they do brake up or whatever...GOOD RIDDENS! Thanks and KTBSPA! Love ya,Sarah From: Sunflowers45@webtv.net Sent: Saturday, October 16, 1999 6:32 PM Hi, Caitlin. I hope you will put this on your site. I just read the recent responses to these articles, and three things disturb me: what Johnny Wright did in the N'Surrection article, the media playing on the money issue, and why a few fans would think the BSB have egos. First, I used to be an New Kids on the Block fan. When I read the N'Surrection article, a picture of Maurice Starr came to mind. Shortly before the group dissolved, he was hungry for some spotlight as much as his group was in it. I find the fact that Mr. Wright insinuating that the Boys' MAJOR reason for leaving Jive was because of NSync nothing less than a reflection of his still having an ax to grind against them because they fired him. I also think it's a manipulative way for him to turn a negative light on the Boys, implying that the Boys' leaving Jive would cause more problems for fans who are taking potshots from the media, but the fact he even brought them up and chose to put them in a negative light only does the same, so he's no better off. I think Mr. Wright should leave what aspects of this situation that involve BSB to BSB and focus on his group, because face it, if he says NSync moved to Jive and had nothing to do with BSB being there, and the Boys themselves have indicated that NSync's move wasn't the real reason why they left, then the fact that Mr. Wright is putting the Boys in a negative light is showing that he's smack dab in the middle of both groups and is playing on the rivalry issue like the media. It's terrible that he should not only prey on the Boys, but continue to play this game and bring his group along with him. If he really cared about the fans, then he shouldn't worry about pointing fingers, especially at the Boys, and concentrate on what he, NSync, and Jive have to deal with presently...and IT (the lawsuit from Lou) has NOTHING to do with the Boys. The second thing I want to address is the money issue the media is playing on. Mind you, the Boys have not filed a lawsuit yet. They simply gave notice that Jive breached their contract and don't consider themselves on their label any longer. I don't think this is a money issue. There are more than one way for the Boys to have taken advantage and made a lot of money. They didn't have to care about the tour ticket prices. It could have been higher. They didn't have to care about the hidden fees the venues were tacking on those ticket prices, too. If this was a money issue, we would have been neck deep in BSB merchandise like we were with New Kids stuff years ago. The media still categorizes the Boys like they are nothing less than a no-talent, uncaring boy band who will be washed up in several years. Well, the Boys have proven them wrong so far, and the fans will help them, too. So why should this be about money? If it was about money, then it looks to me like the only ones looking to make any gains here are the lawyers and the record companies and Lou (if he wins), because regardless of which group they end up with, there is sure to be an agreement over how to share or distribute the profits over current sales of Millennium and what future albums or singles are released from either group. In fact, it looks to me like if this was about money, then the Boys are in their element to set things right, because maybe the Boys haven't received what they have earned, too. And with Jive "taking their cake" and signing on NSync, the obvious-ness that they have treated the Boys as a money making machine shows. The third thing I want to address is about the egos. Some of us know that this has been a long time coming with Jive and the Boys, and when the article indicated that a source theorized that the Boys were looking for loopholes in their contract or situation to leave Jive, then it makes more sense to me. What the media and others have yet to go into as much detail as the rivalry/money issue is the issue of respect. The Boys feel exploited, and well they should. Face it: the media and the industry have yet to give them the respect they deserve, with many scoffing and being cynical about not distinguishing one group from the other and continually calling them boy bands. And it doesn't help that NSync, who continually say they're trying to get out of BSB's shadow, talk with empty words and their actions speak otherwise. Everything they have done have only lead many to think they ARE copying the Boys. Is it no wonder then that the BSB are trying to distinguish themselves from others in their genre? I think they are doing this not only for longevity's sake but for respect as well. At least they are the ones leading the pack, continually trying to do different things, trying to stand on their own, so that someday the media and the industry will finally call them a talented group, not a "boy band". One only has to look at all their efforts recently to plainly see that is their MAIN intent-the different tour stage setup, their new choreography for Larger Than Life, etc. Maybe there is a rivalry between NSync and the BSB. But the Boys have never focused or said or emphasized it. "Others" have. The same others are bringing this whole situation out into the public. So far BSB have had no comments. I applaud their move. Instead, they seem to be letting their actions speak for themselves, just like always. You only have to read the concert reviews, read the articles on their latest charitable efforts...to see that while everyone else seems to be focusing on the situation, the Boys are still focusing on what where it matters most-the music and the fans. And this is a business situation; ergo, I can also understand why this is something that should be maintained behind closed doors instead of bringing it out into the open for the media to prey on like vultures. And more importantly, why should the Boys address what Johnny said, or what the media have written? This is the very guy they fired for embezzling their money, and the media is the very same media who have continually dissed them and put them down through the years. As far as I can see, the Boys are only answering to one group of people, and they're already doing that through the fans' concert reviews and their charitable efforts-the fans. Why? Because they know...aside from their family and close friends, we are the ones who still give them and their music what others do not-RESPECT. Thank you for listening to me, and my side of things. I hope this gives another perspective so that the next time you read or watch what Johnny, NSync, the record companies, the lawyers, or Lou says, it isn't necessarily about the rivalry or the money issue. Maybe this was a litte bit about Nsync, but it's not the main reason, and there are other things that must be addressed beyond petty rivalry and money if both groups are to have any longevity in this industry and be allowed to grow and develop...on their OWN TERMS. From: Sspaz1000@aol.com Sent: Saturday, October 16, 1999 6:15 PM Hi, I think that the boys are not getting egos but they are trying to take their careers into their own hands. How would you feel if one of your greatest rivals suddenly came over to one thing or place that you were good at? That you make you feel really low and you would want to do something about that. Thats what the Backstreet Boys are doing. They are taking a stand for what they believe in. We will never know if they have egos b/c we don't know them personally. The Backstreet Boys are trying to do something right and get the respect they deserve. Because they deserve RESPECT that the recording industry doesn't give them. I mean they put out a 2 hour concert on their new tour and people still put them off as a "boy band" i don't think this is right. I mean who else has had an album in the top 5 since a release in May. nobody. I can see people stereotyping them at the beginning of their careers, but some people don't realize that they have been around for over 6 and a half years. They have longevity that other artists have, but when you put 4 or 5 good-looking guys together automatically they are a boy-band and nothing else matters, even if they have the talent like the BSB. This may be a little sidetracked from my original statement but this is what I feel. Nobody should be exploited like BSB and 'NSYNC b/c they are both in the music business for the love of the music not the money. I feel sorry for anyone who has to go through legal battles b/c they can take their toll and take the love of music right out of them. This is just my opinion, and nobody has to like it but this is how I feel. Sincerely, Nikki From: Cayenne13@aol.com Sent: Saturday, October 16, 1999 7:37 AM Hi all! I love the guys as much as the next guy.yea we all like to think that they could do no wrong,but comeon the lawsuits.ok they (and all their fans including my)dont like nsync,but since they are on the guys lable now maybe it sould end in a happy note not the other was around.i think they are acting like children in this deal. i mean they really are not going to pump into them.the only reasion i would see that happen is when they both are making a new album,at the same time.i also think that they are acting selfish not wanting anybody on their lable.whats next?what if five or 98degrees wanted to join the lable would they file another lawsuit. well that is what i think.and if you do send me hate mail you are just waisting you time. sarah From: CRUISINMEL@aol.com Sent: Sunday, October 10, 1999 1:23 PM I just finished reading the article that you have posted from Entertainment Asylum titled, "No Jive: The Battle of the Bands" and one line at the very end caught my attention; "The Boys' paranoia makes sense if you think about it though. After all, no one else over the age of fourteen can tell the two groups apart." Stereotypical comments like these coming from articles in well-known magazines really bother me. I am a 17 year old female who happens to actually enjoy listening to both BSB and Nsync and I really don't think that it is fair to continue these sterotypes. Ignorant comments like the one made by this author need to stop. I think that I can say that the Backstreet Boys have grown incredibly in the past couple of years and their fan base is no longer predominantly girls under the age of 14. Sure you can find thousands of girls in this age group that love the Boys, but an equal amount of fans are in their upper teens and even in their twenties. For goodness sakes I know plenty of adults who happen to enjoy the Backstreet Boys and everything they have come to stand for in todays society. Basically, it bothers me that I, as a 17 yr old, have to explain myself when somebody asks me why i like the Backstreet Boys. Questions like this usually follow by "aren't you a little too old to like a group like that?" I'm making it clear, once and for all.....I am not too old to like their music and there is absloutely no need for me to justify my liking the boys. Can't people just accept that anybody...no matter how old, what race, or gender...can and do love the Backsteet Boys!!! Melissa Comment on this item. Recent Comments Submitted by: crorkz matz moagXn Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic blog.Thanks Again. Will read on... Comment on this item. Next Item: BBOYS.COM Update Newsletter Prev Item: Quick hit