Should I stay or should I go? (ya...I'm staying, lol)

brianlux
brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
edited December 2022 in A Moving Train
Great song, but that's not what I mean.  I'm posting this here because other than "Other Music", AMT is where I spend most of my time when here.
So I seriously have to ask, is $35, a 75% increase, for which I gain nothing (I don't do downloads), worth the extra bucks?  For myself, and I suspect others here, this is big-time inflation.  A major disappointment.
So I seriously as myself, "Should I stay or should I go?"
I think I'll go put on some Clash and mull it over.

You?
"It's a sad and beautiful world"
-Roberto Benigni

Post edited by brianlux on
«13

Comments

  • F Me In The Brain
    F Me In The Brain this knows everybody from other commets Posts: 31,812
    Everyone must make their own choice.
    For me?  Well worth it.

    https://community.pearljam.com/discussion/282280/things-i-spent-40-on-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-ten-club/p4#latest
    The love he receives is the love that is saved
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
    F Me In The Brain said:
    Everyone must make their own choice.
    For me?  Well worth it.

    https://community.pearljam.com/discussion/282280/things-i-spent-40-on-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-ten-club/p4#latest

    The Ten Club is great to me too because the people here are great and the moderators are great.  What's not great is a BIG wealthy band charging exorbitant prices for a fan club site.  My other favorite bands don't do that- two of them in particular who have been making music longer and (now days, anyway) better and do not play in major sports arenas. 
    So my dilemma is feeling close to the fans here, having much respect for admin, but losing faith in a band that is more and more becoming a money machine.  
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • F Me In The Brain
    F Me In The Brain this knows everybody from other commets Posts: 31,812
    I understand everyone looks at things differently.   To me, as noted in that thread, $40 (or whatever it will be now) is next to meaningless.  So many things require that amount of money that give me almost nothing.  

    Good luck finding the path forward which works best for you.
    The love he receives is the love that is saved
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
    F Me In The Brain said:
    I understand everyone looks at things differently.   To me, as noted in that thread, $40 (or whatever it will be now) is next to meaningless.  So many things require that amount of money that give me almost nothing.  

    Good luck finding the path forward which works best for you.
    I appreciate that, thanks.  I'll give my decision much thought. 
    There is a lot to lose for a mere $40.  On the other hand, if I stay, I know I'd rather have given that extra $15 to one of the organizations my wife and I support.  They need it, this band does not.

    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • Zod
    Zod Posts: 10,904
    I'll keep mine going as long as the band keeps touring, because I've used and received 10c tickets for almost all the shows I attended for the past 24 years.

    I do think it's a bit steep for what it is.  It's $35 USD (so about $50 CDN for me), for access to presale tickets and the "Right" the spend more money on merch.   That makes me feel like it's more like when I used to join other fan clubs just for the presale access.  Whatever other perks came along with it were kind of useless, i considered it a premium for getting quality tickets.   I think 10c is moving into the realm.

    It's odd, but I feel like Metallica is more a corporate machine than PJ, but their fan club is now free.  Once the stopped sending out physical items (the old magazines), they made it free.

    I feel like 10c is a bit different.  10c isn't only the fan club, they seem to run everything for the band (website, merch sales, and all the stuff), where other bands don't blend it like that.  So in a way it feels like the 10c members fund Pearl Jam to run their entire operation (not just the 10c)?

    I also wonder how many people did the same thing I did?  As soon as the 10c single ended, I dropped to digital.   I don't use the codes because I buy cd's from the shows I attend (and it leaves a bad taste that you have to pay extra to get a flac copy).  I don't use tshirts etc... Maybe too many people did that and they have budget shortage?

    On the flip side the price has been the same for a while, so a price increase was probably reasonable, just not 75%.
  • 1ThoughtKnown
    1ThoughtKnown Posts: 6,155
    Stay.  $35 US works for me for all this:
    • Priority Ticketing - Ten Club holds the best tickets in the house for members-only presale opportunities and rewards longtime fans for their dedication with seniority-based seating. Ten Club continually improves upon its ticketing program to ensure that fan club members have access to the most tickets possible per show.
    • Video Content (NEW) - Exclusive access to video content in the “Inside” section of the video page.
    • Bootleg Download - Your choice of a free MP3 or $10.00 off of any other digital format of a live concert recording.
    • Full Website Access - Includes access to exclusive members-only sections
    • Membership Items (NEW) -Specially priced members-only annual merchandise items
    • Exclusive Merchandise - Access to limited edition posters, vinyl, shirts, and all kinds of goodies only available to Ten Club members.
    • Merchandise Discount Events -Discounts and exclusive offers in the Pearl Jam shop
    • Forums - Posting privilege in the Pearl Jam forum community.
    • Monthly Email Newsletter -Updates about the band, releases, tours, contests, merchandise, activism and more, sent on the 10th of every month.
    • Contest Eligibility - Monthly newsletter contests with prizes.
    • Ten Club Radio - Exclusive access to Ten Club Radio.
  • mickeyrat
    mickeyrat Posts: 44,418
    edited December 2022
    so no free shirt anymore for $5 dollars less than current.

    I would hope the current digital subscribers would be good with part of their increase is going to vitalogy foundation if I read the email right.
    Post edited by mickeyrat on
    _____________________________________SIGNATURE________________________________________________

    Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
    you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
    memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
    another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
    mickeyrat said:
    so no free shirt anymore for $5 dollars less than current.

    I would hope the current digital subscribers would be good with part of their increase is going to vitalogy foundation if I read the email right.

    For me, that it not a bonus.  My wife and I tithe our income to various social and environmental organizations that we carefully scrutinize to make sure they are the very best we can find in terms out outfits that do the most with our money.  I don't need a rock band making that decision for me.  It may not be a lot of money, but I do not appreciate them making that decision.
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • mickeyrat
    mickeyrat Posts: 44,418
    brianlux said:
    mickeyrat said:
    so no free shirt anymore for $5 dollars less than current.

    I would hope the current digital subscribers would be good with part of their increase is going to vitalogy foundation if I read the email right.

    For me, that it not a bonus.  My wife and I tithe our income to various social and environmental organizations that we carefully scrutinize to make sure they are the very best we can find in terms out outfits that do the most with our money.  I don't need a rock band making that decision for me.  It may not be a lot of money, but I do not appreciate them making that decision.

    leads then to question, do you know what the foundation supports?
    _____________________________________SIGNATURE________________________________________________

    Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
    you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
    memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
    another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
    mickeyrat said:
    brianlux said:
    mickeyrat said:
    so no free shirt anymore for $5 dollars less than current.

    I would hope the current digital subscribers would be good with part of their increase is going to vitalogy foundation if I read the email right.

    For me, that it not a bonus.  My wife and I tithe our income to various social and environmental organizations that we carefully scrutinize to make sure they are the very best we can find in terms out outfits that do the most with our money.  I don't need a rock band making that decision for me.  It may not be a lot of money, but I do not appreciate them making that decision.

    leads then to question, do you know what the foundation supports?
    Actually, not really.  I only know generically what they support:  environment, homelessness, and indigenous causes.  But that's not nearly enough of what I want to know.  When I donate to organizations like Wildlands Network, Natural Resources Defense Council, American River Conservancy, Southern Poverty Law Center, Foothill Indian Education Alliance, etc., I know what they do and at the very least, I have a  general idea of what the money I send them goes toward, and I know they do not spend an exorbitant amount of money on administration, infrastructure, or salaries. Those are factors that led me to leave Greenpeace and The Sierra Club.  Too much money for organizers, not enough for direct action. I do not know anything about the Vitalogy Foundation's income and expenses.  They are not even rated by Charity Navigator.  

    all of what I'm saying here is not to disparage the Vitalogy Foundation.  I'm guessing they do fine work.  But I don't donate my money based on guesses.

    Besides, Vitalogy is not the issue for me.  It's about a mega band feeling to me more like a money machine.  I don't mind that Pearl Jam Fan Club charges an admission fee (even though others don't).  But I do object to spending more for less on a band that already generates a ton more money than other bands that I like as well or better.
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • 1ThoughtKnown
    1ThoughtKnown Posts: 6,155
    Will miss you if you leave blux! But you have to do what you have to do my friend. 
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
    1ThoughtKnown said:
    Will miss you if you leave blux! But you have to do what you have to do my friend. 

    Chances are I will "pay the man" (or woman or them or Dave the computer, or whomever), but only because you and so many others (including the mods) here are the best music fans on the face of the earth.  And that's the truth!
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • GlowGirl
    GlowGirl New York, NY Posts: 12,090
    edited December 2022
    Everyone should do what they feel comfortable with. I am staying. I am currently an analog member so it will be less for me. The big perks for me are the 10c tickets - of which I have gotten several over the years, and the friends I have made. I also like getting first crack at some of the vinyl and other 10C merch. To me $35 a year is worth it for sure. That is like two cocktails in NYC. 
    Post edited by GlowGirl on
  • 1ThoughtKnown
    1ThoughtKnown Posts: 6,155
    ^^^^ Agreed. It’s been a pretty rough year for me on a personal level, but keeping engaged with this wonderful community has helped in many ways. People may not realize the impact they have on others here.  A platform of free, open and honest discussions were very welcome for me in 2022 to keep my mind off some things. Some things are priceless, some like my therapy, quite costly. While it was valuable, this is far more cost-effective haha. Although, my therapist gave me some of the best advice I’ve ever received - “Think of this as a gift wrapped in sandpaper”. I will never forget that. 

    brianlux said:
    1ThoughtKnown said:
    Will miss you if you leave blux! But you have to do what you have to do my friend. 

    Chances are I will "pay the man" (or woman or them or Dave the computer, or whomever), but only because you and so many others (including the mods) here are the best music fans on the face of the earth.  And that's the truth!
    I hear you b! It’s a pretty special community of music fans (see above).  Folks like you, GlowGirl, Loujoe, May30th, GuyDudebro and many others in this little PJ Forum vinyl community are just kickass music fans. How could you leave? Fuck it, I’ll send you $20 US and you can donate it whichever of your causes you want! 😉
  • stuckinline
    stuckinline Posts: 3,406
    Brian, I completely understand your feelings, but this community will miss you if you decide to leave.
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
    1ThoughtKnown said:
    ^^^^ Agreed. It’s been a pretty rough year for me on a personal level, but keeping engaged with this wonderful community has helped in many ways. People may not realize the impact they have on others here.  A platform of free, open and honest discussions were very welcome for me in 2022 to keep my mind off some things. Some things are priceless, some like my therapy, quite costly. While it was valuable, this is far more cost-effective haha. Although, my therapist gave me some of the best advice I’ve ever received - “Think of this as a gift wrapped in sandpaper”. I will never forget that. 

    brianlux said:
    1ThoughtKnown said:
    Will miss you if you leave blux! But you have to do what you have to do my friend. 

    Chances are I will "pay the man" (or woman or them or Dave the computer, or whomever), but only because you and so many others (including the mods) here are the best music fans on the face of the earth.  And that's the truth!
    I hear you b! It’s a pretty special community of music fans (see above).  Folks like you, GlowGirl, Loujoe, May30th, GuyDudebro and many others in this little PJ Forum vinyl community are just kickass music fans. How could you leave? Fuck it, I’ll send you $20 US and you can donate it whichever of your causes you want! 😉

    Majorly generous of you 1T, but no need, I'm good.  Besides, hells bells, how can I leave you good people? lol.  Thanks so much! :smile:
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
    edited December 2022
    stuckinline said:
    Brian, I completely understand your feelings, but this community will miss you if you decide to leave.

    Thank you!  I'm good, I'm staying. In fact, I just updated my payment info.  I guess I just needed to get the minor disappointment out of my system. And it's not like I hate the band or anything.  They are good souls and seeing them live in Missoula in 2012 was right up there as one of the best shows I've ever seen, anywhere, any time.

    Thanks for putting up with my minor complaint.  There are so many bigger things to worry or be concerned about.
    Post edited by brianlux on
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • GlowGirl
    GlowGirl New York, NY Posts: 12,090
    1ThoughtKnown said:
    ^^^^ Agreed. It’s been a pretty rough year for me on a personal level, but keeping engaged with this wonderful community has helped in many ways. People may not realize the impact they have on others here.  A platform of free, open and honest discussions were very welcome for me in 2022 to keep my mind off some things. Some things are priceless, some like my therapy, quite costly. While it was valuable, this is far more cost-effective haha. Although, my therapist gave me some of the best advice I’ve ever received - “Think of this as a gift wrapped in sandpaper”. I will never forget that. 

    brianlux said:
    1ThoughtKnown said:
    Will miss you if you leave blux! But you have to do what you have to do my friend. 

    Chances are I will "pay the man" (or woman or them or Dave the computer, or whomever), but only because you and so many others (including the mods) here are the best music fans on the face of the earth.  And that's the truth!
    I hear you b! It’s a pretty special community of music fans (see above).  Folks like you, GlowGirl, Loujoe, May30th, GuyDudebro and many others in this little PJ Forum vinyl community are just kickass music fans. How could you leave? Fuck it, I’ll send you $20 US and you can donate it whichever of your causes you want! 😉
    I really hope you have a much better 2023. 
  • 1ThoughtKnown
    1ThoughtKnown Posts: 6,155
    GlowGirl said:
    1ThoughtKnown said:
    ^^^^ Agreed. It’s been a pretty rough year for me on a personal level, but keeping engaged with this wonderful community has helped in many ways. People may not realize the impact they have on others here.  A platform of free, open and honest discussions were very welcome for me in 2022 to keep my mind off some things. Some things are priceless, some like my therapy, quite costly. While it was valuable, this is far more cost-effective haha. Although, my therapist gave me some of the best advice I’ve ever received - “Think of this as a gift wrapped in sandpaper”. I will never forget that. 

    brianlux said:
    1ThoughtKnown said:
    Will miss you if you leave blux! But you have to do what you have to do my friend. 

    Chances are I will "pay the man" (or woman or them or Dave the computer, or whomever), but only because you and so many others (including the mods) here are the best music fans on the face of the earth.  And that's the truth!
    I hear you b! It’s a pretty special community of music fans (see above).  Folks like you, GlowGirl, Loujoe, May30th, GuyDudebro and many others in this little PJ Forum vinyl community are just kickass music fans. How could you leave? Fuck it, I’ll send you $20 US and you can donate it whichever of your causes you want! 😉
    I really hope you have a much better 2023. 
    Thanks GG! It gets better every day. You have to realize that some things are completely out of your control. The book “The Untethered Soul” also helped immensely. Just a great read 
  • static111
    static111 Posts: 5,083
    Bri I went through this during my last renewal for digital and decided just to stick around because I like to hang out here. I know this is gonna be an unpopular opinion and maybe get me flamed but here goes.  With the massive price increase for little if any additional value I am thinking my 27 yr fan club run may be over.  With the bands best live shows behind them, and the skyrocketing costs of their tickets as well as the added costs of traveling and lodging, I think my fan club days will be at an end this coming August.  I might change my tune if they have a late career renaissance like Bob Dylan or Neil Young, but I'm not that into giving the band that much more of my money at this point.  $35 bucks to have the same conversations over and over seems a bit much, plus I could use the money to get 4 months of having a blue check on twitter. In all seriousness I haven't been that thrilled with the band since 2014 and have just been holding out hope that they will catch another big wave. If I want to pay insane money to see a nostalgia act I will go see the Stones.
    Scio me nihil scire

    There are no kings inside the gates of eden

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