An open letter to all Crowdies

I feel that this decision, from the limited info we have, has already divided the fandom like nothing before it. We may well be the greatest and more friendliest bunch of fans on the planet, but we're all human.

Elsewhere on the internet (Facebook) there have been major arguments that have transitioned into flat-out name-calling. We're all going to have our own opinions and disagree with others, but that's really where it should end in my opinion.

Ideally we shouldn't be taking offence at what someone has to say on the matter. If there's one thing that frustrates me the most it's when people attempt to tell other fans to not express their views, or that they shouldn't feel the way they do.

Good points! One thing I've learnt from fan communities is that if the artist isn't reading and not commenting, then 100 percent people around them are.

Secret God (Stew) posted:

I feel that this decision, from the limited info we have, has already divided the fandom like nothing before it. We may well be the greatest and more friendliest bunch of fans on the planet, but we're all human.

Elsewhere on the internet (Facebook) there have been major arguments that have transitioned into flat-out name-calling. We're all going to have our own opinions and disagree with others, but that's really where it should end in my opinion.

Ideally we shouldn't be taking offence at what someone has to say on the matter. If there's one thing that frustrates me the most it's when people attempt to tell other fans to not express their views, or that they shouldn't feel the way they do.

Unfortunatley , being told what to think , or what not to think , or that it’s ridiculous to put so much importance on Mark - are all things very likely to cause offence - along with the blatant name calling .

ive found the “ finn bros appreciation “ page on Facebook to be the worst . The rest of the sites including this one seem fine really

Yep its all opinions and i'm cool with everyones view don"t wanna fall out life's too short

Having seen several fan communities become boiling cesspools of hate when a band does something that some fans disagree with, I can understand the concern of the OP here. Some people seem to take decisions made by bands very personally, and while I can understand that some people may  be disappointed by various things happening, some 'fans' seem to become obsessed with bringing the band down. And, to an extent, that can ruin things for actual fans of the band who might want to continue enjoying the band. At least: some fan groups can become highly toxic and not the places to find like minded souls to discuss appreciation of the band that they used to be. 

I had a look at the Finn Bros Appreciation group on Facebook, and it does show evidence of that: https://www.facebook.com/group...t&epa=SEARCH_BOX   

Given how similar the responses are to changes in different bands, I wonder if it's some sort of common psychology of fans 'of a certain age'. Or something. 

OneIssue posted:

Having seen several fan communities become boiling cesspools of hate when a band does something that some fans disagree with, I can understand the concern of the OP here. Some people seem to take decisions made by bands very personally, and while I can understand that some people may  be disappointed by various things happening, some 'fans' seem to become obsessed with bringing the band down. And, to an extent, that can ruin things for actual fans of the band who might want to continue enjoying the band. At least: some fan groups can become highly toxic and not the places to find like minded souls to discuss appreciation of the band that they used to be. 

I had a look at the Finn Bros Appreciation group on Facebook, and it does show evidence of that: https://www.facebook.com/group...t&epa=SEARCH_BOX   

Given how similar the responses are to changes in different bands, I wonder if it's some sort of common psychology of fans 'of a certain age'. Or something. 

Said so myself , I think the Finn bros appreciation page is toxic 

 Oh yes there are different opinions out there but I dont think it is as out of control as the LB/FM saga ..the angst that went and still goes on! (will they ever let go?) I dont think the same can be said about Frenz and our own band lineup change. I think the divide is more about the why ( which has not been stated) and who is worthy to replace Mark. No one in my fandom eyes but that is just me   

I've seen worse than the FM saga, much worse. But, I don't want to say which band as I've moved on from that argument and don't want to start it again.