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Post by Natalie on Feb 5, 2005 23:19:04 GMT -5
From the official website: NOTICE: There is a NO RECORDING, FILMING, TAPING, PHOTOGRAPHING, or BROADCASTING policy at all Alison Krauss and Union Station concert performances. Any and all equipment used for such will be confiscated until the end of the concert and the tape, film, disc, or memory card will be destroyed. We appreciate your compliance with the new policy. --- What does everyone think of that? I'm assuming it has to do with the new "Cracker Barrel" sponsorship, since this is a new policy that was never enforced before [at least not when it came to photos] Thoughts? Opinions?
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wildbill
New Member
"Alison sings right to my heart..."
Posts: 39
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Post by wildbill on Feb 6, 2005 4:51:41 GMT -5
Don't like it...but then again, "he who has the gold, makes the rules". It's also nice of them to return your confiscated "device" after the show (sans media...)...
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jakub
Junior Member
Posts: 57
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Post by jakub on Feb 6, 2005 9:28:14 GMT -5
I can understand the recording, filming, taping and broadcasting parts, but photography?! Anyway, that's their decision and we have to abide by it. The concern I have is the way the website handled it. I've read, reread, and reread the statement. The PR that they used in writing this statement was just way too cold with really no reasons given as to why they changed their policy. It pretty much says this is the way it is fans, deal with it or else! Not cool to the fans who buy your records, go to your expensive concerts, and buy your t-shirts at the concerts. But what are we to do? We still love their music! Jen
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Post by Natalie on Feb 6, 2005 13:53:13 GMT -5
Yes, I agree, no photography? They have used the phrase "it distracts the artist" a few times, well, I know plenty of artists who deal with flashes on a daily basis. No flash? Understandable. Just confinscate the ones whose flashes go off! They're easy enough to spot. I also agree that on their official site it sounds very cold, they could have worded it a lot better. It's also the first thing your eyes are drawn to when you view their site. Not sure how great of a first impression that gives to new fans. Sounds a little stuck up if you ask me.
Either way, I still love them and will respect their wishes, I'll just take it into consideration when I view the huge ticket price.
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Post by fogcitygal on Feb 7, 2005 3:54:45 GMT -5
Is Cracker Barrel's presence also related to the bodyguards that now accompany Alison at her concerts? I understand she never wanted any bodyguards before and she now has 3. Is Crackerbarrel just protecting their investment or is something more going on?
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Post by Natalie on Feb 7, 2005 10:30:55 GMT -5
I have no idea, but I know one thing, they are REALLY RUDE bodyguards
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zowie
New Member
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Post by zowie on Feb 7, 2005 15:36:41 GMT -5
I wonder if they are planning on filming a music video during some of the shows?
It would be nice if they still allowed no-flash photography but I know it's difficult to enforce that. I didn't care for the tone of the message either. Perhaps they should've just posted something like "Important: Click here for the band's policy on photography. . . at shows" so that it isn't screaming at you from the front page.
Of course, I will respect the band's wishes and leave the camera at home.
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Post by Natalie on Feb 7, 2005 17:31:09 GMT -5
I would agree more with the new policy if they allowed no flash photography, if people can't turn off their flash then they're easy to spot when the flash goes off. If they're so apt to punish people then punish those who do not turn off their flashes.
I guess it just bothers me because they are the ONLY "bluegrass" band I know of that are being this way. It really irritates me that you can pay $50+ for a ticket and not even have a photograph to remember it by.
But yes, I will respect the bands wishes, doesn'tmean I agree with it, though. ;D
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Post by Candice on Feb 10, 2005 18:33:51 GMT -5
I guess a lot of our questions and concerns have made their way to the band...they posted a reply to our concerns on their website, here is what it reads...
Many folks are wondering about the “new” policy regarding photography, video and audio recording at the shows. We have always had a strict policy prohibiting audio and video recording. Our photography policy has been recently revised from a “no flash photography” to a “no photography” policy because of developments in technology. We have discovered individuals making audio and video recordings in the guise of still photographs. We have also seen a dramatic increase in the number of photographs from audience members being sold on the internet. Unfortunately, the actions of a few, who are involved with illegal activities such as selling these unathorized tapes and photographs, have affected our decision regarding photography at concerts. We are also concerned with the quality of the show--incessant flashes, LED lights from recorders, and people using their cell phones to “share” the experience with a friend, are distracting for both the audience and for the artists. It would be greatly appreciated if you would simply leave photography and/or recording devises at home and keep your camera cell phones turned off during the show. We are doing our best to circulate our new policy so that we do not have to single anyone out at the concerts. Thank you for your consideration.
I guess I can understand where they are coming from after reading this...
Candi
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Post by Kimberly on Feb 10, 2005 22:07:56 GMT -5
^ That message makes sense. Thanks for posting it; I hadn't seen it yet.
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Post by fiddler494 on Feb 20, 2005 14:37:44 GMT -5
I have no idea, but I know one thing, they are REALLY RUDE bodyguards [/quo te] Have you tried to get autographs or just talk to the band members and this is your experience, rude bodyguards? Not good. I don't think the photo policy is great, but I read the policy and I see where with modern technology still photos could be manipulated and then sold. Personally, I don't care for Cracker Barrel anyway. I suppose they are a more profitable sponsor than Martha White (the reliable and long relationship Grand Ole Opry/Country/Bluegrass sponsor of many artists). IMHO.
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Post by fiddler494 on Feb 20, 2005 14:43:53 GMT -5
I would agree more with the new policy if they allowed no flash photography, if people can't turn off their flash then they're easy to spot when the flash goes off. If they're so apt to punish people then punish those who do not turn off their flashes. I guess it just bothers me because they are the ONLY "bluegrass" band I know of that are being this way. It really irritates me that you can pay $50+ for a ticket and not even have a photograph to remember it by. But yes, I will respect the bands wishes, doesn'tmean I agree with it, though. ;D TEXT$50.00+ for a ticket! Those prices are getting high, and if they are the only acoustic/Bluegras band doing it, it sets a precedent that others will follow or that AKUS will be alone in doing. If much of the changes are due to Cracker Barrel, I say DUMP CRACKER BARREL. Boycot their food and restuarants. They have a right to control their restuarants, but not the music industry, policy and the fans!
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Post by cadesdad on Feb 20, 2005 14:58:06 GMT -5
I don' t know how much Cracker Barrel has to do with the policy changes at AKUS shows, but I think part of the problem may be the dark side of AKUS's growing popularity. Alison is an attractive, gifted young single mother with a killer voice and a penchant for sad songs. Unfortunately, that combination is a draw for people who have . . . let's just say, some issues. At an AKUS concert just over a year ago, I witnessed some behavior from a couple of female fans that seemed obsessive. I think the bodyguards are a necessary evil. As far as the corporate sponsorships and the price of tickets, we have to remember that tours are expensive--the people, the transportation, the accommodations. Granted, few other bluegrass bands tour like this, but none of them have achieved the commercial success of AKUS. Last summer, I paid $75 to see Eric Clapton; he didn't owe me a meet and greet or an autograph--just a great show (which he delivered). That's what I see as Alison's responsibility: a great show, nothing more or less.
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Post by fiddler494 on Feb 20, 2005 17:33:21 GMT -5
I don' t know how much Cracker Barrel has to do with the policy changes at AKUS shows, but I think part of the problem may be the dark side of AKUS's growing popularity. Alison is an attractive, gifted young single mother with a killer voice and a penchant for sad songs. Unfortunately, that combination is a draw for people who have . . . let's just say, some issues. At an AKUS concert just over a year ago, I witnessed some behavior from a couple of female fans that seemed obsessive. I think the bodyguards are a necessary evil. As far as the corporate sponsorships and the price of tickets, we have to remember that tours are expensive--the people, the transportation, the accommodations. Granted, few other bluegrass bands tour like this, but none of them have achieved the commercial success of AKUS. Last summer, I paid $75 to see Eric Clapton; he didn't owe me a meet and greet or an autograph--just a great show (which he delivered). That's what I see as Alison's responsibility: a great show, nothing more or less. You have brought out a good point about how much of the music is on the dark (sad songs) side, and could and does bring out the worst in some people. The band's fame has not grown exponentially just recently, they have toured around the world. at least a few times plus North America and right here. Being a musician I can appreciate the costs in touring and, I really wasn't suggesting a meet and greet. I'll be up front, being a musician and meeting others and some well know musicians, I've met some I was less impressed with after I met them. I maybe was perceiving their attitude, self-importance, and perceived arrogance possibly wrong. Then if I didn't I'm glad I'm not working with them now!(changed from the earlier though how great it would be to work with them professionally - studio or on-stage). Touring can be tiring and so can the fans, and ticket price (unless you have meet and greet thru a radio station, etc) goes not get you more than HOPEFULLY a good show. But this group is openly no longer a "bluegrass band" (the latest CD will spell that out in no uncertain terms - I think 2 or 3 max hav an old or progressive bluegrass sound the rest I'm not sure how to classify but they are not bluegrass old or progressive)). And one thing in spite of pressure to the contrary from any source (as Dolly Parton mentioned and I think Alison kind of seconded somewhere I forget where), never forget your fans.... does't mean you have to see everything their way, but if this is the beginning of serious policy changes in fan approachability/artist approachability, it will change what many here have positively commented about earlier and since this board came on line.
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Post by tom37211 on Feb 21, 2005 8:54:04 GMT -5
Please don’t get me wrong. I am still a rock solid Alison Krauss and Union Station fan. My respect for them and my love for their music has not changed a bit. But I just don’t get their new photo policy. First of all, short of a court order, no one has the right to compel you to erase your memory format. Theater security may not seize your personal effects. They can ask, but they can’t forcibly take it from you. All they can do is ask you to leave and then get the police is you don’t.
I agree 100% with the distractions posed by those who use flash photography and have the LED lights blinking. Not only from the performers perspective but also from the people sitting around them. It is in those instances when one is being distractive where I believe that security should respectfully intervene. To that end, I always cover the lights on my camera with black tape and I always keep my camera close to my chest. No one around me has ever complained. I usually wind up with a bunch of email addresses from those around me so that I may send them some of the pictures. Which I am most happy to do.
As far as making video and audio recordings of the show, big deal. The Grateful dead not only allowed it, they encouraged it by setting aside a section at each of their shows for those who wished to do just that. (And look at the delicious legacy that is left behind!) But I also respect their wishes as far as that goes. Most in the music industry are extremely protective of what they want out in the public domain from live performances.
But eliminating still images taken by amateurs, using amateur equipment is going a little extreme in my opinion. Crying poverty because others are selling still photos carries no weight with me. AKUS is not loosing any revenue because they do not sell photos themselves so no one is competing with them. I am quite sure the amount of money being spent is miniscule in the overall grand scheme of things. Anyone who would spend a nickel to purchase one of my pictures for example is an idiot in my book because they are not all that great from a professional quality standpoint and there is so much out on line that is easily downloadable for free.
I take pictures because they are wonderful keepsakes of something I enjoy so very much and so that I can share them with others who also love them but, for what ever reason, can’t attend themselves. It is because of that, that I feel a tiny bit slighted by their new policy.
If anyone from the AKUS camp reads this, try to come up with a compromise. Let people take pictures at the end of the show. Have security enforce a “no distraction” policy. Offer pictures from your shows on the official website. Do something.
But regardless of all that I said, I still love them and will still continue to enjoy as many of their shows, sans camera, as I possibly can.
Just my opinion.
Tom
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