Despite winning a prestigious Webby Lifetime Achievement Award earlier this year, Prince’s online fan club launched in 2001 on Valentine’s Day has shut down. A visit to NPGMusicClub.com shows only a black screen.
Often sighted as one of the most creative examples of an artist monetizing their relationship with their fans, "In it’s current 4m there is a feeling that the NPGMC gone as far as it can go," wrote the star in a release. (read Prince’s full statement after the jump)
But there is also another reason for the sudden shutdown. Opposition to the use of the name NPG Music Club and NPG Records has been filed with the US Trademark Office by UK based HM Publisher’s Holdings. It appears that Prince’s camp may not have properly protected the use of the name and formerly Purple One is now having to battle for use the brand that he created.
With hearings on the dispute not scheduled until January of 2007, why not just rename the successful music club and keep it open? Prince is famous for what seem at first to be impulsive business decisions that often turn out to be brilliant career moves. Will the black screen fade to something more creative? Could the royal one be teasing his fans prior to the unveiling of The NPG
Music Club 2.0?
"The NPG Music Club was a first step; the lessons learned will last 4ever. Now comes a time of great reflection and restructuring. The future holds nothing but endless opportunity and we plan on seizing it wholeheartedly. Don’t u want 2 come?"
Love4oneanother,
NPG Music Club 4ever
Greetings Family,
The NPG Music Club has been in xistence 4 more than 5 years. In that time we’ve learned a great deal from each other and about this brave new online world we have all chosen 2 b part of. The members we have been 4tunate enough 2 have join r family have truly made this the best music club any artist could ever dream of. And all the things we have been a part of 2gether — the concerts, the celebrations, the soundchecks, the discussions and the un4gettable music – have shown us what a New Power Generation can truly b. We thank u from r hearts 4 sharing urselves and ur love of the music with all of us. It has been a blessing.
Once the NPG Music Club won the 2006 Webby Award, discussions within the NPG began 2 center on what was next. What’s the next step in this ever-changing xperiment? The achievements of the past cannot be questioned and we r truly grateful 4 everything that has been accomplished. But in its current 4m there is a feeling that the NPGMC gone as far as it can go. In a world without limitations and infinite possibilities, has the time come 2 once again make a leap of faith and begin anew? These r ?s we in the NPG need 2 answer. In doing so, we have decided 2 put the club on hiatus until further notice.
The NPG Music Club was a first step; the lessons learned will last 4ever. Now comes a time of great reflection and restructuring. The future holds nothing but endless opportunity and we plan on seizing it wholeheartedly. Don’t u want 2 come?
Love4oneanother,
NPG Music Club 4ever
