llama wrote:
Um wow...

I think it's a little ridiculous to tell someone they aren't a fan and that they should be stripped of moderator priveleges simply because they have their own opinion. Despite what some people think, being a fan doesn't mean you blindly love everything an artist does. You should still be able to recognise when they do work that isn't up to their usual standard. Just because you don't like every single song an artist makes doesn't mean that you aren't a fan or that you hate them.

I agree that it was out of line to call Hikki scum. I think we all agree that he could have expressed his opinion in a nicer way. Personally, I think TITO is leaps and bounds better than Exodus was, and I'm very proud of Hikki for that. However, I still don't think it is up to standard with her Japanese music. I feel that her Japanese music expresses much deeper emotions, the kind of music that can make someone cry. Nothing on her new album does that for me except maybe This One (Crying Like a Child). There are other songs on the album I like, but they just aren't on the same level as her Japanese work. I'm still going to support her and I still love her and her music. I'm still proud of her for the improvements that she has made since her last English album. But I still know and recognize that she is capable of better, because I've heard what she can do!

As I said, there is more to being a fan than just saying, "OMG! It's Hikki so I love it!!" That's not giving her any credit as an artist. By loving it simply because of who sings it, it's the same as saying, "You can write crap and I'll still buy your album and say I love it". Does that really sound like a fan? Wouldn't you rather give her constructive feedback so you can see her shine at her best? As her fans, we know she is capable of amazing work, and we should support her and push her in that direction instead of settling for less. I think Hikki would prefer fans who listen to her music seriously and can form an honest opinion as to whether they like it or not, too.

Just my opinion...