5.1.11 Adam News & Info

Not a new photo session but this photo was new to me – and when I saw it in yesterday’s thread I just had to use it! From the Don Flood photo shoot for 2010 People Magazine Most Beautiful April 2010.


****
Realness or Sacred Lack of Reality: A Fan’s Dilemma

5/01/11 by NoAngel

Adam: “My new mission is to keep it as real as possible at all times. No more pageant-style p.c. smile and wave, smoke blowin, fake BS. #Realness”

@whimsicalspirit: “haven’t you always kept it real?”

Adam: “totally but I find myself biting my tongue in order to not rock the boat all too often.”
(4/26/11 via Twitter)

I must admit that I was surprised at this exchange. One of the things I admire most about Adam is his realness, his honesty. He has often mentioned his lack of filter, and a two-year long trail of gates is ample evidence of that. How much more real can he be? And can I take it?

As much as I may think that Adam has been honest and outspoken, and even perhaps too much so at times, he clearly feels otherwise. And now he finally has time to look back on the months since his life took off at 100 miles per hour, and his recent tweets have given me food for thought also.

With a million Twitter followers, Adam has learned that he can barely tweet a weather report without generating a storm of fan speculation, if not a flurry of global headlines. Everyone has an opinion about Adam’s opinions.

And while it may take the media a few hours or days to pick up on a new story, it takes fans only a moment to react to a tweet or an interview or a sighting of Adam. For all that I roll my eyes at freaking/flailing over his hair (and surplus or lack thereof), I am not immune to angst when Adam has said or done something that I believe may reflect badly on him. I’m pretty zen most of the time, but I admit that I wrung my hands a bit over SuBo-gate, and got really nervous about Pap-gate, and was second-hand-embarrassed over Gaga-gate. Looking back, I figure in all of those situations, Adam was being real. Yet if I had my way, he would have done it a bit differently.

So when I read his tweet about keeping it real, my first reaction was… And then I thought—why? Why do I want Adam to not stir the pot, or to only stir it in ways that I perceive as creative and edgy?

I think very, very highly of Adam, obviously. I think he is brilliantly talented and an all-around good human being. Oh wait. Did I say human being? Actually, most of the time I think so damn highly of Adam that he may as well be a unicorn or an alien or a raven-haired elven prince. And maybe that’s the problem. No one can possibly live up to the larger-than-life image I build up in my head. And when I read Adam’s tweets and reflected on the twinge of anxiety I felt, I remembered some other words from about a year and half ago. Those of Aaron Hicklin, editor of Out Magazine, in his infamous open letter—“[W]e’re all counting on you to not mess this up.”

I can only imagine how much of a WTF it was to be told that you are not allowed to fuck up. That your mistakes may well set back a whole movement and decades of progress. No pressure, though… I was as quick to indict Hicklin as most other fans were. But… how am I different, if my own expectations of Adam’s behavior are just as high?

Do I hold Adam to a different standard than the one to which I hold my friends? Family? Other celebrities? Myself? Am I so caught up in his every move that I immediately begin calculating its effect on his career and the growth rate of his Twitter followers? I have singers on my iPod that have gotten arrested, done drugs, said ridiculous things, hurt themselves and others. And yet when their songs come up on shuffle, I listen all the same.

I remember saying once that I thought Adam would prefer a fanbase of 1000 who really “got” him instead of a million who freaked out every time he didn’t meet their expectations. I still believe that, which is why I’m really not surprised that he said what he did about keeping it real. Trying to please everyone, you end up pleasing no one. And maybe that is what Adam is realizing, and what I needed to be reminded of. I don’t have to love everything Adam does, but he deserves my admiration for doing it with integrity.

As honest a guy as he is, he isn’t foolish. He’s spent the last couple of years working like a maniac to expand the fanbase that he got from Idol. Trying to find that perfect balance between retaining those fans while being true to himself; moving beyond the “best self” AI image and the “scary” AMA image, to something that feels honest and true.

In Adam’s own words…

“This is scary, and … wow, this is a lot. And I hope that people are compassionate about that. I’m doing the best I can. I’m doing the best I fucking can, you know?” (11/12/09 Out Magazine interview)

and,

“… it's sorta a damned if you, damned if you don't thing…When in reality- I'm human and just trying to do my best. Day by day. Just like you...” (4/26/11 via Twitter)

Being a passionate fan is awesome, but I also want to be a compassionate one. And “keeping it real” is one of the bravest things a person can do. Thank you for the reminder, Adam. #Realness. Bring it on.

***


”The Art of FanWar”
5.1.11 by Q3

Written with a

Recently, there has been some discussion about fanwars. Most Adam fans have finally learned that it is best to step aside --- to try to stay out of the fray. Occasionally, there are times when it is essential to push back – but on those occasions, it is best to have a plan.

Fanwars are not new – in the 1950’s some Sinatra fans despised and derided the Elvis fans. A staple of 1960’s radio were The Beatles vs. Stones call in competitions. Every Top 40 Hits radio station has a countdown show. Fans keeps track and compare sales stats like they were the win-loss records for baseball teams heading into the World’s Series (not being American-centric but baseball fans are the stat wizards of pro sports). Fans have probably been warring a bit for centuries.

It all changed in the past ten years. That’s when Reality TV competition shows because massively popular and the Internet evolved into a social medium. American Idol became a particular flashpoint because it combined fan competition with reality TV and with global footprint online and social networking. I often read that Idol fanwarring during Season 5 (Taylor Hicks vs. Daughtry and all) was the worst season for fanwars. This season ran from January 17, 2006 and concluded on May 24, 2006 – before Twitter when there were only a few social networking applications online and usage was relatively new. And, most importantly, before the Idol PR team started to drum up fake PR controversies to generate online buzz.

As far as I can tell, American Idol 8 was, and will probably remain, the most contentious season of American Idol. The controversies – like the Danny Gokey Family Dinner incident – were not staged by Idol’s PR team, they were real events. This event and its aftermath are one example of how every time anyone struck at Adam, his buzz level increased and his fans learned to be smarter about the Art of Fanwarring.

Over the past 2+ years I have learned – when the media/Idol PR machine tries to engage Adam fans into a battle – it is vital to recognize that they are trying to generate some buzz and how they do it does not matter. I have learned to spot those blogger who earn money based on ad banner views who just shoehorn “Adam Lambert” into every possible article to get another $0.02. And, IMO the bottom of the barrel, the “professional journalists” who allow their own biases to affect their reviews, critiques and news reports about Adam Lambert. (Yes, Mr. Moser – and I use the title “Mr.” lightly – I mean you and your ilk.)


The Art of War

Many people are familiar with Sun Tzu’s best seller 6th century BC masterpiece, “The Art of War” – the oldest battle treatise in the world. Composed of 13 chapters, each of which is devoted to one aspect of warfare, it is said to be the definitive work on military strategies and tactics of its time, and is still read for its military insights.

If you have not read “The Art of War”, an excellent free comic-book version is available as an ebook here: www.smartercomics.com/

But most people are not familiar with Sun Tzu’s almost completely the forgotten sequel. His second book, was published in a very limited run, did not become an ancient classic and fell into complete obscurity – no one thought it had much purpose at the time it was published. 19 Entertainment (AKA the “TPTB”) noticed the existence of this book in 2004, realized it had the potential to take down their empire and destroyed all known copies. I luckily obtained a rare copy (perhaps the only one they missed) on one of my travels. Here are a few excerpts.


SUN TZU ON THE ART OF FANWAR
THE OLDEST FAN BATTLE TREATISE IN THE WORLD

Translated from the Chinese
By LIONEL GILES, M.A. (1911 – Note: Mr. Giles also translated “The Art of War” into English.

[Here is the basic text of Sun Tzu on the Art of FanWar. It was extracted from Mr. Giles' complete work as titled above. This extract is being released only as an adjunct to that work, which contains a wealth of commentary upon this text.] The Art of FanWar has 13 chapters.

I. LAYING PLANS

1. Sun Tzu said: The art of fanwar is of vital importance to the Star.

2. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to success or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.

14. Do not confuse a small battle (like the Idol vote) with the war (achieving fame, fortune and happiness.)

15. Remember what is important:“My message to you tonight is this. It doesn’t matter if you have money, success, fame or sex, it doesn’t mean much if it isn’t connected to love.” – Adam Lambert

16. While heading the profit of my counsel, avail yourself also of any helpful circumstances over and beyond the ordinary rules.

17. According as circumstances are favorable, one should modify one's plans.

18. All fanwarfare is based on deception.

20. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.

21. If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him.
If he is in superior strength, evade him.

22. If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.

23. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them.

24. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.

25. Do not be enticed into battle unless the outcome is assured and you are certain to win.

26. The producers (TPTB) will try to entice fans into meaningless battles to increase their ratings. The Star must lead his fans to avoid small battles that have no consequence.



II. WAGING WAR

1. The producers (TPTB) have no power if no one plays. Do not play.

2. Try to engage the producers directly.

5. Thus, though we have heard of stupid haste in fanwar, cleverness has never been seen associated with long delays.

6. There is no instance of a pop star having benefited from prolonged fanwarfare.

19. In fanwar, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.

24. When the producers attempt to create a war between two fangroups, the strong group must resist and recognize the real battle.

26. A report of a pending battle printed in the press may be false information intended to draw a fan army into a useless battle distracting them from their success strategy.


III. ATTACK BY STRATAGEM

1. Sun Tzu said: In the practical art of fanwar, the best thing of all is to take the enemy's fanbase whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good. So, too, it is better to recapture a fan army entire than to destroy it, to capture a regiment, a detachment or a company entire than to destroy them.


IV. TACTICAL DISPOSITIONS

1. Sun Tzu said: The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.


v. FANDOM

1. Being a fan should be joyous – not a constant battle.

2. Celebrate successes move past the small defeats.

3. Smile.


VI. THE HATERS

1. Do not pay attention to unimportant people who hate. If you pay attention to haters, they will grow stronger.

8. I should all be about love. Move on from the hate.

10. No one in the Glam Nation is ever alone – with allies you have power:
“Anytime anybody pulls you down
Anytime anybody says you're not allowed
Just remember you are not alone”

The work continues on with many wise words of advice – but I can summarize it simply – do not be used as a pawn in another king's battle.


Idol Battles that I would really love to see……


1. American Idol – StarWars!

I can picture it now. A special edition of American Idol. The past Idol stars return to fight each other – to the death.

Adam steps on stage – dressed head-to-toe in black leather and chrome.

Ryan: Hey, Adam great to have you back.

Audience: (loud cheers and jeers)

Ryan: I hear that you planned something special.

Adam: I brought lasers. (whips out a metal wand and engages his lightsaber. It is glistening and purple/violet and blue and green -- beautiful.)

Audience: Oooooooooooooooooo (loud cheers -- no jeers!!!)

Adam: Lasers! Lasers!



All contenders fall by the wayside.


2. Forget “The Voice” --- I want “The Scream”.

Hide the contestants from the judges and let’s see who has the greatest rock wail in music today. (I already know the outcome.)


3. The “Do Over” (my cultural anthropology test)

This requires a time machine!

The first episode of American Idol 12 – we see a young rock singer perform “Bohemian Rhapsody”. We learn that his is named Adam after the first man in Genesis. No one mentions the word “theatrical” at all. The fresh faced kid gets a gold ticket to Hollywood. We learn he used to front a garage band with some members of Madonna’s touring band. He sails through the competition – blowing everyone off the stage and easily winning the competition. In June, 2013, he doesn’t really shock anyone when he does an interview that appears on page 78 of Rolling Stone magazine and casually mentions he is gay. The story doesn’t even cause a ripple.


All joking aside

Fanwars will continue. As Adam becomes more successful (and I know he will), he will be used even more frequently as proof that Idol can find pop stars. Contestants will be compared to him. It is a good thing, not a problem.

Opportunists of all types – singers, Idol producers, Simon Cowel, reporters and self-serving bloggers trying to make a buck, will continue to try to stir up controversies that involve Adam – hoping Adam’s fans will bite. Best to ignore them.

Celebrate the fact that Adam is the one people talk about, Adam is the one people love and hate, Adam creates buzz. It is much betterer than if he was forgotten and considered unimportant.


********


Predictions closed! If I missed your prediction, please e-mail me. Q3.

The MASSIVE 2 Million Twitter Follower Contest
5.1.11 by Q3

Predictions are locked! With a record of 160 entries! Thanks for playing. And good luck to all!!

Whoever is the closest – will receive a copy of Adam Lambert’s second studio album – title, “TBD”.

The rules:

ALL PREDICTIONS ARE LOCKED!

• The Adamtopia Member who is closest to the time will be the winner.

• In the case of an exact tie, I will declare two winners! And I will distribute two albums!


Predictions posted before 4.30.11 at 11:59PM Adam Time -- all times in Adam Time.

aurora Friday, July 29, 2011 10:00 PM
crazyoldgal Saturday, September 10, 2011 2:00 PM
tillyfilly Thursday, September 15, 2011 6:10 AM
wonderstruck Tuesday, October 04, 2011 8:32 PM
kittykay Wednesday, October 19, 2011 3:33 AM
rihannsu Tuesday, October 25, 2011 11:55 PM
grandduchesspf Friday, October 28, 2011 1:20 PM
evergreen Monday, October 31, 2011 11:59 PM
Wal Tuesday, November 01, 2011 9:00 PM
Marie23 Wednesday, November 02, 2011 5:00 PM
Mibadself Saturday, November 05, 2011 8:00 PM
tinafea Monday, November 07, 2011 11:07 PM
m45maia Tuesday, November 08, 2011 10:43 AM
glamtealady Thursday, November 10, 2011 1:00 AM
conjr Friday, November 11, 2011 11:11 PM
momtomany Saturday, November 12, 2011 2:46 PM
stampsgal Monday, November 14, 2011 10:00 PM
ileanne Wednesday, November 16, 2011 10:00 PM
LindaG23 Sunday, November 20, 2011 8:11 PM
revlisacat Tuesday, November 22, 2011 6:00 AM
maitospf Wednesday, November 23, 2011 11:00 PM
lanat Thursday, November 24, 2011 12:00 AM
glittergma Sunday, November 27, 2011 9:25 AM
glamnana Monday, November 28, 2011 11:00 PM
SusieFierce Tuesday, November 29, 2011 9:30 PM
lynneville Wednesday, November 30, 2011 11:00 PM
djett Thursday, December 01, 2011 10:00 PM
holst Thursday, December 01, 2011 12:00 PM
theosgma Friday, December 02, 2011 4:19 PM
stella Sunday, December 04, 2011 8:00 PM
rama Tuesday, December 06, 2011 6:00 PM
mszue Wednesday, December 07, 2011 7:00 PM
scorpio Friday, December 09, 2011 9:00 AM
seashell Saturday, December 10, 2011 10:00 AM
JazzRocks Saturday, December 10, 2011 11:30 PM
adamrocks Sunday, December 11, 2011 3:00 PM
chameleon Monday, December 12, 2011 9:00 AM
kapsiz Wednesday, December 14, 2011 3:00 PM
ladyoz Wednesday, December 14, 2011 11:00 PM
maria22pf Wednesday, December 14, 2011 12:00 PM
libralamb7pf Thursday, December 15, 2011 10:07 PM
gracefuladam Friday, December 16, 2011 10:30 PM
las Saturday, December 17, 2011 2:00 PM
bamafan Sunday, December 18, 2011 3:00 PM
sunbaked Monday, December 19, 2011 8:00 PM
smargie75 Tuesday, December 20, 2011 10:00 AM
shadow Wednesday, December 21, 2011 9:30 PM
cayman Thursday, December 22, 2011 12:00 AM
happy Thursday, December 22, 2011 11:59 PM
FanOfTheMan Saturday, December 24, 2011 8:30 PM
seoulmate Sunday, December 25, 2011 11:00 PM
8toinfinity Thursday, December 29, 2011 6:00 PM
kwanyin Saturday, December 31, 2011 6:00 PM
solar1 Saturday, December 31, 2011 2:00 AM
didilynn Saturday, December 31, 2011 11:59 PM
aloha Sunday, January 01, 2012 0:00 PM
adamfanem Sunday, January 01, 2012 11:59 PM
pjd Monday, January 02, 2012 4:00 PM
PollyP78 Wednesday, January 04, 2012 12:33 AM
cookeejar Thursday, January 05, 2012 4:15 PM
Jojo Thursday, January 05, 2012 9:42 PM
vbstar Friday, January 06, 2012 11:50 PM
feelalive Monday, January 09, 2012 7:00 PM
shev66 Thursday, January 12, 2012 8:32 PM
herovillain Friday, January 13, 2012 8:00 AM
quietlion Friday, January 13, 2012 8:00 PM
skylar Sunday, January 15, 2012 2:00 PM
sk_PF Friday, January 20, 2012 10:00 PM
kwanyin Saturday, January 21, 2012 9:00 PM
4EverAdam Sunday, January 22, 2012 10:00 PM
crazylady Tuesday, January 24, 2012 9:00 PM
sandysva Thursday, January 26, 2012 10:00 AM
justwishin Thursday, January 26, 2012 11:59 PM
PastaBaby Friday, January 27, 2012 10:00 PM
outlawbooster Friday, January 27, 2012 11:00 PM
littledarkangelpf Saturday, January 28, 2012 9:01 AM
stardust Saturday, January 28, 2012 9:00 PM
irish1139 Sunday, January 29, 2012 1:20 AM
counselor Sunday, January 29, 2012 12:00 AM
nica575 Sunday, January 29, 2012 7:00 PM
carla Monday, January 30, 2012 12:00 AM
babs12 Wednesday, February 01, 2012 2:00 AM
Lulu2365 Wednesday, February 01, 2012 1:00 PM
HeShouldaWon Thursday, February 02, 2012 2:22 PM
durberville Sunday, February 05, 2012 9:00 AM
lifeisnow2 Monday, February 06, 2012 2:00 PM
justgill Tuesday, February 07, 2012 10.32 PM
ljsmack Thursday, February 09, 2012 9:00 PM
adamuse Friday, February 10, 2012 9:00 PM
yippie Saturday, February 11, 2012 11:11 AM
justright Sunday, February 12, 2012 12:00 AM
fiercelier Tuesday, February 14, 2012 7:11 PM
willowgarden Tuesday, February 14, 2012 9:00 PM
savvy92pf Tuesday, February 14, 2012 10:00 PM
cookie Wednesday, February 15, 2012 5:00 PM
mys*&@^#r50 Thursday, February 16, 2012 5:00 PM
laceyrose Thursday, February 16, 2012 9:00 PM
midwifespal Friday, February 17, 2012 11:00 PM
needacoke Monday, February 20, 2012 1:30 PM
chunkeymonkey81 Monday, February 20, 2012 10:00 PM
scotia Tuesday, February 21, 2012 8:00 PM
motoki Friday, February 24, 2012 9:00 PM
Avari Saturday, February 25, 2012 10:00 PM
wiga Sunday, February 26, 2012 9:45 PM
mahailia Tuesday, February 28, 2012 7:45 PM
agnelle Tuesday, February 28, 2012 11:59 PM
ttj17 Wednesday, February 29, 2012 9:00 PM
burrito Thursday, March 01, 2012 6:15 AM
smokeyvera Saturday, March 03, 2012 3:00 PM
prism Monday, March 05, 2012 3:00 PM
guamgurl Friday, March 09, 2012 3:00 PM
timegoesby Saturday, March 10, 2012 8:45 AM
lynne Sunday, March 11, 2012 7:00 AM
PostFestumPF Tuesday, March 13, 2012 11:00 AM
iridium Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:00 PM
readon Thursday, March 15, 2012 10:00 PM
houselady Saturday, March 17, 2012 11:00 PM
whatyasay Tuesday, March 20, 2012 11:00 PM
Q3 Wednesday, March 21, 2012 11:12 PM
amw Wednesday, March 21, 2012 12:00 PM
geezlouise Friday, March 23, 2012 9:00 PM
kiwifever Saturday, March 24, 2012 8:00 PM
Gelly14 Sunday, March 25, 2012 12:00 PM
Murly Monday, March 26, 2012 7:30 AM
Spring2009 Thursday, March 29, 2012 11:30 PM
hoopla1 Friday, March 30, 2012 12:00 PM
Catzmadam Saturday, March 31, 2012 12:00 PM
ning Sunday, April 01, 2012 12:00 AM
Melisende Monday, April 02, 2012 12:00 PM
mainePF Wednesday, April 11, 2012 6:24 PM
cheriemelissa Friday, April 13, 2012 4:50 PM
nattygirl Saturday, April 21, 2012 8:12 PM
4Msrmyn Sunday, April 22, 2012 11:59 PM
flowergirl Tuesday, April 24, 2012 8:55 PM
NoAngel Thursday, April 26, 2012 10:45 PM
Tatum05 Friday, April 27, 2012 12:00 PM
jadedzpf Saturday, May 05, 2012 11:54 AM
winks Monday, May 07, 2012 12:00 PM
mirages Wednesday, May 16, 2012 3:00 PM
ginneu Wednesday, May 16, 2012 6:00 PM
miachihu Saturday, May 26, 2012 3:00 PM
kayko Monday, May 28, 2012 11:00 PM
kosh Friday, June 01, 2012 12:00 AM
yippee Sunday, June 10, 2012 12:00 PM
mayumi Sunday, June 10, 2012 4:07 PM
kagmel Monday, June 11, 2012 3:20 PM
montanagirl Friday, June 15, 2012 7:00 PM
Adamme Friday, June 15, 2012 9:00 PM
VoiceFan53 Thursday, June 21, 2012 7:53 PM
imitzy Wednesday, June 27, 2012 7:00 PM
kim Sunday, July 01, 2012 3:00 PM
valilac Wednesday, July 04, 2012 9:00 PM
ilovehawaian Tuesday, July 10, 2012 11:00 PM
marysue Saturday, July 21, 2012 3:00 PM
csharpminor Wednesday, August 01, 2012 2:30 PM
Zinnia Friday, August 31, 2012 12:00 PM
gabby Saturday, September 29, 2012 10:00 PM
m45maia Thursday, November 08, 2012 need time???
lindy Monday, November 19, 2012 9:00 PM
reihmer Tuesday, January 29, 2013 5:29 AM




Other Adam News







Vote in this only for fun –
And to show Q102 that Adam has a ton of fans!!
4.27.11 by Q3

This doesn’t matter much at all. But it just take a few minutes to toss a few votes here, and Q102 has consistently supported Adam.

Q102Philly Q102 Philly
Ouu, TIGHT RACE! @adamlambert vs @therealjordin VOTE! Ultimate @americanidol Bracket! ow.ly/4GhHU



Upcoming Events

NOW: The Trevor Project version of "Aftermath" released for sale. On sale at AdamOfficial.com

NOW: GNT Concert DVD to be released in North America, Germany, Australia, many other countries.

NOW: Aftermath Remix on sale on iTunes!

4.27.11 Glam Nation Tour Live (CD+DVD) released in Japan, CD has 2 bonus tracks

5.10.11 Glam Nation Live - Blu-ray Disc released in US.

5.28.11 Adam performing in Moscow, Russia. Maxidrom Festival - Toshino Airfield
More info: www.maxidrom.ru/news/?news_id=3624

Buy tickets @adamlambert Russia Maxidrom show AO link: www.adamofficial.com/ca/event/2011/05/28/maxidrom-festival-toshino-airfield

Late Summer 2011 New single released

October-November 2011 Adam's second album released


Things to watch for…..[/size][/b]

deb_forman Debbie Forman
My future sister-in-law's cousin interviewed @adamlambert today for People magazine. I'm not too sour that I just found this out...
4.21.11 from Twitter

Other dates of note…..[/size][/b]

5.3.11 Terrance S*&@^#r will be performing on DWTS a Tribute to James Brown – “kevin and marcel did their thing with the choreo )”

Terrance D. S*&@^#r: “yes i will be dancing, it airs this tuesday, im really excited ”


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