Yes, you pointed the finger at this site, and then admitted that you downloaded but don't want others to do so. This site has problems but it is the place to come for Morrissey news.
It's irrelevant how things are done at another site.
You're a good guy but you don't really make a case for what you want.
What I did protest was all the people posting negative reviews and acting like these reviews actually reflected on the quality of the record. I also wrote that people downloading the music and then writing that they were disappointed were unfairly harming the records chances. Those people should have kept their opinions to themselves I think. Many Morrissey fans seem to think that they prove what a fan they are by talking about how he used to be so much better. The album turned out to be generally well-received by the fans, as far as I am aware.
You all present a strange argument - you can see the damaging effect leaks can have
You accept that Solo actively promoted the leak (by highlighing it on the frontpage as "News")
You accept that Solo is a major source of Morrissey news - and as such was probably a major source of the leak spreading it quicker and further than any other site - the great jaffa cake pusher.
You understand that other unofficial wesites for artists take steps to aviod the spread of links by not promoting them on their sites - they don't seem to consider leaks to be front page news -
But you think thats irrelevant? - why? it doesn't have to be irrelevant
You all seem to get wrapped up in internet politcs, procedure phony philosophy and guidelines
Is a leak front page news? - isn't that an aggressive stance for a fan website? - it doesn't have to be like that you know - it isn't elsewhere
Yeah I agree that downloading the album is about personal responsibility - to say because i downloaded the album i can't make a suggestion for the future is to miss the point - if enough people want to come here for news but don't want to be tempted then...
So if downloading the leak is about personal responsibility then isn't distrubuting that link in a fan site community (by calling it news)- isn't that about collective responsibilty?
Maybe i am the only one who feels this way - I like this site alot but I think a subtle change like that is within reach and would make a big difference.
Is it too much to ask?
Maybe leaks have not effect? - very debatable
Can't we consider a change of policy:
The Dylan site had a simple sticky post that stated:
"ABSOLUTELY NO links to the album are allowed on the forums.
Also, do NOT advertise that you are giving away the album. If you have a pre-release copy, feel free to state that, but do not say "send me a PM for your own copy". That is not cool.
Failure to adhere to this policy is subject to disciplinary measures, up to and including banishment. Please dont do it. Thanks"
The mods enforced that - simple as that.
So what is so wrong with that?
Maybe it wouldn't work here? - only one way to find out?