ForeverFades, I disagree with a few of your points.
I sincerely doubt the goal of anyone here is to shake your resolve in the band. These are fan forums and we're all here for the distinct reason that we love the band and want to see them succeed, but that doesn't mean that, by a longshot, I am okay with feeling slighted as a fan. As fans, we have the right to speak our minds and voice our opinion, because frankly, without their fans, X-Japan would be nothing. No musician is as big a deal as they can be without their fans. Talent, skill, drive, yes, it's all important to how amazing X-Japan is, but without their fans, their success would be non-existent.
My problem, as I've stated elsewhere, is that X Japan has a long, long history of empty promises, and the reason they get away with it is because there are no consequences. Their fans are so loyal that they'll wait and wait and forgive every empty promise without an apology of any kind. While this is great for X-Japan, where does that leave us? Can you think of any other type of relationship where that would be fair? So then, why is it fair now? Trust me, I do respect your faith and devotion to the band. I'm faithful to them too. I'd never stop listening to them over this stuff, but that doesn't mean I'll look past everything without a reasonable excuse for broken promises. It's a matter of integrity. I have a hard time respecting anyone who doesn't follow through with what they say they're going to do (of course, barring unforeseen circumstances), why would I change my feelings of the matter for a rock band, you know? It seems more disrespectful to fans than anything. "Who cares, they'll still buy it whenever we decide to do it" sort of thing.
Again, I'm thrilled we're getting any content at all. The time since 2008 has been amazing for X fans because our wildest dream came true, X is back...but you'd hardly know it! They've been lagging on every single promise they've made ever since returning. Hardships are natural when a band like X has to face a brand new frontier, but frankly, it doesn't even seen like they give a damn. Where's all the promotional effort on their part? Where are the music videos they shot over a year ago, with songs that have already been completed? Where is the Jade single that should have been out in October of last year? Where is the "best of" album that was promised back in 2008? They HAVE followed through on a few things, which is great. I was lucky enough to see them here in New York and it was one of the best shows I've ever seen. But that doesn't mean I don't feel a bit slighted as a fan.
X shouldn't be making promises if they aren't going to keep them. Plain and simple.
I also disagree with what you said about people not following release dates. Anytime someone is a big fan of something, they are inclined to follow it. I live in New York, and it's the norm here to wait in line all night, sometimes even for a midnight release, of music CD's, video games, and movies, of the most popular artists. I see no difference in those fans and the fans of X Japan, with the exception that the promotion we get for those other forms of media are much more easily accessible. When a new Linkin Park CD is coming out, you can't turn a corner in some parts of Manhattan without seeing a poster with a release date. This is because American mainstream entertainment markets themselves strongly and it's impossible to let it slip under the radar. Even when said big time artists have those delays, their eventual release hardly goes unnoticed. The reason that small percentage of X fans hangs off of every word is because Yoshiki and X have done a HORRIBLE job of promoting themselves since their return in 2008. Say what you will, for that aspect at least, they are doing a terrible job of reaching their target audience. Since their fans have no choice, they have to constantly keep checking for updates in the only places they'll get them.
Jrockergirl, I can really only speak for myself when I say that, as God-awful and tragic as the earthquake's aftermath has been, countries all over the world are pulling together and doing something about it, which is the best anyone could ask for. Ways to donate have opened up all over the USA (not sure how other countries are handling it) and volunteers from all over are on their way to Japan to help pull together in the wake of the travesty. As horrendous as the earthquake was, everything that can be done to fix it IS being done to fix it. Hopefully, there will be some positive notes in the history books when it's noted how immediate and strong the response was to the devastation. I hate to use the cliche, but it may very well be a triumph of the human spirit to help Japan hopefully bounce back as quickly as possible.
The reason the Jade debacle is striking a chord is because it's practically the exact opposite. NO, I am NOT saying it's a bigger tragedy or anything remotely absurd like that, but it was handled completely wrong, as usual. As mentioned earlier, X being X and the rest of us being okay with it. However, from this point on, I support the decision 100% to postpone the release until an appropriate time...so long as they follow through with whatever date they promise. The single should be finished already, there's no excuse for another delay once a new date is announced.
And on a personal note, Jrockergirl, I read that you lost friends in another thread from the earhquake. My deepest condolences to you and their families.
