An Open Letter To Green Day

[Tubbie Head]

yeah, I think if we need to pay money for it, there should be more good stuff in there, other than possible pre-sales for certain areas ( they don't include Portugal, of course)... Before I really wanted to join, because of the videos and photos, the band's interaction with fans like Q&A etc.

But I don't think this happens right now

[Isabel]

Oh yeah I know presales aren't guaranteed. What I mean is it must be disappointing when people, especially kids, think "I love Green Day, I'm gonna join their fanclub!" and then realize they're not really getting anything in return for joining. I know they're not actually being misleading in what they say you'll get for joining, but it still must be disappointing to realize it was basically a waste of money.

I'm really glad they've added that "(where applicable)" part, it didn't used to say that . That's one big improvement at least.

I can't decide whether to renew my membership next month, I really don't wanna miss out if they do some kind of early entry / getting in the golden circle competition or something for Wembley, but I have no idea if there's any chance of that or not. Hmm.

Yeah, I know where you're coming from.

There have been times where I've been pretty pissed off about the lack of info/mistakes made about certain things. But fortunately I have never had a negative experience like the original poster.

[Anja]

I must say too that I kinda regret joining. So far, it didnt pay off for me. I only made some US fan happy by giving away my pre-sale code.

Not just the forum is way better over here, but we at least have competitions every once in a while or give-aways on GDC. Though, to be fair, that always has to do with the members as well. But still, as a fan of one of the biggest bands in the world, you would expect more of their fanclub.

[Hermione]

yeah, I think if we need to pay money for it, there should be more good stuff in there, other than possible pre-sales for certain areas ( they don't include Portugal, of course)... Before I really wanted to join, because of the videos and photos, the band interaction with fans like Q&A etc.

But I don't think this happens right now

I wish they still had those old Idiot Club videos of the band from the AI era on there, I don't think all of them ever made it on to youtube and I'd love to see them. They could at least give us that

[Daughter.of.Rage.and.Love]

That is one of the main reasons I have a problem with the IC. It really sucks to be the person who just gets a forum out of it...more or less anyway...for whatever the amount is to join, i can't remember.

Yeah. And I don't ever go to the forum, unless it's to check if they already know about some news on GDC or something

yeah, I think if we need to pay money for it, there should be more good stuff in there, other than possible pre-sales for certain areas ( they don't include Portugal, of course)... Before I really wanted to join, because of the videos and photos, the band's interaction with fans like Q&A etc.

But I don't think this happens right now

Yeah. And it's also kinda disappointing that you can't access the old things they used to have on there, like the band phone messages or the IC videos. Now I do have some of them on my computer (through GDC, of course), and there used to be the occasional (terrible quality) video of the IC videos on youtube, but those have probably been removed by now anyway. Well, there are some nice photos you can only see in the IC, but that's really it. I don't think that's worth $20.

[ihaveapenisbitch!]

Amen.

Just out of curiosity because this is confusing me: did you get your money back or not? Because you said it has been refunded but in other posts you said the opposite.

The money they wrongly took from my account has been refunded the £80 of bank charges their screw up cost me has not.

Not like, to rain on your parade or anything, but you might want to like spell / grammar check that if you're actually going to send it to them. Also I doubt they'll actually read it, you might have more like sending it to Warner, but again they're a huge company and Green Day, let alone the Idiot Club, is one tiny part of a massive empire.

Don't get me wrong, I agree that what they've done is bad - I never joined the IC cause it seemed pretty shit to me and a total waste of money - just don't expect Warner to give a damn.

I try my best with spelling and grammar unfortunetly being dyslexic isn't conductive to getting everything right.

[Guest Shangri-La]

Don't get me wrong, I agree that what they've done is bad - I never joined the IC cause it seemed pretty shit to me and a total waste of money - just don't expect Warner to give a damn.

And that's why Green Day need to see this. Maybe they'll actually give a shit and do something about it.

[Hermione]

I really think it's worth you continuing to complain to them about the money they owe you. I think if people keep complaining when they mess something up and making them aware of the problems it could make a difference.

Yeah. And I don't ever go to the forum, unless it's to check if they already know about some news on GDC or something

I only go on the forum to ask annoying questions about presales or to complain about the IC

[mitzymoo]

First thing I wanna say is great letter alot of people are thinking the same as you, fortunately I have never had any problems with the IC other than that I feel I have been ripped off by $20 but nothing can be done about this.

Yeah exactly. If they had more going for them than just presales it wouldn't bother me so much, but presales really are the only thing they're offering that's worth joining for (just about worth it anyway). So they really should be doing a better job with them.

If you live in the right parts of the world for the competitions etc I suppose it's OK but some places don't even get presales! Honestly it must be so disappointing for some people when they hand over their $20 and find out what they get for it.

I only joined for the presales which in the end I didnt bother with and if you ask me I think its the only thing worth joining for too. I only go on the IC maybe once a week to check if any new competitions are there. I was really disappointed when I joined I expected to get alot more for my money when in fact I got absoutley nothing.

Yeah. And I don't ever go to the forum, unless it's to check if they already know about some news on GDC or something

Yeah same I only go to check for news thats not yet on GDA and to check the competitons.

It really is disappointing what the IC has to offer. My membership is up next month and I dont want to renew it but I will do just so if there is any copetitons for Marley Park and Wembley I can enter them but after that I will not renew unless something changes.

[petros]

wow great letter!!

[Isabel]

I don't really get why people are complaining so much in general about not getting their money's worth and being ripped off....For most of us, $20 a year (which isn't even worth €20 in euros or GB pounds) isn't a massive amount of money. Basic fact. You may argue that it is, but at the end of the day it really isn't. You could spend that amount of money so easily on loads of other unnecessary things. It's all about choices.

[Hermione]

Actually if you wanna renew now it's $30 ($25 in the US). $10 ($5 in the US) of that is for shipping of the free t-shirt you get when you renew. Unfortunately they're not offering the option to just pay $20 and not have the t-shirt for some unknown reason, you HAVE to have it and pay the shipping if you want to stay a member. Which is a shame because I don't want it.

It's that kind of thing that annoys me. I knew exactly what they were offering when I joined and I made the free choice to join just for presales and possible competitions to help me get a good spot at concerts. I was fine with paying $20 for that. Why can't they just let me do that again without forcing me to pay the shipping on a shirt I don't want?

[lizziebix]

I guess I will rethink joining after reading this thread. (not even sure if it's worth for "maybe" presales.)

[Nova-Caine]

I don't really get why people are complaining so much in general about not getting their money's worth and being ripped off....For most of us, $20 a year (which isn't even worth €20 in euros or GB pounds) isn't a massive amount of money. Basic fact. You may argue that it is, but at the end of the day it really isn't. You could spend that amount of money so easily on loads of other unnecessary things. It's all about choices.

To some it is Isabel, I can't afford to throw away money, esp right now in this economic climate. And its the principal of the thing, we were sold something so far different to what we actually ended up with. I feel short changed and cheated.

x

[mandajane]

well said. i dont wanna join cuz i think my $20 a year can be spent in better ways. i dont mind seeing pictures or videos a week later if it means its free.

[GDM]

I have never joined a fanclub before, so I don't know what to expect, but I do have to say that it's not the best run fanclub that one could want. If it weren't for Netty and the admins, I'd completely lose my brain over the site. I don't know what other clubs do, and they are probably more expensive, but i find the IC to be lacking. It's too bad that it's like that, too. I've been on it for almost a year now, and while I have had no real pre-sales problems, I do find it irritating beyond belief sometimes.

[Nele]

That was a great letter!

I'm a member of the IC too, and well, it sucks. Sure, I got my Wembley tickets through it, but I could have get tickets on other sites as well, since they didn't sell out fast. The forum is confusing and dead and the updates aren't really constant. I think sometimes they just get the news/scans from GDA.

So yeah, it really wasn't worth joining.

[Velocity]

Actually if you wanna renew now it's $30 ($25 in the US). $10 ($5 in the US) of that is for shipping of the free t-shirt you get when you renew. Unfortunately they're not offering the option to just pay $20 and not have the t-shirt for some unknown reason, you HAVE to have it and pay the shipping if you want to stay a member. Which is a shame because I don't want it.

Speaking of which, I haven't gotten that t-shirt. I wonder if when I'll get it.

Personally, I haven't really had any problems with the IC. The presale for the summer US tour worked out great for me. However, I know that the IC used to have a LOT more to offer back in the American Idiot era, what with the Q&A, contests, exclusive photos and videos, etc. I wasn't a member back then but I remember that they at least had something to offer other than presale tickets you may or may not even get.

[Isabel]

Actually if you wanna renew now it's $30. $10 of that is for shipping of the free t-shirt you get when you renew. Unfortunately they're not offering the option to just pay $20 and not have the t-shirt for some unknown reason, you HAVE to have it and pay the shipping. Which is a shame because I don't want it!

Yeah, I agree about that; think it's a bit irritating that the shipping charge is compulsory. I renewed in March, cost me €23 and I really hate that t-shirt design.

But at the end of the day, I don't see how it's considered a "rip off" for such a small amount of money that you're going to spend on something else anyway.

Besides, in the last year alone the Idiot Club has given away presale codes for various shows internationally, soundcheck passes, band photographer passes, had a vinyl competition at thanksgiving, gave away free concert tickets for a few of the last dates on the first American tour, and now they're doing another competition to win tickets for opening night at the musical with paid accommodation....I think that's definitely worth 20 or 30 measly dollars. What else do people want?

[Sarah.Scumbag]

Aw man, I had no idea that the Idiot Club treated the fans so much like shit.

I was considering trying to get my parents to let me join, but after reading your letter, there is no chance.

Good luck with getting your letter noticed. Hopefully this thread might do this problem some justice and someone will notice & try to get it fixed.

[Nova-Caine]

Yeah, I agree about that; think it's a bit irritating that the shipping charge is compulsory. I renewed in March, cost me €23 and I really hate that t-shirt design.

But at the end of the day, I don't see how it's considered a "rip off" for such a small amount of money that you're going to spend on something else anyway.

Besides, in the last year alone the Idiot Club has given away presale codes for various shows internationally, soundcheck passes, band photographer passes, had a vinyl competition at thanksgiving, gave away free concert tickets for a few of the last dates on the first American tour, and now they're doing another competition to win tickets for opening night at the musical with paid accommodation....I think that's definitely worth 20 or 30 measly dollars. What else do people want?

IDo you mean this one.....Cos that's only open to US Residents and isn't being run by the IC

04-01 - OPENING NIGHT VIDEO CONTEST

On April 20, Broadway is officially plugging in and rocking out with the opening of Green Day's AMERICAN IDIOT, and they want YOU to be there with them.

They're looking for a pair of die-hard, superfans of American Idiot to represent the Idiots of America on Opening Night. Share your all-access experience by keeping fans across the country and around the world up to speed with live tweets, pix and flip cam videos, as you capture everything

from the red carpet to the after party.

Send a 30-second video telling them why you should win. Be outrageous, be creative, and you could be on your way to New York City for Opening Night of AMERICAN IDIOT on Broadway.

Two SuperFans Will Win:

. 2 tickets to Opening Night on Broadway

. 2 tickets to the After Party

. 2 Nights Hotel accommodations at Flatotel

. Up to $1,500 for travel reimbursement*

. A gift pack full of AMERICAN IDIOT merchandise

Record your 30-second video and click here to enter.

All entries are due April 9, by 11:59pm EST. Click here to read Rules and Regulations/Terms and Conditions.

Please note - this contest is not being run by Idiot Club, so any questions should be directed to the facebook page here. BUT - when they ask you "how did you hear about the contest" MAKE SURE you put "Idiot Club". Good luck!!

[Hermione]

Yeah, I agree about that; think it's a bit irritating that the shipping charge is compulsory. I renewed in March, cost me €23 and I really hate that t-shirt design.

But at the end of the day, I don't see how it's considered a "rip off" for such a small amount of money that you're going to spend on something else anyway.

Besides, in the last year alone the Idiot Club has given away presale codes for various shows internationally, soundcheck passes, band photographer passes, had a vinyl competition at thanksgiving, gave away free concert tickets for a few of the last dates on the first American tour, and now they're doing another competition to win tickets for opening night at the musical with paid accommodation....I think that's definitely worth 20 or 30 measly dollars. What else do people want?

The amount of money doesn't matter, if they're taking people's money they should be giving them their money's worth for it. They're not doing that for everyone. Those things you've listed are great for the people they're applicable to, but unfortunately they're not applicable to a lot of members. You have to live in the right places and be going to the right concerts to get the benefit of those competitions.

[Isabel]

IDo you mean this one.....Cos that's only open to US Residents and isn't being run by the IC

04-01 - OPENING NIGHT VIDEO CONTEST

On April 20, Broadway is officially plugging in and rocking out with the opening of Green Day's AMERICAN IDIOT, and they want YOU to be there with them.

They're looking for a pair of die-hard, superfans of American Idiot to represent the Idiots of America on Opening Night. Share your all-access experience by keeping fans across the country and around the world up to speed with live tweets, pix and flip cam videos, as you capture everything

from the red carpet to the after party.

Send a 30-second video telling them why you should win. Be outrageous, be creative, and you could be on your way to New York City for Opening Night of AMERICAN IDIOT on Broadway.

Two SuperFans Will Win:

. 2 tickets to Opening Night on Broadway

. 2 tickets to the After Party

. 2 Nights Hotel accommodations at Flatotel

. Up to $1,500 for travel reimbursement*

. A gift pack full of AMERICAN IDIOT merchandise

Record your 30-second video and click here to enter.

All entries are due April 9, by 11:59pm EST. Click here to read Rules and Regulations/Terms and Conditions.

Please note - this contest is not being run by Idiot Club, so any questions should be directed to the facebook page here. BUT - when they ask you "how did you hear about the contest" MAKE SURE you put "Idiot Club". Good luck!!

Ok, scratch that one

The amount of money doesn't matter, if they're taking people's money they should be giving them their money's worth for it. They're not doing that for everyone. Those things you've listed are great for the people they're applicable to, but unfortunately they're not applicable to a lot of members. You have to live in the right places and be going to the right concerts to get the benefit of those competitions.

But like, that's the same with any fan club. How on earth are they supposed to be able to accommodate for every single person? Nothing works that way.

I'm curious to hear what some people's suggestions are on how to improve the IC and make it accommodating for every single fan.

[Alan86]

I'd be happier with the idiot club if presale tickets were sent to peoples houses in the post. I don't see the point in getting presale tickets if I have to collect my tickets at the box office. If I've been queueing for hours for a concert I don't want to leave my place in the queue to collect a ticket.

[Tubbie Head]

And that's why Green Day need to see this. Maybe they'll actually give a shit and do something about it.

exactly =)