The FREEPER strategy on responding to Dixie Chicks manager's comments

Cincinatti Enquirer ^ | 3/19/2003 | jagrmiester

[jagrmeister]

Yesterday, we conducted a strategy session (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/868480/posts) on Free Republic on how to respond to the latest remarks by Simon Renshaw, the Dixie Chicks manager. As the thread unfolded, the strategy has crystallized and I have compiled the suggestions into a document which articulates the goals, message, and action items. But first, a recap. We all know the Dixie Chicks went abroad and insulted the President. They then apologized. But now the Dixie Chicks manager has some harsh words for fans complaining to radio stations, describing them as "radical" "weasels" (his own words) engaged in "conspiracy". Now it's time for country music fans to counter-punch in the Dixie Chicks boycott- Round 2.

Observation: The strategy begins with the observation that Renshaw's comments categorize patriotic Dixie Chicks fans who had a legitimate grievance as "radical" "weasels" (his own words) with an agenda. Such disrespect for country music fans adds insult to injury, renders hollow the Dixie Chicks apology, and eviscerates any goodwill gained by Maines' apology. (if you disagree, please private message me; i'd like to keep the thread for those who support this observation and taking action)

Round 2 Strategy Basics: Renshaw said radio stations were being duped by Free Republic (which he then demonized in a dozen ways) and implied that the "public" did not object to the Dixie Chicks' remarks as much as Free Republic made it seem. We refuse to go for Renshaw's bait. The pressure felt by radio stations is indeed a genuine outpouring of indignation and not a cynical political ploy. Because we are independent people and we refuse to be boxed in and demonized, we intend to counter-punch as concerned country music fans, not conservatives or Freepers. Getting into a debate about the merits of Free Republic is a diversion.

Round 2 FREEPER Goal: As a result, we aim to...

1. Continue the boycott of the Dixie Chicks on radio stations and combat Renshaw's propaganda

2. Pressure Sony Music to rebuke Renshaw for his comments.

Round 2 Message: Here is the message that I spent a great deal of time (hours) honing for maximum efficicacy. Feel free to customize this message based on who you are using it with. Also feel free to change words, put it in your voice, etc. But I think the basic "message" is sound. Most of the time spent was choosing the angle at which to approach Renshaw's remarks and simplifying the argument- the emphasis was brevity.

"Simon Renshaw, manager for the Dixie Chicks, recently described country music fans who complained to their local radio station about the band's controversial remarks as "radical" "weasels" acting as part of a "conspiracy". By characterizing patriotic Dixie Chick fans in such a manner, he has rendered hollow the Dixie Chicks apology and eviscerated any goodwill gained by Maines' apology. Rather than acknowledging the genuine uproar that their comments fueled, the Dixie Chicks team is engaged in denial, conspiracy theory, and scapegoating. Rather than mend fences, the Dixie Chicks' representation has chosen to engage in name-calling against country music fans. I was willing to accept the Dixie Chicks apology but it appears that it was not made in good faith. These latest comments made by Dixie Chicks represenatation disrespect country music fans and add insult to injury. The boycot of the Dixie Chicks will continue until a genuine apology is made that respects sincerely the objections that countless patriotic fans have with the Dixie Chicks remarks."

*Let me know if you have any questions with the message. I'd be glad to clarify.

Round 2 Action Items:

1. Contact Radio Stations- Round 2. Emphasize "Message- Round 2" and stress loss of listeners. The Dixie Chicks are not out of the woods yet and this latest insult worsens matters. (In our communication, we may want to rebut the radio station's reply of "we can't practice censorship" ahead of time by justifying the request of their ban of the Dixie Chicks on "listener interest"). Once you do so, please post here. If by e-mail, no need to paste it here (maybe a synopsis) as no point in giving them the satisfaction of tracing the criticism back to Free Republic. *List of radio stations: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/863302/posts

2. Contact Sony Music a. We need to first begin with Sony Music's contact information (http://www.sonymusic.com/sony/corpcomm.html) and find out who was responsible for sending the memo to radio stations containing Renshaw's remarks. Post this information on this thread. b. Address Sony Music with why country music fans are indignant over Renshaw's remarks, how he have added fuel to fire of the boycott, nullified the apology. In other words, as a manager, he has done permanent damage to the reputation and sales of his band. Sony Music must disavow themselves of Renshaw's critical remarks of country music fans since the memo with Renshaw's remarks was distributed by Sony Music. Recommend his termination. ---

I heard that the Dixie Chicks radio airplay was down 15%. We will know that we are successful if we are able to keep their airplay down through constant pressure of radio stations.

[Cold Heat]

BTTT!

[Rodney King]

Great post. Does anyone have a list of radio station phone #'s?

[Jeff Gordon Fan]

my dad also sent a letter to one of their sponsors, lipton tea

[longtermmemmory]

DO NOT include the part about accepting the appology at all. It was a face saving lie to cover her true feelings. All you will do is shift the burden hatting the manager. The best bet is to focus our anger on the stations and on lipton. Remember lipton is a french company and they have enough trouble.

If Lipton wants to have american support, then drop the chix.

[FITZ]

and implied that the "public" did not object to the Dixie Chicks' remarks as much as Free Republic made it seem

We are the public.

[LowOiL]

The only sponcer this blixie chicks might get would be "duct tape" producers.

[tutstar]

bump

[SCHROLL]

Weasels? We ain't French.

[Damagro]

"my dad also sent a letter to one of their sponsors, lipton tea"
____________________________________________________________ I went farther than Lipton, I went to the parent corp Unilever and took the boycott to all their products. They make Closeup, Scope , Ragu, and a host of other products that there is a ready alternative to.

[ALOHA RONNIE]

NEVER FORGET


...If..

.. http://www.Freerepublic.com ..

...and its critically thinking...

...Posters had only been around...

...during the Vietnam War...

...WALTER CRONKITE's aiding of...

...the Vietnamese Communists...

...against US thru TV...

...would have been defeated...

...and 1.5 Million poor S.E. Asian Souls...

...that he fooled us...

...into leaving behind to their Fate...


...would not have lost their lives...

...at the hands of invading...

...Communist Bullies.



...On this the 1st Day...

...of a new Time of War...

...in a new Century...

...HILLARY's Mouthpiece...

...WALTER CRONKITE...

...has finally admitted that...

...our Media has a LIBERAL BIAS.


Thanks be to Freepers!!!!!!!!


Signed:..ALOHA RONNIE Guyer / Vet-"WE WERE SOLDIERS" Battle of IA DRANG-1965 http://www.LZXRAY.com


NEVER FO

[jagrmeister]

>DO NOT include the part about accepting the appology at all. It was a face saving lie to cover her true feelings. All you will do is shift the burden hatting the manager.

Good point. Renshaw speaks on behalf of the Dixie Chicks and therefore we shouldn't separate him from the band in our argument. I've revised the message adjusting that sentence.

"Simon Renshaw, manager for the Dixie Chicks, recently described country music fans who complained to their local radio station about the band's controversial remarks as "radical" "weasels" acting as part of a "conspiracy". By characterizing patriotic Dixie Chick fans in such a manner, he has rendered hollow the Dixie Chicks apology and eviscerated any goodwill gained by Maines' apology. Rather than acknowledging the genuine uproar that their comments fueled, the Dixie Chicks team is engaged in denial, conspiracy theory, and scapegoating. Rather than mend fences, the Dixie Chicks' representation has chosen to engage in name-calling against country music fans. Consequently, it appears that the Dixie Chicks apology was not made in good faith. These latest comments made by Dixie Chicks represenatation disrespect country music fans and add insult to injury. The boycot of the Dixie Chicks will continue until a genuine apology is made that respects sincerely the objections that countless patriotic fans have with the Dixie Chicks remarks."

[jagrmeister]

Yes- the list or radio station contact information is here:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/863302/posts

[vigilante2]

ALL I CAN SAY IS GOOD JOB FREEPERS !

[Afronaut]

ALL I Can Say is that only a Fool would care what the Dixie Chick Singer says.......

[LiveFreeOrDieTryin]

"The boycot of the Dixie Chicks will continue until a genuine apology..."

typo ... boycott is missing one instance of the letter "t."

[ppaul]

Dixie Ditsy Chicks

[jagrmeister]

Thanks. Spelling fixed.

"Simon Renshaw, manager for the Dixie Chicks, recently described country music fans who complained to their local radio station about the band's controversial remarks as "radical" "weasels" acting as part of a "conspiracy". By characterizing patriotic Dixie Chick fans in such a manner, he has rendered hollow the Dixie Chicks apology and eviscerated any goodwill gained by Maines' apology. Rather than acknowledging the genuine uproar that their comments fueled, the Dixie Chicks team is engaged in denial, conspiracy theory, and scapegoating. Rather than mend fences, the Dixie Chicks' representation has chosen to engage in name-calling against country music fans. Consequently, it appears that the Dixie Chicks apology was not made in good faith. These latest comments made by Dixie Chicks represenatation disrespect country music fans and add insult to injury. The boycott of the Dixie Chicks will continue until a genuine apology is made that respects sincerely the objections that countless patriotic fans have with the Dixie Chicks remarks."

[Doctor Raoul]

The Dixie Bitch needs to apologize ON STAGE as soon as she takes the stage here in the USA. She spewed her venom on stage, she can apologize ON STAGE.

[TUX]

To the stage people: Leave the pulpit to the preachers, the soapbox to the politicans and stay on the stage. The only area that you are qualified.

For the washed up so-called celebs get your face time doing good not damning our country.