Fleetwood Mac Fan Club and Presale FAQ

[ThePenguin]

Let's get some question listed that we would like included in this FAQ. Once completed it can serve as an informational section for those who are considering joining, it can bring people (including FM management) up to speed on what has happened, or perhaps it could be used for those who are seeking refunds. I can continuously edit this first message as the FAQ becomes more and more complete. I need everyone's help though in putting it together-- this can be in the contribution of questions and answers. I know that for many this is an emotionally charged issue but just the facts here! If there is anything at all that we are unsure of then it should clearly be indicated as such. Here are a couple of initial questions...please add as many to the list as you want. If you want to start writing out answers, that would be cool too. If you see answers you do not think are completely accurate or complete, tell us too!

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Questions

1. When was the fanclub started? [ Answer ]
   
2. How much does it cost? [ Answer ]
   
3. What was included with membership? [ Answer ]
   
4. What kind of seats were available at the presales? [ Answer ]
   
5. What are my chances of getting front row seats? [ Answer ]
   
6. What does the term "seats in the best 20% of the house" mean? [ Answer ]
   
7. The fanclub says many tickets in the block of seats put away for its members will be in rows 1-30. How realistic are my chances of being offered seats in those rows? [ Answer ]
   
8. The fanclub says that no one except VIPS and Season Ticket Holders will have access to any seats in an arena before the fanclub members - is this true? [ Answer ]
   
9. The fanclub says if the seats in the fanclub block sellout, the fanclub members will "rollover" into the rest of the seats in the venue and will be offered the best seats first. [ Answer ]
   
10. I've seen the term "slow rollout" being used, what does the term mean? [ Answer ]
    
11. I've seen the term "top selldown" being used, what does the term mean? [ Answer ]
    
12. I see lots of great seats in the first 30 rows available on Ebay and through ticket brokers, where did they get these seats? [ Answer ]
    
13. Will the fanclub notify me of media & print appearances by bandmembers during the tour? [ Answer ]
    
14. Do Lindsey & Stevie have any involvement in the fanclub? [ Answer ]
    
15. Does the fanclub offer any discounted merchandise & cds to its members? [ Answer ]
    
16. Are fans satisfied with the way the fanclub is being run? [ Answer ]
    
17. Is there any one on one communication between the fanclub management and its members. What happens if I have a problem, is there someone I can talk to or email who will answer my questions? [ Answer ]
    
18. Are refunds available from the fanclub? [ Answer ]
    
19. What are venue presales and how can I get access to them? What types of seats are offered at these sales? [ Answer ]
    
20. Can I ask Lindsey or Stevie a question through the fanclub? Do they read the message board on Mick's site? [ Answer ]
    
21. What happens if my password does not work on the day of my presale, is there someone who I can contact and what help and assistance can I expect from them? [ Answer ]
    
22. What happens if I jump the gun at the presale on Ticketmaster before the time specified? [ Answer ]
    
23. The fanclub membership specifies 20 tickets for each member for this "leg" of the tour, what does the term "leg" mean and how will this effect future tours for this cd? [ Answer ]
    
24. Will the fanclub notify me if additional dates are added to my city or to the tour? [ Answer ]
    
25. Many fanclubs are addressing the problem of scalpers buying up the best seats, what is the Fleetwood Mac fanclub doing to protect the best seats from scalpers and enusuring that its members get access to them first? [ Answer ]
    
26. Does the FM Fanclub and FM Official Site have any connection or contact with this site or other fan sites? [ Answer ]
    
27. What happens if my password does not work on the day of the presale and I am unable to buy tickets, can the fanclub provide me with seats to make up for the error, or will they refund my membership dues? [ Answer ]
    
28. Does my FM Fanclub Membership also give me access to Mick Fleetwood's Site and his message board? [ Answer ]
    
29. Is the fanclub offering any special merchandise for its members and will that merchandise be available to the general public if I don't join the fanclub? [ Answer ]
    
30. Is the fanclub open to non US residents? [ Answer ]
    
31. What will the overseas fans be offered through the fanclub, will we have presales if they tour in our country? [ Answer ]
    
32. What is the cost to renew my membership next year? [ Answer ]
    
33. Will I be able to buy tour merchandise through the fanclub if I can't attend a concert? [ Answer ]
    
34. Do Stevie and Lindsey have their own fanclub that I can join? [ Answer ]
    
35. Will fanclub members get to meet the bandmembers before or after their shows? I belong to some other artists fanclubs and this happens at some shows, are there any plans for this if I join the FM fanclub? [ Answer ]
    

Answers

1. In December 2002, there was a lot of discussion for a Mick Fleetwood Fan Club. Annual membership fees were reportedly going to cost up to $90. Members were to receive a CD from Mick's band Mojo (which was to be released to the public at a later date), 3-D glasses to see exclusive content on mickfleetwood.com, an autographed photo, and discounts from merchandise purchased through his website. This idea apparently has at least been temporarily suspended as the Official Fleetwood Mac fan club has been started. Memberships for this began selling the week of February 10, 2003. [ Return to Top ]

   
   

2. Initially the Fleetwood Mac fan club was $59.95 for a one-year membership. The dues were raised to $79.95 just prior to the first concert presale (March 13th). AOL members may be able to still purchase membership for $59.95 (confirmation or denial of this would be appreciated) [ Return to Top ]

   
   
   

3. The following is a direct quote from Fleetwood Mac.com as to the benefits of becoming a member of the fanclub:
   

   • ADVANCE NEWS & CONCERT NOTIFICATION Advance e-mail notification of Fleetwood Mac Concerts and Special Member-Only News! As a member you’ll receive periodic e-mails notifying you of concert venues and dates with instructions on how to purchase advance tickets. These e-mails will also often contain information to keep you up to date on news about Fleetwood Mac.
     
   • ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE OPTIONS FOR FAN CLUB MEMBERS – You’ll Create Your Private Membership USER NAME as soon as you join. Your User Name allows you to purchase up to 4 tickets PER CONCERT for most venues. We’ve set aside Preferred Seating in Special Fan Club Seating Rows generally located within the BEST 20% of floor seating at most venues! Members will generally receive 2 Day Advance Purchasing before the general public can order tickets! You’ll link to Ticketmaster right through the Fan Club Site and purchase at regular rates direct through Ticketmaster! Seat selection for Fan Club Members is based on Fan Club Member demand and availability at each concert and every Member has an equal chance of getting exquisite seats. Even if a show you’re trying to get tickets for has Fan Club Reserve Seating sold out when you log on for tickets, you’re still able to select from the Club's reserved public ticket block BEFORE the block goes on sale to the general public! YOU’RE VIRTUALLY GUARANTEED SEATING AS A FAN CLUB MEMBER! Note - Most venues offer Advance Ticket Purchasing and Special Fan Seating. Some restrictions apply.
     
   • INSIDER NEWS Log onto the Fleetwood Mac Fan Club and check out the Insider News area for the most detailed news and information available straight from Fleetwood Mac!
     
   • AUDIO & VIDEO & PHOTO EXCLUSIVES This area just rocks! Exclusive audio and video files from the Band Members at home and from the road make this the coolest part of the Fan Club! Everything from audio or video backstage after a show to interviews on the plane to concert shots will be produced and electronically sent to us for fast posting by the road team “living with the Mac”. We’ve trained them and armed them with cameras and mic’s. Watch these pages and you’ll be as close as you can get to the REAL Fleetwood Mac Story! Can’t wait? Start right now with a special tour of the studio where the new album “Say You Will” was recorded! This area includes a narrated tour of the studio’s rooms by Mick along with a couple of “virtual rooms” where you can navigate around the room and see everything at your own pace
     

   In order to join the fanclub, it was necessary to agree to the following disclaimer:
   

   "Club Membership does not promise or offer any specific seating or preferential treatment other than as described on the “Club Info” page at this site. You agree to abide by all rules set forth on the Member portion of the site and in any Member communication. Membership is valid for one full year from date of purchase and is non-refundable. You understand that you may not get either access to a specific concert, access to Fan Seating Blocks in any specific concert or any seating at a specific concert based on demand and availability from the venues. You understand that systems the Club uses may fail during critical times and you agree to accept the Club’s final determination on any Club related issues arising from internet or software/hardware failure."

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28. Registration on Mick Fleetwood's message board is free. It is not necessary to join the Fleetwood Mac fanclub to post. [ Return to Top ]

    
    

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Again as I posted in my other thread though, The Penguin and The Ledge are not associated with or responsible in any way for the fan club. As this is an issue that affects so many of our members though, I think it is appropriate to address it here.

- Marty