Comments on: On X Factor, Alexandra, Hallelujah, and iTunes reviewers

By: James

James — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:19:38 +0000

You don’t actually need to buy a song to leave a comment on iTunes.

By: Mark Rhodes

Mark Rhodes — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 23:06:14 +0000

You can’t take criticism can you? Shame.

Dumber than a bag of hammers is a line from the film O Brother Where Art Though.

Lets look at what you’ve said shall we…

1. You understand how the show work.
2. You acknowledge that winner is predetermined and the whole thing is a farce.

…and then you go on to say that you think Alexandra is a credible talent and a worthy winner?

Are you really that stupid?

Surely you thought twice about your ringing endorsement of the lovely Alexandra when you found out about her sex tape? Google it, it’s all over the place!

By: Andy

Andy — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:08:19 +0000

Yes, OK, whatever Mark. I hope you get over your “disappointment”. I have NOT tried to make a quick buck (it wouldn’t work) I simply provided a link – in fact the iTunes link isn’t even an affiliate one and the Amazon one, well only just. Please check YOUR facts. In any case, I’m merely linking to something that I believe in and would recommend. I don’t see a problem with that.

And so what how things are done. I do know how things work on these shows, so don’t lump me in with your bizarre “bag of hammers” insult (huh??) I still stand by what I say that Alexandra is a worthy winner of X Factor.

Feel free not to bother reading this blog again if you’re so easily disappointed and “amused” (you said it was a joke, so it must’ve been funny).

By: Mark Rhodes

Mark Rhodes — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:17:58 +0000

Andy, I read your blog from time to time and like what I read but this is a joke. I’ve worked in the music industry for forty five years and I can tell you with absolute concrete certainty that EVERY phone in show (Pop Idol, American Idol, Popstars, X-Factor, etc. etc.) is fixed.

The bulk of each show is genuine, with thousands of people being herded like dumb cattle around various conference centres. The producers pick out the ones that look like they will make the best camera fodder and send them to the “auditions”. I use quotes since they are nothing like real auditions at all. They are just an excuse to get someone in front of the “judges”. Quotes again, because not one of those judges has any discernible talent whatsoever.

The “winner” is pre determined way in advance. Backgrounds are checked and all sorts of things are done to ensure that the “winner” will have an easy passage to the number one spot.

The proof is there if you look…

Will Young – Known to ITV and Simon Cowell for over 10 years before he “won” pop idol.

Alexandra Burke – Daughter of Soul to Soul singer who is currently signed to Simon Cowells management team. Back story, including a salacious sex video rumour, all sorted out to ensure maximum exposure.

Also, didn’t you ever stop to think how they manage to get records in the shops 24 hours after the winner is announced? Do you have any idea how long it takes to properly write, record and produce a record? On top of all that the record has to be pushed to the online distributors, all of whom have to do various legal checks, all of which usually takes at least a month. All of this is suddenly done in 48 hours.

The whole thing is a lie and anyone who falls for it is as dumb as a bag of hammers. I’m very disappointed that you have tried to make a quick buck out of it with your affiliate link.