Opinion: @U2
Not every fan site of a rock band exists very long if you’ve noticed. That is, if this site is not supported by the band’s fans, you don’t have really a chance to be successful in that business.
Now, when we talk about a huge, legendary rock band, this task is more tricky because of the different fan base culture that’ll be managed, much more varied.
So in this opinion sketch I think it’s fair to say that if it wouldn’t be by fan sites, other than the official band’s website, the whole fan experience would be just…slow and boring.
My thankfullness here is for the news site @U2, been U2 a great band, one of my favorites as many of you know, it’s always important for a fan to keep up with the latest stuff is surrounding the band and how that affects them, their music, etc…
It is impossible for a band or even a cool brand to be successful if there are no loyal fans around, if that fan site doesn’t fills the gap that is left most of the times. Take for example Starbucks or even Apple. Both of them have fan news sites that keep growing, not only in their staff or subscribers, but in the whole world wide web. More and more sites, from blogs to dedicated servers for torrents, the music industry wouldn’t be the same without this news sites that sometimes hype, but others inform to the loyal fan who’s been searching the web.
@U2 has proved over the past 13 years their loyalty. Not only by informing other fans, been communication a skill and a gift, but also by creating in a pioneer way a real news site for a band (ok, think about it again, is 1995 when the Internet is just been discovered, and there’s a fan site around), been the readers not always hardcore fans, but even my teacher who just likes U2’s With or Without You subscribed to their feed for the sake of just getting to know what’s up with their latest album.
Now, been U2 such a huge band, there are lots of news sites for them, heck sometimes the Rolling Stones magazines seems like one, but for me there’s nothing like the real thing that started the delivering U2 news business, and to be able to read it’s headlines, hear the podcasts or even post a bit of opinion or debate in the forum, just the feeling of been able to read the latest important news, compressed in a single site, makes you feel great, like a spoiled fan who’s getting a good treat.
The site’s creator, Matt McGee, is even an author now, not every site has that privilege or vision.
So, in conclusion I just want to say, thanks @U2, thanks fans who supported them and thanks U2 of course, for inspiring lots of humble yet cool people who have taken their day jobs to inform us and keep us with the latest stuff around.
Be sure to check it out if you are a U2 fan (even part of this U2 fan culture suggests you HAVE to know about this site!) and be thankful for sites like this. There’s a reason there’s a Donate button sometimes 
I know there’s room to get better, to have better templates and layouts and don’t get an empty RSS at that site, but I’m sure they are working in all of that and improving in so much areas. Also, if you like been a preview of the U2 future, be sure to check out their upcoming album page.
Thanks for reading this piece of opinion. Hope you like it 
-FCA
That was interesting, I just think fan news sites should be more involve with the bands and arists, why the distance?
Nicely written piece.If this doesn’t impress the gang over at @U2, dunno what will.You’ve definitely set the standard and your honesty is to be admired.Good luck!
Great job dude! and great Site too! I agree with Declan, you got talent and you did that piece of text enjoyable to read, you even point out interesting stuff I didn’t know! Thanks to U!
[...] Fernando Castro White Noise Fauzan [...]
Congrats Fernando…. n nice post by the way….
Thanks a lot guys! you really rock!
[...] Fernando Castro White Noise Fauzan [...]