One of the greatest things about going to a U2 concert or joining the U2 tribe is the friends that are made along the way. It’s a stunning byproduct of the band’s music, message and mission, and I’m sure it’s intentional.
Something that I’ve particularly loved about the i+e tour is the amount of connectedness we’ve all had on social media—Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Periscope, Meerkat, podcasts, group chats—they all seem to converge in a pallet of colors and connecting points.
U2.com, the band and the crew have been amazingly helpful in facilitating community over the last six months. When I attended the opener in Vancouver, and started Periscoping soon after, I had no idea I’d have so many new friends by the end of the first leg. Many of you have even told me you started using a specific mode of social media just so you could follow the band and join the community. That’s a great use of the technology!
If anyone from the U2 org is listening, here’s a huge “Thank You” from all of us in the Crystal Ballroom—the amazing, serendipitous online community that’s developed into a tribe of love and support. It surprises and delights me on almost a daily basis. I know it wouldn’t have come together as it has without some important voices giving it support and legitimization.
The current contest on U2.com, however, has left me in kind of a quandary, and I wonder if it has had some unintended consequences. On the one hand, it’s another way to bring people in the U2 community together, as well as signal yet again the band’s desire to connect with fans. That’s great stuff! But on the other hand, it seems to have generated a spirit of competition among fans that I’m not quite comfortable with. At best, the contest is fun and spirited; at worst, it feels—as one of my friends suggested—a bit like the Hunger Games.
In the Crystal Ballroom, we’re trying to create a community that’s primarily shaped by the music, work and activism of U2. Our table is big. Very big. There’s room for everyone. And though I don’t have to deal with trolls very often, it still pains me to block them because I fundamentally believe that all—even the trolls—are welcome!
Which leads me back to my dilemma with the contest: I’ve learned to know, appreciate and love so many of you, and I don’t find myself able to participate in a process that would favor one of you over another. Beautiful people, all! None more beautiful than another. I’ve received a lot of requests to promote or endorse individuals, but please don’t interpret my nonsupport or a nonresponse as negative. Rather, it’s a statement in favor of all.
In the Crystal Ballroom, we’re committed to fostering friendships. The new technology helps us do this in ways that weren’t previously possible. And because I wouldn’t do anything that would jeopardize the community we have built, my vote is for “us.” There is no them. All are welcome.
Thanks again to all the U2 fans who have participated, and to the wonderful U2 org that has created so many paths for us to connect on this tour. My life is richer for it.
And by the way, if you are someone who has made it up on the stage, we’d love to have you stop by the Crystal Ballroom and say “hi.” You know your name . . . punch it in!
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