[Lizard King]

We are also very excited to tell you about the development of our first ever
paid members-only fan site, aptly named, The Hip Club (THC). This is not to be
confused with the now defunct Hip Club that ran back in 2002. THC will be the
ultimate place for everything Hip. With the paid membership, you will get
front-of-the-line opportunities for concert tickets, special audio and visual
content, an online and in-depth Q and A with the band, members-only merchandise,
and EXCLUSIVE access to “Hip Club Only” special events, shows and other
surprises.

I guess they liked my idea..
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.hipbase.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7267&highlight=hip+club+future">http://www.hipbase.com/forum/viewtopic. ... lub+future</a><!-- m -->

This is great news, its what Ive wanted for a long time, I will gladly pay whatever the cost, Im sure it will be a fair price.

[skippy the wonder dog]

~~~
This has me a little concerned:
~~~

We are currently in the process of recording a new studio album with producer
Bob Rock. Once completed, we will be out on the road performing select shows in
Canada, the USA and Europe this year.

I wonder if that means "more 'select' stops than past tours"?

This probably means the club shows in Canada that they usually do when a new album comes out

Yeah, they're probably talking in advance of the album release there. Notice they didn't say, "once the album has been released," but "once completed."

[chancellor]

this has been the best news i've heard this week. cant wait for it to begin

[Axis]

Hmmm, I never recieved this email either. Troublesome for me.

I know this won't be a popular opinion, but I loathe the idea of a paid club. Feels like a cash grab. Why not continue the old hip club, with new membership coming from buying the new album or box set?

That being said I'll probably pay it anyway. The old hip club rocked, so hopefully this will be as good. I imagine its harder to keep the scalpers out of it though.

[My Postings At Work]

I'm in for sure, and I'd almost say whatever the cost. I've thrown money at the silliest web games or donations on the net already so it's about time I can give to something worthwhile.

I love Paypal.

[My Postings At Work]

I know this won't be a popular opinion, but I loathe the idea of a paid club. Feels like a cash grab. Why not continue the old hip club, with new membership coming from buying the new album or box set?

That being said I'll probably pay it anyway. The old hip club rocked, so hopefully this will be as good. I imagine its harder to keep the scalpers out of it though.

I don't mind supporting the band like this at all. Besides, I like being on the 'inside'. I was just flashing my old Hip Club card on Friday night- ha!

[john cage]

I'll be in at a 10club-like fee, which I am guessing is going to be the case. Would The Hip do a Stones cash grab? Highly doubtful.

The thing I'm wondering about is the front-of-the-line opportunity for tickets to US shows. Since most are standing room / GA, how will this be handled?

My idea - a barricade is placed in the area in front of the stage and only Hip Club members with special tickets ordered through THC are allowed in (one guest w/ club member and special ticket are allowed). THC card must be presented w/ special ticket to enter to avoid scalpers getting ahold of these special tickets. The size of the area can be adjusted depending on how many tickets are ordered. The Hip should employ a security person of their own (not the venue idiots) to ensure people w/o the special tickets do not get through.

There are so many benefits to this - no standing in line hours before the doors open to ensure getting up front, it lessens the possibility of drunk wankers tossing beer on stage and on people up front, no people yelling "LITTLE BONES!!!" to the annoyment of people up front, decreased likelihood of pushing / shoving / moshing / crowd surfing up front and people trying to get on stage, etc. I would absolutely love this (and not just because it's my idea).

MAv?

[Detrious]

I was just flashing my old Hip Club card on Friday night- ha!

I think we are getting the impression that 'flashing' is something you seem to enjoy

Anyhoo, looks like I could be up to a roadtrip down to London (UK - I really hate having to say that, we were there first dammit! but then I guess being the only ga.. brit in the village) especially after my failed Cardiff run last time

D

[Lizard King]

I just got the email now. Just like MAv said earlier, there doing a house cleaning, you should all be getting the email soon.

[Cpt. Trips]

Im just glad to hear some news, it's been 1 long month....need some hip content.

[thedarkcanuck]

ii was getting worried myself as my info hadn`t changed at all, but low and behold, i got the email today please god, let there be an ARA this summer....my road trip is going to take us to at least 3 of them, starting(or ending) in bud country...heres to hoping :thumb:

[patiodweller]

I have no problem paying for membership. But in this day and age when anyone can get stageside and front row seating through E-Bay, PC tickets.com and frontrowtickets.com I hope there is more than just pre-sales. Pre-sales are nice but I hope there are backstage passes and/or open-barVIP pre or post show parties that only members can get.

[Axis]

Hmmm, I never recieved this email either. Troublesome for me.

I know this won't be a popular opinion, but I loathe the idea of a paid club.

Funny thing, I just got the email and now I'm excited as hell.

[BulletRiddled]

I just got my email too. Odd, it's the first Hip club email I've ever recieved.

[kelman66]

I have no problem paying for membership. But in this day and age when anyone can get stageside and front row seating through E-Bay, PC tickets.com and frontrowtickets.com I hope there is more than just pre-sales. Pre-sales are nice but I hope there are backstage passes and/or open-barVIP pre or post show parties that only members can get.

ditto

I received the email I am eager to sign on.
Whenever the new hip club is ready to go...

I am not opposed to a fee at all. I am sure doing these types of things for us costs more per individual and would have other startup costs, etc.
I see this as the band's way of sharing their love without having to cost themselves to do it. I dont think it is a cash-grab, but they should certainly expect to see, at least, some kind of profit.

But there is also more than one way to measure 'profit' and if they 'profit' spiritually or musically (or whatever) from being able to share intimate moments with their most dedicated fans, while not losing money in the process, then everybody's a winner.

Frankly, with all the shows they allow us to tape and share, I feel I owe them and I am happy to pay them something when I can.
But for me, the money is trivial and immaterial when compared to what they have given me.
I can't take money with me to my grave, but I might be able to take the Hip's music....