But this you didn't deserve

Take care, keep faith

Very classy, David.

I had the sense that you have felt manipulated by Moz in the past, and that posting the rumor thread was your way of stating your independence. And that's perfectly fine, to my mind. This is your website; you get to make the rules.

Thanks for staying strong!

Its been fun if nothing else.
I used to get in all sorts of trouble for firing off ill-advised missives in my younger days. A particular favourite of mine was an absolute character assassination of a former girlfriends new beau back in '98.
You can't beat a spot of trouble-making. Non-violent though, obviously.
May both parties heve a bright(er) future!
Moz and Dave I mean, not my former lover and her hideous (now) husband.

to David T. A lesser man would be seething with anger, but David's taken a very pragmatic and fair approach to the whole issue and kept his faith intact.

I, for one, will be happy to see this site continue - it's really the lifeline of Morrissey related info, and he quite frankly needs this forum to keep the fanbase intact.

I trust that eventually, cooler heads will prevail and lawsuits and threats will be unnecessary. That's not the Morrissey that I grew up listening to. Some of the suggestions made in the offending thread really only told one side of the story, hopefully the other side is heard as well, and we will all be able to forgive and forget as we look forward to some new material.

it may not be the end of the story, but for now it is good news.

your great spirit, David, you're giving us strength!

And yes, we're on your side!

I'ts all we need now.
Let's resume and continue.
David, BRAVO!
from: "The Mozz Militia in Tijuana"

me again - I just tried to see the link provided in the text, the link about the road manager, and I got a rather empty window with this message:

Nothing for you to see here. Please move along.
 
Is the link broken?

Agree, you run the site you make the rules.
No matter what you decide in the future my friend, i'm by your side.

Anyways a polite action from Morrissey wouldn't harm and would be well appreciated, like it's been said, this was not the way.

cheers

Wholeheartedly agree with all of that statement.

I think a lot of the negativty towards Moz in this case has been a culmination in both the action towards David coupled with the somewhat ironic rumour culture that seems to surround his career over the last six years.

Yes I've read all the 'Oh he doesn't owe you anything because he didn't ask for Morrissey-solo in the first place' posts but his outright refusal to make a concrete point blank statement either way as to a new album for SIX years (not minding when rumour after rumour after RUMOUR consistently comes to nothing after that on Moz-solo), or leaving people who take interest in his work in the dark having to go on heresay as to announced 1month in advanced tours is, as David says, a dangerous path for him to choose.

No he doesn't owe us anything but a bit of courtesey wouldn't go amiss.

Etc. Etc. Etc.

May David T. & Morrissey-solo prevail and continue to provide an incredible site, and may Morrissey take a step back, think (especially in light of the Westman revelation, ugh), and then take many steps forward and release music again.

Best Wishes,
Jason G.
xox

As a erstwhile journalist, I have to tell you that your approach to verifying the facts you're reporting is less than 100-percent reliable as far as a court of law is concerned. One should go beyond merely verifying the sources--sources sometimes lie, get confused or don't know the whole story. When it comes to reporting, no US paper would apply the standard you have (I'm not sure about British tabloids) even to a public figure. American supermarket tabloids are also very careful in how they word things and rely on a team of lawyers to vet stories before they're published. It's a gamble. I think you have some weight of the law on your side, but I think you're mucking about in a gray area--legally.

is that it has overshadowed the release of one of the best Morrissey interviews of the last 10 years (in Word), where he says he's in the advanced stages of signing with Sanctuary, has written a song for Nancy Sinatra called 'Let me kiss you' and thinks (the concept of) Robbie Williams is fantastic!

hope David T gets thru this OK and that everyone in the crew gets paid.

Well David, you will have a long time to think of the crap rumours you publish on this site, when your on skid row. So what if this site closes as Morrissey is a silly twisted queen, who will never release anymore music as he has realised he is no longer relevant in the world today.

You will be much better off doing a website focusiing on Judy Garland as the majority of people who use this site are either little gay boys or ugly girls who can't get a shag.

Remember, you can fool some of the people all of the time, and all the people some of the time, which is just long enough to be president of the United States. Chopsticks are one of the reasons the Chinese never invented custard

he knows that he`s a tightarse sod, he`s probably just sick of reading about the fact that he is.just let it blow over, next time you post a rumour reguarding him peelin oranges in his pocket or the like probably best to be a bit more thorough checkin it out.

Only think in the important things and people you are fulling of ilusion. CONTINUE DAVID.................................................................

You are a hundred per cent correct David, the man is drowning in the dark waters of stardom, I am very sad for him since he played a very important role in my life in the past. Anyway, you didn´t do anything wrong regarding the articles you have posted so don´t fear anything, law is on your side.

I am glad to hear you are felling better maybe it´s time for you to put your efforts on the service of another artist, he is no longer the man he used to be.

The sad fan

David, I love this site and urge you to continue, but do so only for yourself. Both you and Morrissey should be happy (or as close as possible; as close as is allowed).

First, this is not an official site. The statement on the "About [morrissey-solo.com]" page is quite clear:

This site is "run by one person, David Tseng....Suggestions are welcome, however I do consider it rude when people try to tell me how to run my site." When posting a comment, it is clear that "illegal" comments are subject to moderation.

Second, on every individual article page, the comments are preceded by The Fine Print which also is clear:

"The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way." However, on the comment-submittal page, it is also clear that comments might be moderated.

Third, David, I commend you for using Slashcode to power this site. It allows for moderation of comments by users to increase the visibility of valuable comments and a customizable interface to allow the visitor to avoid others. If I'd rather not bother to read "troll" posts, I can increase my threshold to avoid them. Please remember that the user should bear some respobsibility to use the tools offered by the site to customize content.

As far as the subject matter is concerned, the clearly-marked rumor that started this entire debate, if true, would impact the possibility of another tour or album - usually what "fans" want and the reason they visit a fansite.

Finally, let me re-iterate that this is your site, David and I am thankful for the service it has provided me until now and hopefully in the future.

You don't owe me anything.

because there dont seem to be many morrissey fans here.

Its strange to see so many david t fans though, because i thought he was just a morrissey fan himself who stepped over the line once with a libelous story and got told off by the man himself?

I'm so glad that you decided to carry on David. The paradoxes are many and massive though. Whether it will be possible to carry on through them will remain to be seen. Hopefully the love of Morrissey and The Smiths that bought everyone here, and even (who knows?)a word from Moz himself will guide us through.

This is a fabulous site, and would be a crime if Moz forced it to close;

Even though I understand the way Moz reacted (overreacted?) and I sympathise with the guy (he's just trying to protect his good name and his livelihood), He can't let this wonderful fan resource close just because he doesn't like one little story on it.

I just hope that Moz reads all the posts in support of David, therefore he will realise that if he persists in trying to shut the site down he will piss off a sizeable chunk of his fanbase- even those who don't use the site will learn that he has shut an innicent fansite down, and it will reflect badly on him - it's very Diva-like behaviour, more fitting of someone like Madonna.

David, you are handling all of this in a really great way, and I do really, really>/b> hope this site stays up.

I still love Morrissey dearly, but I do think he ha handled this thing in the...shall we say...not best of ways. One part of why I still support him is the fact that I do not think (as some people seem to suggest) has 'drowned in his stardom' - he has always been a difficult character, and that is part of his (weird) appeal. I do hope he solves all the problems with the unpaid crew (if it is true, I wouldn't know) and such, if nothing else for his own sake.

I hope you still want to continue David, and remember we are many here that are enourmously thankful for your work. As for El Moz, well I just hope he goes on tour again - I will be there.

One word from morrissey and everyone is terrified!

But seriously-
David, I wouldn't worry. I don't believe Morrissey is the enemy that everyone suddenly thinks he is.

He gave you a shock to try and teach you that you can't just go spreading rumours about people.

But lets not start talking like he's already shut down morrissey-solo.
He hasn't and he won't. You said yourself, his lawyers have sent no further word.

Lets not all attack him for something he hasn't done yet.

Geart job david, keep up the good work

This is in no way to condone what was posted or wasn't posted as true or false. All I know and many others on here will agree, this site is the last gasp Morrissey has at a true fanbase. If this site goes down, Morrissey it is sad to say will most certainly go with it. As much as I hate to admit it, he has no fan base to speak of other than what is on here. I'm sure about 50% of his fan base comes from this site that leaves another 50% that actually follow him outside of this site. 50% of not much leaves you with even less.

Sure I think it terrible if the rumour is true he didn't pay is crew. Is it my business no, but it is still relevent and news worthy. The story did not make me dislike Morrissey any less, as we know full well he is devious when it comes to money and business. I do dislike Morrissey for the fact he has the nerve to completely bite the hand that feeds him which is this site.

Morrissey if you read this liset to the following: You once openly stated you are box office poison. That is a sad but true statement. Do not abuse the fans that have kept you in your Z-Roadster, Fabulous home, and Corona filled Fridge. It is ana terrible thing you are doing. I've been there since 86 the highs and lows. I've held your hand three times and spoke to you outsie the HM in Hollywood in 99. Don't sour everything for me, David and countless others that have looked passed and forgiven everything from Mike Joyce,Writting Get Off The Stage, and now this.

mufc red

Just want to say Thank You David and any other helpers you migh have for all these wonderful years of running the best Morrissey fanzite. I am also glad to hear you are planning to keep the webite for now. You are doing somethimg Morrissey has never done, in that is keeping his fans informed through the internet. Thanks Again

People, of course you would get sick and tired of reading roumors about you yourself. At some point, you have to do something, draw a line, saying 'I can't accept this.' You have to show people where you stand.

Please, don't be so judgemental. Don't judge people, especially when you for sure don't have all the facts.

I said it once, and I will say it again. Morrissey, you don't realize how much this site does for your career. We find out everything about tours, public appearances, and all else "Moz" through here. Talk to us, tell us what your thinking. Don't do this to David, he is our best source of information on YOU.

Is anyone else getting bored with all this?

i suspect that david's been had by some hostile prankster. said law firm may exist, but cannot be found in yellow pages (at least yahoo's version). if email's been the only contact and the legal argument shakey, at best...i'm beginning to have my doubts.

somewhere a juvenile soul may be having a laff at david and moz fans' expense.

you have done nothing wrong in regard to this matter and the courts will prove that fact if it has to come down to it.
in case you thought about wrapping things up, i think you might have noticed the strong interest and passion that is still out here. your decision either way, but i have a feeling the responses might help you decide.

A guy who slits throats... hehe, really laughable. OK, no more criticizing Morrissey, it's too easy. It reminds of some people who get so mad when you go by their girlfriend, they'd kill you right away if you dared speak to her. But one moment after, they remember you're their best and oldest friend, so they withdraw and shell themselves in a guilty silence.

Beyond all the Mozzarella stories, I think that the present general debate is very sane and shows how different can be the people who have one single common interest. It's a website about Morrissey, not a newspaper. David is NOT A JOURNALIST so he cannot be prosecuted for what he hasn't done ! Neither are we. I believe that most people still have a hard time comprehending what's happening on the Internet and automatically try to refer to an "old" media : papers, TV, radio, whatever...
Such a website just cannot be shut down. US people have already lost their TV, don't take the web away ! This kind of site is the very symbol of something which is not supposed to exist in our global market : freedom of speech, free of charge and non gov or company regulated. In a the real world and in our free countries, we also call it the freedom of reunion : people who have the same interest gather and speak about this interest. It's part of our inalienable rights.

So now I do believe that this site must go on if its users will to do so. We all see Morrissey in a different way after reading the content of this site and that's something no record company will ever be able to do, no matter what commercial effort they do in their promotion strategy !

Don't believe the people who say that morrissey-solo has done nothing for Morrissey or Morrissey doesn't need it. If Morrissey had an official site, it could never be as rich as this one. A webmaster like David is usually a full-time job. You can add some extra-work for the moderation of the posts (which would then become compulsory since the site is official). Redaction of the regular content takes a journalist (eek) or at least a copist, another part-time job. The hosting and the bandwidth has a price too. Etc. Etc. All this work is bancable and it's being done for free ! The last tour wouldn't have sold out without the Internet and People like David.

Any work has a value. This one here has highly contributed to the survival of an artist that has done nothing in the new century. What's the need of choosing a side ? One cannot exist without the other right now !

David,

I agree and support your course of action wholeheartedly. I have been a visitor to your site for many years and read every day, much like most of your visitors.

However, I think there are two important points to note regarding the action Morrissey has taken:

1) A letter from a lawyer does not neccesarily mean Morrissey is against this site; it is clear that only the possibly defamatory posts should be removed;

2) also, if we take a step back, we may see that it is not the site that Morrissey needs to defend himself, but wider disemmination. We all know Morrissey's "difficult" relationship with the media (especially the furore in the British music press c. 1991) and it is certainly possible that Morrissey is looking to prevent stories about his business affairs from reaching other audiences apart from this site. To do that, he needs to remove it from here. Of course, he can't just say "You guys look at it, but don't tell no one else, OK?". He does have a reputation (good or bad), and he has a legitimate right in protecting it.

However, as you have noted yourself, Morrissey could have easily let it be known that he wished the posts to be removed through other channels. Nonetheless, he didn't draft the letter - perhaps the tone of it was not intended. Let's hope so.

Let lying dogs sleep.

unless it was completely true that he had paid everyone, taking it to trial would be the last thing they should want to do if they are trying to cover this up. nothing spells headlines like an artist taking a fan website to court. and especially if a parade of witnesses show up for the defense.

i think the best thing morrissey could have done in this case was just completely ignore it from the beginning. like he did with every newspaper article and biography that has come out to date that has a mention of his business practices or allegations of racism.

true, people were angry and outraged when it first came out, but that's a spur of the moment reaction. its like a reopened wound, but in the end, most of the diehards know he already has had problems in this area before. after a short while, it fades and people get excited about tours and magazine appearances again.

and that's exactly what would have happened had not the lawyer circus come in with threats.

as you can see, it grew into a topic with over 600 replies, and the majority of them weren't happy. maybe moz saw it as a way of leaving his business deals private, but to the average fan, their very own community was under attack. this is the only place most of us here have to discuss his career and find out if he's in a magazine or if he's on tour and has a new album out. I know that without this website i'd never know. I know that i would have given up looking in the new release bin long ago for a new album because i would have assumed he was long retired. i dont read music mags that much and skimming them at the newsstand is a guaranteed way of missing information.

and certainly since he hasn't played where i live at in over 10 years, i definitely wouldn't know anything.

and probably most of the rest of you wouldn't, either.

and to top it off, every magazine and radio show turns to this website not only for information, but for letting the fans know to tune in. and therefore, they know they can have people from all over the world looking for that magazine or tuning in on internet radio and that fuels the likelihood of there being more news articles and more Smiths weeks on BBC6.

morrissey doesn't have a manager and he doesn't release press statements on a whole. so over time, all of these entities have become entertwined and they all need one another.

you don't attack peoples homes if you are trying to win their hearts and minds. you spare them and go after the real culprit. the fans aren't the enemy, but we all have feelings that range beyond blind love.

After all the dust has settled, I believe we'll all have a great site to come to. Morrissey is undoubtibly a genius as an artist, which is why I'm baffled in regards to his recent actions. I think he'll realize he might have made a mistake. I love the man and his music, regardless and soon enough we'll all just look back at this.
Keep the site up, David!

It's hard to come down on a side here. As a loyal and long-suffering fan of Morrissey's, I'm tempted to say that if he should request that something be removed from a fan site, it should be removed. Whatever the reason. After all, the point is to support the artist, isn't it?

But then again, it was a brutal way of doing this, and scaring and threatening people who are working in good will towards promoting an artist's career is cruel.

I think the best thing to do is to put the personal offense at being legally threatened aside and view it in simpler terms. Posting the rumor is perfectly legal, but it seems to have alarmed Morrissey on a level that made him do something pretty extreme. I don't think he's offened with you, David, I think he's offeneded by the accusation, wherever it came from. You're just the one who has to deal with it.

I think if you dive back into Morrissey's comments about meeting his idols - and always being disappointed - you'll have an answer to this problem. Maybe getting into perosnal affairs and business arrnagements is good for news, but it is also exposing him. The rumor touched a nerve. It was a risk of being curious. And now, we're disappointed with what he's done. We've seen a little too much of our idol, and we too are disappointed.

I would like to say that I honestly think that some of the name calling around here has been pretty disgusting. I can understand the frustration that a lot of people feel, because of the fact that being a Morrissey fan currently is quite difficult, with the lack of any material in the last 6 years, etc. But that's not to say that even with all of this stuff that's going on, that he really deserves this amount of hatred from some of his "Fans." Posting a message like 'Morrissey, you are fucking cunt, I hope you die' is not going to accomplish much of anything. Not once have I seen David T., whom is in the center of all of this, resort to calling Morrissey names nor even said anthything remotely of ill-will towards him. That is something I commend him greatly for. How many of us would react the same way if we were in his position? That's a difficult question to answer. This fact, if anything, demonstrates great tact and temperment/ Although, I do think that Morrissey has been one of the harshest critics of others, throughout his whole career. He has not hesitated to spit venom and lash out at those whom he has a dislike for, publicly. None of this is going to change the way I feel about Morrissey as an artist. He has given me more than anyone else ever has during my entire life through his music and his music with The Smiths. That is something that cannot change I am afraid. While I do feel that some of his business dealings may be of a questionable manner, at the end of the day, what does it really mean to any of us(the people that visit this site)? I don't lay awake at night and wonder whom Moz has paid and whom he hasn't. It makes for good drama, but that's about the extent of it. I just hope that he does not destroy the legacy he he has made for himself as an artist, by a few business dealings gone awry. But that's all up to him, not us. david, you have done a fantastic job, and all of the "Real" people here know that. Thanks for giving us this place, that allows us to express our opinions on the artist that has brought all of us here in the first place. Love him or hate him, Morrissey is still the reason we all come here.

I have been a morrissey fan for almost 10 years now, and i have stayed true to him, despite his ups and downs, and despite no new material since 1997(present songs excepted). If anything David you did a great justice to the fans by keeping us informed and our interest in Morrissey alive, if it werent for other like u he would have faded out like OMD! So with that in mind...he should be kissing your ass instead of trying to kick you in yours.

Keep Strong!!!!!!

Yes, it's been 10 days since you heard from his lawyers. Perhaps this is the calm before the storm?

The thing that I fear is that when his lawyers come after you, it won't be JUST because of that rumour, they will they hunt down every copyright infrignment, every mis-used photo, everything that could possibly be slightly illegal. When they come, they're going to come with a thick case.

I am not surprized that Morrissey re-acted this. David, please understand, you can not post a rumour of this calibre and expect to remain in Morrissey's good graces. He has cut people out of his life for doing substantially less!

Yes, I hope you two mend fences, but I truely believe that Morrissey sent his lawyers after you becuase HIS feelings were hurt; because HE felt betrayed -- and betrayed by you, someone he thought was in his corner for 10 years. You are supposed to be on his side (I'm not claiming that you're not, but from his POV hey probably sees the rumour post as an act of betrayl)

So Morrissey lashed out (as expected). He sent his lawyers after you and now your feelings are hurt.

There are no winners here. The two of you are sitting somewhere in southern California with bruised egos.

Personally, I feel that you should be able to print what you want becuase this is your web site.

Morrissey has the right to feel offended at anything you post.

Morrissey should pay those who haven't received payment for their work or services -- but that is beyond the point. In reading the rumours (and contributing to them) I somehow felt a sense that too much information was being revaled. I loved reading it all, from a gossipy POV. But after I read it, I said to myself, "Jesus, is David trying to ex-communicate himself?"

I do not think you are helping yourself by saying "My feelings on Morrissey are that I am still a fan but it appears to me the direction he is heading in is a dangerous one." -- Why is it dangerous? Is that a veilled threat? What happens if Morrissey pursues this? What are you going to do?

The best thing you can do (so that you won't cause any more trouble with Morrissey) is drop it. The more you say about it, the worse this situation will get. Even posting the Cease and Desist order I'm sure is enough to evoke anger from Morrissey. I believe you posted it becuase you were hurt and angry -- similar to how Morrissey probably felt when the tour details were revealed.

On the flip side, perhaps it is good that all of this happened. Since it is likely that Morrissey hates you, you should post more rumours! Bring out the dirty laundry. We want to hear it all! I mean what else can he do, sue you?

One parting thought:
There goes your photo pass!

"Well they weren't lies".... Moz may be regretting singing that line...Either way, I think you've done a great job through the years with the site and I admire you for posting the "rumor" that's got you in this mess. Imagine CNN not reporting on the SEC investigating their parent company, AOLTimeWarner. They would be blasted and would loose all credibility. Christ, you've got more cred right now than the NY Times! You're a great person and I appreciate all the time you devote to this site. Keep up the fight!
James

this is all crap.. the lawyers tell u to take something off. so why couldnt you just take it off like a good boy. instead you have to make this big fuss... oooh the site may be shut down.. not if u had complied in the 1st place..

you know that false alligations are illegal so what do you expect..

end of the day... you approved it to be put on the site..

morrissey is in the right and you are not.

I log onto this site everyday for updates on Morrissey's music and hopefully news of new material. We don't need rumours and gossip about things that just don't matter. Leave the Morrissey bashing to gutter press like the NME- I don't want to read negative stuff on a fan site. Youre only giving idiot journalists a stick to beat him with.I don't care if the original was true, I couldnt care less if you discovered he was stealing sweets from orphans- I just want a new album!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If the response was genuine, it was over the top but lets just forget about it, delete the article and all look forward to a new album to rescue us from Robbie Williams and Justin Timberlake.

David, youre doing a great job with the website- long may it continue- just leave out the Morrissey bashing rumours. And to all the so-called "fans" who want to smash all his records and burn him at the stake- lets get a life and just remember that Morrissey has probably enriched your lives more than you will ever realise.

....when he gives you an interview in the near future. Surely.

Morrissey the 23rd

You, David, and this site, have put a fair amount of money into Morrissey's greedy pockets over the years. The man owes you some gratitude and I'm not talking about an autographed 8x10 or tickets to a show.

Morrissey, this is a pretty despicable way to say thank you to a man who asks for nothing yet gives you so much. I hope you're ashamed.

are all Morrissey fans this stupid? or is just the ones on the internet. my goodness.

This is by far the best forum and news source regarding Moz and his career (such as it is these days). No matter what kind of negative comments that may come out of certain stories, Moz and his attorney should consider that this site brings thousand sof fans together to talk about Moz, buy Moz's music, advertise Moz's appearances and generally PRAISE Moz! Overwhelmingly this site is a love letter to Morrissey! Why does he want to ruin that?

This kind of litigous track will certainly help to derail any thoughts of Moz making a significant comeback, or at the least turn thousands of loving and loyal Moz fans off of supporting such a jerk tactic! Is that smart? No!

You are biting the hand that feeds you. You are now on his “I hate you” list. I visit your site just about every other day. I’m not sure if you classify your website as a journalistic website or fan-site but part of journalism is to check the source. Did you check it?

Lads, it's time to move on.

It's not 1982 anymore. The guy hasn't made a decent album in a decade, & the vinyl on the old & familiar has worn down from too many listenings. The back catalog has been milked backwards & forwards. Those old songs have done their job. Why don't you invest your legal funds into creating new & meaningful something, here in 2003.

On to new & vital things.

I was one of the those seemingly few people who thought it was very unwise to post that story which started World War III amongst us Morrissey fans.

I just want to again reiterate my appreciation for the excellence David Tseng has pursued with this site and commend him for such temperate expressions in the above thread. I want to believe he is as honest and sincere about his appreciation for Morrissey as he has expressed. I think any misjudgements he may have made regarding this mess are not capital crimes and should not cause the site's extinction.

I wonder why Morrissey has escalated things so, as he is an intelligent person who usually takes a high road and stays above the gossipy fray. From what I've read over the last few years, he has managed his funds well despite not having much career success for several years. Either he's hiding some enormous financial sin, is furious at this site for some other personal reason (which may or may not be justified), or perhaps is just cracking up.

I would like to have seen David Tseng's frank comments sooner. While their timing is curious, they do put together a cohesive, more comfortable context to understanding this saga. David Tseng's point of view and actions taken are seen very differently by Morrissey and his fans.

I hope the truth comes out before a new album does.