None of this makes any sense, as NO OTHER fansites received any kind of C&D. (I am in contact with the biggest ones for all contestants) They stated that The Braddy Bunch give Ricky an “unfair advantage” COMPARED TO WHAT?
Rickys fans were just trying to make up for Rickys lack of exposure. I feel badly for this kid. Kicking this kid while he’s down. I am appalled.
Here’s the scoop from Dave at VFTW who has had his own run in’s with AI/Fox/19E.
Ricky Braddy Fansite Threatened by Idol
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Looks like Idol’s up to their old tricks again. We’ve heard that Ricky Braddy fansite thebraddybunch.com was recently contacted by Fremantle Media. The site received a cease and desist letter stating that it has to be taken down. Fremantle seems to think that the site gives Ricky an unfair advantage, although clearly Ricky was bashed by Simon, received no airtime, and did not move on to the top 12. His fans decided to put together a fun website to get him some publicity and try to show people why they want to vote for him, and Idol isn’t having it, probably because their plans don’t include Ricky in the top 12 and they’re scared of a little competition. A quick Google search brought up no less than 3 Danny Gokey fansites that have not received similar letters. Ridiculous, but typical. We’ll see if Ricky gets another shot during the wildcard, or if Idol is just playing by the same old bullying tactics. Sad, grim, pathetic.
Edited To Add: It seems like the Ricky support is now going on at The Missing Square. Good for them! Everyone should head over there and give the guys some support after the crap that’s going down.
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Here’s Missing Squares website:
UPDATE: Here’s someting I pulled from Comments:
This is a comment made by an anonymous poster on one of Anoop’s fan sites. I think it makes a little more sense than other speculations.
“The reason [thebraddybunch.com] was shut down is because the contestant promoted his site on FOX. The contestant and his parents had prominently displayed indicia with the address and/or domain name of a promotional web site; using American Idol airtime to promote extra-show collateral and/or propaganda constitutes an unfair advantage for the contestant in question, vis-a-vis the others on the show. Displaying indicia with the address of a promotional web site on American Idol also may lead to a misleading implication of endorsement by FOX independently, and/or by FOX on behalf of the contestant. Any such association or endorsement, whether express or implied is detrimental to fair operation of the Contest and in contravention of rules mentioned in the Participant Agreement. Violations of the rules in the Participant Agreement are determined at the organizers’ sole discretion.”
Here’s More info from http://wwwAnoopdog.com (I think ANOOP NEEDS A WILD CARD SPOT JUST LIKE RICKY!!):
Where’s Ricky? or Lawyers and Tigers and Bears Oh My!
From the News of the Weird Department: Maybe you noticed that Ricky Braddy’s site was down? Well we had guessed that Mom & Dad Braddy wearing Braddy Bunch T-shirts that closely resembled the trademark of another b-word bunch caused some legal beagles to take offense and send the good ole’ cease and desist letter.
Well, we were wrong. In an e-mail received this afternoon, it seems that Ricky’s site was taken down because, and I quote, it created:
“an unfair advantage to the rest of the contestants by operating this site. They threatened us with a cease and desist letter, and instructed us that if we didn’t comply they would pull ricky from the competition.”
Wow. Now despite the fact that our interpretation of “Doing the Anoop” caused spasms over at the Braddy camp, we actually really like Ricky and thought his performance on Tuesday was excellent. Now if you took Law 101, like us, you’re probably having a hard-time believing that a fan website would create an unfair competitive advantage. This is the good-old USA I think, and free enterprise and free speech are still protected. Now if its copyright infringement than all bets are off. Fascinating stuff regardless. If anyone wants to shed more light on this please let us know - especially a copy of that C&D letter!
So, if you wake up tomorrow and anoopdog.com has been replaced with ads for Coca Cola, AT&T and Ford, you know that the men in black suits have shown up and they’re dragging us away. Until then, keep the Anoop Vibe Alive!
Here’s the text of the e-mail from thebraddybunch:
Hey loyal Braddy Bunch Followers!
Here is the what is going on. We were contacted and threatened in horrendous ways by FremantleMedia, 19 Entertainment, and FOX, explaining that we were an unfair advantage to the rest of the contestants by operating this site. They threatened us with a cease and desist letter, and instructed us that if we didn’t comply they would pull ricky from the competition.
As we are looking out for the best of Ricky, for now we have complied. We are a very very smart group over here, and plan on taking this infringement on our first amendment to the top. Many people think this has been taken down because “the brady bunch” had issues, which let me explain IS NOT THE CASE!
We will be back! So please hold on while we get all our ducks in a row, and settle up with the wrong doings of American Idol.
We encourage you to please keep rooting for Ricky, as regardless he will succeed and has a VERY bright future! For some reason they have REALLY come down hard on us, and not others in the competition…whatever that is suppose to mean!
For now I encourage you to look at the “missing square”. Much love from Team Braddy
Hint: www.missingsquare.com <http://www.missingsquare.com/> maybe?
It is absolutely ridiculous. I’m not a conspiracy theorist by any means, but it is certainly very curious how it has seemed that the producers have done almost everything in their power to ensure that Ricky Braddy will be swiftly and effectively eliminated from the show (first by the deliberate absence of any screen time, and then by their forceful legal threats against the fansite). And as far as the fansite giving him an “unfair advantage”…is there anyone out there who read that without scratching their heads to decipher how a fansite could constitute an unfair advantage more than the fawning-over that nearly every other contestant has received? This kind of treatment is absurd, and hopefully Ricky will rise above it and succeed in the Wild Card round. He certainly deserves it.
The fansite is down, but his myspace is still working.
myspace.com/thebraddybunch
I’m betting that’s because his family said “braddybunch.com” on live television, when the other contestants didn’t say their websites. I’m sure they were told beforehand of a list of rules, one including advertisement of such.
How will other fansites know if AI/Fox/19E comes in contact with them? I was curious.
Couldn’t this be just a joke to give Ricky’s fan-site some publicity
? Seriously, I feel bad for what’s happening to him… I hope he make it to TOP 12 anyway =/
I don’t see a problem having the website. Come on, many others have one or more.
Maybe it’s because of what Chad said, it kind of makes sense.
Hoping he comes back as a WC and makes it to the Top 12 =)
It’s not a joke; in fact, I think Ricky is going after the producers legally. Maybe they knew better; I don’t know, but I do think do think this bodes well for him making the wild card, however. I don’t think they would care if he wasn’t continuing on. There is a lot of Frankie/Jamar talking, and they don’t seem to be paying much attention to THAT.
WOW! You gotta feel bad for Ricky. Here is a guy who is an INCREDIBLY talented musician and trying to get on a popular show. You would think a talented musician like him would be heavily featured on a SINGING competition but we forget this is reality TV so drama takes a front seat. The only thing the site did was try to get his name out there so maybe he could get some more votes. Even with his mom saying the website name, it’s not like that would’ve changed anybody’s mind to vote a certain way. I am HOPING they bring him back for the Wildcard round and being they did comply, maybe they will. If not, I am not sure what the producers and crew of American Idol is thinking.
ITA, Tim. Jason Yaeger’s vlog might help, though (he is totally pro-Ricky), if enough people watch it (I told Brian about it at USA Today, and that blog gets thousands of hits a day). This is also giving Ricky MORE publicity, a good thing, since that is how Idol rolls.
Not only has Danny Goeky got fan sites galore – I know I’m a huge fan of Danny’s – but Danny has the Sophia’s heart Foundtaion web site which is generating a HUGE interest to Idol Fans. I am getting thousands of hits on the article Iwrote about the Foundation on my site – and fans are clicking through to read about the foundation.
How is that FAIR and the BraddyBunch.com was not?
My only thought is because Ricky’s mom plugged the web site when they interviewed on LIVE TV – HELLO – all the other parents could have done the same thing. Fair advantage.
Please – Idol is afraid of Ricky’s talent overshadowing whomever becomes the next American Idol.
One more thought …
Fox PR is crafty – it is VERY possible that this whole controversy is cooked up by the promotions department to create a buzz online and give Ricky the much needed PR he missed out on during the audition rounds.
This is a comment made by an anonymous poster on one of Anoop’s fan sites. I think it makes a little more sense than other speculations.
“The reason [thebraddybunch.com] was shut down is because the contestant promoted his site on FOX. The contestant and his parents had prominently displayed indicia with the address and/or domain name of a promotional web site; using American Idol airtime to promote extra-show collateral and/or propaganda constitutes an unfair advantage for the contestant in question, vis-a-vis the others on the show. Displaying indicia with the address of a promotional web site on American Idol also may lead to a misleading implication of endorsement by FOX independently, and/or by FOX on behalf of the contestant. Any such association or endorsement, whether express or implied is detrimental to fair operation of the Contest and in contravention of rules mentioned in the Participant Agreement. Violations of the rules in the Participant Agreement are determined at the organizers’ sole discretion.”
That does make MUCH MORE sense…HOWEVER Taylor Spouting Soul Patrol was promoting his fansite on air.
I can promise/confirm you this is not a PR move on Fox. These guys honestly got their site shut down and as the letter shows, were strong armed. It might seem like they are trying to get a lot of PR out of this, but in the end, just want what is right. By letting you know honestly what is up, America has now seen that they can control a lot. I am sure more details will come out when Ricky is done completely with idol.
look what I have to say on my blog about this.
The most FORMAL & clearest answer found WHERE!?!
February 20th, 2009 by admin
None other than… Anoopdog.com!?!?
It seems as though the best text-provided explanation in regard to the shutting down of http://www.TheBraddyBunch.com has come from (what appears to be) an anonymous FOX representative on the message board of Ricky’s competitor’s Official FanSite:
If this is TRUE… then technically, Ricky’s parents did no wrong! By watching the video found on THIS LINK, you’ll see & hear Ryan Seacrest prompt the licensing/brand issue in reference to the t-shirt (now that’s fishy, isn’t it! – if it’s something they are trying to AVOID, then why would Ryan bring attention to it?) and Ricky’s mother says:
” braddybunch.com”
Hmmm… go to this link: http://www.BRADDYBUNCH.com !
NOW… go to this link: http://www.THEBraddyBunch.com !
You’ll find the pivotal word “the” is missing!
Due to a slight error on the mother’s behalf in promoting the WRONG website, I ask YOU this question:
Does FOX’s claim have legal merit?
Feel free to post your opinions and answers on the comments section below or at the missing square.
Hey Joe! Can you delete my post above as they already posted it evidentally the same time that I did…. Thanks!
Hey, you got a shout out on the second website. Kudos!
Not a lawyer but I am sure that their claim has legal merit. The problem is NOT the legal merit (I am sure he can’t self-promote or even promote for someone else while on the program) it is how their C&D order was apparently phrased.
It became comical when AI apparently said that he was gaining an unfair advantage. That from an organization who it could easily be argued was putting him at a significant unfair DISADVANTAGE by completely failing to feature his singing (not his story, but his singing) at every available opportunity. You can argue that lack of exposure is not related to votes but you would fly in the face of commonly held political (and I am sure other marketing) campaign strategies.
Had they just said that he had to shut it down because it violated the terms of his agreement and then started another fan site independent of that URL he SHOULD have been OK. Even if they asked him not to link to the other one that would have been OK with me. BUt it was the apparent reference to giving him an unfair advantage that put egg on AI’s face and what, as I read, has people up in arms.
Their lawyers really stink if, before they asked for the C&D order, they couldn’t have figured that out and phrased it more appropriately to the terms of his agreement.
If the goal was to turn this into a “Rickygate” for extra show publicity then it has had that effect. If it ends up that Ricky doesn’t get selected even in the face of an excellent performance or doesn’t make the wildcard round after his last week’s performance and if his previous (audition, Hollywood week) performances were substantially good then, if I am him, I am looking into legal remedies, something AI has to avoid.
In their 8th season, they are still all about drama. Needless to say, they continue with Ricky. Ricky will be fine regardless of what they do. We all saw how well he performed and how effortlessly he reached notes. this man has great stage presence, and if 19 doesn’t want him, I am sure there are those in the wings just waiting for the chance to sign him.
It’s a shame… Ricky is definitely the most talented vocally in the first group. I really hope he gets a shot in the wildcard.
I’ve read a lot of articles about the top three, and most of them mention that they thought Ricky, Danny, and Alexis were the strongest singers of the night, and wonder why Ricky hadn’t received more attention. The website issue is a separate one. If Danny doesn’t get into the Top 12 b/c of this legal issue, would we even know? OTOH, Danny has received far more press at this point than I remember any other Idol (including Archuleta) getting this early in the competition. Some are already calling him the next Idol. Seriously? We have only heard 12 performances? I don’t blame Danny in any way, I blame the press for getting incredibly carried away, and don’t think Idol isn’t thrilled about it, given that ratings have been down this season, as they were last season.
I am even more peeved about the wild card situation now, b/c the JUDGES get to choose this year, meaning there will be further bias. If AI wants to alienate its audience, they are doing a fine job of it thus far.
One point: If Ricky had sounded like, say, Sarver in early rounds, would we be this incensed now? If we had never seen Anoop perform before Tuesday would he have gotten as many votes or would we have been concerned about him not making the top 12? I think we are looking at a small microcosm of performance results. Is Ricky really this good? I think the door swings both ways. He could be fortunate we have never heard him before or he could be getting screwed by the system. Not saying I don’t like him, I do. Just saying.
Regarding the judges, I actually like that the judges choose. Given that “we”, given the chance, kept Sanjayay (sp?) on so long, I would rather leave the tough calls in the hands of the judges who have actually seen these contestants all along the way (see Braddy, Ricky) because they would dump the people we don’t like, usually. While there is some chance of bias in keeping Ricky out of the wildcard round I hope it doesn’t happen. That being said, I trust the judges more than the fans to get it right. Now, if you think the judges are pawns of the production company, then you’ve got me on that one. I am thinking (or hoping) that they are above that and wouldn’t eliminate a possible winner just because they were told to do so.
you guys have probably seen this but..
http://www.anoopdog.com/2009/02/19/wheres-ricky-or-lawyers-and-tigers-and-bears-oh-my/
i think Ricky is AMAZING and i really hope he gets a wildcard!
To “D”
I went to college with ricky and have heard him sing dozens of times, and let me tell you, his performance Tuesday was perfectly indicative of his talent level. Ive actually heard him sing even better than that. He stood out in a school full of amazing vocalists and musicians. He’s a great guy with an amazing voice and I hope he gets another shot!
i’m starting to dislike danny gokey and american idol.
unfair advantage?! no air time. we didn’t even know this guy existed!
that danny guy showed his wife photo for how many times already? fair??
danny is this year’s david archie.
Firstly, you’re telling me that FOX broadcasts a LIVE show without a five to seven second delay? After the Janet Jackson nipple debacle, I call bullshit that FOX doesn’t have a delay and could have muted Ricky’s parents iterating the URL if such an iteration violated any terms of agreement.
Secondly, an “anonymous poster” on an Anoop fansite used technically & legally proficient verbiage (“indicia” — uh…huh… because that’s everyday terminology) to detail the complaint and C&D letter sent to braddybunch.com? Uhm, again, I call bullshit.
Thirdly, something is smelling awfully rotten in Denmark, and to me, it smells as though the fix is in for Danny Gokey to be the next American Idol.
And to that, all I’ve got to say is, YAWN! (Bet you thought I was going to call, “BULLSHIT,” again
A less-talented, raspy-voiced singer won last season, and if it happens again this season, it will be my second & last season watching American Idol.
What I want to know then … because we all know that the “Live Show” is really shot live to film on Sunday .. is if FOX had an issue with the Braddy Bunch why did they not edit that portion out of the show – OR – blur the words on the t-shirts?
It’s an easy fix – FOX had the opportunity to fix it – and they CHOSE NOT TO. I think this is one direction the Braddy Bunch can go towards if they do pursue a 1st Amendment infringement case.
And let’s not dis Danny Gokey here. He’s a good person who is a pawn in the Idol game just like Ricky. It’s not his fault he was selected as the “golden boy” this year. The difference between Danny and Archie – is that Danny has actual talent and can sing. I still believe Danny has the chops to win the title based on his vocals alone – regardless of the PR.
the PR has done a lot more contribution. nah, i’m not buying it anymore. he’s played by idol. [by the way i mean DG]
Please, please please let Ricky get into the Top 12. He would make some amazing music, and I want to buy it!!!
You know what would be really nice? If Idol actually gave the contestants a CHANCE, so that we had heard of Ricky (and had actually HEARD HIMS SING) before Tuesday. In addition, to anoint Danny the crown before TWO GROUPS have even gone, or we’ve had the wild card round, is beyond ridiculous. I do call foul on Fox, who HAVE TO love the p.r. this is getting.
Do I fault Danny? No, he is a total pawn in the chess game. It’s getting obscene, and it’s turning a lot of us off the show. They tried it to some degree with Archie last year, and so sorry, but out of nowhere came Cook whose terrific CD just went platinum. (And I didn’t fault Archie, but the Idol heads.) This year, it’s even more blatant. and the only one to blame is the AI team. Wow,. I thought it would get better with Nigel’s departure, but I was wrong.
The wild card round will be the most telling of all. If contestants like Ricky and Anoop don’t make it and others (you can guess who I mean) make it, then AI has lost all cred, and probably me as a loyal fan and viewer. That’s what this dishonesty will get Idol and Fox. And that’s too bad for singers like Danny and Alexis, who will end up losing as much as the other strong singers won DO NOT get to Top 12.
I really do miss S7. This season is a friggin’ mess so far. Nice job changing it up, Idol producers.
I question the wisdom of the letter written by Ricky’s website that was ordered a C&D. It doesn’t seem to be a very smart move to be showing any kind of animosity towards the same people that gave the said singer a shot at stardom in the first place. A suggestion of a lawsuit? How is that for stirring up controversy? How is this going to win over the minds of producers who is yet to announce the wild card?
Lest we forget, Ricky did get national exposure. Not as much as others. But the judges did think he was good enough to be the top 36. Possibly a wild card, which is in my opinion supposed to remedy exactly what Ricky fans are complaining about.
Absolutely. Thanks Tim