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The review published today of the "American Idol" road show at the Hartford Civic Center on Sunday ("These 'Idol' Finalists Instantly Forgettable") generated a backlash from readers across the country and from one reader a continent away. The e-mails filed in all morning and were still filing in as I put together this memo. It feels like an organized effort. A few, however, raised at least one point about accuracy. Also, the last name of Frank Wess, who performed Monday night in Bushnell Park, was misspelled as West in the caption on Page 1 today. A reader still thought the picture was wonderful.
America's Idols
One reader wrote: "Don't you proofread the articles? Regarding [Thomas] Kintner's review of 'American Idols Live,' he writes 'Heartthrob Ace Taylor . . . .' It was the Number 1 television show from January to May. How can't the music reviewer OR the editor know that the guy's name is Ace Young?? And Kintner probably thought that Elliott Yamin sang a 'trio of R&B tunes' not a 'trio or R&B tunes' as written. (Arguably, two of the three songs sung by Yamin in the concert aren't R&B, by the way.) "Other than that, this article was the funniest thing I've read in a long time. Kintner hated everything and everyone that night. Did he hate his seats too? And his dinner companion? Yikes!"
A Hartford reader wrote: "Just read the review and wanted to comment. ... I saw the show and found it entertaining. Are these people the best singers? No, but they are good and will eventually have the stage presence if allowed the practice. Your review was a bit harsh. It is what it is. They are all very talented and the concert was entertaining and fun. Do you realize how hard it is to get up there and sing in front of these huge crowds - especially as a new performer? Try it out."
A Livingston, La., reader wrote: "The reporter, Thomas Kintner, would be a little more credible if he had been able to give one tiny positive remark. He goes so far as to find something negative to say about one of the contestants that wasn't even there. These concerts have been selling out for years and continue to do so. I suggest you find someone who understands 'entertainment' or at minimum ensure he takes a happy pill each morning."
Another reader wrote: "Karen: You look like a really nice person so I will not blame you. I want to know who that guy is who wrote that miserable review of the American Idol Tour. I think if a writer is going to set himself up as a reviewer of anything, he should at least give his credentials for doing so. At best, he could leave an e-mail so readers can respond to his articles. "I want to connect with Thomas Kintner. I am concerned about his mental welfare because anyone who writes such a dreary review must have a hopelessly dreary life. He may even be a severe case of depression. We need to help him."
A Gulf Shores, Ala., reader wrote: "I don't know what planet you are from but your comments about the tour are way out there. This is a group of kids that were part of one of the most successful shows on TV. They were not professional but I feel some will be. Your remarks about Taylor Hicks, are just plain stupid. Have you noticed the crowd reaction. I find his type of music great and so do many many other people. I don't understand people like you. You are either jealous or just don't know what you are talking about. Taylor and others will be stars, tours are sold out and records are selling. 'Idol' will never get the credit it deserves. You need to take a vacation or get in touch with the real world. Taylor rocks and will be a success!!!!!!!!!!!"
A Singapore reader wrote: "Are you kidding me. I'm not American. Perhaps that's why I do feel this freedom of speech thing is way too over the top. Honestly, I wish your journalist could be kinder. These kids are just starting out. The whole piece is so disparaging. I can't find anything positive in it to help me believe it's not bias for 'some' reason. "No one need to do anyone any favors, however, I wish people would remember it's never kind to trip anyone over, especially when they're finding their footing in the business and need as much support as they can get. Just a thought."
A Fort Meade, Fla., reader wrote: "I just cannot imagine how Thomas Kintner could write such garbage about all these young 'Idol' contestants. I think Mr. Kintner's jockey shorts were too tight when he reviewed this concert. How could thousands of people of all ages who went to this concert be wrong about it? They all enjoyed it and wrote great reviews of it. Shame on reporters for bringing these young people down in such a disgusting review. I believe the media is a big part of the reason this country is such a mess. I give Mr. Kintner a rating of 0 on a scale of 1-10 for his terrible review."
A Detroit reader wrote: Thomas Kintner "was extremely abrasive with his writing - in fact, I follow all the comments made (per Google Search) on the Idols tour dates. Amazing, he is the only writer not giving any positive response. All other newspaper articles, etc, have said the tours have all been sold out (and more were added due to the great turnouts). ... He wrote the article as if he has a chip on his shoulder, extreme anger in his heart and total hate for the young people he wrote about and the 'Idol' show in general. "Is it good press to simply attack with nothing good to say? It's certainly not good reading and leaves a sense of feeling the writer is in the wrong profession. This article wasn't just a 'critique' - it was a total mess. In the future, I will skip anything with his name attached."
A Farmington Hills, Mich., reader wrote: "Wow! I'm amazed that The Hartford Currant would allow such a negative article to be printed or posted online for their customers to see ... since there were thousands of them at the concert cheering for their favorite performer. Way to go, good way to lose customers. Did Mr. Kintner actually go to the concert? If so, he obviously has no clue what he's talking about and I'm sure, judging by his report, he could care less. The 'American Idol' Winner, Taylor Hicks, and the other eight who performed in Hartford deserved much better than Mr. Kintner's classless cheesy reporting."
A Richmond reader wrote: "If reporter Kintner doesn't have anything nice to say, there should be no report. People are entitled to their opinion. Not one nice thing was reported about the 'American Idol' concert. These guys have been working to the hilt. The reporter may think that 'American Idol' is 'cheesy,' but if I were the editor, I would demand that you balance the negative with the positive! I have been a teacher of elementary education for 28 years. I have instilled this notion to each and every life I have touched. I am so disappointed that this commentary has fallen in the category of negative American reporting. I want to read the good news!"
A Morristown, Tenn., reader wrote: "Thomas Kintner should NEVER be sent to any more concerts to give his sour reviews. I think he would have blasted a performance by Jesus and Mary themselves!!! Send him only to dog shows and cock fights - and let him give his candid reviews of those!!!!!"
A Mobile, Ala., reader wrote: "Thank goodness the majority of the audience did not agree with your comments as evidenced by the unprecedented popularity of the tour. I have seen videos and find it very entertaining. I particularly disagree with the comments concerning Taylor who is probably the most charismatic performer since Elvis. He can appeal to any audience."