BowieNet is the paid subscription website of David Bowie, founded September 1st, 1998. A main feature which distinguishes it from other artist fansites is the ability to interact with David Bowie himself, via message boards and organised live chats. A regular news section is available without subscribing, although competition entry and further details are available inside.

Starting off as a free site, BowieArt was conceived first, then BowieNet followed. It was August/September when it came online (judging from the first entry in 'Journal' and from inaugural members) , as BowieNet version 1 . Web-chats with members of the band were common, and the look - ie design of the site - has changed from black to green to pink. Members are eagerly awaiting the blue - or any change at all - version.

Bowienet, as a follow-up from the official Bowie fan club that was disbanded in the early 80s, has provided a community forum for fans as well as actual interaction with the artist, with the peaks including live feeds and special bowienet member concerts. Members were entitled to priority bookings in shows and organised meet-ups; which hopefully will perk up again sometime in the future. At present, a seeming shell of its former self, it contains information from the last tour (Reality) as well as many of the members' anorac-like (or stronger) integration of their enthusiasm of the artiste's work as well as their own knowledge of such and its business products. Mid-2006 saw the demise of the email service to new fans; also, around that time, the 'blog' for members replaced 'webpage' portfolio. Future event anticipation includes a member-only release of "Toy" as well as members' insight into compilation of re-releases in the future.

Some of the criticisms made about BowieNet are the one-sided "propaganda" nature of news items, allegations of contests being rigged, and a lack of member interaction with David Bowie himself, who has now lost interest with the site. Various problems with its technical running are left to rot as if a background in one of the later videos he created for his songs. However; it still exists.

One of the absolutes is extraordinary online friendships.

During 1999 anyone who signed up to BowieNet got a free CD: LiveAndWell.com containing 10 recordings of songs sung at various Earthling shows. This CD was never made commercially available in shops - probably because it wasn't very good. To regain this inaugural membership bonus right, members have to use their wits to receive it, which is much of the ambience behind the varied-political-and-other-topics'- including absolutely-one-point-of-view personalities - melting-pot of a pastime. Enjoy :)

External links

Official David Bowie website