Recently I read a post by another famed alt-rocker from my generation lamenting
the negative cultures of the internet...how its inherent narcissism ruins a lot
of good fun for everyone because those that shout the loudest and are the most
obsessive are able to control a dialogue over things that in the normal
discourse of real life wouldn't be that big a deal...I have watched with great
interest over the last 15 or so years the rise of the web and how it has given
form to new social dynamics and single-handedly helped to blow up the music
business that I think I used to belong to...as a interested observer, let me say
then that I am fully aware that nothing I say here will change anything as it
pertains to any negativity lingering proudly in the human soul, because that is
a decision that only comes thru and from the collective; when a majority of us
are tired of such constant poison that we'll scream 'enough' at the top of our
lungs and the idiots get drowned out by those who have sat silently waiting till
they can take it no more...I am more silent these days than not, an ironic fact
of which I am criticized by fans for not feeding them with enough vacant info to
their liking, but nicely applauded with apathy by those that don't care should I
live or die...after all, aren't I a horrible, detestable creature that would
dare go his own way in life?...shame on me for not being one of the sheeple!!

I have tried in vain to create a positive, loving website that takes into great
effect those that would use it most...I hear quite often not to let the bad
apples in this bunch that do visit the site far too often ruin it for the rest
of those that aren't so destructive and are capable to see the forest from the
trees...the point being 'hey Billy, its just the way of the world, don't be so
sensitive'...

That's a similar logic I heard when I first started in music and I was told
certain things were not possible with my band or my tunes...my point to you is
just because everyone accepts something dumb doesn't make it good or whole or
essential...in essence their point is, yes, the website is a reflection on the
larger culture as a whole, and I am powerless to stop it... Todays laughter was
me being criticized for a post that had info about a charity that was offering
(to the highest bidder) a lunch with me. Unfortunately, unknown to me, the info
stated that lunch was on the person who won the auction. Having never offered
myself for a charity lunch date before, I was curious to see what fans might say
about it. I was surprised to see a minor detail I was unaware of that said the
winner must pay the bill at lunch turn into an attack on me and my supposed
fortune. What an asshole I am to not want to buy lunch?

I bring this to your attention because this is exactly what's to be expected in
a mean and bitter world. Every act, no matter how kind or caring must be viewed
thru the dim lens of ambition, greed, power, and ultimately selfishness. There
must be an ulterior motive to all of this, right?? A charity lunch just can't be
as simple as that. The awareness raised for the charity means nothing against
what its going to do for my career...and what a career its been! And thank God
someone gets to fit the bill for my meal!

Yes I'm being sarcastic but the sad part is someone out there will read this and
think the worst, never seeing the darkness and avarice in their own heart...

I've made a pledge to lead a different kind of business, and it must begin with
this website, which stands as the public face of Smashing Pumpkins World
Domination Corp.

What do I wish to dominate with? Love and good music...did he just say love and
good music? Now I know he's insane...

Love means nothing against someone with something to say.

So I'll get to my point. This website is going to change. It is going to
transform into something that is consistent with the concepts of love, grace,
and community. We are not looking backwards anymore, only forward. I for one am
willing to stand for something good here, in this little corner of the
blogosphere, and say it's time.

What makes the things I'm saying here even more real to me is the passing of my
dear friend Sky Sunlight Saxon. Sky lived everyday with the concept of LOVE as
his guide, and he walked the talk. He was a spiritual warrior who would tell me
that Yahowa knew the beauty of our hearts, and that musicians were the living
prophets of the world. So in Sky's memory I am going to re-dedicate this website
to represent the things he cared about most; love, life, music, his spiritual
family, and the protection of all God's creatures, big and small.