I think it’s time someone put more of a microscope on what fans are doing to power favorite acts to 24-hour & weekly records. This is not specific to Taylor fans at all. But some fans need to be saved from themselves. And artists need to discourage these choices—or own them. https://twitter.com/lucas_shaw/status/1289283541134524416

I’m not even talking about the awful doxxing of @jumonsmapes, in response to a Pitchfork review that was positive, but not positive enough for some fans. That’s insane, and unfortunately, acts like that won’t get the scrutiny they deserve until some idiot crosses the line.

I’ve seen reports of fans stealing credit cards, selling nudes to earn money to buy Cardigan... not to mention sharing playlists of one song that are only intended to be played on repeat, to help an artists charting position. I have not independently verified the first two.

It’s the nature of the game these days. Some of this has been this way for a long time. I got into it with Gaga stans in 2013 when I was still at Billboard: https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_3789812

I just think that 1. The Jillian doxxing was reprehensible 2. Where there’s smoke there’s fire, regarding fans making terrible choices and 3. It feels like it’s getting worse.

Artists don’t want to address it because it risks alienating some of their most passionate fans. And because frankly, they are benefiting. Artists want those record-setting debuts.

Anyway, I honestly just care a lot about the integrity of the business, and about young fans feeling pressured or that it’s normal to do insane things to help their favorite artists.

Don’t come at me about being a Taylor hater. It’s not about that and I’ve already shared my absolute wonderment at how good the new album is. https://twitter.com/billwerde/status/1287873229219012611