I like to think so

For what reason? Does it break any rules or something?

I was thinking, what about The Who - Who Are You? for next year's processed pap challenger?

It's a great, catchy rock song, complete with swearing, and has an inbuilt (probably unknowing) audience with CSI fans

No no no, we need THIS

Only if it sees that video played on TV

I don't think it would be possible to mobilise enough people next year. In my eyes the campaign achieved its goal and achieved something historic. Next year's failure would only dilute that. I know there are already groups popping up and we'll see what will happen next...

I had a great time on this thread, with an exception of a conduct of some people but that is to be expected on the internet. I have probably pissed off many people too. What is worrying me are the attempts to delete the thread for no apparent reason, a suggestion coming from a mod herself is not a good sign. I have already one post delete and I am sure this thread has contributed to it.

Thank you all for you support for this cause, I my eyes it was totally worth it. I hope you had fun.

I certainly had fun - RATM of all people stopping Cowell getting five straight X-Factor number ones made my Xmas that little bit funnier

Regarding a song next year, if there is to be one (I also share your concerns about it flopping), I have some suggestions:

The Stones' Satisfaction

Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al (just cos it's catchy as fcuk )

Meat Loaf - Bat Out Of Hell

Ram Jam - Black Betty

Motorhead - Ace Of Spades

Mr Blobby

That one from Agadoo

Basically, I don't care what it is so long as it isn't an X-Factor Xmas

I heard somewhere Mr Blobby was the work of Cowell...

For those trying to hype this event up and say how wonderful their achievments were, I offer a slightly more sensible viewpoint. By far the best thing to happen was the money raised for charity, especially as councils around the country shamefully close homeless shelters in an effort to save money. However...

Firstly, The X Factor, for what it is, is a very good program. 20 million people watch The X Factor because they enjoy the drama, yes, the contestants are fed an illusion of possible success, but this is no different form the illusion that football supporters have that The FA Cup is important - the emotions, the disappointments, the joys are genuine, human and real - this is what entertainment shows are all about. For the record I personally think it's crap, but I don't think that the people who enjoy The X Factor are idiots.

As a spinoff to the show, the winner releases a pop single. Now once upon a time, pop stars earned a lot of money from one hit song. A LOT of money. For a song to get to number 1 it had to sell millions, and had to fend of competition from other massive artists. Pop singers were put on the front cover of magazines (remember those, made of colourful paper) This is still the perception that X Factor contestants have of "pop stars". What the X Factor presenters rarely mention is that these days the music industry is near-death. A number 1 song these days maybe gets a few weeks of airtime and a few thousand CDs sold, but little of this income will get to the artists, it will be sucked up by the teetering inefficient music labels like Sony and the near-bankrupt highstreet retail stores - a number 1 artist of today can remain totally faceless, just another part of the anonymous production team.

In contrast, a rubbish-quality You Tube clip of a surprised animal can generate world-wide fame and hundreds of millions of viewers. This is the power of the internet, it is no suprise then that an internet meme has obliterated an outdated music-delivery system.

As nice as it is to put two fingers up to authority, this was not a major success against a powerful media empire, merely a quirky idea to spice up probably the dullest Christmas in modern history. As we all look for bargains in Primark and decide whether to go and watch a syrupy 3 hour version of The Smurfs in Hollywood'o'vision, it's nice that the Christmas single charts can raise a geeky smile, and well done to us for that, but don't kid yourself that this is a major event.

What is needed for next years chart race is this

For me, it was just a laugh.

It's a definite contender



Yip, it was funny and it confirmed that people still care enough to essentially protest at what they see as lowest common denominator pop, whether you agree with their views or not.

As I've said before, the music industry cuts off it's own profits by throwing resources at hype and promotion instead of actual talent from diverse groups. Oh, and regarding promotion, how many adults want to buy a song that they've heard five times a day on the radio travelling to/from and at work? I'd love to see an investigation into how the labels actually get radio time for their artists...

The music industry is in the sh1tter because of short term greed IMO.

In celebration of RATM winning my band are covering Killing in the name tonight. We haven't ever practiced it so it should be fun (although it'd sound a million times better than the other crap in the charts)

One thing I will say, good on them all for donating the proceeds to Shelter.

I will be waiting with expectation for the video to be uploaded to youtube and the link posted here