Why do they do it? That's the question. If you can't take criticism, why invite it? I like to note of these forum shut-downs, mostly because I can appreciate what it's like to go through one--rather like having your house burnt down. Eventually, I hope other people will see these acts for the community destruction that they are.

To most people, this is a clear-cut case. George Michael puts up a fan forum, people start dissing him in the forum, he takes down the forum. Who could blame him?

I can.

My position is this: If you can't take negative criticism, don't invite the public. If all you want is a pack of sycophants, go with the usual "fan club filtering system."

What's sad is that this issue probably could have worked itself out if George Michael had just let it go. I think his actions says more about his ego and the loyalty of his fanbase than anything else.