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26 Responses to “New Trailer for The Darkness on YouTube”
Now you know you had gone and messed up now.LOL. I’m already ready to jump out of my skin waiting for this book. Now you just made it even harder to WAIT!!! When it gets close to the time of the release, I’m going to be casing(sp?) the book store. Unless I’m one of the lucky winners in winning an advanced copy of course.
I’m soooooooo excited for the new book!! This trailer totally gets me hype to read it!! My birthday is Christmas day, and I intend to get this book as a belated gift to myself. Thanks so much for the new BTB, and since I know you love us so much I’m sure we will get at least ONE more BTB before the books comes out right…insert crickets chirping here(your discretion in how long and how loud they chirp). Hey if I didn’t try I wouldn’t be me, and maybe you were just waiting to be asked. I’ve always been told those who don’t ask don’t receive. I’m asking and maybe I’ll receive. :o)
P.S. I’ve loved everything I’ve seen and read about your werewolves. I can’t wait until the books begin. I think it’s going to be a wonderful series.
I think everyone is a December baby I myself am on the 28th of December. I loved the Trailer and blew it up on youtube. Please everyone go on there and leave some ups for LA and the Crew you know that they are holding it down for us and could use a cyber hug or two. I missed everyone. Sorry its been so long since I have writen.
The trailer does not do the series justice. It made it seem like its guts and gore when it is much more than that. Also, you would think the Neteru was white with the blonde hair. The ISIS was not depicted correctly either and then the face that looked like it was washed out, didn’t do anything for me either. If I wasn’t familiar with the series, that trailer would not entice me to read it.
We all want VHL to always be on point. Nontheless people got to work with what they have to work with. We don’t know what type of budget the team was working with or time limits (I am sure that if L.A could have brought a top sword maker from Asia to bang out the sheet metal to make the ISIS she would have). These Books are like children to Banks you know the Queen would never let folks mess over it. Are the trailers ready for the big screen? Do they need a oscar or BET award? I don’t know about all of that, but I will give ups to people that at least try. I was a media major and know that a little clip like that takes time and energy (non of which any of her fans tried to give up. I did’nt see any one on the blogs asking to make anything and if they did were is it?) I wonder if everybody who is jumpin up got in on the VHL video contest we would all LOVE to see YOUR work.But let me save you the trouble, even if the best in the bussiness put her clips together SOmebody would say something. Case in point remember all the haters that jumped up on L.A’s back over the cover of the last books. INstead of looking at the wonderful art the team put together. People fliped out “ohmygod! WHere is D’s ring? Her locks look to long, or her skin color looked off! Haters! It’s called a mock up. The danggum book had not even droped yet! It’s like come on people. First off I am only guessing here but by the looks of the bike she was pushing I believe that it was made to look like she was off to some serious foot to butt mission( you would not ride a bike like that to go get you nails done).So with that in mind… would ya ride into battle wearing a blinged out ring like that? If you would, you never had nothing on that level or had to prepare to get into a mix. If ya did you would know how to take care of a gem like that. I will not even shower with any ice my man gives to me, and I know that my little rocks look nothing like D’s. Two, can a sisters hair grow in between books dang ?! And your skin color would look off two if you had been fighting from hell to back. Can we please stick to what is important. Somebooks don’t even have cover art . L.A is better than me I would show all of yall, I would drop a blank jacket cover no video clips (that is of course until we get the bags of cheeder required to put on a production that MIGHT please everyone) and see how everyone would like that. It does not take an education in media you know she would loose out on future bussiness due to not striking while the iron is hot. When you are puting something together with passion you do you best and let it ride (like I know that right now my spelling sucks due typing so fast(LOL)). Yes you should correct when it is need it but come on were is the LOve?
I ain’t got no complaints about nothin. As long as she keep pumping out the books then I’m alright. I mean HELLO new cover means new book. Yeah, we all have our favorite covers, but its the stuff in between the covers that really melts my butta. Shoot, I think about how many times I have read books, and the cover has NOTHING to do with what is going on in the book. Ex: book is about a sista with a natural and a brotha with a bald head. The cover has a woman with long flowing hair and a man with a low hair cut. (LOL) This series is actually one of the few that has covers that match the characters. Now if she ever has a give an idea for a cover contest, then I’m all over that. Until then Ima just read and be happy with what they give me.
U know wat seven? U need to realize that that’s wat makes art ( artwork, music, entertainment, etc.) interesting bcuz it’s debatable. Ain’t nobody hatin or dissin. In fact we givin bigups to LA Banks bcuz we ARE sittin here gettin worked up over the fact that Damali ain’t got her ring on or she looks a type a way. That lets LA know that we care, got her back and want nothin but the best when it comes to things involving her series ( i.e trailers, covers) bcuz she is big mama just like U said and it is a representation of her. We don’t want her or the series to be dissed or direspected in any type of way whether its a cheezy trailer or a misrepresenting cover bcuz it IS HER energy, money, time, blood,sweat and tears that goes into these things. So she deserves nothin but the best no matter the budget and U best believe we gonna let her know when it ain’t and somebody done took her money and ran. If we ( when I say we I really mean I becuase I was one of those people that voiced the fact that i didn’t like the cover or the trailer but i’ll say we for everyone who’s criticism came from where I’m comin from) didn’t care about the VHL series then we would be like numba1mom and not say nothing or even pay attention to the cover. But true fans don’t do that bcuz the cover, the writing, the trailers, the movies, the tv shows or wateva, are all apart of the package and we gonna make sure LA Banks don’t get played U feel Me. And lets get somethin straight. Just cuz U wouldn’t wear Ur ring in the shower or wherever don’t mean nothin. That’s U homegurl. That ain’t got nothin to do wit the fact that the people wanna see Damali’s ring. And people don’t need to have a major in media or a masters in trailer clips to decide whether or not they like a trailer. If it’s out there we gonna talk about it. That’s the point and Banks knows that, she knows that people are gonna talk bcuz that comes wit the territory. People don’t need to come up wit their own trailers just to say somethin cuz Banks wants to hear wat we gotta say. The good and the bad. She tells us that all the time and that’s why she got her blogs, websites, email, contacts and myspace page set up so we can tell her! And just cuz U done came up with one hundred and one different scenerios for why things are the way they are don’t mean nothing either. That’s Seven and how U think not V22 or anybody else playgurl so U need to get wit that. I know I aint gonna be phony and make excuses for why things ain’t wat they suppose to be cuz that aint being real. And it ain’t bein honest wit Banks about her stuff. When U come out wit ur book U can serve the people blank covers, no video clips and wateva else U said U was gonna do but WE AINT UR FANS AND THIS AINT THE VHL SERIES BY BIG MOMA SEVEN! But its all good and my spellin is probably worse than Urs but the difference btween U and I is the fact dat i really don’t care. Peeeeace!!!!!!!!
Ok at first V22 you ran me hot cause I was like “OH NO SHE DIDN’T” but then I sat back an thought about it. Some people are just very defensive and take everything as a personal attack….. even though it was a general statement. I don’t think seven was coming from a negative place when she said what she was saying, but I can DEFINITELY sense some venom in what you are spouting. The reason I said I ain’t got no complaint’s about nothing is because I remember when Leslie did the first trailer she said that they worked with what they had and she KNEW that it wasn’t dead on. That being said, I think that she shows them to us to show that they ARE trying to give us a little of what we want. You trying to give seven a verbal beat down for trying to explain the exact same thing, was more a reflection of your personality and closed mindedness. Most of the VHL people I know and have interacted with may give a little attitude, but they are usually very understanding and try to see all sides of a situation. They usually are not out right nasty with ANY comments that they make. Your diatribe just went against everything VHL is suppose to be about. We all try to get along and respect one another. Seven is right Ms. Banks is doing the best she can. Don’t you think for 2 seconds if she could do things the way she wanted, we would all be screaming an fainting at the accuracy of the video clips and covers? I think that this is all seven was saying. Yeah, Ms Banks does want to hear and read what we have to say, but what you just did was not cool. I actually kinda agreed with your first comment. We ALL are crazy about the works, but in the end that is what they are works. I would think that personal attacks are not necessary. Of course you and seven may know each other and you just don’t like her but dang…here is not the place to air your dirty laundry. I ain’t mad at you though….we are all protective of the series and want the best for it.
The trailer doesn’t set me on fire really, but it’s not that bad. I think at some point folks will have to agree to disagree on what they think this trailer is supposed to convey in relationship to the book. When the pole was put out a few months ago for the Darkness cover to begin with, most people were not happy with it for a varity of reasons. One of them was that D’s ring couldn’t be seen on the orginal draft, if you will. That got changed I belive because we, Ms. Banks fans let her know through the poll what we wanted to see, and we were accomidated. Wether or not Damali weares it while fighting demons from Hell, or washing dishes at home may or may not be relevlent in the book.
I’m just glad to find a room that’s got some convo’s going on. VHL is so quiet right now. And I can’t get with some of the stuff on the Yahoo board.
First off I want to say Happy New Years to everyone. Peace and Love all around ( i know i sound like a hippie lol). Second, I think it is very interesting that everyone wants to comment about V22’s comment but no one is saying anything about the commentary given by Seven. V22 and Seven are both very opinionated but V22 never called anyone anything. On the other hand Seven called everyone that did not like the trailer/cover of The Darkness a hater and not worthy of the right to voice their opinion unless they come up with a trailer of their own. No one is commenting on that or the fact that Seven baisically through out her degree in media as if it gave her persmission to tell people off and belittle them. Baisically saying that our opinions on the trailer does not hold the same weight as hers because she has a degree in media and we do not. I love all of ms. Banks works and supports all that she does however, the cover and trailer was not my cup of tea. I thought it was disrespectful to be called a hater when I respect everyone else’s opinions, I would hope for the same in return. I would also hope that we live in a world where all voices count. Those that did not like the trailer/cover did not get nasty or disrespectful but voiced why they did not like it. In return they got a tongue lashing by Seven, who in return got one from V22 ( who clearly felt disrespected and had the right to) which I think is fair ( fair exhchange is no robbery as we all know). It is not cecessary for anyone to be making any slick comments about V22 especially when V22 is coming in defense of those that did not like the trailer and/or cover. V22 I see exactly where you are coming from. Numbah1mom, I feel that you are upset because you were exposed as someone who is fraudulent because of your acquiescence to anything thrown your way by the VHL team ( which you yourself admitted). I for one think that you are being hypocritical when you tell V22 that their commentary is not what VHL represents (even though V22 did not call anyone any names or critique anyone’s character) after you call V22 close minded and it being a reflection of their personality. Is that what VHL is about? What is VHL symbolizing when you tell someone that their opinion is a diatribe ( which is a bitter attack) and not cool, while simultaneously high fiving someone else for calling people out their names just because they have a different perspective? Is that what VHL represents when V22 alludes to you being phony and you retaliate by calling V22 close minded then turn around and scold V22 by saying this is not the place to air dirty laundry? That’s being a hypocrite, that is shunning others for their opinions, that is calling people out for doing things that you yourself are guilty of doing and supporting and I pray that that’s not what VHL is about? V22 I don’t have nothing but love for you baby and I thank you. I commend you for your passion and your courage to speak out for those that have been put down because they see things differently than others. We have to remember to value everyone’s opinion, no opinion is right or wrong or worth more than the next. Have a great 2008 everyone.
Ok Ima say this one more time. The only reason I said that I don’t complain is because I already know Ms Banks is doing the best that she possbily can. See my previous comments. I supported seven in what she said, because it is true, that there was a lot of complaining going on about the covers and the clips. Even even though there was a contest for the clip, I have yet to see or hear of anyone entering it. THAT is where she is coming from. Don’t just complain, make suggests. Why are you all so offended by her mentioning that she had a degree? I mean to me all it looked like was her way of trying to back up why she made the comments on what it takes to make a clip. Yeah, you can call me a hypocrite for saying V22 was closeminded if you want but the truth is the truth. Even though I didn’t like how she said it, I still could see where she was coming from. That’s what I meant by that and I even said so in my earlier comment. She didn’t even try to see it another way. Also, at no point in sevens blog did she specifically mention ANYBODY”S name. She made it a general comment. V22 on the other hand, had her comments directed soully at seven even though there have been other people on the sites that have mentioned the complaints. Oh and I am not upset by somebody getting stuff off their chest. As a matter of fact, I thought it was funny. You called me fraudulent because I did’t voice complaints about the cover . It doesn’t matter to me because I am more concerned about what’s inside. If Ms Banks was slippin in there, then sure I would have all kinds of things to say but the cover… nah. As long as they convey what the book is about then I’m cool. I mean truth be told a lot of authors have no control whatsoever over what covers go on their books and have to take what the publisher creates so no I don’t have much to say on the subject. If you think that makes me not a true fan then so be it. To each his own. Just to make it clear, there are some covers in the series that I like more than others, but as a whole they are all ok with me. Just like yall all have a right to complain, I have a right to not complain if I’m fine with it. I mean what’s wrong with some of the fans not seeing anything wrong with the covers? Whether we like the covers or not, we all still gon buy the books. So when I think about it all this back and forth is really all for nothing. You all have a wonderful New Year.
Just because it is not necessary to make slick comments doesn’t mean that people can’t nor does it mean that people won’t. Personally I didn’t have anything slick to say about what seven wrote, because I agreed with most of it. Even though I am by her classification a “Hater” I didn’t take it personal. V22 on the other hand took it very personal and honestly I don’t understand why she did.
I read seven’s remarks and she never wrote that she had a degree in anything. Just because some was a major (notice the past tense) doesn’t mean that someone actually received a degree or that they did received a degree in said major.
I found reading V22’s comments on the other hand to be a bit of a challenge since there are so many words are abbreviated or misspelled. Personally I find that to be the result of:
1 - Ignorance of the written English language.
2 - Written while angry.
I’m being optimistic that it was option two in her case, hence my motivation for adding an unnecessary “slick comment”.
All this over a book? Number 1 Mom itz funny how u sittin there sayin you dont care about the comments being made but you the first one responding to each and every one of them. RRR what are you talking about? I understood what V 22 wrote, that’s how I write and that’s how a lot of people talk. This ain’t an essay contest. I talk like that but i ain’t ignorant or angry. How you gonna sit there and let somebody call you a hater and then turn around and try to get cute on somebody else?They got a word for you that begins wit a P but this ain’t the place to say it.
Q: What am I talking about?
A: If you took time to learn the English language then you would know what I was talking about and I wouldn’t have explain it to you.
True this isn’t an essay contest, but if you are going to write an essay then you need to learn to write it legible and coherently in order to get your point across otherwise you will look ignorant to others. You may choose talk in that way, but I noticed that you did not write your response in that manner even after you stated that you do.
I really don’t understand why you or V22 are so angry with seven. Both of you have taken sevens comments so personally. I don’t know what cord she struck between you two may you have both taken the “Hater” label to heart. Lighten up it really wasn’t all that serious, until you guys made it so. I’m not sure what your letter ‘P’ stands for but by your insulting nature it could be Pussy, Punk, Pansyass, ???, but if you felt that too much was being made over a book then you could have left your comments to yourself.
OMG! This is a blog about the Darkness Trailer which in my opinion did not do the series justice. Why is everyone getting so nasty? I see everyone’s point but RRR you just straight out called two people ignorant. Uncool RRR and not very classy. I am not sure what the P stands for either but at least SoulSista had enough respect for the blog not to say it. I can’t blame SoulSista for lashing out when you just insulted her and V22 on their english diction because they don’t write/talk as you do. I know that on blogs and texts people abbreviate like LOL, U, Ur, etc. Sometimes I do it sometimes I don’t, it is not a big deal. Especially not a big enough deal for you to come in and not even mention anything about the trailer but start making all kinds of harsh remarks about poeple’s education. How rude and I hate to say it but maybe you are the one that is ignorant.
If everyone has a right to there opinion why is mine any different? There is it room for both types of comments, praise and negative given toward the trailers and the books? Mine was one for upliftment and peace of mind for Mrs. Banks what is so wrong about that, especially if I meant it? I am sad that a site that has to so much love and peace has turned so cold. I am more alarmed at the growing rate of my words being taken out of context. When I wrote my first statement on December 13, it was me putting my fist up and screaming a shot out to a women and her team that has delivered us a slamming product time after time. I wanted them to realize that they are more than any trailer or book cover. That if we had none of those things her work would stand on its own. I love science fiction; I remember when black folks were not even thought of in science fiction or horror. If they had us in there works we either died in the first act or was a dang gum alien. It took us a while to get Storm and fine sexy Eartha Kitt (AKA Catwomen). So when a sister has the courage to stand and see a hole that not even Buffy could fill and does the thing so well you got to take a step back and admire every bit of the courageous process. It would be small minded to believe that her work would never get criticize. Yes I respect other people’s opinions and for days let others say what they had to say. So why was mine singled out if we ALL have a right… to… write? When it’s Blood, sweat, and tears on the alter I don’t believe in adding my spit. Banks is a smart business women, she would not have made it this far if she was not. L.A would not place anything on this site sloppy, knowing the judgment that she would face if she did. Banks did the best with what SHE and HER TEAM had to work with. It was HER MONEY and HER and the TEAMS TIME that went into it. Why think that the people that enjoy her GROWTH PROCESS don’t enjoy the DIFFERENT LEVELS that SHE is coming through. I personally can’t wait for the day when she has blown up and we all are invited to her New York Times best selling after party. It is going to be fun to sit back with the crew and admire how far she has come. Once Darkchild is doing the soundtrack and Oprah funds the projects and Denzel is behind the camera (hey I got high hopes for my girl). I believe in constructive criticisms and WE ALL offer that. Ain’t no one scared of this L.A we respect her but ain’t no body scared (LOL); she is way too personal for all of that. Why must Numba1mom, I, or anyone else that shares that common ground of joy be labeled as uncaring? It’s that “I don’t love you unless I hit you” mentality, that has us believing that you can’t grow unless you have negativity thrown at you every step of the way. Offer up the bad by all means I just hope that we are looking out for balance since we claim to love the series so much. Have we all been looking out on Essence website to see if and when we can vote so that we can show some for sure love Banks way? Have we even congratulated her on her recent success? Or our we to busy jumping down each others key strokes? Like I stated before on December 13: “Do they (cover art or trailers) need an Oscar or BET award? I don’t know about all of that, but I will give ups to people that at least try. I was a media major and know that a little clip like that takes time and energy. Why is it wrong for a sister to say that I have a knowledge pertaining to this particular subject? I never said or claimed to be a scholar. Would people receive me better if they felt I was ignorant? It was not a slap in the face but stating an awareness of a process that takes a lot of work. It a statement of validation not an act of disrespect. I considered it hatin when a women can drop a 2to 300 and something pages of books (and that is just for our VHL series. We are not even going to talk about her other books,) does national tours, writes a blog, and overseas production. And we are jumping all over her over and I saw no balance. So I paused to offer my praise for a job well done. I hope that that it alright.
And that is what I get for writing at 1:45 (LOL) in the morning, typos and all (hahahaha).That should right there show how human I am (smile). I hope you felt me anyway, if not I am sure this will be picked at too it’s all good
Wow, lots of heat in here! The intensity of this conversation is over the top.
I love Ms. Banks works, and appreciate everyting she has done to bring to her fans the the best of herself in her writing. Everyone here has a valid point on the subject, but does there need to be so much venom tossed at each other. That is not Mama Banks style, and while she would appreciate the passion we feel about her works, I don’t think she would want to see her fans biting at each other. She wants to feel the love we have for each other as we are each now part this huge family and family don’t treat each other that way.
To offer a perspective from a different point of view than perhaps the majority of the folks in here: Ms. Banks puts her heart and mind into her work, that much should be evident to anyone. Much like Seven (both of whose posts I honestly agree with), I come from a background that gives me familiarity with the movie production process and I second the notion that the sh-t is HARD.
Looking around here and on YouTube, I’ve seen alot of flaming of this trailer, and, to be perfectly honest: while it was an excellent effort I too feel like more could be done. But to take the negativity any further than that is overdoing it. After all, how many works of creativity have managed to surpass the limitless imaginations of the people who anxiously await them. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a movie, for instance, that was as good as my imagination of what it could be, but that definitely doesn’t mean that I’ve never seen indescribably, unbelievably good movies before.
That’s right folks I’m back up in this piece! U know wat RRR U need to mind ya business cuz ain’t nobody was talkin to U. I was addressing Seven and numbah1mom and their responses let me know that they could read wat I wrote. And how i choose to express myself in the presence of my peers and my peoples aint got sh*t to do wit U and if U couldn’t read it, I take it as a result of:
1) Some uppity b*tch thinkin that they’re an English teacher
2) Some nosey b#tch not minding his/her bussiness.
3) Some nobody b*tch tryin to get attention by makin comments outta the side of his/her neck.
4) Some ignorant b*tch that thinks everyone else is ignorant if they don’t talk/write like they do.
5) Some dumb b*tch that don’t understand wat tripped my wire ( or everyone else’s) bcuz theirs wasn’t tripped but won’t take into account that we’re two different people.
6) Some bobblehead b*tch that done called me and otha people ignorant and is forcin me to get nasty wit them on LA Banks’ blog.
7) Some punk b*tch that i betta not see in the streetz.
I’m going to be optimistic and say that its a mixture of all the above. Anyway. I luv it! I luve being the center of controversy! I luv hearin wat people gotta say! I luv their energy! I luv a good debate…but not at the expense of Ms. Banks and her blog. Seven I’m definetly feelin Ur point but u have to remember that u don’t know me. It’s one thing to say ” Yall need to give suggestions along wit the negative” and it’s anotha thing to say ” Yall don’t like the trailer or the covers? yall are just haters”. I don’t know U or where Ur from but where i’m from, U don’t just go callin people things and expect it to fly. We all come from different streetz in life and when we meet each other in the cross sections or at the light, we gotta remember that not everybody is coming from the street we just came from. There are people on the road ( like me) that once they feel disrespected, they pop off and whetha ur point is valid or not becomes a moot point. There’s always a betta way to say somethin bcuz clearly I was not the only one that got offended ( shout outs to LadyPeace55 & Soulsista). I don’t like expending energy to get nasty and takin it there…but I will once disrespected ( as RRR now knows. lol). We aren’t talkin face to face where we can see that the otha person don’t mean it like that or is jokin and nobody likes to be misunderstood and attacked bcuz of it ( as this situation proves). And Seven, I wasn’t tryin to knock U for your experiences in media but I took it the way LadyPeace55 did. Like it gave U power ova others and we couldn’t possibly comprehend that trailers are a lotta work. Numbah1mom, don’t fake the funk and say that U don’t care cuz we know U do ( that long azz response gave you away babycakes, lol). And I didn’t know that otha people was sayin wat Seven said. This was the first time I saw it and since Seven wrote it I directed my comments to her and her comments may have been general to U. But they directly called me ( Soulsista, LadyPeace55, RRR, Kimberly19 and everybody else that didn’t like the trailer/cover) out as a hater. Ya feel me? The blog has neva seen this much intesity and passion but it did get cold as Seven said. And Seven and I were probably the ones ( whetha we did it unwittingly or not) that helped the temperature drop and Seven and MsJC has tried to warm the place back up so please accept my attempt ( which was not easy! I hate giving in!) to do so too. SoulSista, LadyPeace55, Kimberly19 and Crush85…MWAH! Thanks for havin my back yo. RRR you on some otha sh*t for real and I don’t know wat U doin readin LA Banks if U think slang and broken english is ignorant. And when it comes to Numbah1mom and Seven…Big Hug. No offense given and none taken. Have a sexy 2008 people!
December 7th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Now you know you had gone and messed up now.LOL. I’m already ready to jump out of my skin waiting for this book. Now you just made it even harder to WAIT!!! When it gets close to the time of the release, I’m going to be casing(sp?) the book store. Unless I’m one of the lucky winners in winning an advanced copy of course.
December 8th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
The trailer was cool but the book cover wasn’t as hardcore as it needed to be in order to bring the trailer to a close.
December 9th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW!
That was so awesome! Can’t wait for the book to come out!
December 9th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
I’m soooooooo excited for the new book!! This trailer totally gets me hype to read it!! My birthday is Christmas day, and I intend to get this book as a belated gift to myself. Thanks so much for the new BTB, and since I know you love us so much I’m sure we will get at least ONE more BTB before the books comes out right…insert crickets chirping here(your discretion in how long and how loud they chirp). Hey if I didn’t try I wouldn’t be me, and maybe you were just waiting to be asked. I’ve always been told those who don’t ask don’t receive. I’m asking and maybe I’ll receive. :o)
P.S. I’ve loved everything I’ve seen and read about your werewolves. I can’t wait until the books begin. I think it’s going to be a wonderful series.
December 10th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
I think everyone is a December baby I myself am on the 28th of December. I loved the Trailer and blew it up on youtube. Please everyone go on there and leave some ups for LA and the Crew you know that they are holding it down for us and could use a cyber hug or two. I missed everyone. Sorry its been so long since I have writen.
Peace and Blessing
December 12th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
The trailer does not do the series justice. It made it seem like its guts and gore when it is much more than that. Also, you would think the Neteru was white with the blonde hair. The ISIS was not depicted correctly either and then the face that looked like it was washed out, didn’t do anything for me either. If I wasn’t familiar with the series, that trailer would not entice me to read it.
I love the series and love your writing.
December 13th, 2007 at 9:33 am
We all want VHL to always be on point. Nontheless people got to work with what they have to work with. We don’t know what type of budget the team was working with or time limits (I am sure that if L.A could have brought a top sword maker from Asia to bang out the sheet metal to make the ISIS she would have). These Books are like children to Banks you know the Queen would never let folks mess over it. Are the trailers ready for the big screen? Do they need a oscar or BET award? I don’t know about all of that, but I will give ups to people that at least try. I was a media major and know that a little clip like that takes time and energy (non of which any of her fans tried to give up. I did’nt see any one on the blogs asking to make anything and if they did were is it?) I wonder if everybody who is jumpin up got in on the VHL video contest we would all LOVE to see YOUR work.But let me save you the trouble, even if the best in the bussiness put her clips together SOmebody would say something. Case in point remember all the haters that jumped up on L.A’s back over the cover of the last books. INstead of looking at the wonderful art the team put together. People fliped out “ohmygod! WHere is D’s ring? Her locks look to long, or her skin color looked off! Haters! It’s called a mock up. The danggum book had not even droped yet! It’s like come on people. First off I am only guessing here but by the looks of the bike she was pushing I believe that it was made to look like she was off to some serious foot to butt mission( you would not ride a bike like that to go get you nails done).So with that in mind… would ya ride into battle wearing a blinged out ring like that? If you would, you never had nothing on that level or had to prepare to get into a mix. If ya did you would know how to take care of a gem like that. I will not even shower with any ice my man gives to me, and I know that my little rocks look nothing like D’s. Two, can a sisters hair grow in between books dang ?! And your skin color would look off two if you had been fighting from hell to back. Can we please stick to what is important. Somebooks don’t even have cover art . L.A is better than me I would show all of yall, I would drop a blank jacket cover no video clips (that is of course until we get the bags of cheeder required to put on a production that MIGHT please everyone) and see how everyone would like that. It does not take an education in media you know she would loose out on future bussiness due to not striking while the iron is hot. When you are puting something together with passion you do you best and let it ride (like I know that right now my spelling sucks due typing so fast(LOL)). Yes you should correct when it is need it but come on were is the LOve?
December 17th, 2007 at 10:12 am
AMEN SEVEN!
I ain’t got no complaints about nothin. As long as she keep pumping out the books then I’m alright. I mean HELLO new cover means new book. Yeah, we all have our favorite covers, but its the stuff in between the covers that really melts my butta. Shoot, I think about how many times I have read books, and the cover has NOTHING to do with what is going on in the book. Ex: book is about a sista with a natural and a brotha with a bald head. The cover has a woman with long flowing hair and a man with a low hair cut. (LOL) This series is actually one of the few that has covers that match the characters. Now if she ever has a give an idea for a cover contest, then I’m all over that. Until then Ima just read and be happy with what they give me.
December 24th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
Good looking out Numbah1mom have fun with your gift Mamita
December 26th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
U know wat seven? U need to realize that that’s wat makes art ( artwork, music, entertainment, etc.) interesting bcuz it’s debatable. Ain’t nobody hatin or dissin. In fact we givin bigups to LA Banks bcuz we ARE sittin here gettin worked up over the fact that Damali ain’t got her ring on or she looks a type a way. That lets LA know that we care, got her back and want nothin but the best when it comes to things involving her series ( i.e trailers, covers) bcuz she is big mama just like U said and it is a representation of her. We don’t want her or the series to be dissed or direspected in any type of way whether its a cheezy trailer or a misrepresenting cover bcuz it IS HER energy, money, time, blood,sweat and tears that goes into these things. So she deserves nothin but the best no matter the budget and U best believe we gonna let her know when it ain’t and somebody done took her money and ran. If we ( when I say we I really mean I becuase I was one of those people that voiced the fact that i didn’t like the cover or the trailer but i’ll say we for everyone who’s criticism came from where I’m comin from) didn’t care about the VHL series then we would be like numba1mom and not say nothing or even pay attention to the cover. But true fans don’t do that bcuz the cover, the writing, the trailers, the movies, the tv shows or wateva, are all apart of the package and we gonna make sure LA Banks don’t get played U feel Me. And lets get somethin straight. Just cuz U wouldn’t wear Ur ring in the shower or wherever don’t mean nothin. That’s U homegurl. That ain’t got nothin to do wit the fact that the people wanna see Damali’s ring. And people don’t need to have a major in media or a masters in trailer clips to decide whether or not they like a trailer. If it’s out there we gonna talk about it. That’s the point and Banks knows that, she knows that people are gonna talk bcuz that comes wit the territory. People don’t need to come up wit their own trailers just to say somethin cuz Banks wants to hear wat we gotta say. The good and the bad. She tells us that all the time and that’s why she got her blogs, websites, email, contacts and myspace page set up so we can tell her! And just cuz U done came up with one hundred and one different scenerios for why things are the way they are don’t mean nothing either. That’s Seven and how U think not V22 or anybody else playgurl so U need to get wit that. I know I aint gonna be phony and make excuses for why things ain’t wat they suppose to be cuz that aint being real. And it ain’t bein honest wit Banks about her stuff. When U come out wit ur book U can serve the people blank covers, no video clips and wateva else U said U was gonna do but WE AINT UR FANS AND THIS AINT THE VHL SERIES BY BIG MOMA SEVEN! But its all good and my spellin is probably worse than Urs but the difference btween U and I is the fact dat i really don’t care. Peeeeace!!!!!!!!
December 28th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
WOW! LOL!
Ok at first V22 you ran me hot cause I was like “OH NO SHE DIDN’T” but then I sat back an thought about it. Some people are just very defensive and take everything as a personal attack….. even though it was a general statement. I don’t think seven was coming from a negative place when she said what she was saying, but I can DEFINITELY sense some venom in what you are spouting. The reason I said I ain’t got no complaint’s about nothing is because I remember when Leslie did the first trailer she said that they worked with what they had and she KNEW that it wasn’t dead on. That being said, I think that she shows them to us to show that they ARE trying to give us a little of what we want. You trying to give seven a verbal beat down for trying to explain the exact same thing, was more a reflection of your personality and closed mindedness. Most of the VHL people I know and have interacted with may give a little attitude, but they are usually very understanding and try to see all sides of a situation. They usually are not out right nasty with ANY comments that they make. Your diatribe just went against everything VHL is suppose to be about. We all try to get along and respect one another. Seven is right Ms. Banks is doing the best she can. Don’t you think for 2 seconds if she could do things the way she wanted, we would all be screaming an fainting at the accuracy of the video clips and covers? I think that this is all seven was saying. Yeah, Ms Banks does want to hear and read what we have to say, but what you just did was not cool. I actually kinda agreed with your first comment. We ALL are crazy about the works, but in the end that is what they are works. I would think that personal attacks are not necessary. Of course you and seven may know each other and you just don’t like her but dang…here is not the place to air your dirty laundry. I ain’t mad at you though….we are all protective of the series and want the best for it.
December 29th, 2007 at 4:48 am
The trailer doesn’t set me on fire really, but it’s not that bad. I think at some point folks will have to agree to disagree on what they think this trailer is supposed to convey in relationship to the book. When the pole was put out a few months ago for the Darkness cover to begin with, most people were not happy with it for a varity of reasons. One of them was that D’s ring couldn’t be seen on the orginal draft, if you will. That got changed I belive because we, Ms. Banks fans let her know through the poll what we wanted to see, and we were accomidated. Wether or not Damali weares it while fighting demons from Hell, or washing dishes at home may or may not be relevlent in the book.
I’m just glad to find a room that’s got some convo’s going on. VHL is so quiet right now. And I can’t get with some of the stuff on the Yahoo board.
December 31st, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Jumping Jehosaphat! What done jumped into V22’s pants?
January 1st, 2008 at 6:43 pm
First off I want to say Happy New Years to everyone. Peace and Love all around ( i know i sound like a hippie lol). Second, I think it is very interesting that everyone wants to comment about V22’s comment but no one is saying anything about the commentary given by Seven. V22 and Seven are both very opinionated but V22 never called anyone anything. On the other hand Seven called everyone that did not like the trailer/cover of The Darkness a hater and not worthy of the right to voice their opinion unless they come up with a trailer of their own. No one is commenting on that or the fact that Seven baisically through out her degree in media as if it gave her persmission to tell people off and belittle them. Baisically saying that our opinions on the trailer does not hold the same weight as hers because she has a degree in media and we do not. I love all of ms. Banks works and supports all that she does however, the cover and trailer was not my cup of tea. I thought it was disrespectful to be called a hater when I respect everyone else’s opinions, I would hope for the same in return. I would also hope that we live in a world where all voices count. Those that did not like the trailer/cover did not get nasty or disrespectful but voiced why they did not like it. In return they got a tongue lashing by Seven, who in return got one from V22 ( who clearly felt disrespected and had the right to) which I think is fair ( fair exhchange is no robbery as we all know). It is not cecessary for anyone to be making any slick comments about V22 especially when V22 is coming in defense of those that did not like the trailer and/or cover. V22 I see exactly where you are coming from. Numbah1mom, I feel that you are upset because you were exposed as someone who is fraudulent because of your acquiescence to anything thrown your way by the VHL team ( which you yourself admitted). I for one think that you are being hypocritical when you tell V22 that their commentary is not what VHL represents (even though V22 did not call anyone any names or critique anyone’s character) after you call V22 close minded and it being a reflection of their personality. Is that what VHL is about? What is VHL symbolizing when you tell someone that their opinion is a diatribe ( which is a bitter attack) and not cool, while simultaneously high fiving someone else for calling people out their names just because they have a different perspective? Is that what VHL represents when V22 alludes to you being phony and you retaliate by calling V22 close minded then turn around and scold V22 by saying this is not the place to air dirty laundry? That’s being a hypocrite, that is shunning others for their opinions, that is calling people out for doing things that you yourself are guilty of doing and supporting and I pray that that’s not what VHL is about? V22 I don’t have nothing but love for you baby and I thank you. I commend you for your passion and your courage to speak out for those that have been put down because they see things differently than others. We have to remember to value everyone’s opinion, no opinion is right or wrong or worth more than the next. Have a great 2008 everyone.
January 1st, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Ok Ima say this one more time. The only reason I said that I don’t complain is because I already know Ms Banks is doing the best that she possbily can. See my previous comments. I supported seven in what she said, because it is true, that there was a lot of complaining going on about the covers and the clips. Even even though there was a contest for the clip, I have yet to see or hear of anyone entering it. THAT is where she is coming from. Don’t just complain, make suggests. Why are you all so offended by her mentioning that she had a degree? I mean to me all it looked like was her way of trying to back up why she made the comments on what it takes to make a clip. Yeah, you can call me a hypocrite for saying V22 was closeminded if you want but the truth is the truth. Even though I didn’t like how she said it, I still could see where she was coming from. That’s what I meant by that and I even said so in my earlier comment. She didn’t even try to see it another way. Also, at no point in sevens blog did she specifically mention ANYBODY”S name. She made it a general comment. V22 on the other hand, had her comments directed soully at seven even though there have been other people on the sites that have mentioned the complaints. Oh and I am not upset by somebody getting stuff off their chest. As a matter of fact, I thought it was funny. You called me fraudulent because I did’t voice complaints about the cover . It doesn’t matter to me because I am more concerned about what’s inside. If Ms Banks was slippin in there, then sure I would have all kinds of things to say but the cover… nah. As long as they convey what the book is about then I’m cool. I mean truth be told a lot of authors have no control whatsoever over what covers go on their books and have to take what the publisher creates so no I don’t have much to say on the subject. If you think that makes me not a true fan then so be it. To each his own. Just to make it clear, there are some covers in the series that I like more than others, but as a whole they are all ok with me. Just like yall all have a right to complain, I have a right to not complain if I’m fine with it. I mean what’s wrong with some of the fans not seeing anything wrong with the covers? Whether we like the covers or not, we all still gon buy the books. So when I think about it all this back and forth is really all for nothing. You all have a wonderful New Year.
January 2nd, 2008 at 11:03 am
Just because it is not necessary to make slick comments doesn’t mean that people can’t nor does it mean that people won’t. Personally I didn’t have anything slick to say about what seven wrote, because I agreed with most of it. Even though I am by her classification a “Hater” I didn’t take it personal. V22 on the other hand took it very personal and honestly I don’t understand why she did.
I read seven’s remarks and she never wrote that she had a degree in anything. Just because some was a major (notice the past tense) doesn’t mean that someone actually received a degree or that they did received a degree in said major.
I found reading V22’s comments on the other hand to be a bit of a challenge since there are so many words are abbreviated or misspelled. Personally I find that to be the result of:
1 - Ignorance of the written English language.
2 - Written while angry.
I’m being optimistic that it was option two in her case, hence my motivation for adding an unnecessary “slick comment”.
January 2nd, 2008 at 7:25 pm
All this over a book? Number 1 Mom itz funny how u sittin there sayin you dont care about the comments being made but you the first one responding to each and every one of them. RRR what are you talking about? I understood what V 22 wrote, that’s how I write and that’s how a lot of people talk. This ain’t an essay contest. I talk like that but i ain’t ignorant or angry. How you gonna sit there and let somebody call you a hater and then turn around and try to get cute on somebody else?They got a word for you that begins wit a P but this ain’t the place to say it.
January 2nd, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Q: What am I talking about?
A: If you took time to learn the English language then you would know what I was talking about and I wouldn’t have explain it to you.
True this isn’t an essay contest, but if you are going to write an essay then you need to learn to write it legible and coherently in order to get your point across otherwise you will look ignorant to others. You may choose talk in that way, but I noticed that you did not write your response in that manner even after you stated that you do.
I really don’t understand why you or V22 are so angry with seven. Both of you have taken sevens comments so personally. I don’t know what cord she struck between you two may you have both taken the “Hater” label to heart. Lighten up it really wasn’t all that serious, until you guys made it so. I’m not sure what your letter ‘P’ stands for but by your insulting nature it could be Pussy, Punk, Pansyass, ???, but if you felt that too much was being made over a book then you could have left your comments to yourself.
January 2nd, 2008 at 8:41 pm
OMG! This is a blog about the Darkness Trailer which in my opinion did not do the series justice. Why is everyone getting so nasty? I see everyone’s point but RRR you just straight out called two people ignorant. Uncool RRR and not very classy. I am not sure what the P stands for either but at least SoulSista had enough respect for the blog not to say it. I can’t blame SoulSista for lashing out when you just insulted her and V22 on their english diction because they don’t write/talk as you do. I know that on blogs and texts people abbreviate like LOL, U, Ur, etc. Sometimes I do it sometimes I don’t, it is not a big deal. Especially not a big enough deal for you to come in and not even mention anything about the trailer but start making all kinds of harsh remarks about poeple’s education. How rude and I hate to say it but maybe you are the one that is ignorant.
January 2nd, 2008 at 9:15 pm
LoL! Jumping Jehosaphat RRR! U neeeed to get laid ( ooops I mispelled two words sue me). Right On V22!!!!!!!!
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:33 am
If everyone has a right to there opinion why is mine any different? There is it room for both types of comments, praise and negative given toward the trailers and the books? Mine was one for upliftment and peace of mind for Mrs. Banks what is so wrong about that, especially if I meant it? I am sad that a site that has to so much love and peace has turned so cold. I am more alarmed at the growing rate of my words being taken out of context. When I wrote my first statement on December 13, it was me putting my fist up and screaming a shot out to a women and her team that has delivered us a slamming product time after time. I wanted them to realize that they are more than any trailer or book cover. That if we had none of those things her work would stand on its own. I love science fiction; I remember when black folks were not even thought of in science fiction or horror. If they had us in there works we either died in the first act or was a dang gum alien. It took us a while to get Storm and fine sexy Eartha Kitt (AKA Catwomen). So when a sister has the courage to stand and see a hole that not even Buffy could fill and does the thing so well you got to take a step back and admire every bit of the courageous process. It would be small minded to believe that her work would never get criticize. Yes I respect other people’s opinions and for days let others say what they had to say. So why was mine singled out if we ALL have a right… to… write? When it’s Blood, sweat, and tears on the alter I don’t believe in adding my spit. Banks is a smart business women, she would not have made it this far if she was not. L.A would not place anything on this site sloppy, knowing the judgment that she would face if she did. Banks did the best with what SHE and HER TEAM had to work with. It was HER MONEY and HER and the TEAMS TIME that went into it. Why think that the people that enjoy her GROWTH PROCESS don’t enjoy the DIFFERENT LEVELS that SHE is coming through. I personally can’t wait for the day when she has blown up and we all are invited to her New York Times best selling after party. It is going to be fun to sit back with the crew and admire how far she has come. Once Darkchild is doing the soundtrack and Oprah funds the projects and Denzel is behind the camera (hey I got high hopes for my girl). I believe in constructive criticisms and WE ALL offer that. Ain’t no one scared of this L.A we respect her but ain’t no body scared (LOL); she is way too personal for all of that. Why must Numba1mom, I, or anyone else that shares that common ground of joy be labeled as uncaring? It’s that “I don’t love you unless I hit you” mentality, that has us believing that you can’t grow unless you have negativity thrown at you every step of the way. Offer up the bad by all means I just hope that we are looking out for balance since we claim to love the series so much. Have we all been looking out on Essence website to see if and when we can vote so that we can show some for sure love Banks way? Have we even congratulated her on her recent success? Or our we to busy jumping down each others key strokes? Like I stated before on December 13: “Do they (cover art or trailers) need an Oscar or BET award? I don’t know about all of that, but I will give ups to people that at least try. I was a media major and know that a little clip like that takes time and energy. Why is it wrong for a sister to say that I have a knowledge pertaining to this particular subject? I never said or claimed to be a scholar. Would people receive me better if they felt I was ignorant? It was not a slap in the face but stating an awareness of a process that takes a lot of work. It a statement of validation not an act of disrespect. I considered it hatin when a women can drop a 2to 300 and something pages of books (and that is just for our VHL series. We are not even going to talk about her other books,) does national tours, writes a blog, and overseas production. And we are jumping all over her over and I saw no balance. So I paused to offer my praise for a job well done. I hope that that it alright.
Once again God Bless
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:50 am
And that is what I get for writing at 1:45 (LOL) in the morning, typos and all (hahahaha).That should right there show how human I am (smile). I hope you felt me anyway, if not I am sure this will be picked at too it’s all good
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Wow, lots of heat in here! The intensity of this conversation is over the top.
I love Ms. Banks works, and appreciate everyting she has done to bring to her fans the the best of herself in her writing. Everyone here has a valid point on the subject, but does there need to be so much venom tossed at each other. That is not Mama Banks style, and while she would appreciate the passion we feel about her works, I don’t think she would want to see her fans biting at each other. She wants to feel the love we have for each other as we are each now part this huge family and family don’t treat each other that way.
January 3rd, 2008 at 11:54 pm
To offer a perspective from a different point of view than perhaps the majority of the folks in here: Ms. Banks puts her heart and mind into her work, that much should be evident to anyone. Much like Seven (both of whose posts I honestly agree with), I come from a background that gives me familiarity with the movie production process and I second the notion that the sh-t is HARD.
Looking around here and on YouTube, I’ve seen alot of flaming of this trailer, and, to be perfectly honest: while it was an excellent effort I too feel like more could be done. But to take the negativity any further than that is overdoing it. After all, how many works of creativity have managed to surpass the limitless imaginations of the people who anxiously await them. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a movie, for instance, that was as good as my imagination of what it could be, but that definitely doesn’t mean that I’ve never seen indescribably, unbelievably good movies before.
January 4th, 2008 at 12:03 am
That’s right folks I’m back up in this piece! U know wat RRR U need to mind ya business cuz ain’t nobody was talkin to U. I was addressing Seven and numbah1mom and their responses let me know that they could read wat I wrote. And how i choose to express myself in the presence of my peers and my peoples aint got sh*t to do wit U and if U couldn’t read it, I take it as a result of:
1) Some uppity b*tch thinkin that they’re an English teacher
2) Some nosey b#tch not minding his/her bussiness.
3) Some nobody b*tch tryin to get attention by makin comments outta the side of his/her neck.
4) Some ignorant b*tch that thinks everyone else is ignorant if they don’t talk/write like they do.
5) Some dumb b*tch that don’t understand wat tripped my wire ( or everyone else’s) bcuz theirs wasn’t tripped but won’t take into account that we’re two different people.
6) Some bobblehead b*tch that done called me and otha people ignorant and is forcin me to get nasty wit them on LA Banks’ blog.
7) Some punk b*tch that i betta not see in the streetz.
I’m going to be optimistic and say that its a mixture of all the above. Anyway. I luv it! I luve being the center of controversy! I luv hearin wat people gotta say! I luv their energy! I luv a good debate…but not at the expense of Ms. Banks and her blog. Seven I’m definetly feelin Ur point but u have to remember that u don’t know me. It’s one thing to say ” Yall need to give suggestions along wit the negative” and it’s anotha thing to say ” Yall don’t like the trailer or the covers? yall are just haters”. I don’t know U or where Ur from but where i’m from, U don’t just go callin people things and expect it to fly. We all come from different streetz in life and when we meet each other in the cross sections or at the light, we gotta remember that not everybody is coming from the street we just came from. There are people on the road ( like me) that once they feel disrespected, they pop off and whetha ur point is valid or not becomes a moot point. There’s always a betta way to say somethin bcuz clearly I was not the only one that got offended ( shout outs to LadyPeace55 & Soulsista). I don’t like expending energy to get nasty and takin it there…but I will once disrespected ( as RRR now knows. lol). We aren’t talkin face to face where we can see that the otha person don’t mean it like that or is jokin and nobody likes to be misunderstood and attacked bcuz of it ( as this situation proves). And Seven, I wasn’t tryin to knock U for your experiences in media but I took it the way LadyPeace55 did. Like it gave U power ova others and we couldn’t possibly comprehend that trailers are a lotta work. Numbah1mom, don’t fake the funk and say that U don’t care cuz we know U do ( that long azz response gave you away babycakes, lol). And I didn’t know that otha people was sayin wat Seven said. This was the first time I saw it and since Seven wrote it I directed my comments to her and her comments may have been general to U. But they directly called me ( Soulsista, LadyPeace55, RRR, Kimberly19 and everybody else that didn’t like the trailer/cover) out as a hater. Ya feel me? The blog has neva seen this much intesity and passion but it did get cold as Seven said. And Seven and I were probably the ones ( whetha we did it unwittingly or not) that helped the temperature drop and Seven and MsJC has tried to warm the place back up so please accept my attempt ( which was not easy! I hate giving in!) to do so too. SoulSista, LadyPeace55, Kimberly19 and Crush85…MWAH! Thanks for havin my back yo. RRR you on some otha sh*t for real and I don’t know wat U doin readin LA Banks if U think slang and broken english is ignorant. And when it comes to Numbah1mom and Seven…Big Hug. No offense given and none taken. Have a sexy 2008 people!
January 4th, 2008 at 12:05 am
Gyrich James I feel U too baby. Well said.