The stated reason for closing the NPGMC is that the club had evolved as much as its current form will allow. "In its current 4m there is a feeling that the NPGMC gone as far as it can go," said the statement.

"In a world without limitations and infinite possibilities, has the time come 2 once again make a leap of faith and begin anew? These r ?s we in the NPG need to answer. In doing so, we have decided 2 put the club on hiatus until further notice."

Prince launched NPG (named after his backing band, New Power Generation) on Valentine's Day in 2001 as an attempt to bring his fans together in an online community. He planned to use it as an outlet for the release of non-LP music as well as a venue where fans could interact, get choice seats for concerts, and find invitations to sound-checks and after-parties.

The site had two options for membership: $7.75 U.S. for basic monthly access or $100 for a premium annual membership. The basic membership promised fans three new songs a month, a one-hour radio show hosted by Prince or other NPG members, and exclusive multimedia content such as a make-your-own-mix program.

The premium membership offered preferred seating to all Prince concerts, VIP passes to after-parties, more music and videos, and exclusive merchandise.

Though an ambitious project, NPG started out on a rocky road. A lot of members complained in various online forums that they felt they weren't getting their money's worth. During the club's first year, Prince's song quota was infrequently reached and releases were most often remixes.

In the second year, Prince promised members that they would receive four albums before the year concluded. At the last minute, subscribers were shipped a four-CD box set titled One Nite Alone… Live. Though the four-disc promise was fulfilled, fans were still disgruntled because they received little else that year, and because the One Nite set was available in stores for $50.

More