I, for one, am loving these previews. And, of course, not everyone feels the same way.

But I find the apocalyptic predictions/hand-wringing, the obnoxiously incessant text-walls of condemnation, and the obnoxiously incessant apologetics kind of funny, fascinating (like a train wreck) yet very tiresome at this point -- especially repeated ad nauseam by the usual suspects (you know who you are) across many Utada-related forums. There's no denying that these past three months in Utada Land have been one long utterly embarrassing freak show (and it's probably going to get a billion times worse). It would be one thing if there were fewer over-the-top reactions on all sides ("WTF is this POS?! I WANTZ TEH OLD HIKKI BACK1!1!!oneone" and "OMG, LEAVE HIKKI ALOOOOOONEEEEEE!11!!eleventy"), though. For an example, just look at the top of this page. Or in that "Hikki haterz!11!" thread. Or any of the all-out wars that can be found on many recent U.Blog entries. All of it is unnecessary. Anonymity only intensifies this.

It's great that people can create communities based upon similar interests, but none of us have to be here. I remember that, for sure, while keeping everything I've written above in mind; you should, too.

It's nice that we will finally be able listen to the entire thing in a day or two (for those who will give in and listen to the leak, of course), though.

Ah, opinions.

/derail rant