Hate Me Baby One More Time

Well, this is an interesting advertising strategy. On the website promoting a new documentary about the Dixie Chicks and Mainesgate (in 2003, Natalie Maines told a London audience "we're ashamed the president is from Texas" and… oh, you know this), readers are allowed to post on an "official fan blog." Not in the comments, but on the front page of the blog. And fitting the spirit of the movie, there's no screen for posting. So most of the entries look like this:

The reason for patriotism is this…people have sacrificed their lives for the continued existence of this country for almost two hundred and thirty years. It is a great gift that has been given. Because so many gave the ultimate gift, we all have the benefit of living in the best country in the world. Even if you don't acknowledge this gift, you should respect it. That respect is patriotism. Until that is understood by Maines and others who agree with her, The Dixie Chicks will be hated.
…
… dont be surprised if you offend people with your free speech, they may not buy what you have to sell. The Dixie Chicks really arent the wisest of business people are they?
…
Your washed up! Its all over, I suggest you gracefully fade away. You had a good thing going until you let your poor judgement get the best of all of you. Please just GO AWAY! I dont care about your political beliefs. Dont force them down my throat because you have money and the media to use as a platform. Again, please GO AWAY!

Who in the year 2006 wants to waste precious ire on the Dixie Chicks?

Jesse Walker was all over the Dixie Chicks controversy, most recently in a piece on the politics of country music.