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From Nov 29, 1996 to Mar 28, 1997, visitors to Bagism had the opportunity to write a letter to Yoko Ono asking that she reconsider the decision by her laywers to shut down my former John Lennon site. The first three pages of these letters were mailed to Yoko Ono but I never received a reply.
Go to Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
(please note that new letters are no longer being accepted)Dec 27, 1996
Veronika (kurbanov@sci.kch.ru) from Kazan, Russia
Comments: Yoko! With all my respect to you, I must say that you have no right to own everyhing connected with JOHN, hi is the only one who has. And I do believe, that he has such an opportunity, too. So, as you've got such a right in this world... No, I won't beg you to return the page, but I DO HOPE you'll do it. P.S. If you worry about your reputation, remove that parts- I don't need to meet your name everywhere, though JOHN did.
Dec 27, 1996
Thomas M.Strole (army@gte.net) from St.Petersburg,Fl USA
Comments: Dear Yoko Lennon I'm am a retired army officer.Your late husband was one of the greatest forces in my life. He showed me the impotrance of peace and love.I serverd three terms in the war in vietnamn,you may wonder how I could belive in peace,with such a war background,But Mrs Lennon Johns message was never more inportant that it was to me. Even thou I was in the Army, I alway prayed for peace,somethiing I truley felt John Lennon stood for and belived in. John inspired me as a person to all was seek peace. I am admazed that your life now has been talken over by lawery, Of all the people on earth who I belived to be free and above all of this day to day dealing of the money people,I know now maybe I was wrong maybe the peace and love you said to the world wasnt as real and understanding as I first belived in. You of all people a artist,I would have though would appereate the work of another artist,maybe his work wasing on canvas of song,but this is a new world,one which use different form of commuciation,than we used as young people,however I cant help but feel in my heart if John was still alive and among us he would find this world wide web a great pleace to voice his belives and ideas.Sure there is great potentanl for adbuse like anything ealse,but it also may someday prove to be the peace maker of tommarrow. I have found thru my army experance that most problem only are between goverment not the people of the world. Now I have the power of one of the citizens of the world to voice my feelings,I am able to commucitae directly with people all around the world instandlly, And the more that commusctaion plays in the world,will lead to true peace in the world. I now have the capabelity to call on the web any place on earth and talk to a real perosn,in doing this you quickly discover how alike we are all. For this reason I am totally stunded that you have let your life now be controlled by people(lawerys) who do not talk the language of the people,but only repersent the world John showed me to detest. Have you forgotten the freedom and love that I once belived you and John stood for. What would have happen to you Mrs Lennon or to your husband,if you would have to adbide only by what lawerys would have told you, would you ever had shared the freedom and creativity that you used to fill your life.We cant chance tech. Mrs Lennon nor should we it is a new world with new ideas, Please Mrs Lennon visit the web first and see for yourself what this brave new world has to offer,Please dont let some layer in a Office in the clouds take away the feedom that You and Your husband has giving to us,help me pass that knowelge down to the million of young people who has been born sence the death of your husband,they need to know what John stood for,not take that chance away from them, I cant imgaine you will read this,maybay a lawery somewhete will decide what the out come of all this will be. Is this where we stand now as people again, have we lost all that John has showed us. Please think about this and do whats right in your heart. If i had away to return the medals I received from the army,I would return them to you,like was done with the MBAd that John returned. Because if this is now what the Ideas that I though John has come down to this then I give back the dream to you, Maybe now I was wrong what you stood for. You could sell them to help pay the lawerys so that they can contune to suspress freedom and Peace World Citizen Thomas M. Strole
Dec 27, 1996
Adam(The Fool)Moon (bomoon@Wyoming.com) from Cheyenne, Wyoming
Comments: Where do I begin Yoko? I could repeat everything and more and have you just skip over my letter, but this, and my situation is totally different. I am of the John in his solo artist era. I was born one(it's only one but hey)year before his death, I have very vivid images in my head of saturday nights when me mum use to sit me down and play Hey Jude, Sgt. Peppers, White Album, and even Let It Be. I can't really tell you what got me into the Beatles, let's just say I felt like when they were singing, they were some how singing just to me.(Everyone has felt that at some point in there Beatle Fan lives) And then it happened! A night walk to the apartment, footsteps, gunshots, a pool of blood, and the world was robbed of the most brillant man to walk the earth. I remember that it started to rain the next morning as soon as my mom turned on the news and saw the pictures of thousands of people gathered outside of John's apartment, in pieces they were, hysterical if you will. And then there was nothing. And now almost 16 years later, a man,(don't know too much about him)came up with perhaps, the most brilliant idea since bagism. He decides to come up with a tribute to John Lennon that the whole wide world could experiance. So he makes a web page, but not just any web page. In it he includes the(I think)first web chat totally dedicated to John and The Beatles. Also, he includes movie shorts, a Web Board so that the whole wide world could see messages of peace and love left by others. Also was a compleate history of Jon Lennon in pictures and finally his Art Work. This chat and web pages are succesful for quite a while until one day, John's lawyers decide the this man may be making money off of this page, so in order to stop that, they shut the man down. Thousands of people lost from each other, not able to communicate with each other. THE BAG HAD BEEN DESTROYED!!!! and now, with a bit of compromise, Bagism is here, some of the same features remain(Chat,web board,)but many things I understand are still up in the air and it is unsure how long this chat will be here. Now that I have brought you up to speed on all of this I'm here to remind you that John's spirit has and will always live on in the heart's and soul's of today's John Lennon and Beatles fanatics. I personaly have felt the effects of BeatleMania and the unique feeling of listening to Give Peace A Chance for the first time. I as do others who come here to talk and have fun all share the exact same vision that John and you share, Love and bloody Peace. We all want it and through this chat you better belive we are working damn hard to get it. We are living in a post-Beatles era, none of us, or hardly any of us have seen them live or in person, all we know is that it's good music. The thing about these pages being shut down that really gets to me, is that your lawery's thought that Sam was using the art and the rest of the pages to make money. That really hurts Yoko! I can't say I blame you though, you only know what you've been told. I think I will go ahead and speak for everyone when I say you've been conned into thinking there was something ilegal going on here. I know how it feels Yoko, to have something taken away from you abrubtly and it really hurts. I'm not begging you to reconsider anything, I think that's rude and it won't get us anywhere. I'm just asking you to think about all the thousands of people out there who count on this web site being up, people who may have a hard time making real friends that have suddenly been taken into a caring, loving family of friends, who love them for loving John and his wonderful talents. I have a very hard time making real friends, but on this chat, I'm like a, a, I have more friends then I know what to do with. I love this new atmosphere, It's my second home, and I'll ask you, would you want to take that away from me? or anyone? I don't want to put myself or you in a "oh how sad!" position because it's not at all like that. I just think that the closest thing to bagism is this chat. Hardly anyone on this chat knows who I really am, to them and everyone else, I am The Fool. I think of it as being another me, in real life when I get tired of being Adam, I'm The Fool. Would this make it any better if I said that this chat has kept me from getting involved in all of that bad, bad stuff? becuase it has, I use to have a pretty poor self image, didn't like nothing about myself, when I got on this chat, started talking about myself, people pointed things out about me that I didn't know where true? Now I think you have heard enough from me. I will just say that the people need a place where they can be loved and not not judged by race, color, or lifestyle. I hope my letter shows you how much this chat means to the world. I would love to hear your side and opinion, if you would, please E amil me back at bomoon@Wyoming.com, Your husband will live on forever in the hearts of all his fans. God Bless you Yoko Ono Lennon. Love Adam(The Fool)Moon of Cheyenne, Wyoming
Dec 27, 1996
Don from USA
Comments: Dear Yoko, Please don't shut down this site. Its' purpose is not to make money using John's likeness,etc. I can see your point if you ( the lawyers) want to close down John sites that just want to make a buck. Twee, Don
Dec 27, 1996
Sarah O from Va/U.S.A
Comments: Yoko, As John said, might I add that he is a very missed man,peace!! Everyone came to this sight to learn about John. He is great insperation to everyone!!!! I am a 2 generation Beatle fan but I still know I wasn't born to late to know John was a great composer/singer! I may say I'm sure you miss him as everyone else. This most likely means nothing to you but I feel that if anyone has something good to say about John then let them!! I do though think it was wonderfull of you to help John!! I hope that other people apprciate John as much as I do. Sarah
Dec 27, 1996
Pamela from NY
Comments: Dear Yoko, I was not alive when John died. I was born later, but that did not change the impact your husbands work had on my life. The internet source has helped me to learn more then I ever believed possible. He has helped me in my worst moments and made me appreciate life. I am saddened by the closing of this web site, as it has limited my access to the pictures and sounds that were John Lennon.
Dec 27, 1996
Harvey A. Rosenstock, M.D. (Rosenstock@Juno.com) from Houston, Texas, USA
Comments: 1. I echo the sentiments to preserve the brilliant, creative contributions of you and John for the world community. the Bagism web site deserves its adulation. 2. I'm attempting as an Adult and Child Psychiatrist to understand John Lennon the Person and John Lennon the musical Genius. My avocational research led me to this web site. 3. On another topic, I have heard you have an interest in historical Jewish edifices and artifacts. I'm interested in rescuing a Torah from WWII now in Prague for a synagogue in Houston. Your contacting me would be profoundly appreciated by an entire community.
Dec 27, 1996
Caitlin Leia McInnes (patski@starnetinc.com) from Cary, Il, U.S.
Comments: This page was to honor and remind people of John, and I think that the previous page should be returned. I personally thought that if it wasn't harming anything, no one would care. What is wrong with preserving someone's memory?
Dec 28, 1996
Joe Smith from Brisbane, Australia
Comments: To Ms. Ono Lennon, I was born on Dec. 8 1980. From the day I was born my mother would always say that I was born on the day John Lennon was killed. After a while I decided to find out about John Lennon. What I found was that he was a beautiful man and he was very talented at everything he did, writing, singing and drawing. After finding out that there were internet sites devoted to him I decided to check them out. I found that there were many people who loved everything they knew about John. Finding out that one of these sites was shut down upset me. From what I know about John that is not what he would have wanted. Please change your mind. Joe Smith P.S. If you actually end up reading this I would like to wish you a happy new year.
Dec 28, 1996
DaveW from The City of Darkness
Comments: How can you laugh, when you know I'm down.
Dec 28, 1996
Kreeta Taponen (marke_taponen@fimug.fi) from Espoo,Finland
Comments: Dear Yoko! Please don`t shut this page down!There are many young people all over the world who would like to know more about John!I have born just after Johns death,and he has helped me so mutch.I think he was the most best human that has ever lived!PLEASE GIVE OTHERS A CHANSE!!!!!!
Dec 28, 1996
Socorro García & Nahum Castro (coco@ciatec.mx) from Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico
Comments: Querida Yoko Esperamos que permitas a Sam continuar con la labor de preservar la memoria de John Lennon (RIP), ya que la consultabamos su pagina con frecuencia, Sam lo hace sin beneficio de ninguna clase y todos resultamos benfeciados, debido a que aca la informacion es muy escasa. Somos sus admiradores. Gracias.
Dec 28, 1996
Marisa Orr & Kayla Foster from Lexington,SC,USA
Comments: Dear Yoko, Thanks so much for the Christmas card. Do you remember us?(If you don't, Charlotte Beauchamps probably does!)Yoko, Sam's website was really the BEST - take it from me, Kayla, & all the other people that have written to you!!!!! It's a shame you didn't make it to Kayla's Halloween party-it was a blast. It's a shame about what happened to John (we know you don't like hearing about that-sorry)but please don't prevent other people from learning about John from the best website there is around about him!!!! Love & Peace, Marisa & Kayla P.S. We love your American Express commercial
Dec 28, 1996
Jude from Australia
Comments: John's a Champion. What more can I say?
Dec 28, 1996
Marisa Orr & Kayla Foster from Lexington,SC,USA
Comments: dear yoko, we are coming to you again because we just can't say enough about sam's site. this guy really knows what he's talking about. un-ban the site (or whatever you have to do to get it back) and visit it - you'll see what we mean!!!!!! we truly can't convince you enough. kayla & i really admire you, what you stood for, and for your boldness. we are not only beatlefans, but we also admire john's solo with you. please give other people a chance to learn about you guys!!!! more love & peace, marisa & kayla
Dec 28, 1996
Vera,Chuck,and Dave from SC,USA
Comments: I totally agree with Jude from Australia!!!!!!!Yoko, Sam really knows what he's talking about on the subject of John.If you had read that page, you would have known that already!!!!!!Please put the page back on.We are *fooshed* that you took it off.Well, please listen to ALL of us.Lots o'love from the Isle of Wright!
Dec 29, 1996
Jose Salazar (Importking@aol.com) from Plano, TX 75075
Comments: John Lennon was a brilliant musician. His music should be put up for all to listen to. I enjoyed getting to hear his original demos!! I thought it was great to be able to hear the stuff he did at home. I think he wrote alot of songs that would have gone all the way, but bless his heart, he never got to publish them. The demos and other things put on this site were incredible. If you have any heart, you would let his memory live on.
Dec 29, 1996
Zachary Carleton (bobdobbs@flash.net) from Dallas Texas
Comments: Ms. Ono, I was having a conversation over the Internet with some friends regarding the work of your late husband. "Imagine" is still being talked about by people even today, decades after it was originally written. We were discussing how American Express did a commercial with that song, and used it to sell their service. It seemed demeaning to the original work, and my friends and I were conversing about the feasibility of it; the logic behind it. That sort of thing. The entire thread can be found in a newsgroup on the USENET called alt.slack. The thread is called "Imagine No Possessions." I wanted to examine an actual copy of the original lyrics, to refresh my mind on the work as we discussed it. I went out to the web to see if I could find a copy of those lyrics, and came across www.bagism.com. It's a great website, and I understand information pertaining to your late husband used to be on this site. However, the webmaster was told by your lawyers to take it down or else suffer legal problems. The works that John Lennon gave to the world were incredible, and they spoke against this sort of treatment. "It is easy if you try" to "imagine no possessions", but this treatment towards this webmaster seems to indicate that it was just a dream. A dream that died with your husband. I hope that is not the case. The Internet is a powerful resource, designed to allow the entire world access to the talents of countless people. There are virtual museums on the Internet for example. You can access a website that has many beautiful, historic works of art on display. Works that can only be found in real life in museums throughout the world. I've seen works on display in Paris and London and Sydney from the privacy of my own home. I don't even have a passport. The Internet is not a place to measure one's material possessions. It is a powerful resource where people can explore the human spirit and learn from one another. The Internet needs your husband's works on display, just as it needs a virtual representation of the Mona Lisa, or the works of Charles Dickens, or the works of countless people who contributed to the intelligence and creativity of the human race. We need to keep a place where the positive influences of society are available to everyone; not just people with bulging wallets. Lawyers and those who cling to the concept of material possessions wish to stop the Internet from being such a resource. It makes it more difficult to continue this absurd belief that individuals own things. We don't own land. It is not ours. When we die, that land is still there. We only borrow here while we live. The same is true of everything under the sun. The only true exception perhaps are the thoughts of a human mind. If they are not collected and shared, they are lost. The thoughts I'm sharing with you now are not mine. When you read these words they become your thoughts, to consider or dismiss as you do those thoughts that come from your mind. The thoughts your husband shared in his works belong to the world, for each individual to consider or dismiss, collect and share. If they don't have access to them, they will never consider them. John Lennon has reached millions of minds and hearts. The Internet can help to keep those thoughts alive, for future generations. Maybe someday a future generation will really try to imagine no possessions. But they won't try if they don't consider it. And if we don't make John Lennon's thought available to them, there is less of a chance of them considering those thoughts themselves. Thank you for your time. - Zachary Carleton, bobdobbs@flash.net
Dec 29, 1996
Fredrik Axelsson (real_love@hotmail.com) from Örebro, Sweden.
Comments: Dear Yoko. I was only three years old when your husband died, yet I like to think that he has changed the course of my life quite dramatically. His songs about love (Jealous Guy, Woman plus many more which I can't remember at the moment) portray almost immaculately the way I feel towards my girlfriend, Anna(a very common girl name here in Sweden, my name is by the way equally common for a boy - boring, right?). Your late husbands songs helps us all to be just a little bit more than we usually are. To think and to feel, all the things that makes us human. That's how how I remember him in short (exept for the things i forgot to write). These web pages exist only for the sole purpose of spreading his legacy to the rest of the world. That is why I beg you to accept them for what they are and withdraw your "cease and desist" order. Sincerely yours Fredrik Axelsson, dreamer.
Dec 29, 1996
Angie Cosand (jhcosand@IN.NET) from Greentown, Indiana, United States
Comments: Dear Yoko: I' not sure if you'ret even reading all of these entries, but if you do end up reading this one I really wanted to say something. First, let me tell you a bit about myself. I am 16 years old and I almost couldn't be more into music if I tried. My absolute favorite group is the Beatles, and John was my favorite one. And although I haven't really gotten into listening to each of their solo careers, John is also my favorite. His song 'Imagine,' gives me goosebumps when I hear it, especially in the new commercial. I actually did a term paper on John for English class, and I almost cried when I read the stuff on his assination. It also made me sad to realize that I wasn't even two months old when it happened. I got most of the information for that report from the site in question, and I felt that this one was the best John Lennon site on the internet. (Yes, there are many more, and there are also some on you.) I think I speak for all of us Beatle- and John-maniacs when I say that we wouldn't write so passionately about someone we didn't love and idolize. We wouldn't support a tribute that didn't do him justice. And we wouldn't harass his widow unless we thought she would understand. All we want is for you to know that you have not only killed just one of the sites with this kind of material, but just possibly the best one. Come on, Yoko, we know that you don't want to be the negative figure you have become. You were the only artist in the Sixties with anything positive to say, and thats what attracted John to you in the first place. I know you know that many people blame you solely for the breakup of the Beatles, (although I don't honestly belive any of it), and now this isn't going to help that reputation. Search your heart. There must be a way to comprimise and work together with Mr. Choukri and the lawyers and keep every one happy. I don't think he was trying to make any money or deface your late husband in any way. He was only doing it out of love, and he has spread the love to probably hundreds who may have never known he was so much more than a Beatle who married a Japanese artist. May I end by saying Happy Christmas, only you can make this legal War Over. Love Angie
Dec 29, 1996
Jason Keesey from BOX 501 Orfordville, Wisconsin USA 53576
Comments: I live and breath John Lennon's music and would love to talk with you. I doubt you will ever hear or recieve this message but I am willing to try. 608- 879-2012 PS. How can you get a copy of the other plastic Ono band album that Yoko did ?
Dec 29, 1996
Denis Harper (den@nipra.dnet.co.uk) from Northern Ireland
Comments: Dear Yoko, Don't keep John's mind from the friends it binds, Yoko, Oh No!
Dec 30, 1996
Jorge Gerardo Lopez Ibarra (jglopez@servidor.unam.mx) from Mexico City
Comments: Dear Yoko ! Please , do not allow that John die forever , the Sam´s page is a masterpiece that shows the life of a man who loved the life and free. Please let Sam continue with his great work cosagrating a great man like John Lennon. Please don´t let him die forever. Let´s save him. Thanks.
Dec 30, 1996
Lyla Melissa Durham from Montrose, Colorado U.S.A.
Comments: Yoko, My name is Lyla Durham. I am only fifteen, but I enjoy learning as much as possible about John. My father has taught me well, but it has gotten to the point that I know more than he does. I fall asleep at night to John's music and I go through the day listening to the same. I only wish that you didn't have such a hold on what I am aloud to see or know. I can only say that I hope you will give my generation a chance to learn what we can. I don't want to own a piece of John, I only want the chance to try to understand a genious in a world that no longer has noticable good music. John is gone physically. However, as long as the children of the world can enjoy John's music and learn what they can, he will never die.Allow him the chance to live.
Dec 30, 1996
Stephanie Atkinson from Canada
Comments: Dear Mrs. Yoko Ono-Lennon, Sam's web chat gave us all a chance to talk about John, we love him as you do.Talking with the world is nice,and it's great to know that others agree with your beliefs.Where I live (my town) people don't appriciate his music and art as I do.The people on the internet do, and they're the only ones I can talk to.Now they're gone, Please change your mind - Stephanie Atkinson Age 12
Dec 30, 1996
Margie from Copley, Ohio (44321)
Comments: Dear Yoko: All I can say to you is bravo! I must admit that I visited the previous site, but the bottom line is that you knew John Lennon better than any of these people who are writing to you. You are his spokesman, and if you say that you disapprove of something, your word should stand. I have read statements you have made about how your apartment was cruelly searched the first few years after your husband's death as vultures looked for anything they could get their hands on. This seems like the same sort of deal. I can only hope that no serious damage was done to you or your family because of this site and other situations like this one. I am quite ashamed to confess that I was one of the people who was somewhat surprised to find that this sight had disappeared. When I at long last found out why, I cringed, and when I read that the creator of the site wanted people to complain to you, I, being of a somewhat cynical personality, decided to write to you what I REALLY think. If people are interested in John Lennon or you for that matter, they can go to a library or bookstore and look at the materials that you and your family have approved of. Anything else is meaningless anyway. I realize as I write this that the chances of you getting this letter are very small. After all, the whole way I got to write to you was because I'm supposed to be telling you how much I want you to sacrifice your own sanity so I can enjoy myself in my little computer room. If you do get this, I hope you know that I am being extremely sincere. Keep fighting, good lady. Maybe some fine day the world will realize all you have gone through, and all you went through before. I admire you greatly and do sincerely hope that I will be able to write to you once more under slightly more favorable circumstances. Yours truly, Marjorie
Dec 30, 1996
denise flores (bonflo@tenet.edu) from linn, texas
Comments: dear yoko, this is my first time visiting this page, but it seems to me that there were many fascinating things on it before they were removed. i am 17 years old, and fortunate enough to have friends that introduced me to john lennon and the beatles. please understand that his devoted fans just want to know what he was about. don't shut us out of what john lennon was and will always be.... an artist. --denise flores
Dec 31, 1996
Julio Montalvo (chidone@linux.mda.com.mx) from Mérida, Yucatán, México
Comments: Dear Yoko: I don't know if you ever saw this John Lennon's page, but it was great! I was very disapointed when I noticed that it was gone. Please, tell your lawyers that people all over the world want to see John as he was, we love him! Love. Julio
Dec 31, 1997
Bonnie
Comments: Dear Yoko, Sam's page was really great. When I first saw it I wondered if you were behind it. Bag One did a show of John's art in my town and bought "
Dec 31, 1997
Ayse Kocakulah from Evansville IN. USA
Comments: Dear Mrs Lennon, Your lawyers have disinformed you of the old website. All it was, was a small paage dedicated to the memory of your husband who was the greatest musician of all time. I am a young fan and am only eleven . It is hard to see that someone would just infringe upon a person's right to display his or her feelings about a person. I believe what has happened is wrong and that no infraction of the law has been made. Please pay heed to my letter. Yours respectfully, Ayse Kocakulah : - (
Dec 31, 1997
Kiyo
Comments: A HAPPY NEW YEAR YOKO-SAN ! A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYBODY! LOVE AND PEACE!!@(œ^o^œ)
Jan 1, 1997
jennella crouch (jcrouch@artesia.net) from Artesia, New Mexico, U.S.A.
Comments: Dear Yoko, I am humbled and honored to have this opportunity to be yet another person touched by both you and your husband. I bought Seasons of Glass after John was murdered and felt all the pain in your songs. You were sharing your loss and we all needed to feel some connection ... I lost my husband too on John's and Sean's birthday -- Nov. 9, 1990. He was a VietNam vet who had a great deal of trouble coming home and was either murdered or committed suicide. That day around the world radio stations paid a one-minute tribute of silence to him around the world and I remembered it all too clearly, as on the heels of that came the news of my husband's death. Please allow us to visit John's memory in this way. It is a valuable tribute, not a commercial hype, that is being created and remembered. Thank you.
Jan 1, 1997
Kirk Gilbert (tylerg@eri.com) from Troy, OH USA
Comments: Spoke w/John 1969 re: Hardy Boys Electrovisionists working w?john in Toronto. Good peron. War is over if you want it. Love and Peace. Happy New Year. Imagine. Hold on Yoko, Yoko hold on...it's gonna be allright. No possesions. Let Sam do this.
Jan 1, 1997
Christian Sandberg from Bårslöv, Helsingborg, SWEDEN
Comments: Dear Yoko! This page is all about a tribute. A tribute to A man who fought for justice & peace for everyone through his songs. He also did all this things that were good,and he put a message to the world that the world cannot stand war, murder & unjustice. Please understand this note and the others, they´re all about love and kindness. LOVE Christian Sandberg. P.S.Have a happy new year *YOKO*
Jan 1, 1997
Caroline Kahl (jimewing@cris.com) from Oakville, ontario
Comments: Dear Yoko, I FOUND OUT about John only a year ago, when I was 14, but I feel his (and yours, since you inspired him) music changed my life. My age is when many kids go astray because they feel misunderstood. But it seems that John felt how I do. I don't know all the legal aspects of what your lawyers did, so I can't tell you what to do. I know that Sam's website was a place to spread the love and admiration for John. Again, I don't know the details of the situation, but I thought you were about freedom and all that. The internet is THE only free speech there is, it seems. I love you and John, so HOLD ON YOKO. Love, from CaROLinE
Jan 1, 1997
Josette (Haskell@cookeville.com)
Comments: Hi Yoko: It's like this. I live in a small town in the south. The "Bible Belt" you might say. When I was a child, John was a big part of my life. I realize that he was your husband, but in a way, he belonged to everyone. I need all the information I can get on John. Especially now that he's gone. It is hard to get anything in this part of the country. That's why these web sites are so great. So won't you please let Sam have his web site back? Yours Sincerley; Josette
Jan 2, 1997
Mike Edwards (pakeough@erols.com) from woodbridge,va
Comments: John Lennon once said (on the subject of song writing), that no one could own a piece of art work, that ultimately it was owned by the creator, simply on the grounds that it was something that sprang from that person's imagination. John was talking about Beatle songs, and how he couldn't care who owned them, but the same holds true here. These are the creations of John Lennon. Showing them on the web no more diminishes their value than playing "Johnny be Goode" on guitar dimnishes the value of Chuck Berry's original.
Jan 2, 1997
Afranio Barros (abarros@elogica.com.br) from Olinda - Pe - Brasil
Comments: I'm happy because I'm having oportunet that talk with a person like you! May the greast Womam of this century! I'm Only 16 and I love your work and John's work, and your ideas! I'm your fan and a John's fan! What can i Say more? How are Sean? I hope that Good!
Jan 2, 1997
Mary M.
Comments: Dear Yoko, My father and the rest of my family, are deeply annoyed by the fact that you had Sam Chokuri close his web page. I, like many other fans of John's, am writing you to express my feelings about the way you reacted to Sam's page. All John wanted to do in life was to make people happy, and for peace.though some of the time it did not work, and by closing a popular web page about John that made people happy is like preventing John from making people happy. Also, about the peace thing, it's not very peaceful to get a lawyer and go around suing people because of their wonderful web page. Now, I won't go through any more of this crap, so I'm just saying that it just isn't right to close Sam's web page, even though it will make you a few dollars. If you want to be famous, you already are, but by doing this you will be infamous, rather than famous. I'm sure you don't want any more shit coming from me, so bye bye. -Mary
Jan 2, 1997
Mary M.
Comments: Dear Yoko, My father and the rest of my family are deeply annoyed by the fact that you had Sam Chokuri close his web page. I, like many other fans of John's, am writing you to express my feelings about the way you reacted to Sam's page. All John wanted to do in life was to make people happy, and world peace, though some of the time it did not work. By closing a popular web page about John that made people happy is like preventing John from making people happy. Also, about the peace thing, it's not very peaceful to get a lawyer and go around suing people because of their wonderful web page. Now, I won't go through any more of this crap, so I'm just saying that it just isn't right to close Sam's web page, even though it will make you a few dollars. If you want to be famous, you already are, but by doing this you will be infamous, rather than famous. I'm sure you don't want any more shit coming from me, so bye bye. -Mary
Jan 2, 1997
Zach Dexter (Wolfe686@aol.com) from Danville, Ky, good ole USA
Comments: First of all, I am only 13 years old (not the youngest person writing a letter to you, but certainly not the oldest) and have been a big Beatle fan since the Anthology in November of '95. It wasn't long after that when I developed a partiality toward John (and you, of course). But I am not here to talk about myself, of course. My interest now lies with Sam and his Lennon web page. That was the most valuable, accurate information I had about John and his work and I'm sure that if you knew a little more about it you would at least reconsider shutting it down. Thank you for your cooperation. Peace.
Jan 3, 1997
Malay Shah (mbs@po.cwru.edu) from Cincinnati, Ohio U.S.A.
Comments: All I can say is Give Peace A Chance. If I remember right, then this is what was said by your late husband. This was THE best web site I have ever seen, and the knowledge I gained about John Lennon and the Beatles is amazing. Lawyers are the perfect example of how this world is truly superficial, because instead of admiring damn fine work, the BEST homepage for John Lennon was shut down. Jesus Christ, just let it go.
Jan 3, 1997
Bryan Kenny from Toronto, Canada
Comments: Yoko, I think that you are a great person and I love your music. I also am a huge fan of your late husband John Lennon. Like many people around the world, I have visited Sam's John Lennon page. I think that it was a great web page because it was full of facts abou his life andd music, pictures, sounds, video, and even art work by John and yourself. I think if you had seen it (if you havn't), you would have relised that it was helping to keep John's spirit alive. I think you should let him have some of the things that were in his page back. As you may know, he has started a new web page and I think that it would make his page even better if you would let him put his collection of pictures, art, sounds and many other things, back on his page. Peace be with you, Bryan
Jan 3, 1997
Dan Jasinski (ToXiCLoAd@aol.com) from Angola, New York
Comments: Dear Yoko and All of Mr. Lennon's Fans, I am a 13 year old boy and about 2 years ago I heard the song "All You Need Is Love", I immediately fell in Love with The Beatles & especially John Lennon. Through the course of my life before that I had heard many of his songs on the radio but I didn't take notice Until I was about 10. Now John has become a huge part of my life. I wish i would have been alive during his time but that was how it was meant to be (I guess). Even though He was never alive when I was And I didn't know him, I feel like a huge piece of me is missing. Every time i hear "Imagine" or another of his songs it makes me Very sad. I love John and You too Yoko and I, sort of, know how you feel but Remember "He isn't dead, He is only Sleeping"!
Jan 4, 1997
Laurie (chado@infobahnos.com) from Montréal, Québec, Canada
Comments: Hello Yoko, You can't shut this home page down. John is my hero and this site is the best about him. I dont know why you do it but I think that it's very stupid. if it's becaus you dont want us to know more about John than you do, you beter give up .Most of the people who are John fans are more interested about him than you do. IHOPE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND..
Jan 4, 1997
Tara Donnelly (rdonnelly@ccsinc.com) from Gloucester, Virginia, USA
Comments: Dear Yoko, Hi. Sam's page was great. You are a very intelligent, gifted woman. I'm sure that if you contacted Sam about his page, it would be past outstanding. Your creativity is amazing, and I think you should use it to educate the rest of us about yourself and John. He was a genius. I wish I could have been around when he was. Please give this a chance. What harm could one small chance do? Maybe more people will read what you and John did and what you're doing and they'll give peace and love a chance. PeAcE tArA :)
Jan 4, 1997
Tara Donnelly (rdonnelly@ccsinc.com)
Comments: ps it's me again! could you please write me back and explain to me a wee bit about baggism? thanx tArA
Jan 4, 1997
Rosy (rosy26@aol.com) from Montvale,nj,usa
Comments: Dear Yoko, I think this site should not be shut down. This our why of remembering John. I have remember he was a great musician and a wonderful man. Even though I was not alive when he died. Though he should be remembered. Signed, Rosy Happy New Year!!
Jan 4, 1997
Laurie (chado@infobahnos.com) from Montréal, Québec, Canada
Comments: Hello Yoko, You can't shut this home page down. John is my hero and this site is the best about him. I dont know why you do it but I think that it's very stupid. if it's becaus you dont want us to know more about John than you do, you beter give up .Most of the people who are John fans are more interested about him than you do. IHOPE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND..
Jan 4, 1997
Tara Donnelly (rdonnelly@ccsinc.com) from Gloucester, Virginia, USA
Comments: Dear Yoko, Hi. Sam's page was great. You are a very intelligent, gifted woman. I'm sure that if you contacted Sam about his page, it would be past outstanding. Your creativity is amazing, and I think you should use it to educate the rest of us about yourself and John. He was a genius. I wish I could have been around when he was. Please give this a chance. What harm could one small chance do? Maybe more people will read what you and John did and what you're doing and they'll give peace and love a chance. PeAcE tArA :)
Jan 4, 1997
Tara Donnelly (rdonnelly@ccsinc.com)
Comments: ps it's me again! could you please write me back and explain to me a wee bit about baggism? thanx tArA
Jan 4, 1997
Rosy (rosy26@aol.com) from Montvale,nj,usa
Comments: Dear Yoko, I think this site should not be shut down. This our why of remembering John. I have remember he was a great musician and a wonderful man. Even though I was not alive when he died. Though he should be remembered. Signed, Rosy Happy New Year!!
Jan 5, 1997
(bgz@umich.edu) from Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Comments: howdy yoko! i just wanted to do my part in brining back sam's lennon page. i don't know if you ever saw sam's page with your own eyes, but it was a great page. i remember the first time i found it. i spent hours following all the cool links; it made me smile, laugh, and cry. most importantly, it taught me more about john lennon than any book or other web site. as great as his contribution to this crazy world was, i would think that you would appreciate such a wonderful site dedicated to john and his family. i was only five when he left this world, but thanks to sites like sam's, i can still learn about john and appreciate him as much as those who who grew up with him. i'm going crazy without access to sam's lennon site. "i'll give you everything i got for a little peace of mind!" -- Chips, aka Bianca George
Jan 5, 1997
9 DREAM (MSCARDL@aol.com) from Century, Fl USA
Comments: Dear yoko, John Lennon was and still is a great man. Feel happy that so many people want him to live on. There is a whole new generation out there that is being turned on by his music. I feel he inspires everyone of us in a special way. Keep his spirt alive for the future generations. I feel he would want it that way. Keep anything and everything open so more people can learn about this great man. Remember "All You Need Is Love" and John is loved by so many people. Thank you, #1 John Lennon Fan, #9 Dream
Jan 5, 1997
Josh K. (lobo14@ix.netcom.com) from VA, USA
Comments: Dear Yoko, I am probably saying what has already been said so many times before. I am an avid Beatles and Lennon fan, and a music fan overall. Please allow John's old work to be posted on Mr. Choukri's web site. If anything, it should keep John's spirit alive and maybe inspire others. The web is a free exchange of ideas and helping one another. The world really needs this mentality. Thanks, Josh K.
Jan 5, 1997
Enrique Burgos (gamma@sureste.com) from Merida, Yuc. Mexico
Comments: Dear Yoko: I'm a personal admirer of John and you since I was 8. That was 18 years ago... I cried for days when John was killed... Now I'm a fully-time user of Internet and I think that any action oriented to expand the word of John all over the world must be supported. I visited the original page on Internet where all the John Lennon Stuff were months ago, and when I had notice that it was shuted down by your lawyers, well, that was not a good time. I frecuently hear songs from John and The Beatles, and I remember a particular part of the Ballad of John and Yoko, a part where there is a bite of what John saw on your soul: "Last night the wife said, 'Oh boy, when you're dead you don't take nothing with you but your soul - think!'". I understand that you need the money that come from all the stuff related with John, But, What the heck! You have enough money now to own your very personal server on the Internet... Why not make this guy your emloyee? No law will be broken that way! Besides he is the BEST on what he does... Your support can make the page one of the bests of the web! You can give to John all the tribute he deserves... My only hope is that I can see on the net more from my favorite man in this century: John Lennon.
Jan 5, 1997
alan e. wolf (a.wolf@cahners.com) from new york city
Comments: Dear Yoko, The material that had been posted on Sam's web site -- song snippets and video clips -- helped keep John alive for me, and eased the pain of his absence. Please allow Sam to continue his work on John's behalf unabated. Thank you.
Jan 5, 1997
Anne-Rae (arvp@tvinet.com) from Canada
Comments: Dear Ms. Ono Lennon: I have admired you and your late husband's work ever since I was 8 years old. I was only 10 when he passed away. I thought I was the only one my age who appreciated the things that both of you did (are doing). It was surprising that years later, I find this Web site (by Sam) that brought together so many people even younger than me to appreciate John and your work. I do realize that you are protecting material that belong to John Lennon as should be. I myself do not believe that anyone can use other people's material without permission for any reason. I do hope though, that you may be able to discuss with Sam some sort of agreement where he can still maintain his site and not break copyright laws. It is afterall a very positive message that he brings to all of us. The chances of you reading this message or responding to it seem quite nill but just in case, I hope you and your family have a peaceful life and that John and your message live on...Let me know what you think. Peace, Anne-Rae arvp@tvinet.com
Jan 5, 1997
maranda (maranda@itecnmi.com) from Saipan, MP, 96950 U.S.
Comments: Dear Yoko, I am 14 years old. I was not alive when John lived or died. Although, I am not too young to recognize what a wonderul beautiful man he was. His music and artwork still lives, and is enjoyed over a decade after his death. Nothing short of a magnificent man could have accomplished this. S. Choukri's site was the most complete John Lennon site I had ever seen. Just by looking through it you could tell he was maintaining it as a tribute to John, not just to make a few dollars. I know this may mean nothing to you, you might not even be reading this. But if you don't listen to me, please listen to the hundreds of other people who feel the same way. My love goes out to you, your children, and John where ever he may be. Sincerely, Maranda
Jan 6, 1997
David Adcock (david@adcock.bytenet.co.uk) from Solihull, West Midlands, England, UK.
Comments: Dear Yoko, I am a great fan of both you and your late, great husband. I am 14 years old and unfortunately was never able to meet or see John before his death. However I know that John was a very modern person, and if he was alive today, he would be proud to see what an interest young people (like myself)still have in him and his music. I do not claim to know John better than yourself, of cource not, you gave him something that no-one else could, you made him happy and I thank you greatly for this. But, I think Sam's site (although it may be against copyright laws) was something great also that would make John happy, I don't expect he worried too much about small copyright breaches! yours, David Adcock.-
Jan 6, 1997
April Whitehead
Comments: Dear Yoko... I think that you should have visited the former John Lennon site before you chose to shut it down. It was in admiration of your deceased husband, not for any other reason. In fact, it helped generate some interest in John's albums. I truly respect the ideals and attitude that John held about peace. They are still carried in the hearts of men and women everywhere (they are held deeply in my mind and heart) In fact, I have chosen Imagine as the song to be played at my funeral. If these words do not reflect the admiration that was in the John Lennon page, I can only imagine what would. In the words of the late great John Lennon, " You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one..won't you come and join us..and the world will be as ONE. Peacefully Yours, A. J. Whitehead
Jan 6, 1997
Noam Koenigstein (mickey@shani.net) from Raanana, Israel
Comments: Dear Yoko, I was 3 years old when Jhon was murdered. I knew a little about the Beatles as a rock group, but almost nothing about Jhon Lennon as an individual artist. Most of my knowledge about Jhon Lennon, who he was and what he did, I learned from Sam's home page. The Jhon Lennon home page was a great tribute to Jhon the man and artist. Please allow this home page exist. The sun shine's where people want it to shine. Thanks for your time, Noam Koenigstein. (you can write back to: mickey@shani.net )
Jan 6, 1997
Cara (jklong@uit.net) from Independence, MO, U.S.
Comments: Dear Yoko, Okay, okay. I'm sure that you've heard what I'm about to say a few million times but we obviously care about this site. The Beatles are my most favorite band in the world and I can honestly say that nobody has or ever will compare to them. John Lennon had such an influence on me that I'm a totally different person now. He made me realize so many wonderful things that I never even had a clue about. When I found this site I almost flipped right out of my seat because I thought that I finally had a chance to get to know him more as an individual. I loved his oh-so-peaceful ways! It calms me down when I'm upset and cheers me up if I'm down just by listening or sometimes even think of him. When I found out that this site was no-longer I felt like there was a hole in my stomach because you just took everything that was left of him. It was like he was dead all over again because there was NOTHING left for me to remember him by except for his music and all the things that used to be. And, if you're getting so much mail about this issue, it must mean a lot, huh? Think about it. Cara
Jan 6, 1997
Brian Kallen (Ksieck@wco.com) from Healdsburg CA
Comments: I am only 11 yet I am collecting every beatles ablbim I can find. JOHN is at most my favrot beatle. I have never seen this site but I would one day like to. It was never exacly cler to me how JOHN died.I am discuted with lawers and how much they charge. I think the trade marks reflect JOHNS work and should be given away not sold! I'v gone in to many music stors and saw maby one albem that the beatles did! P.S. fire the lawers
Jan 6, 1997
Sean Daugherty (seancdau@erols.com) from Rockville, MD USA
Comments: First, let me say that I feel a little odd writing this. But nonetheless, I feel I must let my feelings known. I can see the standpoint of the lawyers and yourself. I happen not to agree with it. Mr. Choukri's web page did not in any way detract from the legacy of John Lennon. It poised no threat to sales, or his legacy as an artist and figure. Quite the opposite, in fact, I'm sure it helped more than it hurt. I beg you to reconsider this regrettable action. John's legacy deserves to be remembered in every way possible, I'm sure you'd agree, and removing Sam's web page is not the way to do so.
Jan 6, 1997
David Chan (dchan@upnaway.com) from Perth, Australia
Comments: Dear Yoko, Sam Choukri's site was the most informative site on the Web about your late husband. It gave all of us fans out there a common medium whereby we could all give our opinions on an unbiased platform. It was a place where we could revel in the power of his (and your) music and actions, and embrace the same ideals that we all believe in. Please reconsider your action in shutting it down. Please.
Jan 7, 1997
Robert O'Brien (leedesig@vgernet.net) from Lee, MA 01238 USA
Comments: Dear Yoko I can remember participating in your petition to stay in the US. I feel that the more you know about this website, the more you'd like it. I can't imagine what it feels like to be a celebrity of your stature, but talk and speculation go on regardless of the forum. Crass rumors often fly, but this site was about earnest and serious discussion about John, his art, and his philanthropy. Rumors and bad information are more often dispelled than created here. You do not stand to incur any financial loss, or loss of future revenues. Indeed, fora such as these tend to stimulate record and book sales. Please at least consider taking a good look at us. Love, Your Friend, Robert O'Brien
Jan 7, 1997
Taryn from New Westminster, BC, Canada
Comments: Yoko, you broke up the Beatles and you killed John's spirit. It is your fault that we have no website to reminise about him on. Bring it back. Who cares if your lawyers want to get rid of it. If you really love John, as we do, you'd let us enjoy him. Face up Yoko, you still have to share him with the world, even in death.
Jan 7, 1997
Lauren Kirby (ZeldaTree@aol.com) from Earth
Comments: Hello Yoko, How are you doing? I'm ok. You don't know me, but I think you're really neato. I don't think you split up the Beatles or anything. I've never been to this web-site while it was working but I'm pretty sure it wasn't anything bad. You seem like a nice fair lady and I hope you'll let them put it back up. I wasn't born when John was living, but he seemed really nice. I doubt he'd mind if they kept it up. OH, by the way, I think your love call thing is really nice. I've never done it by phone, but I've done it by e-mail. Best of luck in the future and please let them put the page up. Love, Lauren, age 13 3/4 P.S. If you're ever bored, e-mail me!
Jan 7, 1997
Briana Eades (EEades3055@Prodigy.com) from Louisville, KY
Comments: Dear Yoko Ono Lennon, John is love. John is for everyone. You had John when he was alive, you knew him, you loved him. I was three months old when he was murdered. I never got to know him so the only thing I have are books, movies, and web pages. I don't think it's fair to keep him from us. With your help, we want to keep his spirit alive. Please reconsider. I send you much love. Briana Eades
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