EPE launched the official ElvisInsiders website. This website is the follow up to the Elvis Collectors Club website that was on-line already. As an ElvisInsider you have access to "never and rarely seen photos, artifacts, video clips and documents from the Graceland archives, exclusive updates, and news about Elvis before anyone else" according to the press release.
The Press Release:
Launch of the historic, unprecedented 24/7 Webcam on ElvisInsiders.com from Elvis’s upstairs bedroom window heralds the premiere of the new Official Elvis Insiders members only Web site.
Graceland/Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. has launched the Official Elvis Insiders today, an exciting and exclusive new affinity group and premiere online community for Elvis fans everywhere.
The unique program is the evolution of the Official Elvis Collector’s Club which boasts thousands of members from around the world. These additional benefits provide the ultimate online Elvis experience, including an update to the extremely popular message board with a new, much-requested live chat room which will provide members one more way to spend time together in their ever-expanding online Elvis community. It will also allow Graceland the opportunity to host chats with people who knew or worked with Elvis or are involved with his career today.
In addition to the 24/7 webcam that allows fans to see what Elvis saw from his bedroom window at Graceland, Elvis Insiders members will receive exclusive access to never and rarely seen photos, artifacts, video clips and documents from the Graceland archives, and they will enjoy confidential information, exclusive updates and news about Elvis before anyone else. Members will be able to explore more of the Graceland archives when, each week another artifact or rare photo or video (updated monthly) is added to the Exclusive Image Gallery and Exclusive Audio and Video Gallery.
“The dictionary defines an “insider” as a person recognized or accepted as a member of a group, and a person who has access to confidential information and special knowledge,” said Scott Williams, of Elvis Presley Enterprises. “This is what this EPE affinity group has become.”
Upon joining, members receive a deluxe membership kit, quarterly newsletters, weekly e-newsletters and invitations to upcoming parties and events in Memphis for members only. Elvis Insiders receive discounts on all purchases at Graceland, Heartbreak Hotel, Elvis Presley Enterprises gift shops, online merchandise at ShopElvis.com, Sun Studios tours, and The Elvis Catalog.
ElvisInsiders Website Launched
May 01, 2005 | Other
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CD King wrote on
May 01, 2005
Thanks but no thanks, I'd rather be an outsider and spend my US$29.95 on the next 7" Format FTD Clambake CD.
Mr Scrapbook wrote on
May 01, 2005
Quote: "Elvis' suite remains the same as it did the day he died in 1977" Well not any more EPE, I doubt he had a webcam in his window ! Not a good way to go and it alienates all overseas fans, the "insiders" is useless to anyone outside of the USA. I'm happy to be an "outsider" looking in...... thanks.
gareth wrote on
May 01, 2005
To Mr scrapbook. I don't know how you can say it alienates ALL fans overseas.I live in the u.k. and have been a member of the Collecors club and now Elvis Insiders for the last three years and there are a lot overseas members who really enjoy it.And if i go to memphis i will receive the all the discounts.So i have to say i don't feel alienated at all.
Sean Ryan wrote on
May 01, 2005
Hi Gareth, Im from the UK and was thinking about joining.
What video clips do they show.Any really rare stuff?? Would you recommend it??
gareth wrote on
May 01, 2005
Hi Sean. They are showing news reel footage and film that was donated to the estate from a fan.I have to say i'm glad i joined.I've made a lot of good friends over the last three years.
JerryNodak wrote on
May 01, 2005
Cd King: I couldn't have sais it better myself. " Mommies little baby loves Clambake, Clambake." Mommies little baby loves Clambake, too".
JonB wrote on
May 01, 2005
Hey CD KIng: CLAMBAKE...gonna have a clambake, CLAMBAKE... gonna have a clambake, I'm with ya'.
MauriceColgan wrote on
May 01, 2005
I received a nice note and e-mail from Jack Soden himself, so I may not be a complete Outsider:-) Meanwhile another Schmelviser surfaced in the, "Financial Times". By the name of Guthrie, or maybe gutterie! Search Elvis news on google.
Mr Scrapbook wrote on
May 01, 2005
To Gareth, If you go to Memphis it's an expensive trip to get your discount though isn't it? Great that it's good for you and I'm happy you and your friends are enjoying it...bravo. I should have said "it alienates some overseas fans". I think a lot of the problem is in the name, it sounds like it's only for the elite and that does alienate some fans. I'll be in Memphis soon myself but I do not feel the need to join the "insiders' to get the discounts.
QueenieWahine wrote on
May 02, 2005
CD King: Why are we always in agreement? Are we buddies or what? I've been to Graceland only once and that once is enough for me. You get the feeling that they don't really care about us, only what we've got in our wallets. There's just no "heart", if you know I mean.
Techy_Viola wrote on
May 02, 2005
I joined the Collectors Club prior to launch and it was well worth the $60 or so (including postage to the UK) although the 'free' gifts they used to send were pretty lousy - 3d Elvis pitures etc! I recouped the $60 in a few hours in Memphis: discounts at Heartbreak Hotel, tour discounts, discounts at Graceland Plaza etc etc and by the end of my trip had saved 10 times the cost. A veritable bargain. I really dont see how its 'alienates' anyone - perhaps you meant disenfranchises, although even that's not the case - you get online discounts, in addition to all the discounts in Memphis.
Whatever EPE does, certain people have to knock it. But this is good business sense - retention of customers with greatest propensity to spend on EPE merchandise, tours etc and therfore greatest lifetime value to the company. They should be criticised if they weren't doing this kind of thing...And the cost is very reasonable - I'm waiting for a tiered club with greater benefits for higher cost. Even with the postage, the cost is about the same as a round of drinks after work. I really don't see why anyone is complaining - it meakes sense for EPE, it makes sense for many fans, if it doesn't for you then don't join. Simple!
acmeruya wrote on
May 02, 2005
I think the Elvis Insiders Website initiative should be applauded. I'd love to sign up but my country is not one of the country choices on the application. As you're only allowed in if you're from certain countries, then I have to agree that it does create Elvis Outsiders!
MauriceColgan wrote on
May 03, 2005
What would a man like Elvis Presley think of a, "First Class", tour of Graceland, etc. A rhetorical question.