I suspect the price tag for the record 10+ million had something to do with it.  In addition, since 2000 (or 2001) the record was always "rumored" to be released.  You can only "cry wolf" for so long until people stop paying attention altogether and treat it as a joke.  The reality is that when people (not the diehard fanbase but just ordinary Joe) hear that a record has taken up millions to make and still hasn't been released they kind of shake their head and say that's a prime example of overindulgence.

See previous response for answer to this point.

I'd take the contrarian viewpoint the mystery and aura of this record was what kept interest for so long.  If the leaks had happened in 2001 or 2002 would the anticipation have been as much?

I'll agree as it would have led to less overproduction and much better flowing songs that don't sound cut and pasted to death.  I think that a Better version 2001 and a quality produced version of the original Catcher in the Rye with Brian May could have been the hits that the band was seeking though.

This is where I think the band failed miserably.  They should have offered to sell CD online and offered free shipping like AC/DC did with Black Ice.  This could have given them another avenue of customers.  Instead we get the usual garbage on the website.  Another missed opportunity again.

Regarding GNRBABY, no one here is picking on you or being overly negative.  It's just that when you see the actual FACTS about the album it is hard to be positive.  It has sold less than expected when compared to their counterparts Metallica and AC/DC--those bands compete with GNR for the same fanbase (hard rock/ metal music buyers).  No one knows who is in the actual band or when a tour--the only guaranteed moneymaker for a band currently--will take place.  I read the other day that Dizzy Reed the longest tenured band member besides Axl didn't know which of his parts ended up on the album.  How ridiculous is that!  The 2002 and 2006 tours were underwhelming in terms of gate receipts.  People will only go if Slash, Duff and Izzy are there.  In addition, Axl has pissed off a lot of people with his lack of promotion for his own grand opus. Taking together all these facts it is hard to believe why the record company will release another CD era album from Axl Rose.  I think this situation is similar to the one with Gary Cherone and Van Halen.  The first album III bombed and the subsequently recorded album was shelved by the record label.  Luckily, CD hasn't bombed out to that level I guess.

Circuit City had been in trouble for a while though so this is no surprise.  I pity the people going to Circuit City this weekend to scope out a sale since CC will only take off 10% of the product.  This will strengthen Best Buy and Wal Mart.  Personally speaking, I don't really care for Best Buy's prices on electronics--they always seem a bit high.  I've always found decent dvd deals there though at least compared to CC.

Here's another question I would hope someone would answer:

What is the deal with the WWE and Randy Savage?  Vince has basically given everyone a second chance from Hogan to Nash to RVD.  He brought in guys who were successful in WCW (except Sting) and gave them a run in WWE.  He rehired Warrior in 1996 (for a short time).  What exactly is the issue between Savage and Mchmahon?  Apparently, people don't bring up Savage's name when Vince is around because they know it will piss him off.  The only thing that I've read that makes some sense is that Vince thought Savage would return to WWE in 1996 at Survivor Series, but he chose instead to remain in WCW.