Is the Rock Hall of Fame a Joke?

Let me get this out of the way--I think the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a sick joke of an organization.   Let me rephrase that--the nominating body for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is grossly incompetant.  In order for an artist to be eligible for nomination their career must span at least 25 years.  This is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Not disco, rap or pop.

Now I realize that in a simpler time these genres were more interchangeable and all of them have had a significant effect on the path that modern music would eventually take.  You won't get an argument from me that Public Enemy or N.W.A. epitomizes the spirit and essence of rock and roll, which is rebellion and survival.  But is it rock and roll?  Is Donna Summer rock and roll?  Chic?  These acts are among this year's nominees.  How long has Rush or Deep Purple been eligible?  This is the first time they've been nominated, yet Madonna is already in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  As Seinfeld would say, "Who are these people?"

The complete list of nominees includes Rush, Deep Purple, N.W.A., Public Enemy, Albert King, The Marvelettes, Procol Harum, Chic, Heart, Donna Summer, Kraftwerk, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Randy Newman, Paul Butterfield Blues Band and The Meters.

I have to give credit to the Hall for finally listening to the noise that has been overpowering their snobbish attitude.  That noise is you, the rock fan.  They're actually giving you a voice in the process.  Until December 5th you can vote at Rockhall.com to be included on a "fan ballot."  How much weight this will have when the winners are chosen is anyone's guess.  Some would argue that this is a more important election than that other one.  Not me of course.  Nahhh.  Vote.