Jack White came into his members-only Third Man Records Vault Chat yesterday to answer some fan questions. He addressed his current relationship with Meg (not good), his dislike of touring and festivals, and his frustrations with the media. The full Q&A is available to Vault subscribers, but you can find a cache here (via CoS) for now. Here are some of the more interesting excerpts..

On his recent break from touring:

i’d say half the shows i play i’d rather not play. festivals for example. but i have to make the best of it and try to get inspired.

it’s hard when the people who organize festivals basically control my life … i have to book shows around their offer that i can’t refuse … it’s very expensive to tour … people think that’s how musicians make their money these days sadly, but it’s hard to on the road no matter what size you are … only seated theaters for acoustic shows for the rest of my days.

sometimes creating in a closet and never releasing it has it’s advantages

On his current relationship with Meg White:

[Victoria Lovett] @Jack White talk to Meg lately?

[Jack White] @Victoria Lovett she doesn’t answer her phone

[BlueOrchid] @Jack White that is sad we miss Meg. If she did answer the phone would you consider playing with her again?

[Jack White] @BlueOrchid nope

[Jack White] that time is gone

On New York City:

i only go to new york if i have to, nothing feels special there when you’re creative, everyone feels like they’ve seen and done it all, hard for me to be inspired.

His opinion on the media:

everyone always plays ‘catch the hypocrite’ with me. probably because i often make the stupid mistake of having opinions and saying them out loud. it’s smarter for well known people to smile and keep their mouth shut […] when has there NOT been negativity about me?