I hardly ever post in forums. I'm a people to people kind of guy. However, I feel I can not keep mum on this matter any longer. I have had a love affair with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since it has opened. I have been there often and have contributed large amounts of money to their cause to preserve artifacts and memorabilia. I am disgusted to see that the Hall of Fame has decided once again to decline a nomination to the progressive band Rush to their ranks. This year, the bands presented are varied from great to lackluster. Sure, the Chili Peppers are cool. Heart are obvious choices. Guns N Roses are awesome. I suppose the Beasties are a lock eventually. But Joan Jett? Donovan? The Cure? Laura Nyro? War? Chaka Khan? All to be nominated before Rush is even considered?
I'm disgusted.
And to mention the recent inductees...pathetic. Neil Diamond (great songwriter but not Rock Hall worthy), Leon Russell (I can play the piano too), ABBA (this is the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME), Madonna (please Lord, take me now)...I just can't stand it any longer. Last year my other cause finally got in. Alice Cooper deserved it, and now Rush does too. This is perverse and demoralizing to a fan of the rock genre for 40 years. My dismay should be evident by my posting on a forum I've been around for over a decade, but rarely contributed to. This is dismal for such an opportunity. Thanks for allowing me to vent.

What is the stated criteria by which a person or group is first nominated and then voted into the Hall?

As per the Rock Hall:
To be eligible for induction as an artist (as a performer, composer, or musician) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the artist must have released a record, in the generally accepted sense of that phrase, at least 25 years prior to the year of induction; and have demonstrated unquestionable musical excellence.

We shall consider factors such as an artist's musical influence on other artists, length and depth of career and the body of work, innovation and superiority in style and technique, but musical excellence shall be the essential qualification of induction.

Enough said?

Going by the above information,they should of been inducted years ago,considering they've been together over 40 years.By every criteria you've listed.it's hard to understand why they've been overlooked.
The band has not been nominated for entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since their year of eligibility in 1998,seriously?
The Hall's refusal to induct Rush may be a consequence of the band's insistence on remaining outside the mainstream of rock when it comes to self-promotion, in favour of maintaining a high degree of independence.Supporters cite the band's accomplishments including longevity, proficiency, and influence, as well as commercial sales figures and RIAA certifications.
This statement reflects a certain truth that to me certifies a true rock and roll band, thumbing their noses at the music industry by forging their own criteria for relevance in their music by that and that alone they should be there,
but as Groucho Marx said once,I will not be a member of any club that wants me as a member!
However, Lifeson has expressed his indifference toward the perceived slight saying "I couldn't care less, look who's up for induction, it's a joke".
It appears Mr Lifeson shares your view on people up for nomination!
You're right, it is supposed to be a ROCK AND ROLL Hall of fame.

It's been more like the Rock and Roll Hall of Shame seeing most of the inductees. It's very clear the hall and I have very different definitions of "rock and roll" music, I always thought it had something to do with rock music but what do I know If it was called the Pop Hall of Fame or Mainstream Chart Hall of Fame I could care less who you'd put in but trying to call Madonna or Stevie Wonder, by the way one of my all time favorite singers but he should be no where near the hall, as rock and roll is a joke. Along with the amazing progressive rock band Rush, a genre heavily snubbed upon by the hall, I think not having Deep Purple and Judas Priest in the hall of fame is a crime against music to say the least.

I have my own pet peeve with the R & R Hall of fame. Why is Chicago not in? They are still making music after 44 years, and are one of the biggest American groups of all time. (The Beach Boys may have sold more). According to Billboard, Chicago was the leading US singles charting group during the 1970s.
"They have sold over 38 million units in the US, with 22 gold, 18 platinum, and 8 multi-platinum albums. Over the course of their career they have charted five No. 1 albums, and have had 21 top ten hits".
Should be credentials enough but since the HOF is just a bunch of BS politics, certain bands are excluded from consideration. The public knows who belongs and who dosen't so they can have their little dog and pony show every year and less people will care about it each time around.
And just for the record, I disagree with you about Neil Diamond. Here in the States he is commonly referred to as "the Jewish Elvis". He probably could've gotten in on his songwriting talents alone but his chart sales and Billboard placings as a solo artist
"As of 2001 Diamond has sold 115 million records worldwide including 48 million records in the U.S. In terms of Billboard chart success, he is the third most successful Adult Contemporary artist ever, ranking behind only Barbra Streisand and Elton John."

quoted sections courtesy of wikipedia

The main criteria for getting elected is that you have to be American.