Sci-Fi: Traitors to Television (B5TV.com takes a stand with critical article)
09-09-02 | 06:09 PM
#1
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Hero
Sci-Fi: Traitors to Television (B5TV.com takes a stand with critical article)
Formerly, B5LR.com (in preparation for what should have been a Rangers series), B5TV.com has emerged as one of the leading Babylon 5 (and all genre programming) discussion boards around. In the year plus since its creation, the authors seem to have always been diplomatic when it comes to the decisions of certain network personalities, probably not wanting to burn any bridges for future Babylon 5 projects. Today, however, perched atop their front page is the following article, prefaced by these comments:
As this article represents more than just the recent cancellation of Farsape and speaks to a topic we've discussed numerous times around here, I though it deserved its own thread. The only thing in this article I disagree with is that Sci-Fi is at fault for the bad timing of the Rangers telefilm. At the time it was scheduled and promoted, the football game was at a different date. Terrorists forced the change in football dates. However, the blame for not recognizing this situation and not accounting for the significantly higher West Coast numbers does rest surely on the USA2 channel.
Anyway, here's the article (btw, it "technically" doesn't represent the views of B5TV.com, but since AnthonyF is B5TV.com, you do the math
):
http://www.b5tv.com/greatmaker/articles/216/
das
A myriad of lies surrounds the US SCI FI Channel as it axes Farscape—has it lost the plot? The personal views of AntonyF on the SCI FI Channel and its current tactics. From the undermining of the Babylon 5: The Legend of the Rangers telemovie, to the recent cancelation of Farscape (going against their previous statements of its renewal, and their support of the show). With comments from Farscape's creator, and what to do next.
Anyway, here's the article (btw, it "technically" doesn't represent the views of B5TV.com, but since AnthonyF is B5TV.com, you do the math
):http://www.b5tv.com/greatmaker/articles/216/
Crash and burn
The US SCI FI Channel took another move this week to further turn its back on sci-fi when it canceled Farscape, killing the popular and innovative show after just four years on our screen.
"Bonnie Hammer, President of SCI FI Channel, announced today that SCI FI's visually stunning hit series Farscape will return. In a major commitment to SCI FI's key property, the SCI FI Channel has made a 44-episode commitment to Farscape for a fourth and fifth season," — SCI FI Channel press release, September 2001.
"The SCI FI Channel confirmed that it will not pick up its original series Farscape for a fifth season," — SCIFI.COM, September 2002.
Lies. In broad stroke, the SCI FI Channel showed its true colors. The SCI FI Channel said it had renewed Farscape for two seasons last year. However, what is the point if then isn't carried through? Effectively, they renewed it for one year only. Like any other channel does they evaluated one season at a time. The two season commitment was meaningless, and cast, crew, and loyal viewers were messed about and given false security. Oh, there was no doubt smallprint that the commitment wasn't binding. Isn't there always? And sometimes things happen. But it was quite clear, with no ambiguity, what their intention was. They, in their own words, made a "commitment to Farscape for a fourth and fifth season". And here we are, with no fifth season.
Bonnie Hammer aka Soundbite Suzie, also seems very confused about the worth of Farscape. Poor dear. Let's remind her, shall we. After all a year ago, Farscape was their golden love child, but a year later the tone is very different.
"It's no wonder that it's the top-rated series on SCI FI for three years running. Farscape is the cornerstone of our original series line-up, helping SCI FI to continue attracting new audiences — and not surprisingly, more female viewers," — SCI FI Channel press release, September 2001.
"A two-hour block of original series that included the original series Stargate SG-1 and Farscape ... set a summer record for the channel, averaging a 1.4 rating (1.1 million households). That represented a 27 percent ratings increase over last summer's ratings average for the time period and a 46 percent increase in household delivery over last year," SCIFI.COM, August 2002
"Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to reach a broader audience, Farscape has been unable to grow beyond its core fan base" — SCIFI.COM, September 2002.
Even from August 2002 to September 2002, their evaluation of how valuable Farscape is seems to differ. "Farscape is not only the most ambitious original series on basic cable, we think it's one of the best-written shows on television, period," it was said last year. They should have added, "which is why we'll cancel it 12 months down the line."
As TV viewers, we're used to getting attached to programs to only see them snatched away from us. Television is cut throat, and brutal, in the quest for ratings and to find what really works. But what is galling is the fact that we've been misled and lied to by the channel. How they are so quick to mention Soundbite Suzie on a press release when they're spouting some (now quit often false) information, yet the bad news is given clinically with no mention of her in sight.
Running deeper
The turnaround in their opinion of Farscape is evident. But what is going on? There do seem to be signs that SCI FI is trying not to be sci-fi to some degree. Happy to cobble together a schedule of other people's goods (Sliders, Earth: Final Conflict, The Outer Limits, Stargate: SG1, Dead Zone et al), it's becoming increasingly evident that the channel is dooming projects of its own.
Farscape may be one issue recently, but we need to look no further than home. Babylon 5.
SCI FI had seen, many times over, that Babylon 5 had a strong, consistent fan base. This has been evident that they are continually re-running Babylon 5 and Crusade. However, when the time came to invest in a new start for Babylon 5, they were cautious and erratic.
Even with the proven performance of B5, and the fact that J. Michael Stracyzynski is no first time writer, they only commissioned a telemovie to 'test the waters'. They filmed the Babylon 5: The Legend of the Rangers telemovie in May 2001, but shelved the movie until January 2002. They then, after waiting many months, decided to air it against a massive sporting event in the US. Placing a sci-fi show against a sports event (they both have similar demographics) was a suicidal one. The Legend of the Rangers unsurprisingly was damaged by the event, getting a weak overall rating.
Where the sporting event was not in competition with it, the telemovie showed strong ratings, and gained ratings throughout its airing (so people weren't tuning out because they hated it). Faced with these figures, SCI FI still chose to do nothing, going for the overall figure and not commissioning a series.
There were other signs that they weren't prepared to back the telemovie. On one side, they were showing a desire to heavily advertise the telemovie. On the other, they were ignoring ways to do it, for example blanket bans on acknowledging any telemovie-related exposure on the internet. They also failed to send out press materials, even though this is standard for a TV show. And their online advertising was limited to IGN sites, and any fan sites that would carry their banners for free without payment.
The prospect of a series has now gone, but in many ways they sabotaged the telemovie before it had even aired. They also don't care beyond that. With the telemovie aired, and out of their way, they turned their backs on the fans and abandoned the official Rangers website. Not one message has been posted after the telemovie aired, their last update is from February 1st. Countless fans emailed B5TV.COM asking when the series would continue, or what was happening next. Many didn't know that the telemovie was it, there was no series, and the SCI FI Channel's website indicates their intentions of letting you know: they're just glad to be done with it, and now you can go away.
In Soundbite Suzie's own words, "Babylon 5 is one of sci-fi fans' favorite series." Yet they had no interest in even giving it a 13 episode commitment.
Why?
So why did it happen? JMS made a post to the moderated newsgroup that is quite eye opening after the latest decision to cancel Farscape. "The SciFi Channel has indicated that it's moving away from space shows, with all the hardware/alien stuff that goes with it," JMS told the group.
It makes one wonder if they ever had any intention of carrying forward with Babylon 5: The Legend of the Rangers. Their actions says otherwise. And now they have gone back on their word, and dispensed with the popular Farscape, it makes you wonder if they are on a desperate attempt to either move their focus, or snap up more second hand goods. Or maybe both.
What can be done?
With such actions, the US SCI FI Channel does not deserve viewership. Turn off, go elsewhere, buy DVDs, whatever takes your fancy. I must point out that this isn't all SCI FI Channels around the world, just the US one. Hit them where it hurts: their viewership. We will be played and toyed with as fans, and sometimes we need to make a stand. They are quite prepared to mess us around and lie to us, so it's time to vote by tuning out.
By all means, write to the SCI FI Channel if you wish to voice your disgust. Just remember to be polite and calm, and make your points clear. SCI FI should mean sci fi, don't you think? Don't bother emailing the channel, as it is doubtful that they even read their emails. If they do, they certainly don't respond.
There were rumors that a financial backer pulling out was behind the SCI FI Channel's decision to pull the plug. They did even say that "the extreme and growing cost of production" was a factor. However, Farscape creator Rockne S. Obannon, was quite clear in denying such claims, and laid the blame firmly at SCI FI's door. "I'm still reeling from the cancellation, am touched beyond words by the outpouring of love and support from all the fans. Very importantly, I want to make it crystal clear to everyone that despite what Anthony [Simcoe, Ka D'Argo] said, EM-TV is only a tangental player in the demise of Farscape. The Sci-Fi Channel chose not to pick up the series for season 5, period. To say that they want the show is completely false. Please don't let the real story get clouded. Writing letters to EM-TV in German won't hurt, but it shouldn't be the focus of anyone who is moved to protest."
Because of this decision, contacting SCI FI may be futile. Rockne has other plans and urges the fans to help. "I know there's been a scattering of postings on message boards about writing to other networks, but most fans are directing their attention solely to Sci-Fi Channel, and with the current regime at Sci-Fi, it's a long shot that they'll reverse themselves. I'd love to see fans aiming their passion at these other networks, as well. If ...[you] could get the word out that the head of drama development at these three networks should also be given the full-court press as much as the Sci-Fi Channel, it might really mean something." In his message, he urged people to contact UPN, TNT and Showtime in particular.
Where now?
For now, the best we can do is follow up on Rockne's advice of extensively contacting other networks and showing your interest in Farscape. You can also contact the SCI FI Channel and politely tell them what you think of their treatment of Farscape and Babylon 5 fans, and for that matter all sci fi fans. But why not vote with your eyes, switching off their channel in a sign of protest. Make a stand, and boycott the station.
More importantly, especially if you carry on viewing: beware. These events have show what has happened, and what may happen again. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." The next time you read a press release from Soundbite Suzie, just remember this incident. We fans aren't stupid. And right now, I don't think we're that amused either.
"SCI FI'S ultimate weapon, Farscape, returns for unprecedented 4th and 5th seasons," — SCI FI 2001
"The SCI FI Channel confirmed that it will not pick up its original series Farscape for a fifth season," - SCI FI 2002
The US SCI FI Channel took another move this week to further turn its back on sci-fi when it canceled Farscape, killing the popular and innovative show after just four years on our screen.
"Bonnie Hammer, President of SCI FI Channel, announced today that SCI FI's visually stunning hit series Farscape will return. In a major commitment to SCI FI's key property, the SCI FI Channel has made a 44-episode commitment to Farscape for a fourth and fifth season," — SCI FI Channel press release, September 2001.
"The SCI FI Channel confirmed that it will not pick up its original series Farscape for a fifth season," — SCIFI.COM, September 2002.
Lies. In broad stroke, the SCI FI Channel showed its true colors. The SCI FI Channel said it had renewed Farscape for two seasons last year. However, what is the point if then isn't carried through? Effectively, they renewed it for one year only. Like any other channel does they evaluated one season at a time. The two season commitment was meaningless, and cast, crew, and loyal viewers were messed about and given false security. Oh, there was no doubt smallprint that the commitment wasn't binding. Isn't there always? And sometimes things happen. But it was quite clear, with no ambiguity, what their intention was. They, in their own words, made a "commitment to Farscape for a fourth and fifth season". And here we are, with no fifth season.
Bonnie Hammer aka Soundbite Suzie, also seems very confused about the worth of Farscape. Poor dear. Let's remind her, shall we. After all a year ago, Farscape was their golden love child, but a year later the tone is very different.
"It's no wonder that it's the top-rated series on SCI FI for three years running. Farscape is the cornerstone of our original series line-up, helping SCI FI to continue attracting new audiences — and not surprisingly, more female viewers," — SCI FI Channel press release, September 2001.
"A two-hour block of original series that included the original series Stargate SG-1 and Farscape ... set a summer record for the channel, averaging a 1.4 rating (1.1 million households). That represented a 27 percent ratings increase over last summer's ratings average for the time period and a 46 percent increase in household delivery over last year," SCIFI.COM, August 2002
"Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to reach a broader audience, Farscape has been unable to grow beyond its core fan base" — SCIFI.COM, September 2002.
Even from August 2002 to September 2002, their evaluation of how valuable Farscape is seems to differ. "Farscape is not only the most ambitious original series on basic cable, we think it's one of the best-written shows on television, period," it was said last year. They should have added, "which is why we'll cancel it 12 months down the line."
As TV viewers, we're used to getting attached to programs to only see them snatched away from us. Television is cut throat, and brutal, in the quest for ratings and to find what really works. But what is galling is the fact that we've been misled and lied to by the channel. How they are so quick to mention Soundbite Suzie on a press release when they're spouting some (now quit often false) information, yet the bad news is given clinically with no mention of her in sight.
Running deeper
The turnaround in their opinion of Farscape is evident. But what is going on? There do seem to be signs that SCI FI is trying not to be sci-fi to some degree. Happy to cobble together a schedule of other people's goods (Sliders, Earth: Final Conflict, The Outer Limits, Stargate: SG1, Dead Zone et al), it's becoming increasingly evident that the channel is dooming projects of its own.
Farscape may be one issue recently, but we need to look no further than home. Babylon 5.
SCI FI had seen, many times over, that Babylon 5 had a strong, consistent fan base. This has been evident that they are continually re-running Babylon 5 and Crusade. However, when the time came to invest in a new start for Babylon 5, they were cautious and erratic.
Even with the proven performance of B5, and the fact that J. Michael Stracyzynski is no first time writer, they only commissioned a telemovie to 'test the waters'. They filmed the Babylon 5: The Legend of the Rangers telemovie in May 2001, but shelved the movie until January 2002. They then, after waiting many months, decided to air it against a massive sporting event in the US. Placing a sci-fi show against a sports event (they both have similar demographics) was a suicidal one. The Legend of the Rangers unsurprisingly was damaged by the event, getting a weak overall rating.
Where the sporting event was not in competition with it, the telemovie showed strong ratings, and gained ratings throughout its airing (so people weren't tuning out because they hated it). Faced with these figures, SCI FI still chose to do nothing, going for the overall figure and not commissioning a series.
There were other signs that they weren't prepared to back the telemovie. On one side, they were showing a desire to heavily advertise the telemovie. On the other, they were ignoring ways to do it, for example blanket bans on acknowledging any telemovie-related exposure on the internet. They also failed to send out press materials, even though this is standard for a TV show. And their online advertising was limited to IGN sites, and any fan sites that would carry their banners for free without payment.
The prospect of a series has now gone, but in many ways they sabotaged the telemovie before it had even aired. They also don't care beyond that. With the telemovie aired, and out of their way, they turned their backs on the fans and abandoned the official Rangers website. Not one message has been posted after the telemovie aired, their last update is from February 1st. Countless fans emailed B5TV.COM asking when the series would continue, or what was happening next. Many didn't know that the telemovie was it, there was no series, and the SCI FI Channel's website indicates their intentions of letting you know: they're just glad to be done with it, and now you can go away.
In Soundbite Suzie's own words, "Babylon 5 is one of sci-fi fans' favorite series." Yet they had no interest in even giving it a 13 episode commitment.
Why?
So why did it happen? JMS made a post to the moderated newsgroup that is quite eye opening after the latest decision to cancel Farscape. "The SciFi Channel has indicated that it's moving away from space shows, with all the hardware/alien stuff that goes with it," JMS told the group.
It makes one wonder if they ever had any intention of carrying forward with Babylon 5: The Legend of the Rangers. Their actions says otherwise. And now they have gone back on their word, and dispensed with the popular Farscape, it makes you wonder if they are on a desperate attempt to either move their focus, or snap up more second hand goods. Or maybe both.
What can be done?
With such actions, the US SCI FI Channel does not deserve viewership. Turn off, go elsewhere, buy DVDs, whatever takes your fancy. I must point out that this isn't all SCI FI Channels around the world, just the US one. Hit them where it hurts: their viewership. We will be played and toyed with as fans, and sometimes we need to make a stand. They are quite prepared to mess us around and lie to us, so it's time to vote by tuning out.
By all means, write to the SCI FI Channel if you wish to voice your disgust. Just remember to be polite and calm, and make your points clear. SCI FI should mean sci fi, don't you think? Don't bother emailing the channel, as it is doubtful that they even read their emails. If they do, they certainly don't respond.
There were rumors that a financial backer pulling out was behind the SCI FI Channel's decision to pull the plug. They did even say that "the extreme and growing cost of production" was a factor. However, Farscape creator Rockne S. Obannon, was quite clear in denying such claims, and laid the blame firmly at SCI FI's door. "I'm still reeling from the cancellation, am touched beyond words by the outpouring of love and support from all the fans. Very importantly, I want to make it crystal clear to everyone that despite what Anthony [Simcoe, Ka D'Argo] said, EM-TV is only a tangental player in the demise of Farscape. The Sci-Fi Channel chose not to pick up the series for season 5, period. To say that they want the show is completely false. Please don't let the real story get clouded. Writing letters to EM-TV in German won't hurt, but it shouldn't be the focus of anyone who is moved to protest."
Because of this decision, contacting SCI FI may be futile. Rockne has other plans and urges the fans to help. "I know there's been a scattering of postings on message boards about writing to other networks, but most fans are directing their attention solely to Sci-Fi Channel, and with the current regime at Sci-Fi, it's a long shot that they'll reverse themselves. I'd love to see fans aiming their passion at these other networks, as well. If ...[you] could get the word out that the head of drama development at these three networks should also be given the full-court press as much as the Sci-Fi Channel, it might really mean something." In his message, he urged people to contact UPN, TNT and Showtime in particular.
Where now?
For now, the best we can do is follow up on Rockne's advice of extensively contacting other networks and showing your interest in Farscape. You can also contact the SCI FI Channel and politely tell them what you think of their treatment of Farscape and Babylon 5 fans, and for that matter all sci fi fans. But why not vote with your eyes, switching off their channel in a sign of protest. Make a stand, and boycott the station.
More importantly, especially if you carry on viewing: beware. These events have show what has happened, and what may happen again. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." The next time you read a press release from Soundbite Suzie, just remember this incident. We fans aren't stupid. And right now, I don't think we're that amused either.
"SCI FI'S ultimate weapon, Farscape, returns for unprecedented 4th and 5th seasons," — SCI FI 2001
"The SCI FI Channel confirmed that it will not pick up its original series Farscape for a fifth season," - SCI FI 2002
09-09-02 | 06:24 PM
#2
DVD Talk Legend
I'm really steaming over this, as you can tell from my new signature.
They have no interest in doing "space shows"--they've said so numerous times behind the scenes. They do not deserve the name Sci Fi.
They have no interest in doing "space shows"--they've said so numerous times behind the scenes. They do not deserve the name Sci Fi.
09-09-02 | 06:56 PM
#4
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You know, I think I've finally gotten it through my head - "fool me once..." - I'm never trusting Sci Fi, oops, I mean USA2, again. First B5, then Invisible Man, now Farscape. It took three travesties before it sunk in, but it's all over now. Why start watching something just to have it snatched out from under me? They have NOTHING for me. At all. Stargate I get on Showtime, and Dead Zone I get on USA - who at least has stayed true to its philosophy of "random" programming. If you're going to pick a niche name like "SciFi" and present yourself as a niche programming provider, then friggin follow through!!!!!!
My only hope is that TNT will pick it up like they did with The Pretender. Or maybe Showtime - with Jeremiah and Odyssey 5, they've proven themselves to know great sci fi programming when they see it. Or UPN - they have shown themselves willing to pay for quality programming and a devoted fanbase, just look at Buffy. I called all three networks in the hopes of getting them thinking along those lines.
And bravo to b5lr for stepping up to the plate and telling it like it is. Hopefully the people in charge are listening.
My only hope is that TNT will pick it up like they did with The Pretender. Or maybe Showtime - with Jeremiah and Odyssey 5, they've proven themselves to know great sci fi programming when they see it. Or UPN - they have shown themselves willing to pay for quality programming and a devoted fanbase, just look at Buffy. I called all three networks in the hopes of getting them thinking along those lines.
And bravo to b5lr for stepping up to the plate and telling it like it is. Hopefully the people in charge are listening.
09-09-02 | 08:59 PM
#5
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Yup. I'm boycotting the sci-fi channel. 
Everyone should because it's so damn easy. It's not like boycotting whale blubber products or rhino horns, because compared to the sci-fi channel, contraband dead animals are actually appealing.
tasha
Everyone should because it's so damn easy. It's not like boycotting whale blubber products or rhino horns, because compared to the sci-fi channel, contraband dead animals are actually appealing. tasha
09-09-02 | 10:05 PM
#6
DVD Talk Legend
It's not too hard for me to boycott the Sci-Fi Channel... Farscape was the last program I was watching. For me, this "boycott" is just a fancy way of me saying "There's nothing on this channel that interests me anymore... I'm going to go watch some other channel or read a book."
09-10-02 | 12:05 AM
#7
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From: Penfield, NY, USA
Sci-Fi has always been the biggest disapointment to me in the world of cable TV. It will be easy not to watch.
Let's see, that's 2 down (ABC and Sci-Fi) and about 30 more to go and I can get rid of cable all together.
Let's see, that's 2 down (ABC and Sci-Fi) and about 30 more to go and I can get rid of cable all together.
09-10-02 | 12:25 AM
#8
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Hero
It's almost painful to see how right I was about these bastards:
This is about Farscape, but speaks to the overall deception of the network.
das
This is about Farscape, but speaks to the overall deception of the network.
Hey it's me again. I tried to tell everyone on the scifi chat room what's up but too many which is ok. I spoke with my mole at Scifi in NYC and here are a couple of things that are going on:
(1) Scifi is totally to blame. They know that going into season five would be expensive and they wanted to pay less for the show, they went to EMTV and is strapped for cash they said no and SCIFI opted to get out. Scifi knew this well ahead of everyone, they employed a win-win situation, by this I mean their programming strategy. By constantly airing the show and ratings didn't go up they could claim that its core audience did not grow and vice versa. By changing time slots, the network hoped to increase ratings for SG1, a show that costs less to produce, they were implementing a preemptive strike blaming poor ratings but what happened was the opposite SG1 fans watched Farscape INCREASING its core base making the press release a lie. Numbers don't lie. Scifi did not plan to announce the cancellation of the show until mid or near the end of the season.
(2) The network execs told everyone not to say anything about this, DK,BB, & &RM all jumped the gun to try to let everyone know what was happening ASAP so that fan momentum would start.
(3) They are reading all emails, letters, faxes, and telegrams sent to the office but are throwing ones out that are vulgar and nasty. They are getting flowers, crackers and Farscape toys. My mole also told me that they don't mind calls as long as it's professional and polite. They will hang up on you if you start yelling and cussing. Everyone has a good chance to reach an exec or at least their assistant and they are more than happy to help you with any info. My source also suggested that all correspondence contain your full name not chat or BB name as well as some demographic info like your age, household income. If some fans are still in HS then use the parent's income, my source believes that Scifi is going to try to convince advertisers to pay for more advertising if it can show them the demographics thus willing to pay for a fifth season. This is very important, also to write to all of the sponsors and threaten to stop buying or using product. Mention in the letter that you bought their product after seeing a commercial aired during Farscape and if possible send the UNUSED product back to them. Don't forget a sponsor may make a variety of products that all of us can be using so look hard.
(4) start to email etc. to your local papers first. If they run a story a larger media outlet will most likely pick it up i.e. AP and call your local cable company and threaten them by telling them that you may switch to direct TV or satellite.
(5) Because of the leak Scifi knew what was coming so it was expected but not to this degree. They thought that only the BBs would be the only place to vent and did not expect such a huge backlash. However the suits think that this will fade by Wednesday so everyone has to keep the heat up at least a week or two or they won't take us seriously. My source said that you can mail, fax or email everyday and to reference the previous letter that was sent.
(6) Right now no one is talking to [any]one, network suits, Henson people, DK etc. there is a lot of anger and shock and betrayal as to what happened so there is an informal cooling off period.
This comes from my mole at scifi and I can assure you is fact.
(1) Scifi is totally to blame. They know that going into season five would be expensive and they wanted to pay less for the show, they went to EMTV and is strapped for cash they said no and SCIFI opted to get out. Scifi knew this well ahead of everyone, they employed a win-win situation, by this I mean their programming strategy. By constantly airing the show and ratings didn't go up they could claim that its core audience did not grow and vice versa. By changing time slots, the network hoped to increase ratings for SG1, a show that costs less to produce, they were implementing a preemptive strike blaming poor ratings but what happened was the opposite SG1 fans watched Farscape INCREASING its core base making the press release a lie. Numbers don't lie. Scifi did not plan to announce the cancellation of the show until mid or near the end of the season.
(2) The network execs told everyone not to say anything about this, DK,BB, & &RM all jumped the gun to try to let everyone know what was happening ASAP so that fan momentum would start.
(3) They are reading all emails, letters, faxes, and telegrams sent to the office but are throwing ones out that are vulgar and nasty. They are getting flowers, crackers and Farscape toys. My mole also told me that they don't mind calls as long as it's professional and polite. They will hang up on you if you start yelling and cussing. Everyone has a good chance to reach an exec or at least their assistant and they are more than happy to help you with any info. My source also suggested that all correspondence contain your full name not chat or BB name as well as some demographic info like your age, household income. If some fans are still in HS then use the parent's income, my source believes that Scifi is going to try to convince advertisers to pay for more advertising if it can show them the demographics thus willing to pay for a fifth season. This is very important, also to write to all of the sponsors and threaten to stop buying or using product. Mention in the letter that you bought their product after seeing a commercial aired during Farscape and if possible send the UNUSED product back to them. Don't forget a sponsor may make a variety of products that all of us can be using so look hard.
(4) start to email etc. to your local papers first. If they run a story a larger media outlet will most likely pick it up i.e. AP and call your local cable company and threaten them by telling them that you may switch to direct TV or satellite.
(5) Because of the leak Scifi knew what was coming so it was expected but not to this degree. They thought that only the BBs would be the only place to vent and did not expect such a huge backlash. However the suits think that this will fade by Wednesday so everyone has to keep the heat up at least a week or two or they won't take us seriously. My source said that you can mail, fax or email everyday and to reference the previous letter that was sent.
(6) Right now no one is talking to [any]one, network suits, Henson people, DK etc. there is a lot of anger and shock and betrayal as to what happened so there is an informal cooling off period.
This comes from my mole at scifi and I can assure you is fact.
09-10-02 | 01:44 AM
#9
DVD Talk Legend
Keep the heat on these people!
POLITELY, but firmly let them know how disappointed/disgusted you are that the Sci-Fi Channel (USA2) has turned its back on SCIENCE FICTION!
They SHOULD have picked up Legend Of The Rangers, they SHOULD keep more science fiction programming on the network (rather than all those crap straight to video horror movies).
They SHOULD have renewed Farscape.
Tell them. Repeatedly. Politely. Professionally. Firmly.
If we don't draw the line now there won't be a Sci-Fi Channel to draw the line with. It really WILL be USA2.
POLITELY, but firmly let them know how disappointed/disgusted you are that the Sci-Fi Channel (USA2) has turned its back on SCIENCE FICTION!
They SHOULD have picked up Legend Of The Rangers, they SHOULD keep more science fiction programming on the network (rather than all those crap straight to video horror movies).
They SHOULD have renewed Farscape.
Tell them. Repeatedly. Politely. Professionally. Firmly.
If we don't draw the line now there won't be a Sci-Fi Channel to draw the line with. It really WILL be USA2.
09-10-02 | 10:01 AM
#10
DVD Talk Legend
Here's an article that disects Sci-Fi's upcoming schedule:
http://www.darkmoonrising.com/issues...sp?file=shapes
Sure makes that boycott seem easier and easier, no?
http://www.darkmoonrising.com/issues...sp?file=shapes
Sure makes that boycott seem easier and easier, no?
09-10-02 | 12:41 PM
#11
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There is only 1 show that i watch on sci-fi now and thats Stargate. There are a few other movies they are making that i want to see like the sequal to dune, but thats about it . I wont be watching anything on there until stargate is back on.
capt
capt
09-10-02 | 03:20 PM
#12
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Hero
Well, it looks like Farscape may be a casualty of war, but there's most definitely a war going on behind the scenes ... and it's getting ugly. This is going to be a PR nightmare for them.
das
das
09-10-02 | 08:03 PM
#13
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I just wrote six letters, and will mail them first thing tomorrow.
I can't believe how worked up I about this - well, actually I can, since I take these things pretty hard normally, but this one is the first to motivate me into campaigning. B5 had a solution in place by the time I found out about its problems, and Farscape is the only other show I've cared this much about that was cancelled.
I can't believe how worked up I about this - well, actually I can, since I take these things pretty hard normally, but this one is the first to motivate me into campaigning. B5 had a solution in place by the time I found out about its problems, and Farscape is the only other show I've cared this much about that was cancelled.
09-12-02 | 12:59 PM
#14
DVD Talk Special Edition
I think you all are also forgetting one of the earliest travesties that Bonnie Hammer committed...When sci-fi cancelled Mystery Science Theater 3000 which was, at the time, the only intelligent show they carried. I stopped actively watching sci-fi right after that (one of the reasons it took me a very long time to get into babylon 5). I'm truly disgusted with the people running this station and hope everyone on this board will surely take note of their very long-term mis-treatment of our beloved genre.
Michael
Michael
