Positive Responses

[Kerlin]

I thought we might take a thread and just hash out who has responded to letters and what their reaction was, and maybe how we might use this information effectively in the future.

I'll start by saying that I received a letter from Nestle. I wrote to them about Hot Pockets - I have no idea what episode; it must have been on of the new 11 - and received a nice letter back, the text of which is as follows:

Dear Me:

Thank you for taking the time to contact Nestle USA, Hand-Held Foods Group, manufacturer of the frozen HOT POCKETS (R) brand sandwiches. We appreciate hearing from consumers regarding any questions or comments about our products.

It is especially nice to hear from consumers who have enjoyed our HOT POCKETS (R) brand sandwiches. We are a company focused on a mission of providing our customers with the highest quality product possible and the most satisfying consumer experience possible. Our entire team strives to achieve and maintain the very highest standards.

Again, thank you for your comments. Enclosed is a coupon for our sandwiches with our compliments

Sincerely,
Gail Stuart
Consumer Affairs Manager
(personally signed)

In the envelope I received four $0.40 coupons for Hot Pockets.

[stlscape]

I received this response to my letter re the Right Guard Xtreme Power Strip (deodorant) ad. Joseph Scalzo is the president of the Personal Care Products division.

Text of letter:

Dear Me:

Thank you for your letter. I really appreciate your support of RG Xtreme.

We will be sure to let UPN know of your interest in Farscape.

Yours truly,

Joseph Scalzo
(personally signed)

[stlscape]

The first two share a paragraph. The last one is different.

Response 1 - postmarked March 7, 2003:

Dear Me:

Thanks for contacting P&G about family-friendly television programming.

We're happy to know you are pleased with the quality of television programs we sponsor. It is important for us to keep in touch with our viewers attitudes, and I am sharing your comments with our Advertising Managers responsible for television programming.

Sincerely,
Alice Le Bar (printed in script font)
Alice Le Bar
Consumer Relations - CCT


Response 2 - postmarked March 19, 2003

Dear Me:

Thanks for contacting P&G.

We're happy to know you are pleased with the quality of television programs we sponsor. It is important for us to keep i touch with our viewers attitudes, and I am sharing your comments with our advertising Managers responsible for television programming.

Thank you for getting in touch with us.

Sincerely,

Mary Lou Statt (printed in script font)
Mary Lou Statt
Customer Relations - CCT


Response 3 - postmarked April 16, 2003

Dear Me:

Thanks for contacting P&G about the TV series, Farscape.

We appreciate your support in our efforts to provide more family-friendly TV programming in prime time. I'm sharing your comments with the rest of the Advertising Team.

Sincerely,

Karen A. Farris (printed in script font)
Karen A. Farris
Consumer Relations - CCT

[B Sharp]

I talked to briefly to the person that answers the email at HP (I work there); bottom line is that

- the emails have been noticed above the noise level of people writing for other reasons.

2. a letter did go from HP to SciFi asking about it (which was answered with the usual dren).

3. recently the number of emails with FS mentioned has dropped off significantly.

Don't know if / what effect this might have had on advertising dollars.

[B Sharp]

Just noticed a thread started by Harveywhispers that had a very specific, positive statement in it about the future of FS; this made me think we should collect the response information and collate; then maybe start to target the content of letters to the future (rather than the cancellation).

This might mean writing some 'form' letters or suggesting a different style of feedback in the messages than so far- and if we focus on those advertisers who've been friendly so far, that might help Henson's efforts....

or is this one of those out-in-left-field brain fart sort of ideas I have sometimes?

[blue]

Good idea Kerlin and BSharp--As a start, I'm going to repost the list of companies that have responded to letters that Jpfarscaper compiled: Maybe we can list all their addresses on another thread with suggestions for new letters to them about Farscape's future.

Best Buy
CDW
Charmin
Clorox
ConAgra
Domino's Pizza
FedEx
General Mills
Gillette
Hershey
HP
KFC
Kia
Kraft
Long John Silvers
Mazda
Michelin
Mitsubishi
Nestle
Nissan
Norelco
Orkin
Post
Proctor & Gamble
Quaker
S.C. Johnson
TGI Fridays
Wendys
Visa

[blue]

Yes--ad HP to the to do list.

And maybe something about the amount of money viewers have to spend based on what has been spent on this campaign (what's a good estimate? I used to estimate over $150,000 but it must be higher now) and what has been pledged to TVC (over $375,000 now?)
And maybe the suggestion to write to the Henson Co. to say they would like to run ads during Farscape on any station that it broadcasts on in the future?
Do we want to continue to ask advertisers to contact UPN, Showtime, etc? Or would it give more leaway to Henson's negotiations if advertisers contacted Henson about future support? Or both? Any thoughts?

[B Sharp]

Hi All-

This is one of those somewhat OT posts- we're all mods now, so feel to move this or delete it (we have to practice this anyway to learn the extent of our new power....)

Kerlin: agree, I was thinking of something exactly like you wrote. I think we need to start a new thread on letter writing suggestions in the main campaign forum, then maybe directing them to this subforum for who, etc. Something with a catchy title...

I also think we need to request something specific be added to the to-do list- I think that's a PM to Red or Jul, but not sure....

blue: I do think we should make a conscious shift away from advertisers that don't help Henson's efforts- that seems like the best way to go to me. I think we still need to collect the info- this is more of a recommednation thgat gets people re-energized on writing to advertisers for a specific purpose.

Re duplicate thread- What's the title of the thread you mean? RE cross-posting: I'm still unfamiliar with how exactly the threads tie together, but as far as deleting goes, we're mods.. :ewink: so we can do whatever we need to do! If you think it's needs deleting, go for it- my only request would be to capture any info from the old thread you think we need.

All: I have a RL job interruption this week. I'll probably not be able to check as much as usual- but it's only for this week. I will do my best to be the #2 person to check for locals, etc., but I can't guarantee it....I have to travel today, and then I'm in meetings all day long (and probably into the night) for the entire week...(whine whine).

[Kerlin]

B Sharp, I've started another thread with all of our discussion about a new letter-writing focus copied into it. I'm going to go delete my original post in response to your suggestion so as to clean up this thread and keep it strictly for keeping track of positive responses. I suggest you and blue do the same?

I'm also going to go over to the "responses to To Do list items" thread and copy some of those letters into the thread.

I will take care of suggesting things for the To Do list. If once a week we start a thread and discuss our suggestions, then over the weekend decide on who to suggest, I can submit that in for a Monday To Do list.

And ssshhh with the "m" word, you're going to get me all power-trippy...:D

(I will delete this post once it becomes extraneous.)

[Kerlin]

Here's the initial KFC positive response, posted by anomia on 10/15/02 in this thread: http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4562

This would be the response letter that started the whole KFC Campaign.

THE ADVERTISERS ARE LISTENING! Just received this today!

Dear (my real name),

Thank you for your recent letter to our CMO, John Gilbert, on your passionate drive to keep Farscape on the air. We also appreciate your patronage to our restaurants!

We are Customer Maniacs here at KFC. As a media professional, I am also a Media Maniac and we are excited when a program like this finds a loyal audience. I just wanted to let you know that, per your request, I have contacted the UPN President of Sales to let him know of the response we received from the loyal viewers of Farscape. I communicated that KFC would continue to support the show if it did move to UPN.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us. We hope your efforts to keep your favorite show on the air produce positive results.

Melanie Dyer
Associate Media Manager

[Kerlin]

This response from Best Buy was posted by fialka on 10/17/03 and is the first post in the "Responses to To-Do list letters" thread in the Campaign Strategizing forum (http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4617)

Unless otherwise noted, all of the following posts will be copied from that same thread.

fialka wrote:
There's also this one from Best Buy (provided directly to SFA by Karen Copp -- thanks kc!)

I received two letters today from Best Buy -- both the same, but still good:

"Thank you for contacting Best Buy's Corporate Headquarters regarding Farscape. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you and to address your concern. I apologize I was not able to respond sooner; please allow me to do so now.

"On behalf of Best Buy, please allow me to apologize for any frustration or inconvenience this situation has caused you. I would like to thank you for making your concerns about the Sci-Fi program, "Farscape" known to Best Buy's corporate headquarters. Our company purchases broadcast time on a wide variety of television shows. Our purchase decisions focus heavily on the audiences reached by the various programs. We are
concerned when one of our customers is moved enough to share his or her comments and suggestions with our Consumer Relations department. Please be assured your remarks have been heard and forwarded to the employees charged with making key advertising decisions for Best Buy. Your valuable input enables Best Buy to better evaluate the advertising vehicles we choose in the future.

"In closing, I would like to thank you again for taking the time to
write. Your business is important to us and your comments are
appreciated. We thank you for your patronage and look forward to having you back in a Best Buy store very soon!

"Lena Morris, Contact Center Representative, Best Buy Enterprise
Customer Service."

kc

[Kerlin]

This response from Mitsubishi was posted by akimbo on 10/20/03, who wrote:
Got a response from Mitsubishi:

"Thank you for your letter to Mr. O'Neil regarding our Television Commercials. Please accept this response on Mr. O'Neills' behalf.

"In you letter you expressed your concern regarding the cancellation of a particular television program. Mitsubishi Motors commercials run in connection with a wide variety of shows on a rotating schedule and we are not tied to any particular show. We regularly evaluate our advertising program and will take your comments into consideration.

"Thank you for sharing your concerns."

"Sincerely,
Robin J Strom
Customer Relations Support
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America"

[Kerlin]

CMScaper on 10/20/03 posted:
Nothing encouraging from the agency that handles Domino's Pizza (any errors are theirs):

Thank you for your letter dated September 21, 2002 regarding sci-fi channel movie Farscape.

As a matter of policy, we do not consider suggestions or idea's which are offered to us on an unsolicited basis. I am sure you can appreciate that consideration of such material could tend to place us in an awkward position, since it is always possible that an idea submitted may not be original or that it may have occurred to one of our clients or to our own employees.

We trust you will understand that, as an advertising agency, we feel obliged to maintain this policy without deviation. However, we do want to thank you again for your interest.

Sincerely yours,
Judy A. Adams

Management Supervisor
J. Walter Thompson USA Inc.

[Kerlin]

Posted by MJN on 10/22/02:
I received a few letters back already, Best Buy, Jim Henson, a post card from TNT, KFC and this Mazda letter today.

RE: Farscape
The Sci-Fi Channel

Dear Consumer,
We are in receipt of your letter regarding your request for assistance to keep the program feature, "Farscape" from being discontinued.
We just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for taking the time to bring your suggestions to our attention, as consumer feedback is very important to Mazda.
Your suggestions have been documented for the corporate record and a copy has been forwarded to our marketing/advertsing department for their review as well.
If we can be of any future assistance, please contact us.
Sincerely,
Mazda Customer Assistance
They also included a 800 # and if anyone is interested they can ask me. :)

[Kerlin]

harveywhispers, on 11/06/03:
Just got this email response from KIA -

Dear (real me deleted):

Thank you for writing regarding your concern with the cancellation of Farscape. As Kia has been an advertiser in the past on this program, we investigated this cancellation and discovered the following:

* This is Farscape's last season on Sci-Fi due to contract issues.
* Farscape will air new episodes through March '03, and repeat episodes through September '03. Kia will air commercials on Farscape through September 03.
* Unfortunately, it is our understanding that UPN will not be picking up the show as was rumored.

Kia is eager to support shows with a loyal following, thereby ensuring that quality programming remains on the air. Although Kia was unable to affect the Farscape cancellation, we will continue to support similar quality programming, such as Stargate on The Sci-Fi Channel and Star Trek Enterprise on UPN.

Thank you for writing with your concern.

Sincerely,

Walter Anderson
Vice President, Marketing

/tl

**sent the letter writer a real nice response w/some better info - her email is TLachman@Kiausa.com

[Kerlin]

Erp, on 11/11/03:
I've written all the to-do letters, with a few exceptions, and sent several emails. I'm glad to say that I finally got a response, and by email at that.

Dear Dr. Robinson,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us with your comments regarding our T.V. advertising. Our Norelco customers mean a great deal to us, and we take your feed back seriously. I will forward your comments to the appropriate department.

Karen Leigh
Customer Care Specialist
Norelco Consumer Products Division

[Kerlin]

akimbo, on 11/23/03:
Got a reply from Clorox today:

"Thank you for your recent letter about the Sci-Fi program "Farscape". We appreciate your loyalty to a quality program like this and also appreciate your loyalty to our products.

The Clorox Company will remain committed to quality broadcasting and we will continue to support programming that adheres to our programming guidelines.

Sincerely,
(Printed signature)
Terry Dittus
Product Specialist"


Not great, but at least a recognition.

[Kerlin]

RobinC, on 11/23/02:
Got a reply from Procter & Gamble today. They write:

Thank you for conctacting P&G about the Sci-Fi Channel's show, Farscape.
I'm sorry you're disappointed this show has been cancelled. However, we have no control over programming decisions. You may want to write directly to the network to share your comments.

So...no help there. But onward and upward.

Robin

harveywhispers on 3/23/03:
New response from Procter & Gamble:

Dear Real Me:

Thanks for contacting P&G.

We're happy to know that you are pleased with the quality programs we sponsor. It is important for us to keep in touch with our viewer's attitudes, an I am sharing your comments with our advertising Managers responsible for television programming.

Thank you for getting in touch with us.

Sincerely,

Mary Lou Statt
Consumer Relations - CCT

--------------

Note: This is the 2nd response that I received from P&G - the first told me that they had no say in programming decisions.

stlscape, 4/19/03:
I received a new response from Proctor & Gamble - still a form letter with a printed signature, but it's a different response than the one from my earlier letter(s).

Dear <me>:

Thanks for contacting P&G about the TV series, Farscape.

We appreciate your support of our efforts to provide more family-friendly TV programming in prime time. I'm sharing your comments with the rest of the Advertising Team.

Sincerely,

Karen A. Farris
Consumer Relations - CCT

[Kerlin]

RescueFarscape, on 12/12/03:
Received a letter back from Kraft. Same general thing: They appreciate writing, but have no control over programming(did I write anything like that in my letter?), but will pass it on to their advert people.

They mentioned FS by name :)

akimbo posted the text of the letter from Kraft on that same day:
Got my letter from Kraft too:
"Thank you for contacting us to express your disappointment with the cancellation of the program "Farscape" on the SciFi Channel. We appreciate your concern.

Entertainment has been very important to us since we sponsored our first hour-long programs in 1947, and today we continue to participate in proven top rated programs and specials chosen for family appeal and entertainment value.

As a participating advertiser in shows other than our own television specials, we unfortunately do not have a voice in the decision to continue or to discontinue a program.

Thank you again for contacting us, and we will share your comments with the people responsible for our advertising. We appreciate your expressing concern about this program and hope that you understand our position.
Sincerely,
Kim McMiller
Consumer Resource Manager"

I don't understand. Actually, I don't appreciate that they "don't have a voice". They have a powerful voice, they just ain't shoutin!

[Kerlin]

grapeshot, on 12/27/03:
I got the usual response from Best Buy.

However, I also got a reply from Orkin. It said thank you and blah blah blah. But they also sent a coupon for services. (I had promised to consider hiring their services for my ant infestation...which I'll be dealing with when the snow melts!)

[Kerlin]

deweytoo, on 1/06/03:
I got a letter back from S.C. Johnson today. It said

Thank you for writing us about "Farscape." Like you, I am a big fan of the Sci-Fi Channel {I DON'T KNOW WHERE HE GOT THIS IDEA} and I appreciate your interest in keeping a favorite show on the air. Star Trek is one of my personal favorites.

I can tell you that we do intend to keep advertising S.C. Johnson products on Sci-Fi, and current plans are for our commercials to air during "Farscape" through its run. I am sure you understand that advertisers have no control over network content or schedules.

We wish you and other "Farscape" fans success in your efforts to keep the show alive,

Regards,
Fisk Johnson

It looks like a personal signature and he does wish us luck. :)

[Kerlin]

TheGhost, on 1/13/03:
Just to let you guys know

I sent an e-mail to HP after "Kansas" and today I got a response from Carly Fiona. It was a short message, but the messages are getting to them so keep it up guys!!!!

aeryncrichton on 1/20/03:
I got an e-mail back from HP, too.... Very generic, but here it is:

Thank you for your kind comments and feedback. We very much appreciate
them.

Sincerely,
HP Executive Communications

Better than nothing, I suppose. :)

fialka, on 1/21/03:
This was forwarded to me, by KCopp. It's the response she received from HP:

>
> We thank you for your support of HP and our decision to
> advertise on the Sci-Fi channel, and more specifically, Farscape. > We have communicated to the station the tremendous
> feedback we have received from fans such as yourself. Thanks > again for your interest in HP.
>
> Best,
> Meredith Brace
> Media Program Manager
> Hewlett-Packard

scape_sister on 1/30/03:
HP email response:

Dear Sarah:

Thank you for taking the time to send HP your comments. They have been forwarded to the appropriate people within Hewlett-Packard for their information or action. Should more clarification or information be needed, you may be contacted directly.

Your input is important to us and very much appreciated.

Sincerely,

HP Executive Communications

Original Message Follows:
-------------------------
This is a message to HP's CEO, Carly Fiorina, from a valued customer: Sarah Smith.

Message:

Hello, I am writing to thank you for sponsoring and advertising on the television series Farscape on the Sci-Fi Channel. Please consider contacting UPN or the Sci-Fi Channel (or both) about advertising on a fifth season of Farscape. I recently purchased a hpdeskjet656c printer. Now after working out some installation kinks, it works great.
I am also part of a group called Pacific Northwest Farscape Fans. We held a food drive to benefit the Oregon Food Bank. Admittance to view episodes of the series Farscape was a donation of a non-perishable food item.

Individually I have written letters, emailed, and phoned many people to try to renew Farscape for it's fifth season. This is like no other television series I know and it deserves to have it's once promised fifth season. Please consider me and my whole family's request, and we will continue to buy your quality products.

Thank you,

Sarah Smith and Family
www.watchfarscape.com

(I removed our demographics for privacy)

I am a valued customer! They may contact me directly!
Good thing I threw in the watchfarscape url!

This is good news! Wink, Wink!

B Sharp on 1/31/03:
received from a spy inside HP!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B,

I met with Meredith Brace yesterday about FarScape.

Meredith said that sending letters through the "email Carly" channel is appropriate. However, she was amazed at the number of letters and one way to help her would be to organize the drive, possibly by sending one letter from all individuals (similar to a petition) rather than "spamming". In addition, this focal point could be used as a 2-way conduit for information flow.

Meredith did say that the information and concerns expressed in the emails was sent on to the proper people. I don't remember if it is the local affiliate, the sci-fi channel directly, etc. Meredith has not yet heard anything back. She will work to disseminate any information that she can back to the group. She isn't sure on the best way yet, so I suggested possibly posting something to the group's site... she did receive the site information and has been out to it. also, if there were a "focal point", that might be another option.

Meredith is amazed at the passion of the group for this show...

I hope this helps.

S
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Can I get a HELL YEAH?

[Kerlin]

buckshsot on 1/26/03:
Got a response from ConAgra by email today.

Dear Cindy:

Thank you for the compliment! We think our Orville Redenbacher's\ Smart Pop Kettle Korn Microwave Popping Corn is great and it's nice to know you agree with us. Comments like yours make us try even harder.

I am passing your compliment on to our Marketing Division since I know they will be pleased with your nice comments too.

We appreciate you letting us know about this. To thank you for your kind words, I will send out a cents-off coupon to you at the address you provided.

Sincerely,
Renee Beneke
Consumer Affairs
ConAgra Snack Foods, Specialty Snacks

[Kerlin]

scape_sister on 1/28/03:
Dear Mrs. Smith:

Thank you for contacting General Mills. We appreciate your comments regarding our advertising for General Mills products. The information you provided will be carefully reviewed with our marketing and advertising team. We hope you continue to enjoy our products.

Sincerely,
Eric Metzer
General MillsConsumer Services

Sounds hopeful, since it will be carefully reviewed by their marketing and advertising teams.

Better than that blah, blah, blah stuff.

LiLOrion on 2/01/03:
"I am responding on behalf of Ian Friendly to your recent letter regarding the cancellation of Farscape on the Sci-Fi Channel.

I appreciate your kind words regarding our decision to advertise our products during this program. Unfortunately, the various networks do not consult advertisers when they make their decisions whether to air or cancel programming. We are merely offered blocks of advertising slots for purchase and then select those programs that we beleive will appeal to our various products' consumers.

Replacing one show with another does not guarantee the network that existing advertising in the time slot will still be there. In all likelihood, should Farscape be picked up by UPN or another network, our advertising will follow the program, depending upon the time slots provided, etc. As a result, your petition to continue the program should be directed to the networks themselves.

I wish you the best in your efforts to keep Farscape in production in the future."

Best regards,

Jeffrey N. Hagen (he personally signed it)
Director, Consumer Services
GM, World Headquarters
P.O. Box 1113
Minneapolis, MN 55440


I didn't see this listed before so I added it. At least he took the time to mention the show and personally sign it.

[Kerlin]

scape_sister on 1/30/03:
Here's another email response. I don't know who Ori is (no title, or last name), but it sounds as if he took appropriate measures so that Quaker Oats will look into it!

RE: Old Fashioned Quaker Oats , REF.# 4609830A

Hello Sarah:

Thank you for contacting us about Old Fashioned Quaker Oats.

Comments about our advertising and the air time that we buy are important to us. They affirm our standards regarding the types of television programs we sponsor. There are many ways of measuring success, but none are as satisfying as hearing directly from you.

Your point of view is important to us. We have shared your comments with our Marketing and Advertising staffs for consideration as future advertisements are planned.

Ori

=============================================
I am writing to thank you for advertising on the episode #412 of the television series Farscape, on the Sci-Fi Channel. Please consider contacting UPN or the Sci-Fi Channel about advertising on a fifth season of Farscape. You will also receive a letter from me in the mail soon. My family has been relying on your Old Fashioned Oatmeal since I was little and now with my own family. We appreciate an affordable, healthy breakfast alternative like your product.
Please consider our request and we will continue to buy your quality foods.
Thank you,

Sarah Smith and Family
www.watchfarscape.com
EMAIL*MESSAGE*END


Thumbs up people!

[Kerlin]

Urbandream on 2/17/03:
I'm not much of a letter writer so I went on CDW's site and wrote them a letter through mediarelations@cdw.com and got the following response:

My name is Jennifer and I work in CDW's Marketing/Advertising department. I was forwarded your email from our media relations group and just wanted to send you a heartfelt thank you on behalf of CDW for taking the time to write such a nice note. We were thrilled to hear your wonderful feedback on our 'Farscape' sponsorship.

Thank you again and warm regards,


Jennifer Mancini
National Media Program Manager
CDW Computer Centers, Inc.

Her direct email address is jmancini@cdw.com

[Kerlin]

akimbo, on 2/20/03:
Lovely ;) response from Post's website contact info:

"Thanks for visiting our Web site. We appreciate your interest in our advertising.

Our advertising campaigns for this year have been budgeted and final approvals have been
submitted. Each year we receive a large number of requests from individuals and groups seeking
our support. While we recognize the worthiness of these requests, we aren't able to support all of
the endeavors presented to us.

We hope you can understand our position and we're sorry we can't help you at this time. Please
add our site to your bookmarks, and visit us again soon! "

Eek gawd!

[Kerlin]

deweytoo, on 3/27/03:
Thank you for your letter to FedEx. We appreciate your taking the time to write to us and for your comments concerning Farscape.

As you mentioned, the show has been canceled but Sci-Fi will run the reruns of the shows through the 2003 season. FedEx will continue to advertise in selected episodes.

It is unfortunate that this critically acclaimed show has been cancelled. We have made the Sci-Fi channel aware that we have received a number of letters from disappointed viewers, but unfortunately FedEx is not at liberty to influence the decisions of cable networks.

Thank you again for your interest.

Sincerely,
Carol Millsaps
Manager, Advertising


At least they got in touch with Sci-Fi to tell them about the letters they are receiving from disappointed viewers. :aok:

[Kerlin]

akimbo, 4/03/03:
Got a response today from Carlson Restaurants Worldwide.
(Friday's)

Thank you for taking the time to notify us of your television viewing choices. I will outline your comments to our marketing department as it relates to our advertising buy of TV time.

Please continue to choose Friday's when making your dining decisions. We appreciate your patronage and always look forward to your return. Have a great day and keep up with that Friday's Feeling.

Signed the director of Guest Relations.

>>>>>Form letter :)

[Kerlin]

xestanz, 4/07/03:
Got a response from Nissan:

Thank you for your recent e-mail to Nissan North America, Inc and allowing us the opportunity to be assistance.

It is always a pleasure to hear from one of our customers who has taken the time to write and provide us with favorable comments about their vehicle or our advertising.

I'm sorry to hear that your favorite show will be going off the air. We rely on an advertising firm to determine commercial rotations.
Unfortunately, Consumer Affairs does not have any input as the firm conducts its own market research.

Thank you for writing and we wish you many additional care-free miles with
your Nissan Altima.

Sincerely,

Matt
National Consumer Affairs
Nissan North America, Inc.

[Kerlin]

stlscape, 4/09/03:
Hooray to Gillette. I received this response from Gillette:

"Thak you for your letter. I really appreciate your support of RG Xtreme.

We will be sure to let UPN know of your interest in Farscape."

It was signed in pen with the name Joseph Scalzo; he is listed as the corporate president.

[Kerlin]

RescueFarscape, 5/04/03:
And here it is! Basically the same thing we've been hearing the past few months

Thank you for contacting Wendy's International, Inc., a member of the Family Friendly Programming Forum, with regard to your concerns about the cancellation of Farscape on the Sci Fi Channel.

The Forum was established to encourage the entertainment community to provide more family friendly programming options that are relevent and interesting to a broad audience and that the average parent would enjoy viewing together with a child.

Consistent with this mission is our belief that creative, well produced family friendly programs will draw sizeable audiences and therefore be economically viable for the networks that carry them. Ultimately, however, networks must make their own business judgements about airing a particular television show.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us. We appreciate your interest in encouraging more family friendly programming.

Sincerely,

Valerie Franzoni
Director, National and Local Media

I cringed every time the letter said 'family friendly programming.' Obviously, the letter was forwarded on and no attempt made to investigate the matter or learn about FS.

[akimbo]

A very nice letter from UPS today:

"Thank you for your recent letter regarding "Farscape" on the Sci-Fi Channel. Your letter makes it clear that you are dedicated fans of the show, and that's the sort of view conviction and interest level we seek when purchasing television advertising.

The SciFi Channel's decision to cancel new episodes of Farscape in 2004 was certainly unfortunate for its fan base. If the show is reinstated or moved to another network, we will most certainly consider buying it again for UPS advertising.

Thank you again for your passionate letter, and we wish you success with your campaign to save this show.

Sincerely,
Rick Radermacher
National Advertising Manager"

[trubador]

HEY HEY HEY!!!
Way to go, Akimbo! We've got UPS in our hip pocket!!!:aok: :aok: :aok:

[grapeshot]

I got the SAME letter from UPS!!! And it was signed by a REAL person!! It's a very nice letter, and quite the nicest one I received. (All of the others were form letters, and one wasn't even signed.)

[SweetpeaAeryn]

I got letters from both Procter and Gamble and General Motors that they can't get the show back for us...

" appreciate your kind words regarding our decision to advertise our products during this program. Unfortunately, the various networks do not consult advertisers when they make their decisions whether to air or cancel programming. "

Are they tired of getting letters or do they not understand what we're saying? Anyone have any insight?

[Ammit]

From Clorox:

Dear Me:

Thank you for your recent letter about the Sci-Fi program "Farscape". We
appreciate your loyalty to a quality program like this and also appreciate your
loyalty to our products.

The Clorox Company will remain committed to quality broadcasting and we will
continue to support programming that adheres to our programming guidelines.

Sincerely

Samuel Serrano
Product Specialist

[stlscape]

12/30/03

...Thank you for your positive feedback concerning Kohl's new television commercials aired during your favorite show, Farscape. [Not what my letter said, but...whatever...] We greatly value the opinions and comments we receive from consumers, and consider them very important. You make some interesting points regarding this particular television ad, [umm...I didn't make any, but...whatever...] and your comments will be taken into careful consideration.

It was signed by Fritz Frazier, III, VP Marketing Communications.

[stlscape]

12/30/03

Thank you for your letter to John Costello. We appreciate hearing from our customers about levels of service given within our stores, including our advertising and program sponsorship efforts.

We are pleased that our advertising dollars support a program as entertaining for you and your family as Farscape.

At The Home Depot, we take feedback from our customers very seriously so we thank you for letting us know how we are doing.

We hope that as a customer and friend of our company that you will continue to provide feedback.


The letter was signed by David Sandor, Director of Public Relations.

[stlscape]

1/7/04

On behalf of Mr. George Harrison [one of Nintendo's VPs; I addressed my letter to him], we welcome this opportunity to respond to your letter regarding our advertising on the Sci-Fi Channel during episodes of the Farscape show. We are pleased that while enjoying this show, you are able to see and enjoy advertising for our products.

Our advertising is based on the demographics of viewers, and we advertise games that are age appropriate for the demographics within a certain time slot. While we do not have any details to share regarding future advertising, your letter will be shared with the appropriate departments within Nintendo for review.

Thank you for taking the time to share your comments with us.


This response was signed by Christie Hamilton, Call Center Senior Lead.

[stlscape]

12/12/03


Thank you for your letter and thoughts regarding the placement of Kellogg commercials during "Farscape." Your letter to our Chairman was directed to Consumer Affairs for a reply.

< snip >

Again, thank you for sharing your views. Consumers like you, who will take time to pass along their comments, are important to our company.


This response was signed by Dianne L. Backus, Manager Consumer Response, Consumer Affairs Dept.

[stlscape]

12/22/03

Thank you for your letter regarding the Farscape TV program. We are always pleased to hear from our customers.

Others have contacted us regarding Farscape as well and we're pleased to know that a program we sponsor has such loyal viewers.

Your request will be forwarded on to our Advertising Department to assist them in making future decisions regarding this program.


The response was signed by George J. Riedl, Sr. VP Marketing.

[SweetpeaAeryn]

Dear me (first name misspelled):
Thank you for investing the time and effort to contact Best BuyCo., Inc. I have received a copy of the letter that you sent to Mr. Michawl Linton. Please allow me to respond.

Mrs Bailly (not me), thank you for making the Best Buy corporate headquarters aware of your concerns. Our company purchases broadcast time on a wide variety of television programs. Those purchasing decisions focus heavily on the audiences reached by the various programs. We do not wish to offend anyone with our advertising or communicate in ways that run contrary to our company's or customers' ethical standards. So we were pleased to hear of your positive comments regarding our advertising during the TV show "Farscape". Please be assured that your remarks have been heard and forwarded onto the employees charged with making key advertising decisions for our company. Your valuable input enables Best Buy to better evaluate the advertising vehicles we choose in the future.

Thank you again for sharing your concerns about the TV show "Farscape". Your feedback will help us build a better customer experience for all our customers. We appreciate your buisiness and hope you will let us know of any future questions or concern.

Sincerely,
(personally signed)
Steve Taylor
Best Buy Customer Care

[SweetpeaAeryn]

Dear miss coers: (yes, they used lower-case)

Thank you for contacting us recently. We are pleased to learn of your interest in Farscape.

We certainly appreciate learning that you found the program worthwhile. (a little more than worthwhile!!! ;) ) Since our objective in the purchase of commercial time is to advertise during programming that will favorably reflect the image of The Clorox Company, it is very important for us to learn which shows the television audience finds meaningful.

Thank you again for letting us know that you considered Farscape both enjoyable and rewarding.

Sincerely,
Lisa F. Latimer


Sounds like a great response to me!!!! :)

[Christiarc]

Received letters from Best Buy and Mazda:

Thank you for contacting Vice President of Advertising at the Best Buy corporate offices regarding the issues outlined in your letter. Your letter has been forwarded to me so that I may address your advertising concerns.

Ms. Deal, please let me begin by thanking you for making Best Buy aware of your concerns regarding Farscape. Listening to our customers has been one of our important achievements and your question about our sponsorship of the aforementioned show will aid in our efforts as we work to increase customer satisfaction by offering various services. Please be assured that we will take into account the idea of sponsorship for this show in the future.

Thank you again for writing. Please do not hesitate to contact us again should you require additional assistance or if you have any further questions or comments.

Respectfully,

Steve Taylor
Customer Contact Center Representative
Best Buy Enterprise Customer Care
--------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for contacting Mazda. We are pleased that you took the time to write to us regarding the SCI-FI channel show Farscape.

Do know that your feedback has been heard and is valued. I have also taken the liberty of documenting your feedback for our corporate record, which is shared with our Marketing Department.

Again, we thank you for taking the time to share your opinions with us.

Regards,

Thom Ramsbottom
Specialist, Customer Assistance
Mazda North American Operations

-------------------------------------------------------

Good to know they seem to be listening...and not just in form letters.

[SweetpeaAeryn]

I don't know if this one has been posted before... I don't recall seeing it...

[qoute] Dear Ms. (me)

I'm pleased to respond to your letter to Mr. Eric Leininger and I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to let us know how much you have enjoyed one of the shows that we have sponsored. As one of the sponsors, we certainly appreciate your opinion as a viewer.

It seems like only yesterday that we sponsored our first hour-long television program on May 7, 1947. Since then we've tried to present top-rated programs and specials that have positive family appeal and good entertainment value. We believe our advertising is our compnay's voice to the public and that it should be of the same taste and wholesomeness as the products we make. Overall, the response to our television programming activities has been very rewarding and encouraging because of consumers just like you.

Viewers comments are extremely important to us in planning future programming. I hope you'll look forward to our sponsorship of other programs, and that you'll enjoy them as you have in the past.

Sincerely,
Larry Edwards [/quote]

[freckle]

got this from the bbc

Dear BBC Viewer

Thank you for your e-mail regarding ?Farscape?.

I am glad that you have enjoyed the previous series of this programme, and that you would like to see the ?Farscape? mini-series broadcast on the BBC.

However, the BBC is currently awaiting viewing tapes of this series and a decision will be taken on whether to purchase it in the not too distant future. I will however register your interest in seeing this series on the BBC for the attention of our scheduling department.

You my also be interested in visiting the following website:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/farscape/

Thank you again for taking the time to contact the BBC. Finally, I have attached an invitation, from our Head of Customer Services, asking you to participate in our customer survey. We would welcome your views on our service.

Regards

Sean Doyle
BBC Information
____________________________________________
BBCi - The BBC at your beck and call
http://www.bbc.co.uk


the survey is just customer service rubbish but i did mention the word farscape about 12 times throughout.....
will endevour to find out if there is a specific email address for the scheduling dept........stay tooned