The latest insanity from Sci-Fi

[Broncho]

In case you haven't heard, Sci-fi is lobbying Washington to look into UFO's. link (http://apnews.excite.com/article/20030622/D7RQTNMO0.html)

:rollin: :wstupid: :et2: :space:

[FireDancer]

Wow, and here I though the purpose of a television network was to put on entertaining TV shows. Maybe she can redefine the definition of network next so that it somehow includes 'crackpot lobbyist.;

[Selena]

There is nothing that skiffy does that surprises me anymore.:fear:

[uisceboo]

Heard about this a while ago...I think a couple of months ago when they announced their "bright" ideas for the next season. About as bright as a flashlight in a can of black paint. :P

[AnnieBW]

As someone who works for the Federal Government, all I can say is that their lobbyist had BETTER NOT come knocking at MY door! What a frelling waste of the taxpayers money! Earth to Skiffy: We have REAL illegal aliens in this country who want to fly planes into buildings to kill Americans. Don't bother us with this dren about cover-ups of space aliens. Frell, the DoD couldn't keep the information about $200 toilet seats out of the press! That conspiracy stuff so '90's. People have even more valid concerns these days, and more valid reasons not to trust the government.

Maybe we can hire a lobbyist to get Skiffy to tell us the REAL reason that they cancelled Farscape! Or, better yet, hire a private investigator (or a psychic) to find out where Bonnie's brain is.

If an :et: was watching Skiffy, he'd decide that there was no intelligent life on this planet and pass us by.

- Annie

[generic_screenname]

I hope those idiots do find aliens, and the aliens then proceed to give every last one of them needlessly extensive anal probes. Here that, E.T.? Don't stop 'til you scrape the bone!!

[SabaceanBabe]

Oh, man! That sent a chill up my spine, gs! :hork:

Maybe we should follow Spike Lee's silly example and put some sort of injunction against skiffy for defaming the name Sci Fi. :D

[Drunk Stan]

As long as UFO stands for 'Undoing Farscape's Obituary' then I'm all for a bit of political wrangling and lobbying.

[SabaceanBabe]

DS

:rollin: :rollin: :rollin: :rollin: :rollin:

[Gaussian]

Originally posted by SabaceanBabe
Oh, man! That sent a chill up my spine, gs! :hork:

Maybe we should follow Spike Lee's silly example and put some sort of injunction against skiffy for defaming the name Sci Fi. :D



Hey........maybe......... we.... as a group could.........sue Scifi Channel for cancelling Farscape???? :rollin: :rollin: Mental anguish??? Pain and suffering???? :( :( It could happen. :finger:

[Sococlear]

Yea why not,

It can be any worse than the idiot who sued mcdonalds for spilling hot coffe in her lap.

We got a real case.

Emotional distress, mental anguish, pain and suffering caused by a lack of FARSCAPE

[waltersgirl]

It can be any worse than the idiot who sued mcdonalds for spilling hot coffe in her lap.

look at your comment. that's pretty indicative of how anyone would be viewed if they filed such a lawsuit.

[Gaussian]

<g> Of course..........but a girl can dream.

BTW........I was only kidding.:D

Although, a small part of me thinks it would be so cool to bring some attention to the idea that the big networks don't listen to their customers...........the viewing audience.


They want us.........but then they don't listen.

A lawsuit...........even a totally ridiculous one....... would bring some attention to the matter.

They listen to the ratings........but they're flawed.

Hey, maybe we should sue the nielson's????

[uisceboo]

A lawsuit...........even a totally ridiculous one....... would bring some attention to the matter.

Who is going to pay for such a lawsuit, and put the time into it that it would demand?

I think this is a better joke than a tactic. A ridiculous lawsuit would only gather ridicule, and that is not the kind of attention we want to get on behalf of Farscape.

[waltersgirl]

A lawsuit...........even a totally ridiculous one....... would bring some attention to the matter.

be careful what you joke about around here. someone could very easily take the idea as serious and try to rally a lawsuit.

as to the attention, is that really the kind of attention that we want to bring Farscape? we have brought it positive, respectful, awe inspiring comments from critics and observers. we have acted in a manner that is worthy of the show. positive. educated. reasoned. responsible, and in the case of the library and military projects, altruistic. that's the legacy Farscape deserves. that's the reputation the fans deserve.

we aren't wingnuts. we're educated, monied, have families. any network or studio that would be interested in Farscape, would hesitate were it to have a fanbase that brought suit against its original home network. it's bad for business.

[Xothas]

I agree with uisceboo.....a lawsuit would likely make us look like a bunch of deranged idiots, in the public eye. It certainly wouldn't help change the perception of science fiction fans being "obsessed, geeky fanatics". Good joke though! :)

[uisceboo]

Putting it all into perspective as a joke:
if you want to act on the idea, buy this T shirt.
It makes the point, it's funny, gets out your agressions, no one gets hurt, and Save Farscape makes a few bucks for the project funds.

http://prodtn.cafepress.com/9/5119549_F_tn.jpg (http://www.cafeshops.com/sanetv_saturn.5119549?zoom=yes#zoom )
"Can a planet sue for defamation of character?"

It's a fun thought as a joke, but...come on!
Let's let the silly people make fools of themselves.
They do it so well! :ewink:

[Gaussian]

Originally posted by waltersgirl
be careful what you joke about around here. someone could very easily take the idea as serious and try to rally a lawsuit.


Hey, I can't be responsible for what someone else does. If somebody wants to do it........more power to them.

I personally don't have the time or money to sue anyone. And, certainly not for something like this.

Really what lawyer in his right mind would take the case? It would have to be for a large amount for it to even make the national radar. Too large for small claims court. I can just imagine the scene now.........

"Mr. "Lawyer",I'd like to sue the Scifi Channel for cancelling Farscape."

"Okay.........Is this candid camera????????"

Let's get real here, people!!!:O :O :O :O
*Where's the sarcastic smiley when you need it?*:rolleyes:

BUT.........I would have no problem sueing if someone put me on..........SCARE TACTICS!!!

I'd complain..........LOUD...........and LONG!!!! Let me tell you!!!!!

And, then, of course, I'd mention that it's a sad day..........when they put on such trash in place of Farscape.

Humm......mmm. Now I almost wish someone would do it. Bring it on!!!! :smash:

[Maz275]

Couldn't we sue because they promised a 5th Season, and then they backed out in the contract. When they announced a 4th and 5th Season --- doesn't it mean, that they legally promised us a 5th season, I mean, it was in writing in newspapers---

In essence, they failed to deliver on product that we expected to see. A 5th Season was implied. They not only broke contract with the company, but a verbal/written agreement with the audience. (I don't know, I'm reaching here.)

maybe there's a lawyer among the fans, that would get a kick at doing some research.

I would actually like to see how the networks would deal with this, and I'm sure we would be crushed by the system, but it would make some sort of point.

and as far as bring a positive feeling to Farscape, I think we would be paying the producers a huge compliment...

[SabaceanBabe]

Sorry, Maz275, this has already been discussed and it really can't happen. Not only was there not even an implied contract with the fans, but the actual contract (I'm told, never having seen it myself) had a clause in it that allowed the fifth season to be "cancelled." :(

Keep thinking up ideas, though! :aok:

[Maz275]

anyway, I was talking to a friend last night. He used to produce for HBO films but has since retired --- he's 37, must be nice to be retired at 37 (that's another issue though I must say I'm a bit bitter)

and as we talked, and talked, and I let him know how fustrated I was over not being able to see new Farscape.

Anyway, we finally came down to one major relevation. Quality is breeded in competition. And right now Sci-Fi is complacent because they are the only game in town. So they can do whatever they want.

They can also have access to Dune novels, Red Mars, and a plethora of sci-fi material rather cheaply because they are the only game in town.

Is there a market out there for another sci-fi network? in an MTV/ VH1 sorta way.

So between him and I, we started creating something we are right now calling Fi-Phenomena Television --- of FiPtv. it's just an idea. But I would like to hear what you guys think...

do you think another sci-fi network would be useful? is there enough material out there to warrant another sci-fi network. Could Farscape be used to create another network, much like Buffy-revamped UPN?

The one thing we realize is that it would take us 2 years to come up with enough investment money to even attempt to bring it out there to the people, and although my friend is great at the planning he did say, "I can help you come up with the ideas, but I don't wanna do any work, I'm retired"... and since it was just an idea that was born last night... it still in that hazy, this is crazy, possible and totally, did I say CRAZY --- stage.

[vhsiv]

Maz - that sounds great! You may want to approach some of the major 'players' for financing and assistance after the Vivendi auction has blown over. John Malone might take an interest, as well as Paul Allen - you know, the Microsoft co-founder who's suppposed to be setting up a science-fiction museum in Seattle. And then there's Murdoch, and Sir Richard Branson, and HBO.

Keep us posted!

-v.

[Viewer Consortium]

Your ideas are good. :) Welcome to savefarscape's campaign and Network News Forum!

The Viewer Consortium, Inc. evolved out of just such brainstorming here on watchfarscape. It incorporated (as a non-profit) so that it can represent fans in the TV industry and is working on 2 new ratings system ideas, a new sponsor/viewer interaction model, network proposals and other ideas. Please contact us at resources@theviewerconsortium.com if you want to help, or at interact@theviewerconsortium.com to share ideas.

Our website is www.theviewerconsortium.com (http://www.theviewerconsortium.com)

Hey Maz! Check your Private messages for more info.

TVC

[Maz275]

Frilling GREAT, I'm definetely joining the consortium. As a screenwriter and a big television voice, I want my voice frelling heard...

is it frilling or frelling?

[Dominar of Action]

It's frelling to you, mister ;)

And the idea of a 2nd sci fi channel is exactly what Viacom has been suggesting. If they don't buy Skiffy in the Vivendi auction, it seems that Viacom is likely to start its own. They've been holding off until now only because of a deal struck a few years ago that prohibited them from doing so until 2004, I believe.

So, yes, I believe the market is out there if someone cares enough to tap into it. If you can pull together a team with enough cash and contacts, perhaps you can preempt "the big V"!

Oh, and if you're worried about any of your ideas sounding too crazy, just talk to Tiriel ... that woman will do anything! :D

:bounce:

[grapeshot]

I don't think it sounds crazy, either. And why don't you talk with tedbragg1, who said almost the same exact thing as you did here: http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=165319#post165319

(scroll to half way down the page.)



(as I rub my hands with GLEE! I can't WAIT for this new network to come into being!!!)

[Gaussian]

Maz..........I like the way you think.

And, just maybe Farscape could be a cornerstone of the new network.

Although ...........that's what we thought it was for Scifi.

I truly never thought that Scifi would cancel their flagship show. Even if it's ratings came in second to that of their newly optained Stargate. I really thought there was room for all the kiddies on the playground.

I guess I was wrong. Now it's the all Stargate ........all the time channel.

I have nothing against Stargate.........but it just wasn't my cup of tea.

Farscape was what did it for me. Those last 10 minutes before it came on ..........heaven. My time. Nobody......better bother me. Time for the mindfrell. "And, now on Farscape..........." Ahhh.

[I-am-so-Johns-girl]

Originally posted by AnnieBW


Maybe we can hire a lobbyist to get Skiffy to tell us the REAL reason that they cancelled Farscape! Or, better yet, hire a private investigator (or a psychic) to find out where Bonnie's brain is.

If an :et: was watching Skiffy, he'd decide that there was no intelligent life on this planet and pass us by.

- Annie

:lol :lol :lol :eye: :eye: :lol :lol :lol

[Sunderflame]

Skiffy may be saying they are lobbing Washington for UFO files.....but I know they are regurgitating all old Russian documents from the History channel that just viewed again this past Friday....they are not doing anything that hasn't already been released.....do your research....I've mentioned this in other threads.....hasn't anyone noticed this...or maybe I just watch to many documenteries.. If you have satlelite; it's been on the Science channel. They aren't fooling anyone.....unless you are that gullable. They should be spending money to make decent TV. Will this madness ever go away......Skiffy is history...I don't even give them 2 years before even more drastic changes...http://www.earthfiles.com (http://earthfiles.com)

http://www.Delphi Associates.org
http://www.beyondzebra.com (www.beyondzebra.com) I'm really getting fed up with BH's Dren....it's all been done

Who is she trying to sell this crap to...teenagers who don't know any better or little kids who are just needing entertained...what is this lady thinking....of not is more like it....

[Davesnothome]

Maz275 your posts are hysterical! I can just see Viacom is going to hand over the broadcast rights to the Star Trek shows! (g) I mean why bother about all those millions of dollars that TNN paid for the rights to those series! They'll just step aside for you!

You're going to learn to run a netwqork in a month? I have no doubt that won't be a problem! (g)

I can only imagine where your going to get financing from, for this start up business! I'm certain you can do, what Viacom can't!

Dave

[SabaceanBabe]

Get a grip! How exactly do you know Maz275 isn't Mel KarMAZin or something?

(You're not, are you??) :P

[Maz275]

I am a writer, drama, television and plays in New York City, I still live my childhood home in Jersey, when I'm not in California. That's all I'm gonna say...

except that I love Farscape, I'm half puerto rican half french, and I have an EMMY!!! been thrice nominated and turn 30 on February 7th.

and maz is not my real name...

and I talk a lot, which is mostly free thinking, and I ask a lot of questions and make a lot of plans, simply because you never know what the universe has in mind for ya... I approach life in this way, if you can IMAGINE IT, then it's definetly possible, we spend way too much time putting limitations on ourselves... you know.

Talk to ya laterz.

[kechara420]

http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/2048.htm

NOBODY TOOK ME SERIOUSLY

By DON KAPLAN

June 30, 2003 -- IF the real X-Files on UFOs are locked away in some dingy government warehouse, the SCI FI channel plans to find them.
The outer-space network has thrown itself behind a lobbying campaign to get the federal government to declassify documents that just may confirm alleged UFO encounters in the years since World War II.

"All we're trying to do is take away the blur between fact and fiction and let the public decide," SCI FI chief Bonnie Hammer told The Post.

"So much of it has to do with cover-ups and the belief that there is a conspiracy," she says. "Maybe there is, maybe there isn't.

"Maybe these sightings or encounters are real, maybe they're not.

"But the fact is that the public should have the right to decide for themselves."

TV networks that spearhead public advocacy initiatives are not a new phenomenon. Lifetime sponsors a breast-cancer research drive every year - something that seems natural for a channel aimed at women.

The History Channel is big on saving historical landmarks and Turner Movie Classics is restoring early films before the images are lost on unstable film stock.

But the SCI FI channel's campaign for UFO research appears to be breaking new - if not the most fertile - ground.

Still, the channel has powerful allies. To help in the effort the cable network has hired a Washington lobbyist and received support from John Podesta, President Clinton's former chief of staff. Not that this is all pure, selfless science. The network says it hopes it can turn up material that one day we can see on the air.

On Tuesday, the network will debut a new documentary, "Out of the Blue," that methodically lays out an argument that there is something out there.

Other new specials tied to the effort are expected to air on SCI FI this fall.

Part of the initiative will include locating and declassifying documents that some Federal agencies may not want made public.

Ultimately, the UFO campaign could end up in the lap of a little-known government committee called the Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel (nicknamed ISCAP, as in "polar icecap").

"An individual or organization can make an appeal to ISCAP," says Bill Leonard, who serves as the panel's executive secretary. "The interagency panel has the authority to override in whole or in part the decision made by the originating agency."

The panel is staffed by representatives from the CIA, the State Department, the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, the National Archives and National Security Council, Leonard says.


All we're trying to do is take away the blur between fact and fiction ...

Um, hello ... did I miss something? Sci Fi = Science FICTION!! I'd rather watch D'Argo and Chiana than some frelling idiots trying to prove that aliens have actually been to Earth!!

[Maz275]

Yeah, if aliens do indeed exists, and are watching the things we put on TV, to learn more about us, I SAY, PUT FARSCAPE BACK ON, show those aliens what BAD MO FOS we can be... so they leave us alone... I definetely don't wanna watch a documentary about it...

although if they want to take and prod Bonnie Hammer, maybe they can find her heart...

I am spending way too much time in this site... someone SAVE ME!

[Sunderflame]

agreed....

[PrairieScaper]

Sorry, Maz, but it's too late for you now! You've been sucked in by the savefarscape.com vortex! Nothing to do now but relax and enjoy.... :elol:

[Dominar of Action]

I ask a lot of questions and make a lot of plans, simply because you never know what the universe has in mind for ya... I approach life in this way, if you can IMAGINE IT, then it's definetly possible, we spend way too much time putting limitations on ourselves... you know.Yep, we know ;) I would dare say that many of us are here precisely because we share your view.

:bounce:

[Maz275]

Okay, it's not a big mention --- but Matt Roush on TVGuide.com has been a HUGE Farscape supporter and he mentions it again, in this question/answer.


Question: There have been a slew of fantasy/science-fiction shows over the years (Hercules, Xena, Andromeda, Stargate, and The Lost World) in syndication. However, the networks (with the exception of WB and UPN) just don't produce these sorts of series. Why not? — Lee C.

Matt: Don't forget Fox, which has tried for years to find the next X-Files, and most recently went into outer space with Firefly, however briefly. The networks don't seem to have the patience anymore to nurture or bankroll these kinds of shows. Blame a lack of nerve and imagination. Many of these shows take time to build a following, and even then, most attain cult level at best. (X-Files was the exception with its mainstream success.) But when one really works, like Buffy, look what that does for a network's image. You'd think if some of these dinosaur networks truly wanted to get into the 21st century, they'd take a risk with a visionary producer (calling the next Gene Roddenberry) and stick with it, especially if the show is good. Now all of a sudden I find myself missing Farscape again.

[generic_screenname]

Originally posted by Maz275
...I have an EMMY!!! been thrice nominated and turn 30 on February 7th.
Wow. An award-winning show with award-winning fans.

Isn't Tremors: the Series up for an Emmy this year, or do they not have a "Biggest Piece of Crap" catogory yet?

[SabaceanBabe]

Isn't Tremors: the Series up for an Emmy this year, or do they not have a "Biggest Piece of Crap" catogory yet?

Man, GS! Where's your spew warning?! :spew:

:rollin: :rollin: :rollin: :rollin: :rollin: :rollin: :rollin: :rollin: :rollin: