KFC contacted UPN! (In response to my to-do list letter!) [Archive]

anomia

10-15-2002, 03:45 PM

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

Truemyth

10-15-2002, 03:51 PM

That ROCKS!!! :D

Woohoo, go KFC! Did anyone else mention in their letter the free publisity that Farscape gave KFC in LGaM? "Unique is always valuable."

Great job anomia! Curious here, the letters wording seems that it is not a form letter, what do you think from the actual document?

jadeshand

10-15-2002, 03:56 PM

it frelling works!!! Bombard those advertisers!!!

YeeeeeeHawwww!!! I'm so excited! :rollin:

:joy:

Jackie <you'll have to forgive the YeeHaw, I'm from Texas!> :D

Tiriel

10-15-2002, 03:58 PM

OK, do they sell ANYTHING vegetarian?! Anything at all? I might start going there for all my salads at least :D

Whoooooohoooooo!!! Way to go!!!!

Love and Peace and KFC :)

Tiriel :eek:

lightningbox

10-15-2002, 03:59 PM

I received the same letter, so it is a form letter, but at least they went to the trouble of creating a Farscape form letter. And it was definitely signed in ink.
This is so cool! We must have hit them with enough letters to get them to actually call UPN!

cofax

10-15-2002, 04:00 PM

Rock *on*, folks. Keep 'em coming.

JA_Shipper

10-15-2002, 04:12 PM

Yay! Yay! Yay! :D (Heh, don't mind me, any good Farscape-related thing is a cheer-raising event for me!)

:joy:

Suse

uisceboo

10-15-2002, 04:15 PM

:joy: :thud: :joy: :thud: :joy: :thud:

yee-frelling-ha!

we're gonna win! we're gonna win!we're gonna win! we're gonna win!

Scaper989

10-15-2002, 05:33 PM

We've got the advertisers asking UPN for Farscape???

This is so frelling HUGE!

Ya know, I didn't put much stock into writting the advertisers
before. I've seen the light now.

I'm not from Texas, but YeeeeeeHawwww!!!

I'm gonna make it a point to patronize KFC now!

Ozfencer

10-15-2002, 05:33 PM

Fan-frelling-tastic. (did I just swear on an international bboard?!)

Buy those drumstick by the barrel-load!

KFC are the draddest!

ozfencer.

ajshipper

10-15-2002, 05:35 PM

I also received a response to my letter from KFC. Like others have stated it was signed in ink and they did personalize the letter to mention Farscape. It seems we are getting the advertisers attention.

We are making a difference.

kimrb

10-15-2002, 05:37 PM

:finger: :aok: :rollin: :eek: Teamwork! Passion! Professional approach! One letter, two letter, three letter, four...Anybody feel the power? This is how you play the game. Congrats Scapers gang!

Red

10-15-2002, 06:10 PM

That is so awesome. This thread just made my day.
I'm gonna make it a point to patronize KFC now!
I could go for some KFC myself right about now. :aok:

thank you all for writing in and thank you anomia for sharing that letter with us. :D

CMScaper

10-15-2002, 06:41 PM

It may be a form letter, but it's a form letter for us. They cared enough to reply, something that no one else has done for me so far. Finally something to improve my morale!

:finger:

jadeshand

10-15-2002, 06:46 PM

:rollin:

What we need to do is get a group of Scapers together somewhere and have the all go to KFC's for dinner. Take photos - film it - send it to this lady at KFC. Heck, we might make it into one of THEIR NATIONAL ADS!!!

Jackie

cincygal

10-15-2002, 06:54 PM

This is frellin wonderful! :bounce:

However, I must caution ppl from pointing towards UPN too much.

I'm hearing a BUNCH of nasty rumors in business circles, that UPN is in DEEP dodo financial wise, and there is even severe doubt right now, that it can survive as a network.

We can't afford to put all our eggs in the UPN basket, just in case UPN finally goes down the tubes (and yes, I know the rumors have been around for years, but from what I've heard recently, is that things are getting pretty bad in UPN land right now).

What about Fox? I mean I don't mean to pit against the Firefly ppl ... but Firefly from what I've seen, is a VERY watered down version of Firescape.

Perhaps we could convince Fox to obtain the REAL deal, and obtain Farscape.

This letter from KFC proves IMO, that the advertisers WILL indeed support Farscape, regardless where it moves to.

etana

10-15-2002, 06:57 PM

Originally posted by jadeshand
it frelling works!!! Bombard those advertisers!!!

geezus... of all the strategies this one I was the most skeptical, but holy frell... I'll send out another round of letters tonight!!

Orbchick

10-15-2002, 07:48 PM

I also received my letter!!!!! I'm a vegan, but if they help get FARSCAPE back, I'll buy all my diet sodas there!!!!!!!!!!!

PsiProne

10-15-2002, 08:52 PM

Congrats to everyone who received letters back from KFC! Wow, I may have to eat there this week! :lol And what a morale booster!!!!!!!!!

Cincygal says This letter from KFC proves IMO, that the advertisers WILL indeed support Farscape, regardless where it moves to. I agree with this as well. As long as Farscape has dedicated support from dedicated fans, there will always be hope, that at least Farscape can come to a decent resolution.

kimrb

10-15-2002, 08:58 PM

UPN has been struggling since its inception. With Viacom's purchase of CBS, big changes are happening at UPN managementwise. New thinking is entering the picture and Viacom has the money to weather any storm. I wouldn't count out UPN if I were a betting man. Sure I'm bias, but I would keep my eye on UPN in the future, they just might surprise you.

Dominar of Action

10-15-2002, 09:03 PM

That's good to hear, Kim. I was wondering whether there had been any more watercooler Farscape talk within the hallowed halls of UPN, but thought it a bit gauche to ask. But now that you've raised the issue ... :D

kimrb

10-15-2002, 09:38 PM

I am currently off work due to an injury. But that doesn't mean I'm out of contact, I'm not. As far as I know, right this minute, UPN is still in the game. This is very complicated and hard info will be harder and harder to come by as talks continue. But I have been keeping my eyes and ears open and nothing I have found would lead me to believe UPN has left the building. There is still buzz among those I know who do not work for UPN. My bet is talks are still underway. With all your efforts at letter writing and such UPN knows we're watching. If they pull out of talks, it is my guess they would let the fans know so as not to suffer the same ill will as shown to SciFi. You people are moving mountains and have the attention of some big players. Be true to the cause and season 5 will happen. If not on UPN, then for sure somewhere else.

MindFrelled

10-15-2002, 10:14 PM

KFC is now officially my favorite restaurant...

CAN I GET A HELL YEAH!

Dominar of Action

10-16-2002, 08:53 AM

Originally posted by kimrb
I am currently off work due to an injury. But that doesn't mean I'm out of contact, I'm not. As far as I know, right this minute, UPN is still in the game ... You people are moving mountains and have the attention of some big players. Be true to the cause and season 5 will happen. If not on UPN, then for sure somewhere else. Thanks! I can't tell you how much it helps my (and I bet others') motivation to have an occassional shot in the arm like this, even if it is just watercooler talk.

MediaSavant

10-16-2002, 09:21 AM

Given the following:

1. UPN operates basically on a September to May broadcast season and they don't usually annouce that schedule until mid-May.

2. Farscape will be running on SciFi possibly through April.

3. Pilot season hasn't even started for other possible UPN series for next year.

Since you seem clued into UPN, what would be UPN's rush to make a decision now if they don't usually make decisions until Springtime about Fall programming?

Wouldn't it also be to their advantage to wait and see how the ratings do for the rest of season 4 before they made this decision?

Would Henson's apparent unwillingness to sign a deal for anything less than 22 episodes hamper a deal. In most cases, wouldn't UPN want a 13 episode deal with an option on the back 9?

jadeshand

10-16-2002, 09:31 AM

I haven't seen anywhere that kimrb or anyone else for that matter said that UPN was in a rush to do anything. The only information that kimrb has stated is that UPN seems to be interested and is listening to what the viewers are saying about it.

The talks he is alluding to, I believe, have nothing whatsoever to do with Henson at the moment. If anything, it's probably the head honchos at UPN debating whether or not Farscape would be viable for their network. And yes, it certainly would be to their advantage to do the things you listed. It would be only logical, and I don't think anyone here would expect them to do anything less.

All kimrb is doing is trying to encourage the viewers to keep up the campaign. MS, you seem, however, to try and discourage any sort of encouragement, yet at the same time, offer no viable plan as an alternative. Why is that?

MediaSavant

10-16-2002, 10:05 AM

I'm an analytical person (surprise, surprise). I like to know what to reasonably expect. I get information by asking questions.

I think there is no reason for people to stop talking to UPN.

But, with the knowledge that the decision-making process may be prolonged, they shouldn't be discouraged if they don't hear anything in the near future.

I believe it should help fans to be more aware of network decision making cycles. Discouragement may happen among people if they don't hear anything after all their efforts.

By all means, keep sending letters to UPN. The knowledge that they may not be in the position yet to make a decision should help people, not discourage them. Knowledge is power.

There's nothing worse than participating in a campaign of any kind and not being able to understand why you haven't seen a response yet.

NebariNookiee

10-16-2002, 10:14 AM

That is too classic. :rollin: :aok:
Farscape & KFC
Sci Fi that's Finger Lickin' Good!!!

Dominar of Action

10-16-2002, 10:44 AM

It sounds like we are on the same page, after all :)

I don't think any of us expect news/results from UPN (or any other network for that matter) until well after January. But for most people, it is simply normal to get discouraged or to let energies flag in the absence of *some* sort of periodic encouragement along the way. This is why we all enjoy so much the "cheerleading" and reports of small victories posted here on this board and elsewhere. This is precisely why I asked kimrb for "scuttlebut." Many of us need the psychological boost from time to time, whether it be from a rumor or a confirmed fact.

Never fear, our need for positive reinforcement doesn't mean we are close to giving up, and that same positive reinforcement doesn't mean we believe FS is saved and we can rest on our laurels. So, while your intentions are obviously good (for example, ITA it helps us tremendously to understand the network decision-making process), the impersonal nature of the internet has led some of us to misinterpret your analytical questions as more of a wet blanket on many occasions.

Please don't take this as criticism (that is not my intent at all), but just a suggestion that to help avoid such misunderstandings in the future, you might want to consider including a short preface in your posts to clue readers in as to your intent, e.g., gather more information, play devil's advocate, etc. Just like you did with your last post here. :)

Gen

10-16-2002, 10:54 AM

I want to thank MS too. I will admit that I get discouraged more and more each time I read any of your posts. I know your intentions are good and the information you give to us is very valuable but the tone of your posts are such that it gives me that feeling of discouragement. I try and brush it off because we all know that what people write can be easily misinterpreted. Its just not the same as having a face to face conversation with someone. So once again thank you for clarifying your position in this. :)

ChampaignWalt

10-16-2002, 12:30 PM

Has anyone else heard anything from any other advertisers?

I don't normally go to KFC, but I'm heading there for dinner tonight.

denblue

10-16-2002, 01:11 PM

Well, you know John did say in LGM Pt 1 that he did possess the 13 secret ingredients to KFC.

doughboy

10-16-2002, 08:12 PM

I'm confused....why did we write to KFC....unless kfc is stands for something other than chicken....what would be the point of getting a response from fast food chain other than simply stirring up publicity anyway we get? Oh well at least its funny =D

Red

10-16-2002, 08:29 PM

Doughboy, the point is that KFC is an advertiser. The channels get their money from advertisers. The purpose behind contacting KFC was to let them know that we, as consumers, appreciate their support of Farscape by purchasing ad time during the show and that we'd like to see them continue their support of Farscape on another network.

An advertiser calling a network and telling them that they would buy ad time on a show that they're not currently airing if the network picked it up is pretty huge. That's where the network's money comes from ... that's what the neilsens are for, not just to tell the network how many people are watching, but to tell the network that information so they can turn around and use it to sell ad time. The advertisers can be hugely influential here.

scaper mary

10-17-2002, 03:48 PM

I got the "form" letter, too... BUT KFC SPENT INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE to resond to my letter! WooHoo!:)

fialka

10-17-2002, 05:03 PM

Both kimrb and MediaSavant have valid points.

We are being cautious about pointing people to write to a network that has no interest at all, so that is why nothing else has appeared on the To-Do lists. We're trying to get intel and believe me, the minute we have that we'll let you all know.

The To-Do lists are both a minimum objective for busy people, and a way to get notice by sending a lot of letters in one direction at the same time. However, that doesn't mean you can't write other networks, or other advertisers if you have the time. By all means, write as many letters as you can.

We've been bugging UPN and Showtime for a month now, and while I agree I'd rather not have all our eggs in one basket, so far these two are the only certain whiffs we've had. However, they are both going to wait for the January numbers at the very least before taking it any further.

MediaSavant is correct that we will probably not hear much more until spring. That continuing silence has to be our encouragement, because for the amount of mail they must have gotten by now, I think they would have told us to shut up and go away if they had no interest. So keep 'em coming.

And for real encouragement, check out the recent letters from KFC and Best Buy. The voices of the advertisers are far louder than ours. You've done well, folks. If we can keep that up, we really will have their interest.

More To-Do tomorrow.

jadeshand

10-17-2002, 05:51 PM

If ever there was a case of no news is good news, it applys to UPN and Showtime.

After all, don't forget how USA Network slammed us with that public letter for writing to them, which basically assured me they have no interest which of course means I have no interest in them either. The network hasn't been on my television since.

WhiteLight

10-17-2002, 06:00 PM

I'm pretty postively reinforced by the advertiser's letters plus the people here. All walks of life are here and throwing in information. It helps.

If I get bored, sometimes I send a letter to TNT, just for kicks. Not expecting to hear back especially after the Witchblade thing but its fun to bother them. :)

But, I appreciate the To Do Lists. I appreciate the posters. I appreciate the insider info.

Oh and Kim, get better from your injury! Those suck!

kimrb

10-18-2002, 01:28 AM

Having advertisers contact networks, because scapers took time to write polite, well thought out and postive letters is a huge feather in the saveFS hat! Just the fact KFC produced a form letter just for FS fans speaks to the power of the letter writing campaign. The Friday to-do list is just about the best continueing idea on the board. I will tell you this again...you people can move mountains and shake the halls of the mighty when you work as a group. Mediasavant is absolutely correct. Silence is golden. I truly believe if UPN or Showtime were to withdraw their interest there would be a detailed article in the press saying why. Maybe even a letter to this board, 'cause I believe it is being monitored by those who count. No network would like to take the hit SciFi took because of their actions. Those looking at the show should have a very good idea of who and what we are by now and I don't think they want to dump on all those potential viewers. The longer the silence the better. It really makes getting the numbers up in Jan even more important. Not only in Jan but thru the run of all 11 eps. Think like this...letters from sponsors waiting to spend money, nice rating numbers in Jan and Feb (a sweeps month) and a loyal and growing fan base...Gee maybe FS is for us. I am so proud of all of you. Damn, is that a tear?

kimrb

10-18-2002, 01:48 AM

For the curious...I ruptured some disks in my back. I'm off work while I undergo treatment. I'm doing OK. I want to thank those who have shown concern and have emailed.

rorykearn

10-18-2002, 12:44 PM

I can't find KFC's addy anywhere, even on this site....I must be blind. Can anyone provide the address they sent their letters too. I'll send one out right away.

Thanks,

Jenn

anomia

10-18-2002, 02:19 PM

KFC
John Gilbert, VP of Marketing
1441 Gardiner Lane
Louisville KY 40213

Don't forget the current to-do list!

JMax

10-19-2002, 02:52 AM

:bounce: :joy: :bounce: :joy: :bounce:
Rock On!

kazbaby

10-22-2002, 11:48 AM

Going to KFC today...get me a 2-piece...and put a little post card in their comment box to thank them for backing Farscape.

Kiss..kiss

Scaper989

10-23-2002, 10:45 PM

Have you eaten at KFC this week?

Truemyth

10-24-2002, 01:03 AM

HELL YEAH!!!
:rollin: :rollin: :rollin: :rollin:
I figured out which was closer and picked up dinner there Sunday night! Unfortunatly, the local one didn't have any comment cards. :(

atlantagirl

10-24-2002, 08:46 PM

This may be a stupid idea, but has anyone considered having a concerted effort to go to KFC (say one weekend to pick up dinner to eat while watching the rented FS DVD to shoot that to the top of the charts), picking up a receipt for the meal (assuming they have receipts -- if not, a napkin or something clearly from KFC that you could write the date and restaurant location on), collecting all those and sending them en masse as a thank you and a "you wash our back, we'll wash yours" to the very nice form letter lady at KFC? And come to think of it, Best Buy certainly gives out receipts.

It seems to me that this might be a nice add-on to the press kit and the press release for the commercial -- "Loyal fans appreciate loyal advertisers and support their businesses in a big way"

Just a thought.

BlackThorn

10-25-2002, 02:09 AM

Nice idea. I like it.

fialka

10-25-2002, 06:01 AM

I think that's a great idea, go for it. Think of a date and we'll put it on the To-Do list -- but remember someone's got to give out a snail mail addy to collect the slips.

writersbloc

10-25-2002, 10:51 PM

This is really great. Really. A couple of points.

KFC. Tricon Corporation: Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell. Formerly part of PepsiCo Corporation. Still owned by Pepsico if you look at the board and major stockholders. Pepsico was streamlined to separate the food divison (Tricon) and the bottling divisons (PBG), keeping the salty snacks (FritoLay).

My point behind this stock report is that KFC isn't just a chicken franchise. It's part of a mega corporation that doesn't need much besides customers--and let's face it. It ain't hurtin' for those. Tricon is run, essentially, like Pepsico--though they are separate entities. Makes me wonder if any Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Frito, or Pepsi commercials were scattered in there--and if they were.... :otc:

Having a TRICON company actively suggest to a network that they would follow a television show because of fan interest is...well...big.

I'm sure this got some attention when it hit the marketing person's in box. :aok:

akimbo

10-26-2002, 08:35 AM

Excellent point writersbloc: Pizza Hut and Taco Bell patronage increases their bottom line too. We could add them to the list of receipts being gathered. :aok:

jadeshand

10-26-2002, 09:05 AM

just wondering that myself about Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut being owned by the same person. I bought one of those little coupon package during a kids' sale for something or the other and I got all three - that's when I figured they were owned by he same company.

loco2

10-26-2002, 10:18 AM

I know...I should quit it, but I can't help it. *g*

KFC said they contacted the Pres of Sales at UPN. How likely is it that the Pres of Sales actually contacted the people responsible for deciding which shows get on the air and told them that KFC had called?

Really, it's just a question, cause I have no idea. They probably picked up the phone the same hour, I just wondered if we should let UPN know that KFC called. *g*

chris
imloco2
and asker of dumb questions...