Do It Yourself Media...becomes...Did It Ourselves Media...please read this.

[kimrb]

We've come a long way baby! When I first posted the idea for the 'Do It Yourself Media' campaign, I wasn't sure there were going to be any Scapers who would take the project seriously. I was more than pleased to see the interest and flabergasted at how quickly the idea began to take shape. Throw in a lot of hard work by the Scaper community and add funding by the FWA and the next thing I know...the project is a reality. We, as a community, stand on the edge of TV history. But just because the spot is done, the tapes delivered all across America and the press release written and in the mail, doesn't mean the project is complete. To this point, this project has been carefully managed with our stated goal being to attract media attention. I want to remind you this is not an ad campaign but more of a publicity stunt than anything else. A stunt, that if done well, will offer us the opportunity to reach millions of people who have never heard of Farscape. Using the credibility of the media, we hope to interest new viewers in our favorite program. Get them to investigate what could be so special about this TV show. Maybe turn them into Scapers. Maybe even impress a TV exec or two with our ingenuity and dedication. But none of this can happen if the project is somehow pushed of track. And that's where you come in. We all want this project to succeed. But to make that happen we have to stick to the plan, our carefully orchestrated plan. I know many of you are excited about the project and share our enthusiasm. You have offered to write your local media and urge them to run our story. I have to ask you NOT to do this. Please, do not contact your local media concerning the project. I can't tell you how important this is. If local media is flooded with calls and letters (even one or two) urging the story be picked up, it will appear to be an ambush and the story will never see the light of day. All the hard work and careful planning will be out the window. The idea to run the story must come from the media, they must deem it newsworthy. If we try to steer the boat after the press releases arrive the media will feel like it is being used and drop us in a heartbeat. Yes, we are attempting to use the media, but not by directing them or telling them how to do their thing. We are creating a newsworthy event, and bringing the media's attention to it with the press release. The scope of the project (27 markets nationwide) and the fact that something like this has never been done, is what will get media response. So now, in the eleventh hour, I ask each Scaper to trust us. Trust in our concept and planning. I ask that you resist the temptation to write or contact the media about the project. If you want to forward a press release, that's cool. But please, don't go throwing wrenches around, no matter how well intended. If you really want to help, there is something very important you can do. Watch TV! Read the newspapers! We need to measure our success and the only way we can do that is to get reports from fans who have seen the story on the local media and report back to us via the board. If the story runs on your local news/newspaper, then you can give them a call or write. Tell them how interesting the story was and thank them. Invite them to keep an eye on us 'cause we're busy moving mountains and shaking the halls of the mighty. We are, after all, Scapers. And Scapers can do anything. That's it gang. I felt it was important to make this point. And now I have. Sit back, cross you fingers, keep your eyes and ears open and enjoy the ride.

[Sparky]

If the enthusiasm is so great, it is possible someone will run with the idea without returning to this site. Without seeing this important point,
savefarscape fans may decide to "help".

Since the WA is financing a part of this, will they put this message in the news section here? News section is a regular feature for me. The news updates section does not have news about this campaign. Is intentional to keep the lid on it before media event?

If someone weren't following this thread carefully, frequently, would they know when to watch and where to report sightings of news reports?

Looking forward to the NEWS of the fan campaign.


:cool:

[Eve11]

What if the media come here? This is a public board; they can read through "the plan" and go, "So that's what they were up to!" Would that be enough to tick them off :( ?

[kimrb]

Why the project has disappeared off the front page? I don't know. I have to admit I go directly to the threads as my head is into this project and not much else. It is very important that all see this latest message. Possibly the administrators will accommodate us.
What if the media comes here? Bring them on. Seriously. This isn't a secret project, just a well planned one. If they want to take the time and read all about the project, great. It will only demonstrate our ability to think out of the box, to plan and to execute. Nothing terrible has been said about the media and if they read 'we're using the media', well, they won't be surprised. Actually they would leave after seeing dozens of great ideas being touted. I think there is nothing to fear here. Reading about the project will in no way effect the 'newsworthiness' of the project. Only demonstrate how hard we worked, planned and tried to get attention.

[DaMENACE]

There is still some work left to be done on the Do it Yourself Media project.

Check out the following thread to find out how you can help:


http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5247


Denis DaMENACE

[Scaper989]

When will the comercials air? What dates/times?

[Red]

Hi. I'd love to keep the front page news section more up to date on things like this project -- I just haven't had time to write up any articles recently. If somebody would like to write up what the Do It Yourself Media team have accomplished -- details, etc -- I would love to post it to the news. Or even if Kim was able to take a few mintues to add some of that to his first post here, I can add it quickly. :D

You can pm me here or email me at spooky@watchfarscape.com

[DaMENACE]

Originally posted by Scaper989
When will the comercials air? What dates/times?

You will know before the week is out I promise. Still lots to do on the project and once I am done with that I will have a conversation with the broker and provide us all with a list of dates and times.

Don't be shocked if it is on somewhere between 1am and 6am Mon-Sun on a channel of the cable company's choice. Many are like that.

The goal is of course, to see it on CNN and E! :D

Denis DaMENACE

[kitfoxer]

Howdy Denis,

I caught the recent thread re: you possibly needing some help getting out press releases to certain markets. Well, I live in College Station, TX... almost in the middle of the Houston-Dallas-Austin triangle. Do you still need help getting info to these places?

Say, I was wondering if we (as a community) could interest Terry Gross (Fresh Air on NPR) in our movement. Trouble is, the story is interesting but there is no "one face" for her to speak to per se. Unless you know of someone? I definitely think it would be worth pursuing, especially now that things are going out to the press.

Kitfoxer (neophyte but willing)

[DZ_Crasher]

Will the international scapers be able to see the result of this campaign. I mean if stories show up in the local news will you capture and upload it so everyone can see?

Adi *Proud to be a scaper, prouder to be a SaveScaper*

[Gaussian]

Originally posted by DZ_Crasher
Will the international scapers be able to see the result of this campaign. I mean if stories show up in the local news will you capture and upload it so everyone can see?


Yes....I'd like to know the answer to that , too. I live in small town and doubt greatly that they will air in my area.:headbang:

[kimrb]

The eyes and ears of the Scaper community will be tuned in all over America to guage the success of the project. I can't be positive, cause I don't know squat about how to do it, but I'll wager we will have news stories, newspaper articles and such availabe to all after the project comes to an end. Way too many savvy Scapers to let success go unannounced to all.

[waltersgirl]

i'm thinking that the intel will start coming in just like it did/does for press coverage that the campaign gets. we'll make sure that any links we get sent for press about the campaign will get posted here promptly. :D

[Selena]

Excellent work one and all! :joy:

Just out of curiosity how much is it/was it for one ad? Can those of us who are not on the 'city list' contribute, and increase the locales that are showing the ad or have we missed the proverbial bus?

[unohoo]

Maybe the two can be linked together? If the media pick up on the fan based Farscape ads (as we hope they do) then can't this con be tied into the ad for additional punch? Would it be worth contacting Creation Entertainment?

(I accidently posted this as it's own thread. Sorry)

[robosapien]

Does anyone have a copy of the ad in a different format for the non-quicktime-capable?

[kimrb]

That was a pretty crumby Elvis impression. Just want to thank the Administrators for posting a lasting link for the project on the front page. Now when the press comes calling all the info is right there for the taking. Seriously, Thank you! Did I say come calling? My spies tell me the press is beginning to call already...and the spot hasn't aired anywhere, yet. This is going to be an 'E' ticket ride. Now what did I do with my blue suede shoes?

[DaMENACE]

Hi gang! Here is the list of when and where you might catch the commercial. Most of them are completely random. San Francisco I had to do on my own so they gave me the list of when it will run.


Atlanta Mon-Sun 2a - 6a Cama Channel Unknown

San Francisco 1a - 5a AT&T
>11/25 3:10AM FOX NEWS
>11/26 1:43AM A&E
>11/28 1:21AM MSNBC
>11/29 2:30AM FOX NEWS
>12/1 1AM COMEDY, 3:32AM CNN


Boston Mon-Sun 6a - 12m AT&T Channel Unknown

Chicago Mon-Sun 12m - 5a AT&T CNN Headline News

Cleveland Mon-Sun 6a - 1a Cleveland Cabling History Channel

Dallas Mon-Sun 12m - 6a AT&T FX

Denver Mon-Sun 1a - 6a AT&T CNN

Detroit Mon-Sun 6a-12m Comcast Bravo

Harford Mon-Sun 6a - 9a Hartford Cablelink E!

Houston Mon-Sun 12m - 6a Time/Warner Tech TV

Los Angeles Mon-Sun 6a - 6a Adlink TNN

Miami Mon-Sun 12m - 2a Miami/Ft. Lauredale Interconnect CNN Headline News

Minneapolis Mon-Sun 6a - 12m Interconnect of the Twin Cities CNN Headline News

New York Mon-Sun 6a - 6a Time/Warner TV Guide

Philadelphia Mon-Sun 6a - 6a Comcast Unknown Channel

Phoenix Mon-Sun 12m - 6a Cable Rep AMC

Pittsburgh Mon-Sun Mon-Sun 2a - 6a AT&T Unknown Channel

Salt Lake City Mon-Sun 6a - 6a AT&T Unknown Channel

San Diego/Cox Cable Mon-Sun 2a - 6a 3 spots, Uknown Channel

San Diego/Time Warner Mon-Sun 11p - 1a 3 spots, Unknown Channel

Seattle Mon-Sun 11p - 2a AT&T CNN Headline News

St. Louis Mon-Sun 6a - 12m St. Luis Interconnect Unknown Channel

Tampa Mon-Sun 6a - 6p Tampa Bay Interconnect Unknown Channel

Washington DC Mon-Sun 6a - 6a Comcast E!


Don't stay up too late or waste too many tapes trying to catch it.
:P

Denis DaMENACE

[kimrb]

We want everyone to see the spot run on the air. But do you have to be an insomniac to see the spot? I certainly hope not! You see, this is really about 2 commercials. Its the same commercial, but hopefully there will be two ways to see it. First, you can stay up and watch every night and get lucky or, second, you'll see the spot run on the 6 o'clock news in your city. I hope its on the 6 o'clock news, and the 11, and the news at noon or something like that. Then you'll be just one of the millions who watch it at the same time. Keep your fingers crossed and your eyes tuned to the news/newspapers/radio. Is that the sound of mountains moving?:eek:

[Dominar of Action]

Has anyone let Renay San Miguel know that we're advertising on his network? :)

Seriously, though. I'm not e-mailing him because of what kimrb has said about not pushing this too hard -- gotta let them find it. Yet, I do think we should be sure to include CNN in the press release. Does anyone know if this was done? Twich?

[DaMENACE]

I personally mailed a press release and a CD to Renay on Tuesday. He should get it early next week. We had his name in the batch of TV addresses to mail out.

[Dominar of Action]

Very cool. Should have known you'd be on top of it :aok:

[DaMENACE]

It was Vianney I believe that dug up address. If I recall correctly it was his idea...

Someone correct me if I am wrong. Anyways, all I did was mail it. :D

[thedscman]

Has anyone sent a copy of the press release to TVGuide?

[Scaper989]

Will any of these "Unknown Channel's" become known before
the comercials air?

I'm really impressed by some of these times, they actually have
a chance to run in prime time!

[DaMENACE]

Nope. We won't have any clue where they stick the commercials. And don't get your hopes up about prime time... the higher paying commercials get the best spots while the lower paying commercials are shown between the 3am run of M*A*S*H.

Still, if there is a Farscape fan behind the controls of the commercials... you never know.

Denis DaMENACE

[Vianney]

Who's Renay San Miguel?
Lol i really don't remember wether i dug up his name or not, as it was all a big team effort, but the name does ring a bell so we got him covered :)
I'm not sure wether we specifically sent CDs to all the people who reported about the cancellation in the past, though. Does the FWA team has a list of these good people?

[netik]

Don't get me wrong.

I -love- farscape. I do. Really, really do. I'll do anything to get it back on TV

But if I was Joe Schmoe sitting at home watching this Ad on TV, I wouldn't know what the hell the commercial was talking about. If it was squeezed inbetween the late-night infomercials for Oxy-Cleen and Kaboom, would you?

"I Am Farscape" ? Where's the pitch? The Message? All the commercial seems to indicate is "We have Geek Jobs and we are something called farscape." Maybe something like "We have disposable income, will buy farscape DVDs, and oh yeah, we're really pissed you took one of the best shows off the air" would have worked.

I understand that the purpose of the ad and media kit is to drum up media attention and create hype, but when it gets out there and people come back to see it, they won't walk away with a _message_.

A commercial with a better description of what Farscape is, why it should be saved, and what benefits saving the show brings to everyone would have been far better.

[DZ_Crasher]

We're not trying to get Joe Schmoe's attention though (forgive me if I'm wrong oh great project leaders) the idea was to get the media's attention with the fact that this is the first fan-funded fan-produced commercial. Then get them asking what the hell is this farscape thing that people are willing to pay to make a commercial for? The commercial isn't the point the fact that we /made/ a commerical is.

Adi

[DaMENACE]

Yes, the 1st commercial was for media attention. It was actually geared for cheap publicity and to kinda shake up the execs. Make people talk.

This commercial is NOT geared to attracting new viewers netik. Please read the goal of the project before you think we might get you wrong. You got the goal of the commercial wrong is all.

Netik, since you believe you have a better idea for what the commercial should have said, why don't you hop on over to this thread and give us your opinions on what that commercial should look like:

http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4903

The message you speak of will happen at the most important time, which is December and January. People will forget the messge by then... but they won't forget the name 'Farscape'.

[kimrb]

Welcome to the board netik. Welcome to the 'Do It Yourself Media' project. I'm sorry you have dropped in so late in the process with your suggestions. Certainly all suggestions are welcome. Some suggestions are better than others, some suggestions are better informed than others as well. May I suggest to you that a little research be done before you jump into the fray. I understand the DIYM thread is a monster to read but within it's many posts you will find the heart of the project. There you will discover the DIYM project is not an advertising campaign. In reading the thread you will find the commercial wasn't made to convert viewers or sell anything. Among the many posts you will read the DIYM project is designed to attract media attention, period. Contained in the thread is a discription of how the plan works, how the media will help us tell our story to millions of people who have never heard of Farscape. You'll learn the plan is to have our story told on the evening news, in the newspapers and on the radio. And every bit of that press will be free advertising for saving Farscape. Millions of dollars of FREE advertising for Farscape. New viewers will be attracted, studio execs will take notice and just maybe Farscape will be saved because we were able to get the media's attention. And we will have done it for less than $1000! When you have read the thread you will see how carefully planned and executed this project has been. You'll understand what it is we are doing and why we are doing it the way we are. I am certainly not saying suggestions for the project are bad. What I am saying is uninformed suggestions do little to advance the cause. If you have questions, please contact anyone of us who have worked on the DIYM project, we'll be glad to clear up any questions you may have. Old J. Cash Penny used to take prospective employees out to lunch to chat. He would buy them a meal. When the meal was served he would watch carefully. If the prospect put salt and pepper on their meal before taking a bite, he would not hire them. Why? Cause he felt anyone who would alter their meal before tasting it, would do the same in their job. Make changes before they knew what it was they were changing. I think there is a lesson there, somewhere.

[Eve11]

Question about air times: If it's indicated: "Mon-Sun 2a-6a", does that mean the commercial will run just one time between the hours of 2am and 6am on some day during the week, or does it mean that the commercial will run each day at some time during those hours? I'm guessing the first, but want to be sure.

[DaMENACE]

It will run once between 2a-6a one day of the cable company's choosing, Mon-Sun.

[spectecjr]

Thankyou :)

And Kim; next time you're in Bandoleone, I owe you one of whatever you're drinking.

:)

[kimrb]

Spectecjr...Bandoleone, fine latin/cubano cuisine on Eastlake in the Emerald City. I am often at the Entercom bldg. just down the street. You just never know when an old guy with a thirst might walk in. Keep your eyes open. I never turn down a free beverage.:finger:

[spectecjr]

Well, I'm usually in there on a Friday or a Saturday night (pretty late... but that's how it goes)...

Ask the bartender if I'm around -- they all know me :) I seem to be the only guy called Simon who actually goes there.

That, and one of my friends there is also a vehement Farscape fan :)

[spectecjr]

Originally posted by kimrb
Spectecjr...Bandoleone, fine latin/cubano cuisine on Eastlake in the Emerald City. I am often at the Entercom bldg. just down the street. You just never know when an old guy with a thirst might walk in. Keep your eyes open. I never turn down a free beverage.:finger:

Ohhh... just a thought... next time you're at Entercom, give BJ Shea a prod. He's allegedly a fan of the show, but I've not heard anything re: the campaign yet -- he said he'd mention it shortly after the news first came out, but nothing happened...