Organise the revolution-for all FF fans

POSTED BY: Anduine
UPDATED: Sunday, May 13, 2007 22:26
VIEWED: 47789
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ANDUINE

Monday, May 7, 2007 3:25 AM

I've read quite a few posts about the futility of trying to get Fox or another network to resurrect the series. All I can say is sad.

While there have been many serious and praiseworthy attempts at this, nothing has met with any success to date. Too many of us are content to piss and moan in our apathy and settle for another defeat from 'the man' or coporate imbeciles who feel qualified to make choices for us.

I think (and maybe in my ignorance) that what's needed here is a catalyst of some nature to organise a credible and effective campaign.

Underdogs that we are, seriously, so what if we meet with defeat. Again and again. It's far better than wallowing in self pity.

Ireland didn't win it's freedom (and still hasnt totally) in one battle.

It took years of efforts by the fans of Star Trek until we saw vindication.

For starters networks dont listen to fans...they listen to advertisers. Money talks.

If there are enough people interested here and over at other forums then... I wonder how serious Fox would be after hearing from several of it's large advertisers that there are thousands of fans willing to boycott Fox's advertisers to get our point across.

And if fans are organised enough. What would happen if in guerilla type fashion a one month period was used to not buy any product from said advertisers? How quickly do you think they would let the network know? I've worked in communications for a fortune 100 company and I can tell you from personal experience how sensitive those companies are to public opinion.

The keyword here is to organise. And one place it can start is right here. So the real question is how do we start? It will take time. It will take logistics. It will take building a group of people from all talents, which should be here and readily available, unless cynicism has prevailed. If the show is worth it, than it's worth winning, but it's also worth defeat. But at least we can make a noise that will cause a few to tremble.

I have some thoughts, but more importantly I also have some ammunition. As in the contact info for all the major advertisers on Fox. If this post get's enough of a reply or comment...then...let's take the next step and initially figure out a way to use what we have and logically plan out the attack.

Or. We can always sit around and complain.
thanks for listening,
Anduine

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt

THEONETRUEBIX

Monday, May 7, 2007 3:31 AM

You want to boycott FOX's advertisers in order to convince FOX to bring Firefly back when Joss once said he would not work with FOX again?

-----

In the Portland of Oregon, Birthplace of the Global Charity Screenings Movement
PDX Browncoats, Film Action Oregon, and The Portland Mercury
present
Can't Stop The Serenity - Portland OR USA
June 22 & 23 @ the Hollywood Theatre
To Benefit Equality Now and the Women's Film Initiative
http://serenitynow.pdxbrowncoats.com/

GUYWHOWANTSAFIREFLYOFHISOWN

Monday, May 7, 2007 3:35 AM

ANDUINE

Monday, May 7, 2007 3:41 AM

Why not for starters. He said he'd never work with them again. So have a few hundred others. Anything is negotiable. But you miss the point.

Networks do not listen to fans as much as they listen to advertisers.

If not Fox then contribute a better idea for a network. You contact let's say SciFi network...but you also start working the advertisers on that network to add weight to your request.

My point is if there are enough fans out there then there needs to be a focused and intelligent plan. I maybe quixotic but I think this is as good a place to start as any. Rather than sitting around writing posts about how futlie it is or why it cant be done.

So you make a good point. But make another good one. If not Fox than who?

thanks for reading and your comment.
Anduine

CYBERSWORDSMAN

Monday, May 7, 2007 3:48 AM

Its not so much a matter of who will do it, wether Sci-fi or FOX. However, what will matter is how vocal we are with our opinions. Im talking internet news coverage and other media interference. Our boycott against FOX wont mean jack if they don't hear about it.

Heck, if we raise enough stink (not riots mind you) we may inform many people to watch the show that they previously never heard about.

THEONETRUEBIX

Monday, May 7, 2007 3:48 AM

So you want to begin the conversation/campaign by picking a hapless network uninvolved in Firefly's cancellation (SciFi) and punishing them by boycotting its advertisers.

Granted, networks listen to their advertisers, but do you think that by STARTING OFF acting in an adversarial way, doing harm to a network that's done us no harm, is going to make a network like SciFi anything other than pissed off at us?

-----

In the Portland of Oregon, Birthplace of the Global Charity Screenings Movement
PDX Browncoats, Film Action Oregon, and The Portland Mercury
present
Can't Stop The Serenity - Portland OR USA
June 22 & 23 @ the Hollywood Theatre
To Benefit Equality Now and the Women's Film Initiative
http://serenitynow.pdxbrowncoats.com/

ANDUINE

Monday, May 7, 2007 3:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by theonetruebix:
So you want to begin the conversation/campaign by picking a hapless network uninvolved in Firefly's cancellation (SciFi) and punishing them by boycotting its advertisers.

Granted, networks listen to their advertisers, but do you think that by STARTING OFF acting in an adversarial way, doing harm to a network that's done us no harm, is going to make a network like SciFi anything other than pissed off at us?

-----
In the Portland of Oregon, Birthplace of the Global Charity Screenings Movement
PDX Browncoats, Film Action Oregon, and The Portland Mercury
present
Can't Stop The Serenity - Portland OR USA
June 22 & 23 @ the Hollywood Theatre
To Benefit Equality Now and the Women's Film Initiative
http://serenitynow.pdxbrowncoats.com/

Not at all. You don't have to be adversarial with any new network. This is an initial discussion. Right? Not the plan. I was offering another option to the Fox comment you raised.

Personally I think it would be better to get Joss and Fox talking too. But you may have a better idea?

REDHEAD

Monday, May 7, 2007 4:02 AM

Hey all,

I'm just new and I haven't had all the disappointments that you all have but I have worked on some decent sized fund raising campaigns. And I know that acting hostile to anyone who wants to make a change, effectively means change ain't happening. If we want to see Firefly return we can't just shoot down anybody who offers ideas on how to get it back.

You've raised some good objections and they needed to be voiced but lets take a chance and mull around some possible options.

For instance, boycotting the advertisers seems like a problem. What about a Buyday! It might work something like this. We pick an advertiser/company that was supportive of Firefly/Serenity and we set up a date say Aug 21 (which I think is the release day of the Special Ed.) and buy as many Universal products as we can afford. To be effective this would have to be a major campaign. YouTube trailers. Media release encouraging people to buy on that day, etc. We would need a lot of people willing to put their creative juices to work.

I don't necessarily think my idea is THE answer but its an idea. Do you have one?

To paraphrase Kaylee: Whedon's Firefly is just so lush. I want to take a bite out of it all over, you know?

ANDUINE

Monday, May 7, 2007 4:09 AM

Brilliant Redhead!

I think mulling around some idea's and getting people involved is exactly what's needed. The whole point is that instead of petioning the networks ONLY, we need to bring the weight of the people they respond to on the line.

I'm just trying to find out if there are enough people willing to try here...then let's mull about together and come up with a credible plan.

THANKS!

ROY

Monday, May 7, 2007 7:06 AM

I'd be more inclined to support a "buy" campaign rather than a "boycott", the advertisers aren't the ones who burned us. Heck, they made it possible and should get something out of it.

There was a Variety add the original Browncoats brought out to thank those involved with the show. I'd imagine the major advertisers would be listed on it.

Some suggestions:
1. Determine the purpose of the campaign. What do we *realistically* expect for an outcome ?
2. We need LOTS of people to participate, not just Browncoats. Package it to appeal to Sci-fi people who want quality shows on TV ?
3. Ask those who've done it before (eg Star Trek, BSG) how they made it happen. A good way to be successful is to copy success.
4. A slogan / music / tune / logo that will be widely accepted - they work in advertising & we'll need to advertise far & wide.
5. Possibly create a website for the campaign.
6. Someone to act as a patron - we'd need a name / face. An astronaut would be shiny.

More later.

*************************
Browncoats, are you content to see Firefly in 2nd place or would you rather see it at #1. It won't happen unless you vote.
http://richlabonte.net/tvvote/index.html

HOPEFUL

Monday, May 7, 2007 8:20 AM

Love It!

BROWNCOAT1

Monday, May 7, 2007 10:33 AM

Some great ideas bouncing around.

Personally I like the idea of a support the advertisers day to start such a campaign then boycotting anyone. A boycott shouldn't be considered as a tool to get something you want as it is seen as aggressive and not in the spirit of cooperation.

__________________________________________
Holding the line since December '02!

[img] [/img]

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://www.richmondbrowncoats.org

Color Sergeant

[img] [/img]

http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/index.html

PETERG

Monday, May 7, 2007 10:52 AM

Ireland didn't win it's freedom (and still hasnt totally) in one battle.

And people got murdered for decades. Even without the politics, this is tasteless.

REDHEAD

Monday, May 7, 2007 1:07 PM

I love Roy's ideas. Especially #2

Quote:
Package it to appeal to Sci-fi people who want quality shows on TV ?

Can we get a list of a bunch of websites devoted to Sci-Fi and approach people there? I'm willing to write up some kind of "news release" if there are betas willing to read and make suggestions.

Would other Sci-Fi fans want to support Universal? Is there another company, another day that has significance to the sci-fi fans as a whole?

To paraphrase Kaylee: Whedon's Firefly is just so lush. I want to take a bite out of it all over, you know?

ANDUINE

Monday, May 7, 2007 4:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by PeterG:
Ireland didn't win it's freedom (and still hasnt totally) in one battle.

And people got murdered for decades. Even without the politics, this is tasteless.

Sorry if I offended PeterG. I grew up in Belfast Ireland and next time I go back for a visit I'll try and convey how tasteless it is for them to participate in the politics of struggle.

Don't want to turn this into a general discussion of my offhanded remarks (is there anyone out there that wants to take issue with my grammer or spelling as well?)But I just HAD to respond to that. THAT being said. I think there's alot of good responses here. I've noticed that there are other forums on other sites that are having the same types of discussions.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to get everyone on the same page or 'thread' as that may be?

ANDUINE

Monday, May 7, 2007 4:27 PM

Just a thought (and I'm getting gun shy about even saying anything without getting shot down here), but there are a few people over at the SciFi forum initially discussing trying to get SciFi network to pick up the show.

Maybe a good place to start is in trying to get a response from some network, either SciFi or USA or such, to see what it would take, and what the hurdles are. I know there was a pretty good campaign that the fans of The Sentinel undertook in 2002. They had gotten favourable response from Chris Regina (SciFi programming director) who went from 'they weren't picking it up' to one month later saying they would after these people kept contacting Regina.

I'm guessing in my tasteless and ignorant fashion (ya, it stings), that if there was anything resembling a poisitve response from some network it may act as a catalyst to get the masses going.

So I guess what I'm asking is how does the majority here feel about contacting SciFi in something resembling force to see if we can get a response? If you're interested I can get the contact info. Maybe Redhead can write the letter that we could get everyone to use?

REDHEAD

Monday, May 7, 2007 4:43 PM

I'm in!

Now, What did the Sentinel fans do? Letter writing, Phone calls, Ads????
Can we come up with something innovative?

What I worry about is that I don't think Fox will just let the Firefly contract go. Some of the long term fans probably know about that. Could one of you fill us in?

To paraphrase Kaylee: Whedon's Firefly is just so lush. I want to take a bite out of it all over, you know?

SHAMELESS

Monday, May 7, 2007 5:15 PM

My two cents...

Joss has said that Firefly is gone, that even if there is another series, it won't be Firefly, and I agree. Especially after the movie, you just can't get that feel back. That being said, I don't think that we need to aim for getting the rights to the tv show (even if Fox TV does have them - anybody know for 100% sure with a credible source?). I say either aim for a sequel (which is actually preferred by the man and cast themselves) or a show that isn't Firefly, but is in the Firefly 'verse - just getting a network (preferably Sci-Fi, but only if they did it Joss's way. I've seen way too many Sci-Fi originals to want to see their take on Firefly. Sure, BSG was great, but that was one out of how many? But I doubt we'd have to worry about that, especially with how picky Joss is) to approach Mr. Whedon about any tv show in the 'verse would be a great first step.

Also, while I know that BSG came back, it came back with a different cast and crew, and I think there was a lot of money involved. Our bunch doesn't have a lot of money. So I think it's a great idea to get some advice from Star Trek fans who apparently did the same thing? I don't know this story.

Now.

I believe that Redhead asked for beta readers for the letter? I'm somethin' of a grammar and spelling nazi myself (forum posts do not count as evidence!), so if you want me to proofread a letter, let me know.

------------------------------------------
RPG launcher bought in third world country illegally - $10
Landmines - $50 per
Attack/track dogs bred 1st class - $250-500 per
Highpowered assault rifles - $600 per
The look on your face when I show up on your doorstep with a bigfoot - ... Priceless

"You gotta love that the first pirated HD DVD is the one about space pirates who broadcast a video that the government wants to keep secret.

Can't stop the signal."
-reavers_ate_my_dvd

PHOENIXROSE

Monday, May 7, 2007 5:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by shameless:
(even if Fox TV does have them - anybody know for 100% sure with a credible source?)

On the 'Done the Impossible' DVD the man himself tells the story of going to Fox Broadcasting when the show was cancelled and asking for the rights back so he could shop them elsewhere.
"They said yes. And I think that's the last time I ever talked to them."
I don't know who has them now. Maybe no one does. My theory (which those who know more about media are free to dispute) is that when the movie rights were optioned by Universal, there was a clause saying that the same 'verse could not appear on the small screen. Contracts have been signed for three movies, and those contracts (according to an interview with Sean Maher on brilliantbutcancelled.com) do not run out until September of this year. And those could just be the actors' contracts; there might be longer-term holding of the story itself, which would make a return to the small screen litterally impossible. Yes, Universal owns the Sci-Fi channel, technically, but they are still separate broadcast entities. If the movie contracts state something to the effect of "This story, this universe, and these characters will not appear in any media besides Universal motion picture for ____ years or three movies" then that's not going to change. I don't know if it said that, but I know I heard something about the small screen rights being tied up. Fox Broadcasting don't own them, so I suspect it was a clause in the movie contract.
In short, the push should be to convince Universal that a movie sequel is worth their time.
And implying that no one here has been doing just that since Serenity came out is kind of insulting. I have been a member of this board for about a year, and have talked to very few people here who have not done something to spread the signal. Flyers, bookmarks, aggresive loaning out of the movie and boxset, charity screenings, e-mail and letter campaigns, stuffing every poll we could find, all to get the word out to sci-fi fans that this 'verse exists, and getting the word out to sci-fi producers that we exist. We don't sit in apathy, we have not admitted defeat, and we do not drop our weapons to eat beans.

The reason I stayed away from this thread at first was that I didn't want to snarl at a new and enthusiastic Browncoat; that's self-defeating. However, you're not the only one who is enthusiastic, and I think you should do some research/thinking before you come in and tell us that we're not doing enough when we are and have been doing everything we can, and the army grows every day as the signal spreads.

Dong ma?

Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.

WACKYNEPHEW

Monday, May 7, 2007 5:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Anduine:
Just a thought (and I'm getting gun shy about even saying anything without getting shot down here)

Don't worry about getting shot down. There's always somebody who'll do that no matter how good your idea is. There's tons of reasons to not even bother with this. You'll hear them all. But, if you have the time and the desire, go for it. It can't hurt. There's nothing to lose. We've already lost it. Everything to gain. Drive on.

Vote for Firefly at http://richlabonte.net/tvvote/index.html

"The lion and the calf shall lie down together but the calf won't get much sleep." Woody Allen

REDHEAD

Monday, May 7, 2007 5:54 PM

Hey PhoenixRose, I'm sorry if in our enthusiasm we stepped on toes (apparently hard, too, ouch! Very bad manners on our part and not intended on mine. So very humble bows and much appreciation for your keeping the flame alive. It took a friend 2 years to convince me to watch the shows... So I have an inkling of how much work you all put in to this.)

Having said that, we need your help to point our passion in the right directions. We need to know what can't work (ie maybe no more TV {I have to stop and clear the lump in my throat}) And What can work (ie getting a second movie).

Please understand we just love Firefly so much that we just can't not try...

Help, please.

ANDUINE

Monday, May 7, 2007 6:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by PhoenixRose:
Quote:
Originally posted by shameless:
(even if Fox TV does have them - anybody know for 100% sure with a credible source?)

On the 'Done the Impossible' DVD the man himself tells the story of going to Fox Broadcasting when the show was cancelled and asking for the rights back so he could shop them elsewhere.
"They said yes. And I think that's the last time I ever talked to them."
I don't know who has them now. Maybe no one does. My theory (which those who know more about media are free to dispute) is that when the movie rights were optioned by Universal, there was a clause saying that the same 'verse could not appear on the small screen. Contracts have been signed for three movies, and those contracts (according to an interview with Sean Maher on brilliantbutcancelled.com) do not run out until September of this year. And those could just be the actors' contracts; there might be longer-term holding of the story itself, which would make a return to the small screen litterally impossible. Yes, Universal owns the Sci-Fi channel, technically, but they are still separate broadcast entities. If the movie contracts state something to the effect of "This story, this universe, and these characters will not appear in any media besides Universal motion picture for ____ years or three movies" then that's not going to change. I don't know if it said that, but I know I heard something about the small screen rights being tied up. Fox Broadcasting don't own them, so I suspect it was a clause in the movie contract.
In short, the push should be to convince Universal that a movie sequel is worth their time.
And implying that no one here has been doing just that since Serenity came out is kind of insulting. I have been a member of this board for about a year, and have talked to very few people here who have not done something to spread the signal. Flyers, bookmarks, aggresive loaning out of the movie and boxset, charity screenings, e-mail and letter campaigns, stuffing every poll we could find, all to get the word out to sci-fi fans that this 'verse exists, and getting the word out to sci-fi producers that we exist. We don't sit in apathy, we have not admitted defeat, and we do not drop our weapons to eat beans.

The reason I stayed away from this thread at first was that I didn't want to snarl at a new and enthusiastic Browncoat; that's self-defeating. However, you're not the only one who is enthusiastic, and I think you should do some research/thinking before you come in and tell us that we're not doing enough when we are and have been doing everything we can, and the army grows every day as the signal spreads.

Dong ma?

Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.

Phoenix Rose!

I apologise. Seriously. If that's how my initial rant came across it was not intended. I was frustrated with alot of the posts I had read regarding how futile any attempt would be. I neglected to fully praise the work that HAS been done. If it weren't for those efforts we wouldnt even have this forum let alone the experience of longstanding fans.

But we CAN use your input. Thanks for the bit of technical history regarding the rights, etc. I understand that Universal did the movie under Serenity because Fox had rights or there was some legality regrding the use of Firefly? Do you know if that's correct? And do you have any idea's of where we could find a credible source to confirm/deny any of the potential conflict issues?

Thanks! And once again I am sorry to any of the fans I may have offended in my frustration. Without your long standing fight and dedication we wouldn't even be having this discussion.

PHOENIXROSE

Monday, May 7, 2007 6:14 PM

No no, please understand that your enthusiasm is welcome, appreciated, embraced, snuggled, and any manner of warm fuzzy things. The only thing I resent at all is the implications that older (I don't consider myself a veteran) members of the community are just sitting on their thumbs, like we don't love it, too, like we don't want it back just as badly as you, that we are not working hard enough, that if we would just try harder there would be no question about more Firefly/Serenity/the 'verse. There's a lot of politics to it, there are a lot of reasons not to go forth and make ourselve as obnoxious as possible, which I hope you would see.
So please, be enthusiastic! Just know that you're not the only one, that you are joining a legion of enthusiasm, who will welcome your ideas and tell you which can work and which need to be kept away from. You don't have to rally the troops, we're all rallied, but some new brains in the storming never hurt a thing.
Kay, I hope I made that all clear. Onwards.

Our best opportunity right now comes in the form of the special edition Serenity DVD. That they're putting one out is a hopeful sign, and it gives us some new shiny to buy that will put money in the pockets of the right people. So buy the movie. Tell your friends to buy the movie. If they don't, buy it for them. Put up flyers, slip boomarks into books at the library, donate your old copy of Serenity to the local library, where it will be checked out by hundreds of potential Browncoats, arrange screenings or find one near you and buy a ticket. Say 'shiny' and 'gorramn' until someone asks you what the hell you're on about. Get those DVDs off the shelves! This is the most effective tool we have at our disposal. Money talks.

*edit*

Quote:
Originally posted by Anduine:
I understand that Universal did the movie under Serenity because Fox had rights or there was some legality regrding the use of Firefly? Do you know if that's correct? And do you have any idea's of where we could find a credible source to confirm/deny any of the potential conflict issues?

That one I don't know anything about. It's concievable that Fox owns the name Firefly (as well as owning the episodes that were shot under their contract) but I can't confirm or deny that one because I haven't come across anyone official saying there were any conflicts with the name or why. There could be many, many reasons that the name Firefly wasn't used, including something as simple as not wanting to use the same name from different mediums, or something as complicated as a legal snarl. I just don't know. I keep my eyes and ears out for any backstory I can get, so I'll let y'all know if I hear anything about the name issues.
No worries about the frustration. I understand, really. I get frustrated when people say it's all over and there's no point, but really that's quite rare. More often it's a "This is a futile course of action" statement and when that lacks an explination of why, it can rankle too, but it's not saying that any effort is pointless. We definitely have until September to convince them to greenlight Serenity 2, and we might potentially have more than that, so hope is far from lost.

Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.

SHAMELESS

Monday, May 7, 2007 6:20 PM

Ok. So. Going for a sequel, then. And honestly, if it's only the actors' contracts that run out and not Universal's rights to the 'verse, that gives me so much more hope.

------------------------------------------
RPG launcher bought in third world country illegally - $10
Landmines - $50 per
Attack/track dogs bred 1st class - $250-500 per
Highpowered assault rifles - $600 per
The look on your face when I show up on your doorstep with a bigfoot - ... Priceless

"You gotta love that the first pirated HD DVD is the one about space pirates who broadcast a video that the government wants to keep secret.

Can't stop the signal."
-reavers_ate_my_dvd

REDHEAD

Monday, May 7, 2007 6:25 PM

Phoenixrose and any other long time fans,
Have you checked out the "Open letter... hoping to make a difference somehow." thread. What do you think of the ideas there?
1. chat room Sunday for more ideas
2. posts to Sci-fi mags
3. Bye-buy Day (Goodbye to reality shows, Hello to good stories) exhort fans to purchase 1 company's products on 1 day to show what we can do.

I'm doing most of what you suggest already. I have 1 firefly ready to wrap for a gift and two out on loan and I bring the subject up whenever it wont turn people off.

I just want to do more.

To paraphrase Kaylee: Whedon's Firefly is just so lush. I want to take a bite out of it all over, you know?

ANDUINE

Monday, May 7, 2007 6:40 PM

Thanks for the positive enthusiasm everyone. And thanks Phoenix! Brilliant input and comments.

I've been following and contributing to a thread over at SciFi forum. There's a effort to get a letter writing campaign to Chris Regina Exec Vp of SciFi network. The aim of the idea is to get a FF marathon on the channel this summer, maybe have each episode introduced by a cast member, etc.

The objective is manifold. Firstly getting a marathon. If SciFi does that then use that as a catalyst to get masses watching and responding. If the numbers are good then to keep the push to get SciFi to pick up the series.

If we set up a chat meeting I'll invite some of the serious from there to join in.

I like the idea of getting everyone to buy the new release. Makes perfect sense and is an event to generate more momentum.

ANDUINE

Monday, May 7, 2007 7:05 PM

FYI.

Kind of an interesting thread from last month. But looks like some good people to include.

http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=3&t=27669

Also check out this thread over at SciFi's forum. Some of the comments are unrealistic in my mind but some good thoughts.

http://forums.scifi.com/index.php?showtopic=2272758&st=40&gopid=333975
6&#entry3339756

CANTER

Monday, May 7, 2007 7:45 PM

I'm always in favour of anything that would help get us a sequel. (I understand a revival of the series in its current form is unlikely).

(Please excuse the lenght of this post)

I would first like to know what our actual resources, and therefore influencing power (meaning fan numbers) might be.
I think the first thing that we have to consider is the reality of how to contact as many as possible firefly fans with whatever strategim is devised. It is not of much use if we devise a plan which involves mass-action if we cannot be sure we can invoke mass-action.

Although it is true that there are a few thousand registered members on this site, I would hazard a guess that only about 100 members are really active. I don't know how many active members can be reached on the sci-fi board, as I haven't spent a lot of time there.

On the 76th Battalion board there are (I think) 120 registered members, (who can be reached via our e-mailed newsletter). A fair number of them are active on this board, so you would probable get some duplication.

When we devised the Vote day back in December 2006, to get support for an organised voting push on the TV vote site, a number of us tried to reach as many as possible firefly fans by posting on different sites, boards, bulletins. We also posted messages on myspace and contacted a few yahoo groups.

We managed to get about 3000 votes (if I'm not mistaken)for the day. That would probably relate to about 600 fans.

These are therefore the number of fans that can easily be included in any strategy devised, as they would most probably be the ones that we could contact.

Would this be enough? I don't know at what volumes any network or advertiser would start sitting up and taking note. I would therefore suggest that we attempt first to create a system whereby we can reach as many as possible fans.

What are the possibilities of asking Haken to make available the e-mail addresses of the thousands of members registered here for a once-off e-mail, calling them to arms? (in a manner of speaking) Would such an e-mail be considered an invasion of privacy and in contravention of the terms of use of this board?

If this is not possible, can we then not start an e-mailing list, building it up for the next few months until we can be sure to reach our thousands of co-fans with our plan. I'm talking now of course of centralising *all* firefly fans into one database. I know that the fans of the show Xena-warrior princess, has an official fan-club of thousands, all reachable via an e-mail newsletter. I have no idea how this is organised, since I'm barely computer literate, and this might even be an impossible idea...so, please be gentle

I think that with September looming closer, the time is now ripe for us to harness the power of frustration of every single person who has ever fell in love with the 'verse, and use that power to bring about change. But we need to organise.

Thoughts?

Big Damn Browncoat Vote http://richlabonte.net/tvvote/index.html

ANDUINE

Monday, May 7, 2007 8:06 PM

Canter!

All I can say is...bleedin brilliant!
That of course seems to be a foundation strategy. Let's see if we can get any answers.

How does one centralise the fans?

For all I know there may not be a way. If there isn't I know from experience that what's needed is an event or focus that can light the fuse.

Say we get only 100 dedicated fans or lets say even only 25. I'm gonna quote some stats from another site:

'Serenity, the movie, received generally positive reviews and opened at number two, taking in $10.1 million its first weekend, spending two weeks in the top ten, and totaling a domestic box office gross of $25.5 million and a foreign box office gross of $13.3 million.[2] Serenity won film of the year awards from Film 2005[3] and FilmFocus.[4] It also won IGN Film's Best Sci-Fi, Best Story and Best Trailer awards and was runner up for the Overall Best Movie.[5] It also won the Nebula Award for Best Script for 2005, the 7th annual 'User Tomato Awards' for best Sci-Fi movie of 2005 at Rotten Tomatoes, the 2006 viewers choice Spacey Award for favorite movie, the 2006 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form[6] and the 2006 Prometheus Special Award.'

So there are millions of unorganised fans out there.

But that doesn't answer your or my question. How do you get them all on the same page?

REDHEAD

Monday, May 7, 2007 8:20 PM

Alright, I agree we need to mobilize the fan base.

How do we reach them?

I wish we could do something like buy the email addresses of anybody who purchased firefly/serenity from Amazon. Probably not viable. Does anybody know?

The other ideas I have are Billboards and ads but where and that would entail Money.

How bout the sales list of DONE THE IMPOSSIBLE. The buyers of that would be hardcore fans and the makers should be sympathetic to the cause.

To paraphrase Kaylee: Whedon's Firefly is just so lush. I want to take a bite out of it all over, you know?

ANDUINE

Monday, May 7, 2007 8:22 PM

Here's a scenerio for what it's worth.

Say you have 50 or 100 people flood with email, phone and hardcopy mail, SciFi or someone related to the production (I know Joss doesn't have a fan email) that's high profile.

So you flood them with 100 letters, emails, etc. by asking something SIMPLE. For instance one big question is what are the hurdles to get the series picked up, or another sequel, etc. Not even begin to push towards the final goal. Just something simple that doesnt cost SciFi or Joss Whedon anything to answer.

Now you have a bit of a fuse. I think that a thread that boasted say a letter or contribution by a SciFi VP or Joss or one of the assistant producers may get noticed on fan sites.

Now you got the fuse lit. So say that explosion now reaches only 500 or so (man 600 dedicated fans could do havoc), now your getting numbers to lite bigger fuses.

As it's been pointed out and I've seen there has been a lot of success already with fans from this site and others. We just need another drive to if nothing else keep the fire going.

So we take the 500 and then move on to bigger things keeping the focus. Build as we go. ANd hopefully there may already be an eager infrastructure out there that we will learn to tap in to. This is the simple version of course. It's worked before here and a million other places. It just needs to be done again. And again....

WOLFSKINBETA

Monday, May 7, 2007 8:37 PM

I found it.. thank god!!! I am here to give my all to the cause.... let me know what to do.

"Fall in love with life and drink it from a fountain that is pouring like an avalanche coming down the mountian"

FOLLOWMAL

Monday, May 7, 2007 8:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Anduine:
But that doesn't answer your or my question. How do you get them all on the same page?

Anduine, welcome to the 'Verse.

I started a reply to your other thread but ya'll are busy. So I decided to drop in here and post this really quickly and then I'll talk a bit in the other one.

Last year after the movie failed at the box office and before the June 23 Can't Stop the Serenity screenings and before the release of the BDM on DVD and before the anniversary of the BDM's release in theaters, not necessarily in that order, lol... we (meaning 11th Hour, me and a couple of other BC's ) headed up a bunch of folks who did some shiny things to promote the 'Verse.

We laid in place some constants that you're not aware of because frankly right now we're in flux... we're in the middle of a bunch of stuff.

There is in place a group of BC's who belong to the Browncoat Signal Corps , see this website:

http://www.geocities.com/browncoatsignalcorps/index.htm

who routinely spread the word throughout the 'Verse about what guerilla marketing stuff is being done and also any news of the 'Verse.

So that is already done.

Also, there are plans in place, not implemented yet, for a Big Buy of the BDSE when it comes out.
There are plans in place to be supportive of the Serenity screenings for charity which allows us to do so much good, have so much fun and also get real press for our movie and cause.

There are plans in place to communicate with SciFi regarding Firefly and Serenity.

We've just not begun yet.

As PhoenixRose has intimated above, we're busy, you just caught us in between.

FOLLOWMAL

Monday, May 7, 2007 9:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Anduine:
Do you know if that's correct? And do you have any idea's of where we could find a credible source to confirm/deny any of the potential conflict issues?

I don't believe there is any way for us to know this fact truly, unless one of us here is a studio exec at Universal. They've not spoken up the entire time I've been here so I don't believe so.

Quote:

Thanks! And once again I am sorry to any of the fans I may have offended in my frustration. Without your long standing fight and dedication we wouldn't even be having this discussion.

Actually it's the veteran BC's whom I'm grateful to. They were here and on the OB and they held and were active enough to make a viable audience obvious to Universal.

Those of us who did in any small way anything to promote the 'Verse afterwards are still struggling.

Look under the Guerilla Marketing forum down below the General Discussion forum... peruse back in time some and check out what's been done to see what won't work, what's been done and to see what might still be possible.

ANDUINE

Monday, May 7, 2007 10:52 PM

FollowMal!

Thanks!!! Have heard about your legendery exploits and am grateful you came with info.

Went to the website and plan on joining the rebellion so to speak.

Give us some more info on future plans. There are obviously a few of us new to the site. For myself I'm thinking or asking what your plans are for SciFi campaign.

I'm guessing that there are enough new volunteers here to help make an impact.

And Wolf. What about the specifics on hosting a general chat this Sunday!

GHOULFISH

Monday, May 7, 2007 11:09 PM

Some of these ideas are pretty nice - just had one of my own (might not be feasable but what the hell)

I think that the main way to get a fan based mobilized is via star power. Many of the actors/actresses on firefly are still dedicated to it. If we were able to communicate our plan to someone like Nathan maybe we could get them on board.
Not strictly bring to back firefly but maybe a type of firefly day - support the sponsors who made it happen etc. A youtube movie of Nathan or some of the other actors talking about it might be able to access a large amount of fans.

Well just my two cents worth
good luck

FOLLOWMAL

Monday, May 7, 2007 11:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Anduine:
Give us some more info on future plans. There are obviously a few of us new to the site. For myself I'm thinking or asking what your plans are for SciFi campaign.

Anduine, I'll be happy to. I need to consult with TDBrown, as he's the master of ceremonies coughinchargecough and I'd have to get it from him and lay it out for you. I am but a humble soldier in this.

There are some things I am aware of that the entire fandom is doing and I'll start a post this evening in the Guerilla Marketing forum and lay those out.

Then I'll be back tomorrow and lay out what is planned in the lead up to the BDSE release day and with SciFi.

Please understand... I don't believe there's any way that Firefly can come back. Serenity now, that's another story. I don't mean to dampen your love or enthusiasm, but part of doing a job means looking at how to do it practically. Practically, Firefly is dead. If they ever do make another series, it'll be one with other people on another ship in the same 'Verse. Joss isn't ready to go there by his own admission, so that's not happening. That leaves us with Uni and Serenity.

The way it is, is the way it is as Mal would say.
To make a difference, we need to know what job we're doing and get it done.

All the new fans ( you! ) and all the enthusiasm is so very shiny! And please, just because I'm talking about our ideas doesn't mean we don't welcome nor support new ideas and new folks doing things. There are just some guidelines as fans we'd like to see followed. It's not an enforcement of those guidelines, understand... it's a request.

We are a group of folks grounded in some pretty awesome predecessors. To live up to what they've done, it takes work, character and dedication. And rules.

FOLLOWMAL

Monday, May 7, 2007 11:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ghoulfish:
Some of these ideas are pretty nice - just had one of my own (might not be feasable but what the hell)

I think that the main way to get a fan based mobilized is via star power. Many of the actors/actresses on firefly are still dedicated to it. If we were able to communicate our plan to someone like Nathan maybe we could get them on board.
Not strictly bring to back firefly but maybe a type of firefly day - support the sponsors who made it happen etc. A youtube movie of Nathan or some of the other actors talking about it might be able to access a large amount of fans.

Well just my two cents worth
good luck

Ghoulfish, we already have something very like this. It's a great idea, albeit already in action.

The Can't Stop the Serenity screenings that will occur in June for Joss' birthday are a fandom wide event. Joss and some of the BDH's will likely appear at a screening somewhere. There are some veteran Browncoats who will be outspoken about this. It WILL appear in the regular press and in the Equality Now yearly report which will receive regular press.

This is the shiniest moment in our fandom. We give instead of asking for something, we give to folks outside our fandom, we gather together and enjoy ourselves and are good to each other, and we get good press too. It's a huge win/win situation and deserves all of our attention and mobilization.

Asking any of the BDH's or Joss to support a fan started buying spree or a writing campaign is not an option IMHO. That stuff is up to us.

OUT2THEBLACK

Monday, May 7, 2007 11:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Anduine:
I've read quite a few posts about the futility of trying to get Fox or another network to resurrect the series. All I can say is sad...

I think (and maybe in my ignorance) that what's needed here is a catalyst of some nature to organise a credible and effective campaign.

Underdogs that we are, seriously, so what if we meet with defeat. Again and again. It's far better than wallowing in self pity.

Ireland didn't win it's freedom (and still hasnt totally) in one battle.

It took years of efforts by the fans of Star Trek until we saw vindication...

The keyword here is to organise. And one place it can start is right here. So the real question is how do we start? It will take time. It will take logistics. It will take building a group of people from all talents, which should be here and readily available, unless cynicism has prevailed. If the show is worth it, than it's worth winning, but it's also worth defeat. But at least we can make a noise that will cause a few to tremble.

I have some thoughts, but more importantly I also have some ammunition. As in the contact info for all the major advertisers on Fox. If this post get's enough of a reply or comment...then...let's take the next step and initially figure out a way to use what we have and logically plan out the attack.

Or. We can always sit around and complain.
thanks for listening,
Anduine

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt

(edited for brevity)

Anduine , we DO get the occasional hand-wringers and pants-pissers here who have only a negative outlook about the future of OUR FRANCHISE !

And , Folks , Truly it is OURS ! We OWN IT ! We WON it in battle , fair and square ! Well , maybe not so fair , but the point is , Browncoats got it done !

Good thread , Anduine !

Lots of interesting comments from folk...

P.S.-- NEW BROWNCOAT MUSIC-- =<*>=

FILM and ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA Composer

AUSTIN WINTORY has committed to produce new

music for Browncoats ! We are in for a TREAT !

FOLK , support his work every possible way !

Check out some of his Music !

< http://www.austinwintory.com/listen.htm>

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

" When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return."

--Leonardo da Vinci

ANDUINE

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 12:05 AM

Thanks for all the positive comments! It's great to see this thread picking up and the wealth of experience and idea's.

I agree on the outlook of Serenity possible vs. FF not. But I'm gonna hold to my dream and push for both.

Realising that Joss and crew may have their minds made up, I've seen minds change with support.

After all the man himself stated in the DVD that there shouldnt have even been a movie.

We gotta a bit of brilliant support here and we just need to keep the river running.

I'm keepin a list and checkin it twice. Looking forward to the Sunday chat with all.

CAPTAINCOUPI

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 12:07 AM

Just a random thought. With STS 117 going to the ISS in June carrying copies of Firefly and Serenity on DVD, does anyone think we can get a news service to pick up that is happening and tie into the SE release?

We know from the SciFi poll a little while back that any news coverage of the BDM will effect sales, so if we can find someone to pick that up and spread the word.

I'm sure FollowMal and the Signal Corp already have it in their schedule, but I thought I would mention it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.bigdamnthankyou.com/

THEONETRUEBIX

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 12:13 AM

Oh. STS 117. Other than the OB thread, does anyone have the URL for a site about that? Like, the sort of thing press people can use, rather than a meandering discussion board?

-----

In the Portland of Oregon, Birthplace of the Global Charity Screenings Movement
PDX Browncoats, Film Action Oregon, and The Portland Mercury
present
Can't Stop The Serenity - Portland OR USA
June 22 & 23 @ the Hollywood Theatre
To Benefit Equality Now and the Women's Film Initiative
http://serenitynow.pdxbrowncoats.com/

CAPTAINCOUPI

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 12:38 AM

Like maybe..... the STS117 home page with integrated Press Kit PDF?

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts117/index
.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.bigdamnthankyou.com/

THEONETRUEBIX

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 12:40 AM

No, I mean about the getting the DVDs sent up.

-----

In the Portland of Oregon, Birthplace of the Global Charity Screenings Movement
PDX Browncoats, Film Action Oregon, and The Portland Mercury
present
Can't Stop The Serenity - Portland OR USA
June 22 & 23 @ the Hollywood Theatre
To Benefit Equality Now and the Women's Film Initiative
http://serenitynow.pdxbrowncoats.com/

DEWCREW919

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 12:51 AM

I've got a couple of thoughts about this:

Well it's obviously important for the SE DVD to sell very well. I only wish we knew how much more Universal wants out of Serenity before they decide to make a sequel. That would make things a lot easier than this shot in the dark we've been dealing with.

Can we maybe do another ad to get us in the spotlight again? Maybe a thanks to Universal for making the SE DVD?

It would be so nice if we (that would include someone big like Joss) could set up a group and fund a sequel with Universal. Studios often partner with another to fund a movie. I think the DTV Stargate movie is being co-financed by MGM and 20th Century FOX. I know there are a ton of legal issues with that, but it would be nice.

And isn't Joss' problem with FOX and not 20th Century FOX? 20th C wanted the show to be picked up since it's their property, it's just that FOX bought the show. 20th C is the one who makes money off of it through DVDs and having a channel pay for it.

I'm not too concerned about actor's contracts because they all love these roles so much, I think they'd come back in a heart beat.

XARDOZ

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 1:16 AM

Hey.

I followed Anduine over here from the SciFi forums, and it's time to put my mark on the line. While I'm probably not the most advanced technically, I work web design in my day job and run a couple of blogs, so I hereby volunteer to help with whatever pixels need pushin'.

I'll send links to my stuff if anyone wants, but I don't want to give the impression of spamming in my first post here.

Big Damn Thanks to everyone here who fought for the BDM - your work brought me into the 'Verse and convinced me to give Firefly a chance.

MURKYMERC

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 1:16 AM

Well more power to you all. I went through the "We can bring it back" phase too. If I may speak a little blasphemy, I think the luke warm, if not cold response to Serenity pretty much killed that chance for a sequel or a continuation of the series.

We are a great group, and we are a vocal group, but by network standards, we are a small group. Networks and studios don't want to just make their money back. Opportunity cost rears it ugly head and makes them want to make 2x 3x 10x their money back.

I will always be grateful for Joss, because if nothing else, Serenity wrapped up enough for us to be able to say "...and they lived happily ever after..." and place a period on it all. Good luck to you all in your endeavors…I hope you prove me wrong.

XARDOZ

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 1:42 AM

Maybe we can't bring it back. Maybe we can't move it forward to whatever the next incarnation may be. Maybe the cast and crew have moved on and wish we'd shut our big damn mouths about it.

But Joss and Tim are still alive. For me, their writing and direction were the soul of the 'Verse, and until they are pushing up daisies, I'll hold out hope.

This is not to disparage those who came before me and may have tired of the fight. I'm just here to help hold the line.

And if the battle's already lost, well, you'll get to say "I told you so" and too damn bad for me.

- xardoz
half a goon and half a god

FUTUREMRSFILLION

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 1:48 AM

Welcome Zardoz!

---- plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose

Bestower of Titles, Designer of Tshirts, Maker of Mottos, Keeper of the Pyre, Owner of a too big Turnippy smelling coat with MR scratched in the neck (thanks FollowMal!)

I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"

FORSAKEN original

ANDUINE

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 4:22 AM

All I can say is I'm impressed. Well more than that actually but I'm a bit awed by the experience and dedication I've seen in this thread. Both from the Vets here and the new fans.

Maybe this is just another rant on my part...but from personal experience I've seen a small dedicated group of people achieve things the majority thought impossible....and that gives me hope.

I guess now that, if nothing else, we've energised a few new 'Browncoats', and possibly pissed off a few vets (hey! it was unintentional) and brought some in to give a bit of direction...maybe we/I should start to define some focus so we can keep the fire going.

I think a good place to start is with Wolfs willingness to host a chat. Once we get the logistics down we can pass that on.

Here's my 2 cents for topics.
1. Discuss taking this energy over to a existing forum...looks like a few out there so maybe it makes more sense rather than duplicating any efforts. Maybe not?

2. Look at first steps. Start with something small like contacting Chris Regina at SciFi to see what hurdles exist to pick up the series. That way we get more info from a credible source.

3. See what other groups like FollowMals or the SciFi forum is already doing.

4. Discussion of future strategies.

5. See what other PR events are out there that we can contribute to such as voting etc. I know there are already posts on the subject but in a large forum it works really well to break it into small groups. It keeps morale high and info processing smooth.

6. Pick a moderator for the chat. I'd suggest maybe Redhead, or Wolf, or FollowMal. I'd volunteer but would rather contribute than ride herd on everyone.

Thanks again everyone! I've gotten quite a few messages on the side from some of the 'vets' here and they're impressed with the enthusiasm and many of you who contributed. Brilliant crew everyone!

GUYWHOWANTSAFIREFLYOFHISOWN

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 4:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by xardoz:
Maybe we can't bring it back. Maybe we can't move it forward to whatever the next incarnation may be. Maybe the cast and crew have moved on and wish we'd shut our big damn mouths about it.

But Joss and Tim are still alive. For me, their writing and direction were the soul of the 'Verse, and until they are pushing up daisies, I'll hold out hope.

This is not to disparage those who came before me and may have tired of the fight. I'm just here to help hold the line.

And if the battle's already lost, well, you'll get to say "I told you so" and too damn bad for me.

Ditto.

Why is the rum always gone?

ANDUINE

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 5:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Guywhowantsafireflyofhisown:
Quote:
Originally posted by xardoz:
Maybe we can't bring it back. Maybe we can't move it forward to whatever the next incarnation may be. Maybe the cast and crew have moved on and wish we'd shut our big damn mouths about it.

But Joss and Tim are still alive. For me, their writing and direction were the soul of the 'Verse, and until they are pushing up daisies, I'll hold out hope.

This is not to disparage those who came before me and may have tired of the fight. I'm just here to help hold the line.

And if the battle's already lost, well, you'll get to say "I told you so" and too damn bad for me.

Ditto.

Why is the rum always gone?

Couldnt have said it any better myself....

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt

REDHEAD

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 5:28 AM

okay, I've been off teaching class. Now I'm back and rarin' to go (before I hit the sack anyway). I don't know how good of a moderator I would be because I can't even figure out how to get to the dang chat room so I nominate either wolf or a vet fan.
1. Tell me what forums want my energy and I'm there.
2. I would be glad to draft a letter to Chris Regina at SciFi to find out what hurdles exist. Does anyone know address etc.?
3. I want to help with the Serenity events but I live 30 minutes from the nearest town---of 200. and an hour and a half from our big city of 26,000. Sooo what can I do from the boonies?

SIGMANUNKI

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 5:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Canter:

What are the possibilities of asking Haken to make available the e-mail addresses of the thousands of members registered here for a once-off e-mail, calling them to arms? (in a manner of speaking) Would such an e-mail be considered an invasion of privacy and in contravention of the terms of use of this board?

Yes, it is an invasion of privacy. If it wasn't, you'd already have access to that info. I for one would be really pissed if some site gave out my email address. Hell, my friends don't without asking.

There is also an ethical question regarding this. Do you really want to spam people "calling them to arms?"

But, if you want to spam people without the invasion of privacy, all you need is a username list for this site (Haken would have to provide this as that page no longer works). Then you could send them a pm through this site (such functionality already exists).

But again, are you sure you want to do this?

----
I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"

REDHEAD

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 5:58 AM

I can understand the no giving out email addresses but if, as I understand it, an email would be sent out to all members just pointing them to a thread or an announcement, would that really make people angry?

I'm pretty easygoing myself so I might just not be aware of problems that could ensue.

To paraphrase Kaylee: Whedon's Firefly is just so lush. I want to take a bite out of it all over, you know?

REDHEAD

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 5:58 AM

oops 2 posts. I swear I only hit it once.
I'm the anti-Kaylee, machines hate me.

SIGMANUNKI

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 8:00 AM

I hope this sounds as good being read as it does in my head i.e. it's about 4am here and I hope that I don't come off as a dick

Quote:
Originally posted by redhead:

I can understand the no giving out email addresses but if, as I understand it, an email would be sent out to all members just pointing them to a thread or an announcement, would that really make people angry?

I'm pretty easygoing myself so I might just not be aware of problems that could ensue.

Differentiating "good" spam from "bad" spam is a °very* slippery slope. Spam is also *very* illegal in some parts e.g. California (and they get *really* pissy when even an /accusation/ is made).

Even one email using someone's email address is still an invasion of privacy b/c /*they didn't give it to you* to use for this purpose/. Just b/c it's "only one" email does _not_ mean that this issue goes away. This is as well a slippery slope. Though the username pm thing mitigates this specific part.

Also, you're new so I won't expect you to know about the BDM fiasco which still surfaces from time to time***. But, some Browncoats actually believe that FF/S should end with the movie, some even that the movie itself was a mistake.

Basically, just b/c some find this campaign a "good cause" does _not_ mean that others will as well. Even when those others are Browncoats.

IMO it's best to organize /first/ by threads like these and/or mailing lists. Once things are ironed out (i.e. goals are made), then a word of mouth campaign could start to get people involved in the implementation (or how to go about doing that). If people are interested in participating, great. But, if they aren't, why pester them? Especially since it's guaranteed to piss a good number of people off (if only b/c of the spam thing).

*** Search the archives if you're interested:

http://fireflylabs.ca/misc/fffsearch.html

The Simon/River rescue is a good controversy starting point.

Please also keep in mind that the Wikipedia entry on this was written by someone with motivations to "prove" that there is no inconsistency. Actually, in general you shouldn't learn anything from the Wikipedia that is even remotely controversial for obvious reasons. At any rate, there is a plethora of posts to go through if you're so motivated. So, I doubt making up your mind about won't be difficult for lack of info reasons

----
I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"

ROY

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 8:02 AM

Just wondering what folks would think of a monthly Email newspaper 2-4 pages hitting on main events, threads, sundries and such. A lot of folk don't have the time to wade through 100s of threads, but would still like a heads up every now and again. Needs contributers, editors and the like but can be done.

If at first we don't suceed, try, try, try again

*************************
Browncoats, are you content to see Firefly in 2nd place or would you rather see it at #1. It won't happen unless you vote.
http://richlabonte.net/tvvote/index.html

WACKYNEPHEW

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 8:07 AM

Couldn't someone just start an email group, direct people to it and explain that it's mainly for dissemination of info regarding this particular plan of action? An email group can be an extremely powerful tool to get the word at to many at once. What say you?

Vote for Firefly at http://richlabonte.net/tvvote/index.html

"The lion and the calf shall lie down together but the calf won't get much sleep." Woody Allen

HOPEFUL

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 8:22 AM

Hey sorry if this was decided and I missed it, but did we reach a decision of whether we want a revival of the series? Or a sequel?

TDBROWN

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 9:32 AM

Hi... nice to see all this enthusiasm.

I had a lengthy discussion with FollowMal last night about our newest Project, and she gave me a link to this thread. She was right; There are a lot of Newbies on here that want to be proactive. That's so Shiny! If I can do anything to encourage this I will.

The Slightly Irregular Browncoats, my Crew over on serenitymovie.org , will be mobilizing for a new project on June First. It's gonna be called OPERATION SIGNAL BOOST, and is intended to (1)promote the Can't Stop The Serenity Screenings, and (2) will mainly be a Guerilla Marketing Campaign to promote awareness/sales of the Big Damn Collector's Edition. We will be encouraging all Browncoat Organizations, and all BCs everywhere to help us with this. Watch for more details soon, and if anyone wants to know more Early, just contact FollowMal or me!

"Might have been the losing side, still not convinced it was the wrong one." -Mal

MALSNARA

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 9:43 AM

Ok then...this is one hell of a Shiny thread and I for one would greatly appreciate a monthly newsletter. However it may end up turning out like Still Flyin', which, while it was a brilliant fanzine, died after just a few editions. I am not a new Browncoat and I have been holding the line and sending the signal to them as needs to hear it for a long time now but I am not one of the very first Browncoats.

If there was a monthly newsletter then someone could start a thread on as many sites as possible where people could sign up to it. If people didn't want to post their email addresses where everybody could see it then they could send it to the newsletter organisers.

I think that the most likely thing to happen is a sequel to Serenity. We should push for that because it could lead onto other things. If anyone has doubts about the success or brilliance of the BDM then they should check out an earlier post where someone mentioned the awards that the BDM has picked up.

I'm glad basically that the early bickering and fighting amongst ourselves has fizzled out because we don't need it.

I hope that this time we can really do something, as time is running out and I humbly offer my services, such as they are. I would like to help with the newsletter if that were possible.

Oh...and I apologise for the length of this post

REDHEAD

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 12:41 PM

First of all SigmaNunki you sounded imminently reasonable. I definitely agree about not sending out posts willynilly but, after we know where we're going, couldn't we send out an update like:

"The Browncoats have mobilized and we want you to join. Click on this link and you will be added to our database to get a newsletter on how we are bringing back our BigDamnShow. Delete this email and no one will contact you again. Come to Fireflyfans.net for more info. See Thread blah blahblah."

also, I loved the search link. I bookmarked it. I've managed to use google once before on this site but it took me a bunch of tries.

ANDUINE

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 1:25 PM

Bleedin brilliant! Man you people are busy late night!

Regrding an emailing. I've worked with major marketing campaigns and there are 3 ways of doing it that I know of-or have seen done.

1. Even though it's unrealistic to have this website or another give us a 1 time email list, what is usually done is that the sites will for reasons of either financial (you pay them for the list) or it coincides with their interest, do a one time email (from them) on your behalf.

2. Many of the sites (unless they tell you otherwise) do collect the email addresses and sell them off. Depending on the ethics of the site they will either sell them off to anyone asking or a list group to resell...or to groups that are like minded.

3. You just buy the email list from a list group. Same way as regular mailing lists are bought. Usually the easiest, but most expensive.

Now. Regarding a newsletter. My thoughts exactly. One of the first steps in organisation is to have a vehicle to communicate. These sites are one way but you get lost in the masses. Plus they're a good start as we can see already with this thread.

I'd say that if we do get some semblance of organisation and see how we start to work together (either as our own or by alliance with an existing group), a newsletter (no matter how small initially) is a fantastic place to start. Warning: Newsletters or fanzines can and do have a short life span for various reasons...but they are WORTH the effort.

Plus a newsletter can take on advertisers and therefore generate a bit of quid to further the cause. I'm NOT talking about lining anyones pockets here.

Given that at a glance we have already people here who have offered service... a media writer, web designer, fund raiser, printer (hard copy can be good), photographer, etc, etc., seems like a natural progression to me. And lets face it it mobilises quicker than waiting for them to come to you.

My big question though is are there ANY newsletter type pieces already out there dedicated to Serenity/FF?

Great posts everyone...KEEP them coming. Looks like some heads are starting to be turned by everyones enthusiasm! If nothing else you're making a few ripples that can turn into.....

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt

MALSNARA

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 2:56 PM

I'd like to do some writing for the newsletter if that would be possible. I don't want to steal anyone else's job here ...but I'd really like to do something like that.

I haven't heard of any other newsletters but there may be some, as I mentioned before there was a Fanzine but that isn't going anymore.

REDHEAD

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 3:55 PM

Great. The more writers the better. That way we don't have to worry about burnout.

Who was the web page person? What do we need to set up a web page to put a newsletter on?

Would we want to print hard copies for distribution to video stores? Or maybe some kind of flyers recommending BDS/BDM?

I googled firefly newsletter and got:

Quote:
The outreach department of the Firefly WikiProject is a centralized work are for project recruitment and member interaction efforts. The major programs currently underway are a monthly project newsletter and a welcoming message for new members of the project; further ideas are always welcome, of course!

This was dated Aug.,2006. Seems like there is niche waiting to be filled.

To paraphrase Kaylee: Whedon's Firefly is just so lush. I want to take a bite out of it all over, you know?

MALSNARA

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 4:00 PM

The flyers is a good idea but wouldn't that cost us money to do? Money we ain't got?

REDHEAD

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 4:04 PM

I know it isn't much but I'd contribute $50 if the consensus seems to be that its a good idea. And I'd take flyers around to the 2 (yes 2) video stores in an hour radius of my house.

To paraphrase Kaylee: Whedon's Firefly is just so lush. I want to take a bite out of it all over, you know?

CLJOHNSTON108

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 4:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by redhead:
Can we get a list of a bunch of websites devoted to Sci-Fi...

Sci-Fi LINKS

Locus Online: Links Portal
http://www.locusmag.com/Links/Portal.html

LostCarPark
http://www.lostcarpark.com/links.php

Science Fiction Worlds of Jeffrey A. Carver -- Links
http://www.starrigger.net/links.htm

Links: Wormholes to Useful Sites
http://www.depauw.edu/sfs/links.htm

Science Fiction Links
http://www.scifidimensions.com/links.htm

ULTIMATE SCIENCE FICTION WEB GUIDE
http://www.magicdragon.com/UltimateSF/SF-Index.html

Links of Interest to SF/F Writers and Fans
http://www.sfwa.org/links/

Asimov's Science Fiction - Links
http://www.asimovs.com/info/links.shtml

SpecFicWorld's Resource Directory
http://www.specficworld.com/writers.aspx

Science Fiction Links Part 1
http://www.testermanscifi.org/LinksPart1.html

Laurel's Science Fiction Links
http://ling.uta.edu/~laurel/sf.html

Science Fiction Links
http://www.sf-worlds.com/science-fiction-links.html

Sci-Fi BLOGS

SF Signal - A Science Fiction Blog (The editors LOVE Firefly!)
http://www.sfsignal.com/

Gravity Lens Weblog
http://www.baddaystudio.com/gravityblog.html

Incoming Signals: A Weblog
http://www.wherethreadscomeloose.com/links.html

JAYHAWK35

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 4:12 PM

I'm no Hollywood insider, but has anyone thought about a Variety (or other high-profile magazine) ad addressed this time to Universal, much like the Browncoats did when Firefly was canceled? I know it's a drop in the bucket as far as exposure goes, and the ads aren't cheap, but the clock is ticking for Universal to greenlight BDM2, and we could address that issue in the ad and once again, thank Universal for the BDM???

Just a thought.

Mark

---
Zoë: "Preacher, don't the Bible have some pretty specific things to say about killing?"

Book: "Quite specific. It is however somewhat fuzzier on the subject of kneecaps"

REDHEAD

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 4:27 PM

Actually, I think a high profile ad is what we should shoot for with the newsletter to raise money for it. What would be wonderful if we could time it to the Serenity screenings so that Equality Now would get a bump also.

To paraphrase Kaylee: Whedon's Firefly is just so lush. I want to take a bite out of it all over, you know?

XARDOZ

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 4:54 PM

I'd chip in $50 for a Variety "Thank you Universal, now how about Serenity II, pretty please?" ad.

ANDUINE

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 5:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by xardoz:
I'd chip in $50 for a Variety "Thank you Universal, now how about Serenity II, pretty please?" ad.

Xardoz! I think you'd chip $50 for anything related to FF. But that's why were so glad to have met you!

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt

REDHEAD

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 5:23 PM

How about something like

"The fans of SERENITY thank Universal for their dedication to quality film.

Screenings of Serenity to benefit Equality Now will be

[list the places and times]

This film raises the bar for excellence:
[list awards.]

SERENITY: An action movie whose fans take action against injustice towards women. Now that's a concept!

Oh, and Universal, we want a sequel!"

Okay, rough but with some betas out there we could make it great.

XARDOZ

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 5:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Anduine:
Xardoz! I think you'd chip $50 for anything related to FF. But that's why were so glad to have met you!

Well, maybe not anything. I'd flat out refuse to buy Official Cattle Droppings from "Safe". Or the fake vomit Summer Glau chucked up in Serenity.

Unless they came with autographed certificates of authenticity, that is.

THEONETRUEBIX

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 5:38 PM

FYI, I'm now working with the person who has been keeping people updated on the progress of Serenity going to the space station aboard STS-117 to get a dedicated site about it up.

-----

In the Portland of Oregon, Birthplace of the Global Charity Screenings Movement
PDX Browncoats, Film Action Oregon, and The Portland Mercury
present
Can't Stop The Serenity - Portland OR USA
June 22 & 23 @ the Hollywood Theatre
To Benefit Equality Now and the Women's Film Initiative
http://serenitynow.pdxbrowncoats.com/

KANEMAN

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 5:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Roy:

Just wondering what folks would think of a monthly Email newspaper 2-4 pages hitting on main events, threads, sundries and such. A lot of folk don't have the time to wade through 100s of threads, but would still like a heads up every now and again. Needs contributers, editors and the like but can be done.

If at first we don't suceed, try, try, try again

*************************
Browncoats, are you content to see Firefly in 2nd place or would you rather see it at #1. It won't happen unless you vote.

I'll contribute...If you want me to. I might make it a slightly interesting bad idea.........

JAYHAWK35

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 7:15 PM

I do like the idea of getting a Variety ad or whatever out there, but I think we need to be realistic and admit that it would almost be impossible to get it done before June 23rd. Unless we get lucky, and one very well off Browncoat donates the funds for it in one lump sum, it's going to take time to collect $$ for the ad, and then it has to be designed so it is an attention getter, and looks professional as well. Add to the fact that I'm sure there's a deadline for advertising entries, and we're pretty much out of luck.

I think it would make more sense to design an ad to thank Universal and to ask them for BDM2 with an estimated deadline of making it happen to coincide with the release of the special edition of the BDM on DVD.

Now, the first thing we need is for someone to contact some magazines like Variety (or possibly USA today?) and get some prices for full page ads. I'm afraid that we're going to find that the cost is beyond our means, but we won't won't know until we try. We'll also need some Browncoat graphic artists to possible design the ad for free for us, and we'll need to agree on the copy, etc.

Don't be afraid to post your thoughts. Hey, these are just ideas all of us are working on. We're just in the brainstorming phase...we're throwing ideas out there, and seeing what sticks.

I'd love to see this happen, but we'd have to really get organized, and get the majority of Browncoats behinds us with their support and some money.

Mark

---
Zoë: "Preacher, don't the Bible have some pretty specific things to say about killing?"

Book: "Quite specific. It is however somewhat fuzzier on the subject of kneecaps"

SIGMANUNKI

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 7:39 PM

@Anduine:

You're ignoring the ethical implications by making reference to people who already spam. The question is _not_ what other people do, it's whether it's right and whether we want to generate that image. IMO, being known to spam, if only each-other, isn't exactly a good image to have.

You're also ignoring another important fact about spam. Namely that it "works" /only/ when it's advertising a product that needs only a one time communication. So, for advertising purposes if one in a couple million works, then profit will typically be made.

BUT, what we're trying to do here is open a dialogue and get people on side. Spam is hardly an avenue to get that done. Not to mention that we hardly have a couple million emails to send to. The pretty much guaranteed outcome is that we piss off *far* more people than we get. And that's rather counter productive for our purposes here.

@Redhead:

Or one could just post a thread here and get it marked as "News Headlines" or some such.

It is no doubt that an ad in a high profile mag would bring about a fair amount of attention. But, one needs to think about what kind of attention that'd bring. IMO, it wouldn't exact be good en masse. After all, it's been how long since the show was cancelled and how long since the BDM came out? We already have a reputation of being delusional. Best not to fuel that.

Basically, we must consider how we look from that outside and let that guide our decisions. Because without outside support, anything we might try to accomplish will be doomed before it begins.

Please note that I'm not trying to poo-poo the ideas here. It just seems to me that people aren't considering the /con/ sides. Sure with any idea there will be pros. But, when one doesn't consider the cons bad things can happen. I guess you could say I'm doing some risk analysis.

IMO, anything that we might do has to "fly below the radar" until we get substantial support. That way, if the support is there, conversations will turn from, "Look at the delusional Browncoats" only, to continue, "But, there are so many people involved it isn't funny. And not just the die-hard fans either". Then things might get a second look.

Basically, critical mass is needed before public declarations are made. Otherwise, the most likely situation is that any movement we make will be written off out of hand. This has happened more than just once before. Let's not have history repeat itself again.

----
I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"

ANDUINE

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 8:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SigmaNunki:
[B]@Anduine:

You're ignoring the ethical implications by making reference to people who already spam. The question is _not_ what other people do, it's whether it's right and whether we want to generate that image. IMO, being known to spam, if only each-other, isn't exactly a good image to have.

You're also ignoring another important fact about spam. Namely that it "works" /only/ when it's advertising a product that needs only a one time communication. So, for advertising purposes if one in a couple million works, then profit will typically be made.

BUT, what we're trying to do here is open a dialogue and get people on side. Spam is hardly an avenue to get that done. Not to mention that we hardly have a couple million emails to send to. The pretty much guaranteed outcome is that we piss off *far* more people than we get. And that's rather counter productive for our purposes here.

@Redhead:

Or one could just post a thread here and get it marked as "News Headlines" or some such.

It is no doubt that an ad in a high profile mag would bring about a fair amount of attention. But, one needs to think about what kind of attention that'd bring. IMO, it wouldn't exact be good en masse. After all, it's been how long since the show was cancelled and how long since the BDM came out? We already have a reputation of being delusional. Best not to fuel that.

Basically, we must consider how we look from that outside and let that guide our decisions. Because without outside support, anything we might try to accomplish will be doomed before it begins.

Please note that I'm not trying to poo-poo the ideas here. It just seems to me that people aren't considering the /con/ sides. Sure with any idea there will be pros. But, when one doesn't consider the cons bad things can happen. I guess you could say I'm doing some risk analysis.

IMO, anything that we might do has to "fly below the radar" until we get substantial support. That way, if the support is there, conversations will turn from, "Look at the delusional Browncoats" only, to continue, "But, there are so many people involved it isn't funny. And not just the die-hard fans either". Then things might get a second look.

Basically, critical mass is needed before public declarations are made. Otherwise, the most likely situation is that any movement we make will be written off out of hand. This has happened more than just once before. Let's not have history repeat itself again.

----
I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"

I agree! Thanks for the reality check. The only question I have is in regards to the spam and ethics comment to me? I dont think I made any mention of spamming. Or I'm guessing it's regarding my comments to buy an email list (which I dont think is as effective anyway).

But I especially like the comment about keeping under the radar until you've got something that will work and is credible and shiney.

But hey for everyone out there...this is just brainstorming. I think we're getting a bit of a pulse or barometer with all this. So keep the idea's BOTH pro and con flowing!!

-------------------------------------------------
Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt

REDHEAD

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 8:19 PM

I love this fan site, obviously. But I have to think that there are maybe 250 different people who visit a day and that's probably a stretch. However, from my experience that doesn't even touch the real base of fans.

In my own experience, I know 8 people besides myself And I've only been a fan 2 1/2 months) who would love to see the show come back--would pay money to see the show come back and none of them are ever going to come to this site unless they get an invite that piques their interest.

I'm guessing there are past fans who are registered at this site who no longer or rarely visit. Many would be glad to be informed of something they could do. Is one notice asking them to check out the site really offensive?

Sheesh, I get between 10 and 20 spams a day. Probably every month or so, I'll get one that interests me--usually from some site that I've registered on. I'd rather not get the rest but (other than the porn ones) they don't bother me much.

What is unethical about a one time advertisement --for something they have shown interest in?

Again, I'm probably clueless but...

To paraphrase Kaylee: Whedon's Firefly is just so lush. I want to take a bite out of it all over, you know?

SIGMANUNKI

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 9:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Anduine:

I agree! Thanks for the reality check. The only question I have is in regards to the spam and ethics comment to me? I dont think I made any mention of spamming. Or I'm guessing it's regarding my comments to buy an email list (which I dont think is as effective anyway).

I'm against sending out an unsolicited email, which is what you've been talking about (at least partially). This is the very definition of spam. So, you have been talking about sending out a spam email even if you believe it to be innocuous. As I've stated above, I find this an unethical thing to do, and I'm not alone in this opinion. There is an entire section of the IT industry working to prevent such things.

But, I must point out that I'm _only_ saying that this /idea/ is unethical. *Not* making any judgments on your character (I think that's what you were getting at, yes?).

Quote:
Originally posted by Anduine:

But I especially like the comment about keeping under the radar until you've got something that will work and is credible and shiney.

Thanks

Quote:
Originally posted by Anduine:

But hey for everyone out there...this is just brainstorming. I think we're getting a bit of a pulse or barometer with all this. So keep the idea's BOTH pro and con flowing!!

Indeed!

----
I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"

ANDUINE

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 9:14 PM

Simanuki,

Ok. Thanks for clarifying. Personally I agree with you on unsolicited email anyway. So thanks for making it a point. It's good one.

cheers

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt

SIGMANUNKI

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 9:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by redhead:

I love this fan site, obviously. But I have to think that there are maybe 250 different people who visit a day and that's probably a stretch. However, from my experience that doesn't even touch the real base of fans.

Very true.

Quote:
Originally posted by redhead:

In my own experience, I know 8 people besides myself And I've only been a fan 2 1/2 months) who would love to see the show come back--would pay money to see the show come back and none of them are ever going to come to this site unless they get an invite that piques their interest.

That's where word of mouth comes in.

Quote:
Originally posted by redhead:

I'm guessing there are past fans who are registered at this site who no longer or rarely visit. Many would be glad to be informed of something they could do. Is one notice asking them to check out the site really offensive?

Yes.

But, I'm going to have to point out that you're assuming that /most/ people would be happy to get such a message. Are you sure that's a good assumption? B/c not many people are participating in this thread. Even relative to the estimate that 100 different people visiting this site daily.

Quote:
Originally posted by redhead:

Sheesh, I get between 10 and 20 spams a day. Probably every month or so, I'll get one that interests me--usually from some site that I've registered on. I'd rather not get the rest but (other than the porn ones) they don't bother me much.

Spam being common place is _no_ justification to further the problem. Also, those site usually (if they're ethical) have a check box that when checked, means you opt in. This is typically checked by default on registration and usually goes unnoticed during registration. You can typically turn it off in user settings after registration though.

Quote:
Originally posted by redhead:

What is unethical about a one time advertisement --for something they have shown interest in?

It's unsolicited. I did mention that it's also illegal in several places, yes? People don't make such things illegal if people don't mind them.

Again, there /will be/ a difference between what you call worthy emails and what others think. Are you willing to take the risk of alienating people? Especially since every piece of evidence says that most people will get pissy or ignore? And it's those pissy people that can cause some real damage to any campaign. Even if they are a very small percentage.

----
I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"

ANDUINE

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 9:32 PM

Also sorry for hacking your handle.

Time for a recap and focus. Also have been getting pm's from some of the group. Fantastic comments!

I will just try and go through the points that got the most reaction that I have noticed.

Have gotten quite few enthused discussions regarding putting together a newsletter. This is a brilliant discussion. And personally I think it may fill a huge gap.

A lot of talk about posting an ad. Perhaps there's something already being done we can throw weight behind.

Email campaign to get a FF marathon on SciFi. This is something in the works we can get organised behind. The benefits are massive, plus we'd all like to see it anyway.

And of course ultimately what can be done to get the series picked up and/or sequel to the BDM.

Lastly what can be done to support what's out there.

I think that at least covers the major topics. Everything else can fairly much fall within those. If I've missed anything let us know.

This thread is going beyond what I had imagined. So keep it coming!!! I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I've learned a great deal and met some absolutely brilliant people.

I'm just tossing all of this out so we dont get bogged down.

Steps are in process to organise. More later.

cheers!

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt

SIGMANUNKI

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 9:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Anduine:

Simanuki,

Ok. Thanks for clarifying. Personally I agree with you on unsolicited email anyway. So thanks for making it a point. It's good one.

cheers

Good good

Regarding the mailing list. Here http://www.freelists.org/ is a place where we could get one going. That is if people agree on having a mailing list

But, even if a mailing list is created, we should post progress updates at the forums from time to time. Might catch new people with them as well if they see progress is being made

----
I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"

ARTCAT81

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 9:46 PM

Its great seeing the idea for a newsletter being bounced around, but I would like to point you guys in the direction of

The Cortex
http://community.livejournal.com/the_cortex/

The Signal
http://signal.serenityfirefly.com/

and the news sections found on all of the main Firefly boards,including this very board.

While not everyone visits these forums daily, I can assure you that word of mouth does spread. Last year a "Buy Date" was set and brought Firefly annd Serenity into Amazon's top ten, I could not find a single set of Firefly or Serenity on the shelf in any store I checked all over town, and I can assure you there were empty places where the discs had stood.

I want to say welcome to the new folks and its soo wonderful to see such enthusiasm, I wanted to pipe up and let you know that us "veterans" are still holding the line, Welcome to Serenity Valley, you folks are our Angels.

Please check out what this fanbase has done in the past, and I Assure you there are multiple projects in the work all over our 'verse.

Keep Flying and Stay shiny!

Browncoats are the shiniest folks in the 'verse

ANDUINE

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 9:56 PM

Red and Sigmanuki,

Also I do want to point out that while I think that unsolicited email isnt outrageous and does have it's mertits, I don't have an opinion on the ethics of it. Sorry, just never much gave it a thought.

However my point is that you get a much more effective list by building it through buy in by your audience. In other words if I sign up or toss over my email I'm more likely to read and respond to something I get.

Your site (Sigma) is a good source for building. Any fan site dedicated to FF is also another forum for the interest. ONCE something is established and we've got something to show.

For myself I'll be happy for 12 good people that will commit to sifting, discussing, organising, and acting on a solid plan. Looks like we have that at the very least outta this thread.

In a year from now we could be burned out. As has been mentioned this is another push like so many that have gone on before. That's what endears me to all of us Browncoats, is that after years we still keep trying, and trying, and trying. I noticed on the SciFi forum there were alot of comments about how this fan base is extremely hard core. Stargate was beat out by FF as the best show on their OWN website!

And each time we push a bit more happens. Like a movie. And each time we burn out another comes along to do it again...and again.

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt

REDHEAD

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 10:07 PM

Yep and those are great sites (I didn't know about the Cortex but I've bookmarked and will be a regular). However, we need a way to reach people who don't check on the sites but are interested in the actual BDS/BDM without being the kind of people who check in regular.

Looks like there are some serious objections to emailing inactive members-- so what else can we do?

We need some publicity and the screenings are bound to give some but what can we do to increase public awareness of the shows?

Actually I think we have a shot at upping the public's awareness of Serenity with the BBC poll
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6517155.stm

I was impressed by the British people's response to the SFX poll. Maybe we would get some similar response. BBC is mainstream and respected. Even a throwaway poll like this could get us quite a bit of attention if we won. However the vote count looks down again. Leadb would probably be able to give the particulars on that.

ANDUINE

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 10:09 PM

Thanks Artcat! Good links.

You're right. There's tons bein done out there and many have held the line before. Massive thanks to all of them and yourself.

We're working on the best way to funnel this enthusiasm, and we've some plans.

One last bit. In both sites am I correct that this is by visit only and not a send out type newsletter (electronically or othrwise)? And the Cortex listed itself as a 'closed' community?

Thnaks for your excellent comments!!

WACKYNEPHEW

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 10:20 PM

At the very least,we may come up with a blueprint on how to organize a campaign to get the attention of "the powers that be" that is based on successful past campaigns and could be used for other shows in trouble like Drive. Always keeping in mind that it is advertising dollars and Nielsen boxes that rule here.

Vote for Firefly at http://richlabonte.net/tvvote/index.html

"The lion and the calf shall lie down together but the calf won't get much sleep." Woody Allen

FLYVOTE

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 10:49 PM

Some funny-looking sumabitch came up with a program called "FlyVote". It is a program that runs on a Windows/Mac/Linux box and assists in voting for internet polls. The main one is TV_Vote. You can vote for Firefly once every hour. So the FlyVote program pops up every hour and brings up the page to vote on. An additional feature of the program is to point people to charity sites that are important to Browncoats and the Big Damn Heros.

(The Flyvote program helped push Firefly in to the #2 position on that particular poll.)

Two things occur to me.

First:

There is strength and honor in the propensity of Browncoats to support charities. Goodworks sent money to Nathan Fillion's theatre group IN THE NAME OF BROWNCOATS. Would that convert people there to Browncoats? Hell, yes. Charity done in the name of Browncoats puts us in a fantastic light and spawns interest in Firefly/Serenity.

Positive efforts on our parts for the community as much as for Firefly.

Second:

The efforts needs "branding". Call this renewed effort "'Verse Rebirth". Create a simple graphic for 'Verse Rebirth. The letterhead for the list would have this graphic. The web site would have this graphic. Make viral videos promoting Firefly/Serenity that begin and end with this graphic and the web address. Podcasts to mention 'Verse Rebirth. The FlyVote program rebranded to support 'Verse Rebirth. Banners for 'Verse Rebirth. A uniform and bold/powerful look.

Hand out business cards with the 'Verse Rebirth logo, pointer to web site and text explanation at conventions. Provide the graphics and a file for printing the business cards as a download from the web site so that people can print their own. Hand them to friends/family.

Brand the 11thHour posters with the 'Verse Rebirth identity. Print posters, let people print their own to hang. Make stickers to put on Firefly DVDs and donate then to libraries (well, more).

This new effort certainly needs unity of purpose, but it needs to be easily identified. It needs all of us communicating well and being organized. Centralized web site, organized plan, and effective dissemination of information all under a unified look.

Dong ma?

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FlyVote (version 2.6) Be a Big Damn Hero: http://www.usbmicro.com/misc For Windows/Linux/MacOS9/MacOSX
Vote for our Big Damn Heroes!

MURKYMERC

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 10:57 PM

I don't want to add negativity here, because you all are so cute with your little revolution. It seems like we all go through this. Discover the 'verse through Serenity (except for you elite ones who saw the series first), go through the DVDs of the series, the sorrow of realizing that there is nothing left to watch, come here with some organized way to bring it back, finally acceptance. Frankly, I hope you pull it off and I was here to see it, however there are a few things you are going to have to consider.

1. That actors and actresses have gone on with their lives and might be unwilling to come back to it for fear of it making it appear that they are only good for playing those characters. Not to mention, the whole experience must burn a little for them.

2. The miracle was having a movie made from a failed TV show that most of the world has never hard of. Despite all the spirit we have here, very few movie studios would be likely to make that much of an investment again, given the results last time. Simply put, there are just more profitable places to invest their money and time. They thought they were going to reap big last time, and it just didn’t work out.

3. A lot of time has past, 5 years from the series, 2 years since the movie. The reality is that that is a long time in between and things have gotten cold.

4. Joss wrapped up a lot of the hanging stories lines. They would have to find some new direction to go that would be compelling enough for another series or movie.

That’s what you are up against. That being said....give 'em hell.

ANDUINE

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 11:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Murkymerc:
I don't want to add negativity here, because you all are so cute with your little revolution. It seems like we all go through this. Discover the 'verse through Serenity (except for you elite ones who saw the series first), go through the DVDs of the series, the sorrow of realizing that there is nothing left to watch, come here with some organized way to bring it back, finally acceptance. Frankly, I hope you pull it off and I was here to see it, however there are a few things you are going to have to consider.

That’s what you are up against. That being said....give 'em hell.

Hope springs eternal in cutesy revolutions.

Well. I imagine that, in part, is the definition of being a fan....

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt

PROTOTYPE7

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 11:47 PM

*** Apology for length ***
Hello to everyone here... obviously, I'm new to the board and pretty new to my fandom for Serenity/Firefly. But I must say, I have been infected on a massive level with a love for this franchise!

I have seen many many good ideas on this thread to help bring about a new incarnation of the verse. I did want to share some of my ideas and see what you all think.

First I wanted to comment on one of the ideas thrown out already. I really dig the idea of donating the movie to your local library! I think that's a super cool way to get people into it. Plus, if they're renting from a library they will probably do some research on it if they enjoy it.

Here is what I propose. Everybody knows that there are numerous fan sites for Serenity/Firefly. And it would be great to coordinate them all in this effort. The only problem is that it is VERY difficult to do that across many different websites effectively. I think one of the main goals should be to setup a website all it's own dedicated to another movie/series. Come up with a name for it that is super easy to remember... "bringbackserenity.com" , "saveserenity.com" or somesuch. I'm sure we could find a pretty good deal on webhosting and it shouldn't be that expensive even if only a handful of people wanted to chip in. You could have a forum of course, and an online petition for the new movie. If the site can pick up some steam you might even be able to get some sponsors on there.
Once the site is up then it could be up to all of us to put the word out on all those other sites as to where people can go to help. A one-stop shop so to speak. We can post info on other boards, forums, chat-rooms etc.
Another nice thing about having one outlet for this effort is that it's much easier to put out a press release for our site. News companies are always looking for soft-stories to fill up their time. And while adds in national magazines are expensive it would be far less expensive for people to run half-page or fullpage adds in their LOCAL newspaper. I know it doesn't get as much coverage but if alot of people in alot of cities did this, it could start to pay off.
If we had one central website for the effort it would also be a sinch to have flyers for the site distributed at all of the Serenity Screenings comming up this summer. Someone with some technical savvy might even be able to make a tiny trailer to show before the movie... something small but effective.

I'm sure there are a million other ways to get the word out but here's my point. Once the summer has been spent to try to gain numbers, we send a press release to Universal when they release the Special Edition, pointing them toward the "save serenity" site.
I just think that there should be one central place that anyone in the world can go to show their support for another movie or series. It's not to try to take away from all the shiny sites like this one, it's just to get everyone... forgive the expression... unified in the cause.
I also feel that any communication attempt made between the fans and a corporate entity would be taken a little more seriously if it comes from a central point and not from a handful of different fansites across the cortex.

Feel free to let me know what you think about my idea. I think it will be interesting to have input from some of the vets here as well as all the new faces such as myself. And thanks for having such a wonderful place for us to discuss such a wonderful creation!

SIGMANUNKI

Wednesday, May 9, 2007 12:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by prototype7:

"bringbackserenity.com" , "saveserenity.com" or somesuch. I'm sure we could find a pretty good deal on webhosting and it shouldn't be that expensive even if only a handful of people wanted to chip in.

Godaddy.com has hosting at about $4/month. I have my site hosted there and have had no problems. They also have software (e.g. for forums, blogging, etc) there that can be installed at (I believe) no extra charge.

But I *really* think that it is a mistake to publicize something before critical mass is obtained. B/c if this is done, people will just see 10 or so people making a lot of noise. Not exactly a good thing.

Regarding the centralized site. Although in principle this is a good idea, there are a lot of people who don't want to register for yet another site. With that in mind perhaps it could be a meeting point for the organizers on each individual site and to display progress.

Basically, each site has a couple people that will discuss with other people from other sites at this one point. They could split up the work and then go back to there respective sites to get the "worker bees" going. At the very least, it should minimize overlap.

Thoughts?

----
I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"

MURKYMERC

Wednesday, May 9, 2007 12:46 AM

Quote:

Hope springs eternal in cutesy revolutions.

Well. I imagine that, in part, is the definition of being a fan....

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt

Which, my friend, is why I am down for anything you all want to do. It's also why I keep coming here to see if there is anything I need to get onboard with. I just think the first part of any revolution is to identify your enemies and your obstacles and your revolution has many of both.

MISSTRESSAHARA

Wednesday, May 9, 2007 1:19 AM

To think, I've been fighting since it's cancellation, did the guerilla marketing, donated dvd's to the library, loaned them out, even tried to get my local radio and tv networks to do a story on the show, yet now that after 5 long years of fighting I've come to accept the reality of it all I'm not a true Browncoat. What am I then?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~*Peter* Peter*; power *re-peater*~
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/Y
/_)

*Petrelli for President. Together we can soar.*
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HEROE'S IS MY CRACK!
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XARDOZ

Wednesday, May 9, 2007 1:22 AM

I don't know that this is so much a "revolution", as much as it could be considered a "troop surge," or "resumption of hostilities."

A willful incursion into Fox's "no-fly zone," maybe?

FUTUREMRSFILLION

Wednesday, May 9, 2007 2:09 AM

However, we need a way to reach people who don't check on the sites but are interested in the actual BDS/BDM without being the kind of people who check in regular.

I am sorry, but you are completely missing the point that Sig and ArtCat and perhaps even OneTrue have been making -not even taking into account that spamming is unethical and possibly illegal - it ISN'T necessary. There are several people who DO frequent this forumn that also frequent others. If something happens on one board you can be damn sure we here will know about it within minutes and vice versa. There is a lot of give and take between us. If you are attempting to mobilize Browncoats all you need to do is post it here and have it disseminated to other sites. IT WORKS. We did it with Summer of Serenity (Jesus Lord lets NOT repeat the crap that went on last year). It worked with OneTrues Equality Now screenings. It WORKS.

Sorry all, but I see us careening down the slippery slope that was the infighting with Summer of Serenity and I will be very sorry to see that happen.

---- plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose

Bestower of Titles, Designer of Tshirts, Maker of Mottos, Keeper of the Pyre, Owner of a too big Turnippy smelling coat with MR scratched in the neck (thanks FollowMal!)

I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"

FORSAKEN original

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