Entertainment Weekly Firefly Mass Mailing Request
POSTED BY: zoid
UPDATED: Wednesday, May 26, 2004 15:02
VIEWED: 13722
PAGE 3 of 7
Thanks for the motivation and leadership, Pselus. I can't keep it short either, but here's mine.
Quote:
Re: Article from May 21, 2004 issue, "The X Factor"
Dear Entertainment Weekly:
I am writing in response to a quotation attributed to FOX Television regarding a lack of audience for Joss Whedon's Firefly. Not only did the series attract a diverse, loyal and large fan base -- that fan base has continued to grow. My husband was a fairly devoted viewer, who caught most of the shows and he purchased the DVDs nearly as soon as they came out. I was unable to watch any episiodes until the DVDs arrived.
I saw part of one episode and was intrigued, but didn't get hooked until I took the discs to a retreat this spring (2004) as entertainment. I converted not only myself, but several of my associates at our annual spinners retreat (we make yarn, using spinning wheels and drop spindles). The three most rabid converts among our group watched 8 episodes in one day. We are women in our 40s with doctoral degreees -- internationally-known research/public health experts. -- one Japanese American/Native American, one of European descent and me, an African American.
In the six weeks since I met Firefly I have learned that quality TV programming exists, but that it is hardly viable in the current marketplace. I have also learned that dreams can be captured on the small screen and move you to the very depths of your soul. And these dreams can live on in DVD boxed sets, in movie franchises and, with enough faith and vision, possibly back on the small screen again in some form.
Firefly fans are definitely out there. Some were made during the show's brief run -- others are joining that fanbase all the time. Our dedication is awesome and deserves respect, especially from FOX Television.
Thank you for your attention.
Dr. Geri Lynn Peak
Two Gems Consulting Services
Well, they won't use mine. It's too long and I caught a cpl typos. But it still gets the job done.
insight spinner
__________
Just an object. It doesn't mean what you think....
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heck yeah
I see absolutely no reason why any Firefly fan should NOT email Entertainment Weekly...
if we write enough letters we have a chance to reach hundreds of thousands of people in one stroke...and of those hundreds of thousands I will bet that at LEAST half of them read the editorial and reader letters...and of that likely 100,000 folks (give or take) if even 1% of them decide to check out the show that's 1,000 people...and if only 10% of them even enjoy the show (which we all know is a VERY low estimate) well then we just added 100 new fans just for writing a 1 to 2 paragraph email and hitting send...something we do every day a ton of times...
so go write your letters now
"Big Damn Heroes sir."
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GREAT email there spinner...
now go make those other yarn spinning ladies write emails too
:D
"Big Damn Heroes sir."
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Insight spinner wrote:
Quote:
Zoid, I suspect others have edited your letter already. If you are still holding off to let off some steam, I would defintely drop the ignoramuses comment and also the use of words like mouthpiece, etc. are "fightin' words". I hear you -- we all hear you, but EW will likely not want to hear those words.
Instead of using blame, just state the facts and say things like -- when FOX made these decisions, those decisions undermine any fan base that was building. You get the idea.
Really, these comments are for others just reading this thread, because I'm sure you have already sent your email letter.
Your sister browncoat!!
While I agree with your sentiments in the main, I would remind everyone that our True Leader, Joss Whedon said "Fox is a bad network that makes bad decisions”. If those aren't fightin' words, I don't know what is. My first instinct is to not bandy words any more than he has done.
However, as I have written in my as yet nascent novel and many times here on the board, there is no denying the civilizing effect of women upon men. (NB: Gina's on '24', right now! Hurrah!) If it weren't for y'all, us hairy ape men would've burned down the world a long time ago...
But, I've read letters to editors for many years, and I don't necessarily think they'd exclude a post strictly because it displays anger/disgust. I think everyone should find and use their own voice when posting (within limits), rather than presenting overly sensitive 'politically correct' viewpoints. I mean, Joss doesn't appear to be concerned with alienating Fox TV at this point, and I don't think we should be either.
Still, that is why I asked for input from everyone before I posted and then heeded your advice; because I value all of your opinions.
Respectfully,
zoid
_________________________________________________
"History may say I saved River; but it's not like that. No, that's not it at all. I saved my sister."
- Simon Tam, M.D., husband and father of 4, Jiangyin; from A Child Shall Lead Them: A History of the Second War of Independence Wilkins, Richard
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How does this sound? Too polite or "wordy"?
Dear Entertainment Weekly,
I wish to offer my sincerest thanks for publishing the interview with Joss Whedon in the May 21 2004 issue. It is always a pleasure to hear from such a brilliant artist, particularly so from such an innovative and gifted storyteller. I must add that I found the FOX response to Mr. Whedon's comments rather curious, mostly in their lack of forthright information. I struggle to understand how a network can be said to have truly stood behind a show when they deliberately chose to confuse their viewers by airing the two hour pilot last and the other episodes out of order. As far as Firefly not having found an audience, I am likewise rather confounded by their statement. Website activity at Firefly sites has been and continues to be heavy, DVD sales in North America and the UK have been exceptional, and a major motion picture (Serenity) is scheduled for release in 2005. A dedicated group of fans have even gone so far as to purchase multiple DVD sets and send them to the troops stationed overseas. I can only assume that FOX lacked the insight to see what a rare jewel they had on their hands, which is truly unfortunate. Firefly is a beautifully crafted show and will forever hold a place dear in my heart.
Sincerely Yours,
(me, of course)
Note: Edited as suggested by Zoid
Burn the land, boil the sea...
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Davco92:
I think the adverb 'specially' might be better replaced with 'especially' or 'particularly'. The verb 'choose' should be the past tense 'chose'. Otherwise, your letter is very well-written, indeed.
BTW, if anyone is worried that their letters are too long, you shouldn't be. It is my understanding that the editorial staff excerpt the letters published in their magazines. Very rarely is a letter published in its entirety.
Having said that, you want to be as brief as possible. If an editor receives a 6 page diatribe on how Fox TV are the Antichrist -- even if it's all true 
-- the editor is more likely to relegate it to the 'round file' than waste time reading it.
Figure out what you want to say, then say it in as few words as you can. The editors will grind it down to the kernel of truth for you.
Respectfully,
zoid
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Quote:
Originally posted by zoid:
Insight spinner wrote:Quote:
Really, these comments are for others just reading this thread, because I'm sure you have already sent your email letter.
Your sister browncoat!!
While I agree with your sentiments in the main, I would remind everyone that our True Leader, Joss Whedon said "Fox is a bad network that makes bad decisions”.
I don't necessarily think they'd exclude a post strictly because it displays anger/disgust.
Respectfully,
zoid
_________________________________________________
"History may say I saved River; but it's not like that. No, that's not it at all. I saved my sister."
- Simon Tam, M.D., husband and father of 4, Jiangyin; from A Child Shall Lead Them: A History of the Second War of Independence Wilkins, Richard
Zoid, this reminds me of the Message, where Zoe is schooling Tracey on the value of stealth and then Mal comes along flamboyantly shooting and whooping.
So it's a matter of style. Still, I advocate for my style preference. FOX was unjust and those who experienced that injustice should and will cite it. I just think that certain words or phrases do more to blow steam than to convey information.
I'm a big fan of action, not reaction. We aren't slaves to FOX, we transcend them. If that weren't true, this would be a small, dwindling board and people like me, who found FF this year, would not be here.
Anyway, as I said, my comments are more aimed towards those who haven't written yet. I encourage each of you to think critically about how you want to phrase your passion and focus on what is great about Firefly -- because this is another place to make the pitch and win the sale.
Here's to MORE Browncoats!! [wave them red flags, peole]
insight spinner
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Just an object. It doesn't mean what you think....
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Heh. After reading all the previous failed attempts at writing something short-and-sweet, I sat down determined to write a succint, two sentence sound bite short enough for EW to consider printing. Dumb ass Shiny. 
Quote:
Dear Entertainment Weekly,
Your May 21st, 2004 article, "The X Factor", cites Fox as stating, "We wish Firefly had found an audience." It would be more accurate to wish the audience could have found Firefly, with all the schedule changes and preemptions, and the friday-night-death-slot with which Fox saddled this wonderfully funny and intelligent show. Fortunately for fans of quality storytelling, and despite Fox's lack of support, audiences HAVE been able to find Firefly --mostly from word-of-mouth -- and DVDs have been flying off retailers' shelves, which has made it possible for Joss Whedon and company to bring Firefly to the big screen in 2005 with the highly anticipated movie "Serenity". Fans around the world are hopeful that a box office success will mean a return to the small screen for this beloved show, preferably on a network whose mission statement is not using reality television to promote self-image problems in young girls.
Please help Haken keep this site running by occasionally clicking on some of the sponsored ad links on the side of the page!
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just so you guys know...if you go sign up for Entertainment Weekly right now you can get a 2 month trial subscribtion then cancel it...that should be just enough to see the possible letters if they decide to print them
"Big Damn Heroes sir."
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Shiny, that's a slam-dunk, baby!!
insight spinner
__________
Just an object. It doesn't mean what you think....
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