Browncoat HQ?

POSTED BY: SerenityNow
UPDATED: Sunday, February 22, 2004 06:04
VIEWED: 19403
PAGE 1 of 1

SERENITYNOW

Sunday, February 15, 2004 3:09 PM

Do the Browncoats have any sort of central leadership? I know there are nationwide events (like the Chicago Shindig in 9/04) but is there any kind of linkage between the different regional branches? I only ask because the Star Wars garrisons are really well organized, which helps them as a group (not that THEY need it).

It would also help to have a browncoat central command website, so that lone fans can find local groups easier. I'm not trying to pull an Alliance here, I just think the more mobilization, the better, and for that we need a little organization.

I've seen a lot of people say that fans have dropped out of the Fight because they just aren't aware of the fan movement--there are even people who don't know about the DVDs. I know I want to do everything I can, but I suspect there are efforts out there I'm not aware of, either. Having a central place to go--as well as scattered fan sites and groups--would help get us all on the same page.

So--do we have something like this already? And if not, well, what do you all say to setting one up? Or is it not necessary? I know there's a core group of people who have done amazing things (the Variety ad among them) but the rest of us are having a hard time getting involved. It's kind of an amorphous movement.

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

HOTPOINT

Sunday, February 15, 2004 3:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SerenityNow:
Do the Browncoats have any sort of central leadership?

It would also help to have a browncoat central command website, so that lone fans can find local groups easier.

I think a more decentralised model would be more in keeping with the Firefly image myself.

Quote:
Originally posted by SerenityNow:

I'm not trying to pull an Alliance here

That's what they all say

One of the three biggest lie in the 'Verse: "I'm from the government and I'm here to help"

...................................
Hurrah, hurrah, when things are at their worst
With cries of “Death or Glory” comes the mighty Twenty-First

SERENITYNOW

Sunday, February 15, 2004 4:07 PM

That's hardly fair and certainly a trollish response. After all, didn't the Browncoats go all the way as to have, like, a military structure and everything? So it's totally in keeping with their spirit.

Besides, we're talking about saving a show--which means reaching out to people. How are they going to find a local Browncoat group? I've been trying to find one without success--and there are lots of events I've missed (including the Variety ad way back), and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

In the spirit of a PG rating for this site, I'll be civil and just say: Aiyo! Ni zenme zhenme bu jiang limao ya, ni meiyou mianzi de gou pi! (Talk about the "Firefly spirit".)

Could I get a serious response to this query, please?

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

HOTPOINT

Sunday, February 15, 2004 4:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SerenityNow:
That's hardly fair and certainly a trollish response

Could I get a serious response to this query, please?

I apologise if you took it that way but I was being serious about the Decentralised structure being preferable. For a start it stops some poor individual ending up having to do a disproportionate amount of work

I was certainly not being "trollish" at worst I was trying to be ironic and I think you were a mite oversensitive. It's the way fans take Sci-Fi so seriously that leads to them being mocked. A more light-hearted approach is preferable in all walks of life IMHO

...................................
Hurrah, hurrah, when things are at their worst
With cries of “Death or Glory” comes the mighty Twenty-First

SERENITYNOW

Sunday, February 15, 2004 4:35 PM

Sorry if I was oversensitive (although "gou pi" /is/ my favorite Chinese curse and I love using it ;).) but you came off as kind of harsh. I don't mean to sound like a sci-fi geek--let's just chalk it up to the vagarities of text communcation and agree to be friends.

As for the poor individual doing a lot of work, I disagree--it's a good way to reduce the amount of work. I'm not talking about a commandant who orders people around--all I want is a central website with a listing of regional Browncoat contacts, and maybe a listing of events, but that's it. I just think it'd be nice to publicize what we're doing in a clear way so that fans can join in without having to wonder where their local group is--or if they even have one. And for groups to get a sense of what's going on in other places.

I hate it when some controlling personality decides to step in and "organize" everybody. That's not what I'm talking about. I just want fans to be able to communicate--face to face. I don't know any of you personally, and seeing as how the "MD Browncoats" thread hasn't gone anywhere, prospects aren't looking good for something happening in my area via this forum. I mean, posting stuff is nice, but I know my husband gets a lot out of his Star Wars garrison meetings and I'd like to have a Firefly group around here. And I can't be the only fan feeling alone and unsure of how to organize/find a local group.

I'd certainly be happy to do whatever work is necessary for this. Not that I want glory--if any existing people/sites are willing to do (or have done) this, all the better.

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

HOTPOINT

Sunday, February 15, 2004 4:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SerenityNow:
let's just chalk it up to the vagarities of text communcation and agree to be friends.

Consider the hatchet buried (in some Fox Execs back)

Quote:
Originally posted by SerenityNow:

As for the poor individual doing a lot of work, I disagree--it's a good way to reduce the amount of work. I'm not talking about a commandant who orders people around

Apologies again. When I think HQ I'm thinking command not bulletin board. (I'm now thinking nexus rather than HQ)

Strangely enough I am one of the kind of people who ends up trying to organise and order others around. I just try and keep a lid on it

The "European Browncoats" thread seemed to decent response so we might do okay over here

...................................
Hurrah, hurrah, when things are at their worst
With cries of “Death or Glory” comes the mighty Twenty-First

SERENITYNOW

Sunday, February 15, 2004 4:50 PM

Quote:

Strangely enough I am one of the kind of people who ends up trying to organise and order others around. I just try and keep a lid on it

Me, too--though I hate being ordered around. ;)Which is why I haven't mentioned this until becoming exasperated by the total lack of group prospects in my area.

So--to everybody, but especially all the Uberfans (the first Browncoats) and the local Browncoat groups: what do you say on this issue?

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

KANGER33

Sunday, February 15, 2004 7:09 PM

I think that it's excellent idea to have a site that lists Browncoats in different areas. Sure one can always inquire on boards, but to have a central place that everyone can go to in order to find out if there are other fans in their area would make things a lot easier. And this is a fandom that likes to meet face-to-face more than a lot of other fandoms of been a part of, so it would probably be greatly appreciated. It all depends on how many people would want to be listed. Some people are hesitant about that sora thing.

Just my $0.02.

~Nicole~

SERENITYNOW

Monday, February 16, 2004 3:43 AM

Does anyone know anything about the new website, www.browncoats.org? Maybe someone's already planning this. Anyone with inside information?

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

RKLENSETH

Monday, February 16, 2004 5:36 AM

www.browncoats.org has nothing to do with Firefly.

There is a www.browncoat.com but it doesn't seem to be active. I don't think there is a www.browncoats.net yet so if someone wanted to gobble up that domain then it might be for the taking to build such a database for us Browncoats out there.

Oh, and play Cantr II at www.cantr.net.

RKLENSETH

Monday, February 16, 2004 5:39 AM

Nevermind. It seems that www.browncoats.net has been taken and currently under construction. Not sure if it is Firefly related though.

So right now the only domain that is related to Firefly is www.browncoats.com but it is not really all that active. Though you can still sign up for the free yourname@BrownCoats.com e-mail addresses which is pretty cool and that which I use.

Oh, and play Cantr II at www.cantr.net.

SERENITYNOW

Monday, February 16, 2004 5:54 AM

So do you all think it's worthwhile to set up a browncoat directory page somewhere? We /could/ do a ".org" thing. I also think it would be a good place to list stable links for folks putting costumes together, since that's another thing people seem to be searching for. And this bulletin board eats up a lot of time searching for stuff like that, since it keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the pile.

Again--I don't want to do something that's already been done (or doesn't need to be done). Does anyone else know if this already exists somewhere?

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

RKLENSETH

Monday, February 16, 2004 6:00 AM

It'd be a great idea.

We could always take www.browncoatshq.org

I also think it would be a good idea to have a stable directory of Firefly links in general since it seems that a lot of Firefly sites come and go and no one ever updates their links.

Oh, and play Cantr II at www.cantr.net.

RKLENSETH

Monday, February 16, 2004 6:04 AM

And if you are looking for a place to host the site I might be able to set something up with the creator of www.cantr.net since I know him somewhat though there wouldn't be any promises to him hosting the site but I would be willing to ask him nicely since I know he would have such abilities to host sites.

If that is of interest to you I can get around to asking him soon and maybe get an answer by the end of this week.

Oh, and play Cantr II at www.cantr.net.

SERENITYNOW

Monday, February 16, 2004 6:35 AM

You're pretty shiny.

I'm also looking at this place ( http://www.fluxservices.com/) which is cheap and seems to have lots of bells and whistles. But at the moment, I don't know if there's a real need for the site yet, so it'd be nice to try it out first without spending a ton of money. (Though I would of course be willing to spend some for the good of the whole.)

At the moment, I'm trying to contact some of the Elder Fans to see if I'm stepping on any toes with this idea.

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

HAKEN

Monday, February 16, 2004 11:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SerenityNow:
At the moment, I'm trying to contact some of the Elder Fans to see if I'm stepping on any toes with this idea.

Hi. Just giving you my answer here instead of responding to your email. As far as I know, I'm pretty sure you won't be stepping on any toes--certainly not mine--for organizating a centralized Browncoat HQ. The worst that could happen is that no one will participate, which is always a possiblity with anything that's not officially sanctioned.

As far as I'm concerned, the "official" headquarter for anything having to do with Firefly will always be the Official Firefly Website (which has since gone offline) and the Official Firefly Forum, which is still going strong. A posting on there will most likely net you more than a few responses if all you want to do is to hook up with fellow browncoats in your area.

I feel a centralized governing body for Browncoats would be cool to have, especially if it's responsible for organizing things like conventions, special events, and charity work (like the recent Firefly DVD for the Troops project). In that respect, a centralized headquarter website is necessary, and there have been many "unofficial" official HQ websites in the past to organize and handle news dissemination for the various fan projects, but they remain largely transitory in nature.

As far as I know, tracking of the Firefly fan movement have been relegated to the various Firefly news website, of which FFF.NET is one of them. So there's certainly a niche to fill if your proposed site is going to cover the movement beyond just news reporting.

I hope what I said helps. And good luck with your site if you decide to start one. Every site counts and the more Firefly websites are out there, the more likely people who have never heard of Firefly will learn about it.

BROWNCOAT1

Monday, February 16, 2004 1:09 PM

To my knowledge there is no recognized central site or HQ persay. There are two sites that draw a lot of traffic such as this one and the official board @ http://forums.prospero.com/foxfirefly

The closest thing to a central site for efforts to save the show is located here : http://www.firefly-support.com

It would be nice to have a Browncoat HQ where all info from all the various sites could be compiled and everyone could meet.

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

TRASK43

Monday, February 16, 2004 1:53 PM

I think it sounds like a great idea and as long as there were enough people willing to promote it and sign up I think it could work well.

www.summer-glau.com

HOGHUG

Monday, February 16, 2004 2:46 PM

A browncoats DB is a great idea and I want to help.

Has anyone tried e-mailing the owner of browncoats.com to see if they would be interested in turning over maintenance of the site to a volunteer?

It is my understanding that the site has not been updated in awhile. It's possible the founder has run out of steam and would be willing to hand over the reigns.

I am serious about wanting to help. I've been a lurker since day one and I have given my money and my postcards. Now I want to give my time.

Jeff

"...and if wishes were horses we'd all be eatin' steak!"

HOGHUG

Monday, February 16, 2004 2:54 PM

I sent this to webmaster at browncoats.com

Is this okay?

**

Fellow Browncoat,

There has been some discussion at "fireflyfans.net" that an orginized Browncoats Database would be helpful in hooking up local fans and orginizing events. To that end "browncoats.com" would be an ideal domain.

Would you have any interest in hosting such a listing, or if time or money is a concern accepting volunteer help and support in making a Browncoats listing happen?

Thank you for you time and consideration.

Keep Flying.

Jeff and Gayla Moore
jeffngayla@cox.net

**

Jeff

SERENITYNOW

Monday, February 16, 2004 3:15 PM

Wow! You guys are amazing!

I really want to make a top-notch site that'll pull together all the various groups--without a central leadership. Sort of a confederacy, if you know what I mean.

All of you who are interesting in helping set up and run this thing, do you want to discuss this here (so everyone else can see and comment) or by email (so that we don't annoy everybody)? My email is f3k64@yahoo.com, btw.

Who else should we be talking to on this? I've emailed the creator of this site (above--thanks, Haken!) and fireflyers.net. I can't seem to post or contact the folks at the Browncoat Ball--anyone have an address for them? I'll try to get in touch with the guys at the sites above that Browncoat1 mentioned.

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

TRASK43

Monday, February 16, 2004 3:36 PM

I think it would probably be best to talk about it here for a while, as long as this thread is near the top of the list more people will hopefully get involved/interested. I'll help anyway I can but Im not so good with the technical side of things.

www.summer-glau.com

HOGHUG

Monday, February 16, 2004 3:37 PM

I'll help however I can.

I'm all for keeping the posts public so that we can recruit more help.

I was thinking about this exact sort of thing when Fireflymovie.com posted its movie is a go news.

In that post there was a bit of talk about a Firefly movie browncoat launch party in NC.

I was thinking then that getting all the event news to one location for those desperate to know would be a great idea.

Instead, event and party threads are all over the place.

Put me down in the Browncoat Database:

Jeff Moore
Tulsa, OK

I would love to know if there are other Tulsa Browncoats out there.

Thanks!

Jeff

"Keep Flyin'."

RKLENSETH

Monday, February 16, 2004 3:52 PM

I have contacted my friend about whether or not he would be against hosting other sites. I'll tell you if he'll do it as soon as I know.

Oh, and play Cantr II at www.cantr.net.

JASONZZZ

Monday, February 16, 2004 4:05 PM

Same org who runs browncoats.com owns browncoats.org

email is:
webmaster@browncoats.com <-- try this one...
webmaster@meyercomputer.com

http://www.browncoats.com/
Chris Meyer
Meyer Computer, Inc.
2141 W. Vineyard Street
Wailuku
96793

Oh, looks like Meyer Computers is a hosting site. So either Meyer Computers actually own both of those domains or they have clients who own the domains. I

Also, looks like the owner of browncoats.com obviously knows about this site already, vis-a-vis here:
http://www.browncoats.com/faq.php?parent=3e63f218a4d3e&line=3e546fbd26
21a

Quote:
Originally posted by hoghug:
I sent this to webmaster at browncoats.com

Is this okay?

**

Fellow Browncoat,

There has been some discussion at "fireflyfans.net" that an orginized Browncoats Database would be helpful in hooking up local fans and orginizing events. To that end "browncoats.com" would be an ideal domain.

Would you have any interest in hosting such a listing, or if time or money is a concern accepting volunteer help and support in making a Browncoats listing happen?

Thank you for you time and consideration.

Keep Flying.

Jeff and Gayla Moore
jeffngayla@cox.net

**

Jeff

Like Fireflyfans.net?
Haken needs a new development system. Donate.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=5&t=3283

JASONZZZ

Monday, February 16, 2004 4:14 PM

So, the obvious hasn't been asked yet. How much would it be for Haken to add two fields to the user's profile on this site:

State(or equivalent), Country you live in (but user's wouldn't have to put any if you don't want to.

Local Browncoat command

Like Fireflyfans.net?
Haken needs a new development system. Donate.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=5&t=3283

HOGHUG

Monday, February 16, 2004 4:16 PM

Thanks!

I had already sent to webmaster@browcoats.com

Went ahead and sent the same to 'webmaster@meyercomputer.com' as well.

... and I sent some cash to fireflyfans.net via paypal... always happy to help.

Jeff

"... and if wishes were horses we'd all be eatin' steak!"

SERENITYNOW

Monday, February 16, 2004 4:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Jasonzzz:

State(or equivalent), Country you live in (but user's wouldn't have to put any if you don't want to.

I don't know...I was thinking more of a directory of groups, not fans. It may be that it's better to have everybody listed, but most people are wary of having too much of themselves online. I was thinking of regional group contacts--that way people can just contact their local group. What do you all think?

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

JASONZZZ

Monday, February 16, 2004 4:27 PM

I was thinking that with the addition of the field, there can be a page listing by Groups who the users people are, etc.

Quote:
Originally posted by SerenityNow:
Quote:
Originally posted by Jasonzzz:

State(or equivalent), Country you live in (but user's wouldn't have to put any if you don't want to.

I don't know...I was thinking more of a directory of groups, not fans. It may be that it's better to have everybody listed, but most people are wary of having too much of themselves online. I was thinking of regional group contacts--that way people can just contact their local group. What do you all think?

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

Like Fireflyfans.net?
Haken needs a new development system. Donate.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=5&t=3283

HOGHUG

Monday, February 16, 2004 4:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SerenityNow:

I don't know...I was thinking more of a directory of groups, not fans. It may be that it's better to have everybody listed, but most people are wary of having too much of themselves online. I was thinking of regional group contacts--that way people can just contact their local group. What do you all think?

A group listing doesn't have to exclude an individual listing. Individual listings could lead to the formation of new groups. Why not allow both on a strickly voluntary basis?

Jeff

"...and if wishes were horses we would all be eatin' steak!"

SERENITYNOW

Monday, February 16, 2004 4:35 PM

Yeah, I just signed up for the M80 team for Buffy/Firefly and they asked for the zip code as a minimum, and gave an option for address/phone number.

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

HOGHUG

Monday, February 16, 2004 4:37 PM

Oh, and I volunteer to be a regional contact for Oklahoma!

Jeff

JASONZZZ

Monday, February 16, 2004 4:38 PM

That's exactly it. I was thinking of having those individual fields. Once people fill them out and if they want to join the regional groups - fill out the Group field. Then we can slice and dice the fields as we want, pull up an area listing or a group listing. Who's the contact, etc, etc.

Quote:
Originally posted by hoghug:
Quote:
Originally posted by SerenityNow:

I don't know...I was thinking more of a directory of groups, not fans. It may be that it's better to have everybody listed, but most people are wary of having too much of themselves online. I was thinking of regional group contacts--that way people can just contact their local group. What do you all think?

A group listing doesn't have to exclude an individual listing. Individual listings could lead to the formation of new groups. Why not allow both on a strickly voluntary basis?

Jeff

"...and if wishes were horses we would all be eatin' steak!"

Like Fireflyfans.net?
Haken needs a new development system. Donate.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=5&t=3283

HOGHUG

Monday, February 16, 2004 5:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SerenityNow:
Yeah, I just signed up for the M80 team for Buffy/Firefly and they asked for the zip code as a minimum, and gave an option for address/phone number.

I hadn't heard of M80 but saw it referenced on the OB under the "Browncoat HQ" thread. So, I signed up too... however, I don't see that the Firefly stuff is getting updated.

There are mentions of events on www.shindigified.com, but no specifics.

I might be interested in the TX Shindig because it's close enough to drive but there's no contact info.

A listing of groups and events with contact info doesn't appear to exist already despite those listed under the "Browncoat HQ" thread on the OB.

Jeff

"... and if wishes were horses we'd all be eatin' steak!"

SERENITYNOW

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 12:54 AM

Yeah--if you want to check out my thread on the official boards, the only response I got was some guy listing off those websites. The M30 one is now defunct (for the moment), the shindig one is an insider thing (with potential), and other things are like this site--dynamic so you have to keep up with it.

Other responses: another like the first one I got here (though I did /not/ fly off the handle again, thank you), someone pointing me to the browncoats.org site (ugh), and two bits of constructive criticism:

1. "I'm not directly involved with these things, but I know that there is a webring already, plus the Browncoat Foundation, which deals with charity work. So you might want to coordinate whatever you do with those people--IIRC Bluehoot does the webring, and a number of people are on the foundation's board, including Nonoluna and Rich (Sendmeawave). Shellgazer has been involved with a lot of the charity drives as well."
and
2. "Hippydog started an oversight "committee" (term used loosely) last year, you may want to contact him before reinventing the wheel."

Any suggestions on next steps (or even just a response to that board)? http://forums.prospero.com/foxfirefly/messages?msg=13206.7

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

HOGHUG

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 2:03 PM

Chris of browncoats.com e-mailed me back and is indeed looking for help with the site. He directed me to this thread:

http://forums.prospero.com/foxfirefly/messages/?msg=13219.1

I believe if we can help him with a little house cleaning and orginization to help get browncoats.com back on its feet that we can find a nice home for our centralized Browncoats Group database.

Jeff

"... and if wishes were horses we'd all be eatin' steak!"

SERENITYNOW

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 2:36 PM

Odd, the people seemed so much more open to the idea then they did when I suggested it. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm just dislikable.

Anyway, thanks Hoghug for getting the ball rolling--and thanks to Chris at browncoats.org (if he's reading) for being such an open-minded guy.

What now?

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

SERENITYNOW

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 2:40 PM

Odd, the people seemed so much more open to the idea then they did when I suggested it. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm just dislikable.

At least we know more of the story with Hippydog now.

Anyway, thanks Jeff for getting the ball rolling--and thanks to Chris at browncoats.org (if he's reading) for being such an open-minded guy.

What now?

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

HERO

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 3:50 PM

If I win tonight's lottery, I'll set us up a shiny world headquarters.

It'll have computers and secretaries and a water cooler.

H

STEAMEDBAO3

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 4:15 PM

I think this Idea is exactl what we all need. Let me know how I can help.

God created Mudder's Milk so the Independence wouldn't take over the 'verse.

PUDOR

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 4:45 PM

I've got plenty of professional webspace going spare, if you want a temporary home - didn't have time to read the whole thread, so apologies if you've already found something. (Are apologies in order? Congratulations? I don't know.)

But anyway - anyone who's willing to spearhead something, just email me and I'll give you a password to browncoats.pudor.net or whatever. On the other hand, if people are willing to put in £5 a year for a decent domain name, I'll register it and set up a new hosting account for it (I have a reseller account).

SERENITYNOW

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 4:53 PM

Wow. Y'all here are like angels. The guys over at the official boards are kinda dismissive. Can't some of you get over there and talk to them?

Anyway, pudor--you're really sweet. Email me (or anyone else here) if you want to get the full scoop: f3k64@yahoo.com.

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

RKLENSETH

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 5:08 PM

I don't get on the Official Firefly board unless someone directs me to a thread from here to there. I also like this kind of PHP Forum better than the one they have for the official board.

Anywys, my friend got back to me and asked me what the content would be and whether it will be free or not to the public. I told him a little about what the Browncoats were and what you guys would like to show on the website. I also figured the site would be free to the public so I told him this.

All I am waiting for now is a a response from him.

Oh, and play Cantr II at www.cantr.net.

HOGHUG

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 5:55 PM

Great! It seems like things are moving forward. Finding the place to put the info may not be as big an issue as how to collect and compile it.

What about just a "Where are you, Browncoat?" Type thread and then as people respond just poll individuals about groups in their area... as we start to pull all of this together we can form a transfer the data to our beta-website as well as collect additional data from there.

Okay? Yes? No? I've never done this kind of thing before, but always willin' to jump in with both feet.

Jeff

"... if wishes were horses we'd all be eatin' steak!"

SERENITYNOW

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 6:02 PM

That sounds like the right way to do it.

It's just, it's be easier to have everyone buy into the idea so that it'd work. I guess that means getting the "shindig" site people and the Browncoat Ball people, not to mention the "firefly-support" people in on it. That is, getting in touch with them and seeing to what extent they'd like to be involved--or whether we should just plan on putting a few links onto them. They seem to be the main players.

The official boards core people seem to be kinda clannish--I mean, they've got everything they need and don't see why this site is necessary. Kind of a tight group. So we may not get them to join in.

But I think we should start now by contacting the other groups. Should we divvy them up? (And does anyone know how to contact the Browncoat Ball people?)

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

HOGHUG

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 6:19 PM

I know that you got a lot of, "This is already being done." kind of thing on the OB... and that may be partially the case, but I sure didn't find a way to contact Browncoats in my area from these sites. Did you? That is the point right?

I'll e-mail everyone you mention and ask for help. If we're repeating ourselves... cool!

Redundant data is more accessible data.

If we list stuff and so does 3 other sites, so what? As long as we all share information (which I think was your point)... the overlap means that people out there looking are all the more likely to find what they're looking for.

Jeff

"... if wishes we're horses we'd all be eatin' steak!"

SHINY

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 6:33 PM

Let me know what I can do to help. I have managed content on my company's Web sites before.

RIVER
Purple elephants are flying.
MAL
Good. Thanks for the update.

KISBUNDAS

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 7:06 PM

Greetings from one of those 'shindig site' people ;-)

Here's the scoop as I see it...
We've tried getting a more ogranized group of browncoats to come together a few times in the past and there has either been a) outright opposition or b) a steady decrease in interest once something has been done.

I was most interested in seeing better organization with regard to shindig planning...everyone was throwing shindigs and people's travel resources were getting all tapped out trying to fly all over the country every other month to meet folks. There was a group of us that wanted the browncoat community to collectively adopt some planning guidelines that would allow us to throw events that could draw in 100+ browncoats rather than the 20 or so that most shindigs manage to pull in. (esp. with a movie it would be great to have the ability to have more visible shindings/conventions that might be able to attract some media attention...or at the very least register on the radar of some of the VIP's we'd love to meet). While there was some interest in a planning committee (that would include representatives from each of the major firefly fan groups) there was also a lot of outright opposition and bickering. So a group of us got together and created www.shindigified.com (a site to plan/promote shindigs) and also came up with the idea of the browncoat ball ( www.browncoatball.com) which we hope will become an annual event (held in different locations and hosted by different groups every year). Involvement with both sites is open to everyone that wants to help...but we got tired of waiting around for folks to come to a consensus on how things should be done.

I'd be happy to open up space on shindigified.com if you'd like to create a database of browncoats. I can't program it myself but I can get you the site specs so that a database could be created. In the meantime, folks are free to create new threads in the discussion forum (e.g one for different geographic areas...like DC-area browncoats, or Bay-area Browncoats, etc.) Honestly, that's how most of the shindigs got started through the official board...someone would post something like: Browncoats in the Boston Area Unite! and then folks from the Boston-area would just start posting.

All this having been said...I still think that its really important that there be some semblance of communication between the major "factions" (if you will) of Firefly fans scattered around the world. However that eventually gets done, I think that it will only make our fandom stronger :)

-Jen/kisbundas

HOGHUG

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 7:41 PM

Thanks Jen!!

It is great to hear from you and we would definitly love to put some info on shidigified!!

Also, on browncoats.com as soon as Chris can get that ready!!

We can build one collective DB that can be accessed from each site. That would be possible, right?

Great to hear from you. Thanks again!!

Jeff

"... if wishes were horses we'd all be eatin' steak!"

KISBUNDAS

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 7:53 PM

Yep...depending on how the database gets built you can design front-end pages for any number of sites that could all interface with the same database. I know how this works, but sadly I don't know how to make it work. Pool your collective talent...and we can make it happen.

SERENITYNOW

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 9:10 PM

Thanks, Jen. That was so...historical.

Honestly, thanks a lot.

I keep harping on this being a "confederacy" and it's funny...the Star Wars storm trooper/evil guy "garrisons" are really well organized, but still a pretty loose group at the local level. They all seem to accept that structure of some kind is necessary to coordinate all the conventions and charity work they do. But hey--they're celebrating an evil totalitarian empire manned by clones.

We are celebrating a Civil War sci fi reenactment type thing and we're acting like a bunch of greycoats. It's 1860 all over again. ;) It's just--I remember something from 8th grade about how hard it was for them to get organized because of all their stupid factions and pride.

So, I say, let's just go ahead and set up an HQ--whether based at browncoats or shindigified or wherever we decide. Let's organize on a grand scale and those so inclined will join in, and those who don't can do their own thing. Apparently you guys already made the decision to do that with your Browncoat Ball. But like you said--it'd be nice to do stuff to support the potential movie, and like Haken said, do maybe a convention even. And like Lodril said (in the MD Browncoats thread)--we need to at least make sure somebody's "representing" at the various sci fi conventions--'stead of just one guy in a Ma Cobb hat and a Blue Sun shirt.

But at the least, we need a directory, and with you all on board, I think that's really the majority of the core fan base we need to make this work.

I guess what I'm saying is--most of the core fans know everything that going on. We just need a good, central introductory site for fans wanting to get involved.

Okay, I'm getting all verbose now and talking in circles now. I'll shut up. I guess I'm just excited and itching to get this thing off the ground.

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

HOGHUG

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kisbundas:
Yep...depending on how the database gets built you can design front-end pages for any number of sites that could all interface with the same database. I know how this works, but sadly I don't know how to make it work. Pool your collective talent...and we can make it happen.

Anyone out there with the technical skills for this. As for the actual compilation/typing I'm ready to slave away... but the technical design is beyond me.

Jeff

PUDOR

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 11:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by hoghug:

Anyone out there with the technical skills for this. As for the actual compilation/typing I'm ready to slave away... but the technical design is beyond me.

Well, I can do it, no problem, but it might take a while before I have time to get it done (I have hardcore exams from the 3rd to the 11th - everyone cross their fingers for me!) Needless to say, I'm more than up for it :)

I can also sort out designing the database, etc, if anyone wants to give me some idea of what's going on :)

Ok: In short - give me something to do and I'll do it. As Nishka would say, I am 'solid'...

RKLENSETH

Wednesday, February 18, 2004 12:27 AM

Well it seems a lot of things are beginning to work out. Still waiting to hear from my friend.

Anyhow, I think it wold be good to have seperate site for the directory that way there is anoter site and the chances of someone finding one of them is greater and if all of them are linked together then someone will be able to find out this information a lot easier.

Oh, and play Cantr II at www.cantr.net.

SERENITYNOW

Wednesday, February 18, 2004 2:00 AM

You're incredible. I'll definitely be thinking lucky thoughts for you.

Email me (f3k64@yahoo.com) or Jeff (I think he's on here somewhere) to talk about it.

Here's my vision-thingy for the site. Everybody--please let me know what you think:

I think the "HQ" or whatever needs these 3 elements:

-- searchable and stable directory. You have to be a member to get other members' contact info (voluntary to the extreme), but anybody can get a regional contact. This is also good for *media* contacts, not just fans.

-- easy to understand intro portion. I'm thinking, pretty & sophisticated (a la fireflymovie.com)--but something even more of a basic basic intro. The kind of site you'd send your mother to go look at when trying to explain the show. User-friendly, for those tentative new fans who aren't sure what kind of crazy people they're dealing with and what they're getting into. So we give them a primrose path. (This will of course link to everything else that's out there.) Ideally this would have a page with a history of the fan movement, too--what's been tried to save the show for example.

--Current community explanation. This would of course include fully documented links--an annotated directory of where to go for what. One big feature of this would be scouring the newsletters, boards, and other websites to present a digest of news and "stuff" providers. Who is doing commemerative patches, costume stuff, ripping music? And it would also give a brief overview of the current efforts to save the show/movie--all links mostly. But the key is, they're updated, in one place, and kind of tie everybody together.

So basically--like they said above, a nexus of links and digest of news. But mostly an empty site, relying heavily on the already existing community for the real meat (except where we find holes). This means that the directory could be hosted at shindignified.com if they want to do that, or elsewhere, and browncoats.org can do their FAQ...basically we would at minimum be a coordinating site and at maximum host a lot of the stuff ourselves.

Though of course, this is just one idea. The site belongs to everybody, so you all can alter this completely if you think a different way of doing it is better.

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

LODRIL

Wednesday, February 18, 2004 3:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SerenityNow:
One big feature of this would be scouring the newsletters, boards, and other websites to present a digest of news and "stuff" providers. Who is doing commemerative patches, costume stuff, ripping music?

Ummm... that part's not such a good idea. The various costumes, patches and music are all copyrighted works. Violating copyrights for profit (i.e., copy and sell, you don't have to make any money) is technically a federal crime. While you're not likely to hear from the Justice Department on any of this, it's also a civil violation of the respective trademarks and copyrights involved. They may be ok with that, but in my experience (and the experience of other prop-fans I know) it is better to keep those things at least nominally hidden... easy to find once people know who you are, but not blatantly listed so that rights holders feel compelled to do something. Joss Whedon or whoever may not care if we copy stuff, so we shouldn't make them care.

The 501st is a great example... every member violates LFL's copyrights, but they do so with the unspoken blessing of LFL. They don't ask where the armor comes from, and we don't volunteer. On the other hand, when the same people put up easily located sites (or several eBay auctions) listing infringing items they have for sale, LFL goes after them.

So, the rest of that stuff, good. The 'who is selling what database', not so good.

SERENITYNOW

Wednesday, February 18, 2004 10:09 AM

Fine, be that way. Just because you're lawyery and ethical 'n stuff...

But I don't think Jayne hats are an IP issue at least!

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

RKLENSETH

Wednesday, February 18, 2004 3:17 PM

Making costumes copying off of clothing in the show isn't copyright infringment. I will agree with you that making patches with Firefly logos or Firefly names on it and ripping music is copyright infringment but not mking costumes that look like those from the show.

Anyways, in this case I don't think anyone right now will care as neither Universal or FOX are currently making patches or making Firefly albums. So they aren't using money, it is free advertisement for the show (means they are making money without losing a cent), and until they begin to market such merchandise themselves I don't think anyone will have a problem.

Anyways, you'll get a letter from Universal long before they sue you for copyright infringment asking you to stop. As long as you stop they will forgive you on that matter. If they don't ask you to stop usually means they don't care, or they feel it is helping them.

So I wouldn't be too worried about copyright infringment.

And look at all the fansites. By putting up pictures and information on the show is theoritically copyright infringment. Hell, even talking about the show off the official board is copyright infringment.

You see there is a fine line and if you cross it then they will let you know nicely that you have and ask you to step back over.

Oh, and play Cantr II at www.cantr.net.

SERENITYNOW

Wednesday, February 18, 2004 3:57 PM

Hey--he knows what he's talking about. If he says be careful, I would. I mean, this is his legal specialty, and he's told me about some innocent-seeming cases where things didn't go so well for costumers--even when they /did/ have right on their side. Some companies are just touchy and they can put up a fight just for the hell of it.

Though you /know/ we want an open place to talk about this stuff, I'm certainly not going to support something like that if Lodril says to back off. I'd hate to have to ask him to help me out in a dumb legal dispute over FF merchandise (when I can just be quiet about it and avoid Fox's notice...)

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

HOGHUG

Wednesday, February 18, 2004 5:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SerenityNow:
You're incredible. I'll definitely be thinking lucky thoughts for you.

Email me (f3k64@yahoo.com) or Jeff (I think he's on here somewhere) to talk about it.

Here's my vision-thingy for the site. ...

I'm here!

jeff@browncoats.com

or

jeffngayla@cox.net

LODRIL

Wednesday, February 18, 2004 5:43 PM

Originally posted by rklenseth:
Making costumes copying off of clothing in the show isn't copyright infringment.

Technically, it is. It's called a "derivative work". To some degree, since the costumes are just regular clothes, you're a lot safer reproducing them than, say, a Star Fleet uniform, but since you're combining a bunch of materials to express something that is a copyrighted expression, you're in more dangerous territory. If you're selling stuff explicitly to help other people infringe, then all the moreso (this is called 'contributory infringement', and is sometimes prosecuted with more frequency than direct infringement).

So they aren't using money, it is free advertisement for the show (means they are making money without losing a cent), and until they begin to market such merchandise themselves I don't think anyone will have a problem.

A common mistake. Just because they're not losing money doesn't mean the studios and etc won't come after you. In point of fact, when you use their names and trademarks on your own goods (in this case, "Firefly"), you are infringing unless you have permission. With copyrights, they can let you infringe and lose nothing... but with trademarks if they don't make reasonable attempts to protect their marks, they lose them. Thus, if it's too easy to find you making "Firefly" patches, then they're legally obliged to sue you, or risk losing their rights to the name "Firefly". None of us wants to see that happen.

Paramount is notorious for this... they go after all kinds of prop makers who replicate things seen on Star Trek, even if they have no plans of ever selling those things themselves. Guy I met sold a toy gun "as seen on Star Trek" and got a threatening letter for it. Turns out the gun was a toy manufactured by someone else and used as a prop in DS9, and Paramount had no rights to it whatsoever. Upon hearing that, they backed off... but at no point did they ever plan on selling that rifle themselves, and they were still quite eager to go after this guy.

As long as you stop they will forgive you on that matter.

Usually. They're not required to even send the letter though. They could just send you a summons to appear in court without prior warning. It's unusual, but it can happen. Which is why I recommend making people working on such things less visible. The studios may or may not care about what you're doing, but there's no sense putting it in their face to find out.

Hell, even talking about the show off the official board is copyright infringment.

That's not true. Discussions of a copyrighted work or trademarked item is fair use. So long as you don't take more than is necessary to have the discussion, you're pretty safe. You can't put entire episodes online for 'discussion' purposes, for example, but you can quote lines pretty freely.

You see there is a fine line and if you cross it then they will let you know nicely that you have and ask you to step back over.

Probably... but why help them find people to ask?

RKLENSETH

Wednesday, February 18, 2004 7:45 PM

Well, we can always ask permission. Send a letter or e-mail over to Universal and see how they respond back.

Oh, and play Cantr II at www.cantr.net.

STARHAND

Wednesday, February 18, 2004 11:04 PM

Jeff, I noticed your email is an @cox.net. I figure you must be in the southwest. I'm in Phoenix, where y'all from.
~*

"Well, I've been sane awhile now but change is good."-Wash

RKLENSETH

Wednesday, February 18, 2004 11:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Starhand:
Jeff, I noticed your email is an @cox.net. I figure you must be in the southwest. I'm in Phoenix, where y'all from.
~*

"Well, I've been sane awhile now but change is good."-Wash

I believe there is already a thread on this

Anyways, I am from the wilderness of Upstate New York within the Hudson Valley and near the capitol of Albany. To be exact I live in a village called West Sand Lake which is either part of the towns of Sand Lake or Averill Park which is in Rensselaer County.

Oh, and play Cantr II at www.cantr.net.

HOGHUG

Thursday, February 19, 2004 4:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by rklenseth:
Quote:
Originally posted by Starhand:
Jeff, I noticed your email is an @cox.net. I figure you must be in the southwest. I'm in Phoenix, where y'all from.
~*

"Well, I've been sane awhile now but change is good."-Wash

I believe there is already a thread on this

Anyways, I am from the wilderness of Upstate New York within the Hudson Valley and near the capitol of Albany. To be exact I live in a village called West Sand Lake which is either part of the towns of Sand Lake or Averill Park which is in Rensselaer County.

Oh, and play Cantr II at www.cantr.net.

... And I am from Tulsa, OK...

Hey, Rklenseth any idea which thread is the, "Where y'all from?" thread? I'd like to look at it.

"Have no place I can be since I found Serenity..."

STARHAND

Thursday, February 19, 2004 5:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by hoghug:
Quote:
Originally posted by rklenseth:
Quote:
Originally posted by Starhand:
Jeff, I noticed your email is an @cox.net. I figure you must be in the southwest. I'm in Phoenix, where y'all from.
~*

"Well, I've been sane awhile now but change is good."-Wash

I believe there is already a thread on this

Anyways, I am from the wilderness of Upstate New York within the Hudson Valley and near the capitol of Albany. To be exact I live in a village called West Sand Lake which is either part of the towns of Sand Lake or Averill Park which is in Rensselaer County.

Oh, and play Cantr II at www.cantr.net.

... And I am from Tulsa, OK...

Hey, Rklenseth any idea which thread is the, "Where y'all from?" thread? I'd like to look at it.

"Have no place I can be since I found Serenity..."

Howdy HogHug,

Tulsa OK? Wow, Cox has a bit bigger range than I thought.

The thread you're asking about is titled "where yall from?" and it's over in the archived thread area. I thought I'd copied it, the url, so I could paste it in here for you but it looks like I lost it. Anyway it's easy to find and it goes back to August of last year, lots of people responded to it.
~*

"Well, I've been sane awhile now but change is good."-Wash

SERENITYNOW

Thursday, February 19, 2004 5:44 PM

Guys, we totally need a directory.

http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/

FLAMETREE

Friday, February 20, 2004 8:07 AM

A place to identify groups and individuals in the same area would be great. Especially in the more out of the way places like Australia.

I'm in Sydney/ Australia Does anyone organise shindigs here?

TRASK43

Friday, February 20, 2004 1:20 PM

Yeah I think this should definately be made to have coverage of browncoats all over the world. It would also be useful for people wanting to travel to the states for when the movie opens.

www.summer-glau.com

MYCROFT2

Sunday, February 22, 2004 5:17 AM

Due to this thread and the "Browncoat HQ" thread created on the OB, Browncoats.com has been revived.

We have spent the last few days talking to the original editors.

There are still sections without an editor so now we are looking for new editors :)

If anyone wants to be involved, send me an email.

MYCROFT2

Sunday, February 22, 2004 6:04 AM

Did a little searching tonight.

Apparently http://www.fireflyers.net
has a fan database set up.

[edited cause I was wrong :)]

Looks like there are updates going on and activity in the forums.