GATHERING THE TROOPS

[ojai22]

CommanderTaggert and others have discussed a mailing campaign to be held early next year. The main target would be NBC, the new owners of Universal Studios. I want to suggest another campaign to be held sooner; the main target will be Larson and DeSanto.

Thanks to Repcisg, we now know that Universal had to make a 'new' show and they had to call it Battlestar Galactica in order to maintain the franchise. That means there was nothing we could say or do that would have swayed them from that goal. All the letters, emails, begging and pleading that we did was to no avail. Had we known more about the legal details sooner we could have saved ourselves a lot of anguish, time and energy, and done a lot less fighting among ourselves.

Universal 'had' to do what they have done and 'are' doing with the mini. It is the law. They cannot make a continuation with the original cast; they don't own the rights to that. If we want to see that kind of production then we must turn our attention to those who are in a position to bring this about. That person is Glen Larson. So we must re-focus now. We must let go of the mini as though it were just another show - which it is. Focusing on what we really want, in the direction of the one that can deliver, shouldn't be very difficult.

Let's look at some facts. NBC now owns Universal. It was on NBC that the original StarTrek was first broadcast. While there has been a change of executives at the helm, Startrek is a part of their history. The implosion of the StarTrek Universe began with them. It moved out onto the big screen with a force that surprised the executives connected with the movie, but not the fans. Those fans had only to wait a few years to see the exciting event of the Enterprise zooming across the big screen.

BSG fans have waited much longer, with fandom growing every year. We have a petition which 17,000 fans have signed that says we want a continuation with the original cast. People from around the world have happily signed their names. And now we may have a chance of finally seeing the BSG universe on the big screen. We're told Larson and DeSanto have been talking together about a movie. This is the best news we can have. But there is still work to be done. We need to remind TPTB that, just as the original stars of StarTrek 'were' StarTrek, so the original cast of BSG are really, and irrevocably, BSG. We have an excellent example before us of what can happen when a show's producers honor the fans who loved the show and took it to their hearts.

With the DVD release imminent and GalactiCon merely weeks away, now is the time to make our presence and our desires known to those who can help us. We need to make an impact on TPTB before the mini airs. This is crucial. If the name ''Battlestar Galactica'' cannot be used, then why not "The RagTag Fleet?" Mention that phrase anywhere world-wide and you'll find fans who know and adore it. It's a title change I can live with, can't you?

Those who go to GalactiCon will undoubtedly have pictures and stories to share afterwards. There will be great enthusiasm for a new movie. The DVD's will be on sale. This is my suggestion: At that time let's prepare a new wave of letters to be sent to Larson and DeSanto. We want them to know how we feel about a continuation with the original cast. Whatever else you wish to say is your decision. For myself, I'd like to see Bellasario onboard as he seems to work so well with Larson. I think they make each other better than they are alone. Perhaps DeSanto can achieve that with Larson. If you wish to include NBC with this campaign, do so, but our main target with this mailing is Larson and DeSanto.

There have been many petitions for various aspects of BSG. If all of them are mentioned in our letters it can get confusing. A suggestion: If you want to point to a petition perhaps the best one would be the one with the greatest numbers, which is also the one that asks for a continuation with the original cast. If you wish to mention this one, here's the URL:

http://www.petitiononline.com/bsg2001a/


The date for the letters to be mailed is Oct. 28. Please keep the date in mind, enlist the aid of friends and relatives. We can flood the Post Office with letters next month, then do it again in January; the main target at that time will be NBC.

Mr. Glen A. Larson
c/o Shapiro-Lichtman, Inc.
8827 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90048


Mr. Tom DeSanto
c/o William Morris Agency
151 El Camino Dr
Beverly Hill CA 90212


Mr. Bob Wright
NBC
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York City NY 10112




Thank you...........ojai22

[jjrakman]

I agree that a campaign should start now, in light of Hatch's remarks at the AOL chat that Larson and DeSanto have to move fast before the miniseries airs.

There should be two campaigns though, one before with letters of diapproval of the miniseries, and one after the minisereis airs asking for a continuation.

Writing Larson and DeSanto is nice, but I think it's kind like preaching to the choir. I think all letters should be focused to Bob Wright at NBC, especially since he may have a more receptive ear, in light of the go ahead for a "V" continuation.

[BST]

Ojai and JJ,

Count me IN. Anything that I can do to help bring about a return of BSG whether it's named that or anything else is time and effort well spent!!

**additional thoughts after seeing JJ's post:

We can write letters to all three - Larson, DeSanto, and Wright. Also, we can mention both disapproval of the mini and desire for a continuation. Additionally, the follow up campaign in January can reference the previous letter (the Oct 28 campaign) and re-confirm our thoughts and wishes.

In reality, we need to have all three on the same page. Once NBC assumes majority control of Universal, it's their call as to handling certain aspects of the property. If we are speaking as a United voice, they may be agreeable to another effort on the 'small screen' and we may be able to get the name back.

In short, don't leave anyone out. Cover all the bases.


BST :)

[CommanderTaggart]

What follows is the text of a PM I sent to Ojai after reading her initial post in this thread. She responded by saying that I should post the PM for additional input.

Ojai is wise. :) I shall do as she suggests:

Dear Ojai:

I read you "GATHER THE TROOPS" posting with, of course, great interest. I do have a couple of questions. Why do you thing 28 October is the best date?

Just to give you some insight into my thinking, I guess I had hoped that, if the turnout had been high enough, we MIGHT have gotten some press from scores of letters hitting NBC, William Morris, and Shapiro-Lichtman all at the same time. Far-fetched wishful thinking? Probably. But not impossible. I had, of course, largely due to your input, asked that DeSanto and Larson be included in the January campaign.

Also, I guess I am concerned about splitting the campaign into two parts... fearing, I suppose, that neither of the two separate efforts would be as massive as one single effort would be. Of course, it could be absolute genius and the perfect way to go! I just don't know.

I cannot be at Galacticon, but have sent PM's to both Darrell and Don asking for their assistance in spreading the word about the January campaign.

I continue to believe that January is the best time to target NBC, after the mini airs, and after the holidays.

You make very poignant points regarding Univeral's motives in making The Abomination... which lends all the more creedence to the viewpoint that the fans are FINALLY uniquely positioned to make a difference. But if you wouldn't mind sharing a few more specifics regarding why you think targeting Larson and DeSanto earlier than NBC, and before the mini airs, I would greatly appreciate it.

We all want the same thing: the return of the real Galactica with Dirk and Richard. If mounting the letter writing campaign in two parts is the way to go, I'm all for it. After all, the waiting is the hardest part.

Thanks so much, Ojai. I am truly eager to hear more of your thoughts.

Warmest,
Bill

[CommanderTaggart]

Micheleh has suggested distributing form letters at Galacticon, an idea which I think is genius. Perhaps we can post form letters at a number of BSG sites, which folks can download, sign, and mail... baddabing, baddaboom?

I think tens of thousands of unique letters and postcards would be better, of course, but in this case... numbers speak. And the easier we make it, the more participation I think we will have.

[ojai22]

Originally posted by CommanderTaggart
Also, I guess I am concerned about splitting the campaign into two parts... fearing, I suppose, that neither of the two separate efforts would be as massive as one single effort would be. Of course, it could be absolute genius and the perfect way to go! I just don't know.

I continue to believe that January is the best time to target NBC, after the mini airs, and after the holidays.

CT, I'll give you my thoughts on this part now. I agree with you that the Jan. mailing to NBC should be any thoughts you have regarding how atrocious the mini was, if you watched it. That would be the time to target NBC. Or, as in my case, if you aren't going to watch it, then tell them that you didn't watch.

That's why I say this mailing should be a different affair. In Oct. we target Larson, and DeSanto. Let them know what the fans would like to see.

CT, I hope it doesn't appear as though I'm undermining the mailing you have been discussing. When I first mentioned a mailing I was talking about Larson. I didn't post much for awhile and you and others set up the date for NBC, which I think was done well. To me, this is a separate entity, the one discussing what we want, the other protesting what we don't want. But we all need to participate in both.

[repcisg]

Lets go for it.

[CommanderTaggart]

Ojai22 wrote:

CT, I hope it doesn't appear as though I'm undermining the mailing you have been discussing.

Ojai, absolutely not! This is all about accomplishing the goal of "rising and speaking with one voice, loud and clear." When I first started posting the idea of the campaign, I was begging for input. As you recall, my initial suggestion was for targeting NBC/Universal only... it was only after the input of you and a few others that it became apparent to me that the campaign needed to include Larson and DeSanto. I had figured that, by this time, they knew what we wanted, but that NBC would have to be educated.

But plenty of good points have been made regarding the need to underscore our support for, and trust in, Tom DeSanto to treat this property with the respect it deserves.

From the beginning, three of my primary goals were to make sure that (1) we did this thing big, (2) we did this thing in a unified, positive manner, and (3) we had as close to 100% fan participation as humanly possible.

My only fear with creating two separate mailing dates was that we might dilute goals (2) and (3).

I continue to believe that January is the right time to target NBC. I think it was James Madison who said that "Knowlege is Power," but we can certainly agree that it was Animal House that put forth the idea that "Knowledge is Good." And I think that quantifiable DVD sales figures coupled with quantifiable miniseries ratings data will allow us to enhance our message in January, complete with updated information in whatever online form letters are created and posted.

On that note, let me also say that I would agree that it would be better to write an an original letter. But there may be folks out there who love BSG, but who may (1) simply be far too busy to take the time to actually organize their thoughts, (2) want to participate, but don't believe in their own writing ability, (3) will only participate if it's as simple as it can possibly be.

Numbers and volume are crucial here. Don't get me wrong, the message is of vital importance. But we've got to back that message up with numbers.

Therefore, I support form letters... both at Galacticon and online. I do not believe in online petitions. I do, however, believe in pen-and-paper petitions (as a supplement to a letter writing campaign, not in place of one), and expect that there will be such petitions at Galacticon.

So, in the spirit of unity, let's all get behind the evolved plan: letters of support to Larson and DeSanto on 28 October 2003, letters to Bob Wright, President and CEO of NBC, on 2 January 2004.

And let's do it! Let's make it happen! It's time! The iron is hot! Now. I gotta go change my signature...

[LucianG]

Good plan. I'm in for both.

[kingfish]

I only see 229 sigs on the current petition. How can we even consider a mailing campaign?(PHASEII).

[CommanderTaggart]

Paul:

I certainly applaud any effort or vehicle for making our voices heard by TPTB.

That being said, I believe that online petitions are too easily corrupted. The internet offers an anonimity that renders the effectiveness of online petitions highly questionable.

I think folks have seen the bogus signatures, and bogus messages attached to online petitions (like Dirk Benedict saying "give the mini a chance," or Richard Hatch saying that "SciFi has their sh*t together more than ABC ever did), and lose faith in expending the effort. I believe that the fans know that the suits know that online petitions can, at best, only be taken with a grain of salt.

We're not going to have as concentrated a gathering of fans anytime soon as are going to be at Galacticon. We're not going to have a TOS "happening" as large and public as the DVD release again anytime soon.

I continue to believe, and will continue to put forth the belief, that only pen-and-paper letters, with stamps affixed in the upper right hand corner, will make an impact. Bags full of letters will make more of an impact, I believe, than any petition... online, or otherwise. I don't think we can afford to wait. I don't think we're going to have a better opportunity.

[Sept17th]

I'm planning on helping to serve the Kool-Aid at Galacticon:)

[nightscape2112]

i am in.

nightscape

[Muffit]

I am always open to any hope of seeing the real BSG. Pen and paper are ready. :)

:muffit:

[BST]

Originally posted by Sept17th
I'm planning on helping to serve the Kool-Aid at Galacticon:)

"...and tell them that they are on an important mission for the Galactica..."

:D

BST

[Shatter]

It's an excellent plan. I am most assuredly in! :thumbsup:

[amberstar]

I'm in too, We have to all stand together :D
If they really can't use Battlestar Galactica , I could live with Rag Tag Fleet.
28th Larson & DeSanto. January Nbc :thumbsup:

[oldwardaggit]

Well boys and girls I could live with them calling it (spank my ugly pet stick) if it was a continuation with at least Richard and Dirk in it.

So of course I'm in. I understand that online petitions are not reliable but I find it funny that an online petition for a continuation has over 17200 and one in support for Ron and the new mini has a huge number of 6. lol

I will mail all 3. Tom, Glen and NBC and I will do the one in January to NBC also.

We are soon going to have to start a petition that we mail to each other, sign it and have our friends and family sign it, then mail it to the next person. Then have it end up at the con for people to sign or maybe start it there and have it end up at NBC with copies to Glen and Tom.

OWD

[Sept17th]

We are soon going to have to start a petition that we mail to each other, sign it and have our friends and family sign it, then mail it to the next person. Then have it end up at the con for people to sign or maybe start it there and have it end up at NBC with copies to Glen and Tom.

OWD

Old Dirty Bastard, "brilliant-brilliant if you must go ahead Adama"

[oldwardaggit]

Hey thanks. :)

OWD

[emerita]

sounds good...I'm in.

[kingfish]

Originally posted by oldwardaggit
Well boys and girls I could live with them calling it (spank my ugly pet stick) if it was a continuation with at least Richard and Dirk in it.

So of course I'm in. I understand that online petitions are not reliable but I find it funny that an online petition for a continuation has over 17200 and one in support for Ron and the new mini has a huge number of 6. lol

I will mail all 3. Tom, Glen and NBC and I will do the one in January to NBC also.

We are soon going to have to start a petition that we mail to each other, sign it and have our friends and family sign it, then mail it to the next person. Then have it end up at the con for people to sign or maybe start it there and have it end up at NBC with copies to Glen and Tom.

OWD


OWD where the heck have you been? You are the life of the party here. Glad you are back. You are talking CHAIN letter aren't You? That is a GREAT idea.

[Gemini1999]

I was starting to get worried as there appeared to be more than one letter writing campaign going. I also started to get the feeling that the timeline was getting a bit muddled....

I am quite happy to participate and will do my part as it appears that there are two distinct letter campaigns and a set timeline for each mailing. I really feel that the best impact will be a large mailing at specific times instead of sporadic and unorganized mail outs over the period of a few months.

I was wondering if there was a way to get the word out and get folks to RSVP somehow so we knew how stong the mailing was going to be.

I like the idea of passing out form letters at Galacticon too - there will be a lot of people there at the same time. I'm sure most of which don't necessarily read the many forums online.

For what it's worth - I'm in for 100 percent!

Best to all,
Bryan
________
Love Quotes Forums (http://www.love-help.org/love-quotes/)

[BST]

Gemini,

I'll pass on the word over at Yahoo. You might want to do the same just in case mine gets lost in the "how the heck do I unsub" or "SAG rules?, what SAG rules?" posts. :D

Thanks,

BST

[BST]

The deed is done!

:)

[oldwardaggit]

kingfish
Hi my friend.
I've been working on a Galactica project that sort of stalled for a short time so I started another one and I want to have it done before the con if I can but the prepping for it is really time consuming but in the end it will be worth it I promise. :)

OWD

[shiningstar]

I agree

[originalsinner]

Since alot of Warriors will be in Hollwood very soon, could we all go over there to NBC Burbank with letters in person!

[CommanderTaggart]

Gemini:

It's one campaign, with a two-pronged thrust. The October campaign is aimed at letting Larson and DeSanto know how much support they have among the fanbase for a continuation.

The January campaign, aimed at NBC, will reference the October campaign, and use TOS DVD sales figures and miniseries ratings data to make our point that Galactica is ineed viable, but only in its original form (i.e., a continuation or faithful remake).

It is one, unified effort with two action dates: 28 October for Larson and DeSanto, 2 January 2004 for NBC.

[shiningstar]

Excellent BST.

[ojai22]

bump

[Stray Viper]

Let me get this straight ... so the first campaign to participate in is still on for October 28? I just want to clarify that, since it is getting near to that time. If I can't find a form letter I'll just write my own.

I just want to stress that as badly as we want to be heard, we should make this as persuasive, reasonable, professional and civilized as possible. I don't think taking an overly confrontational or angry tone will have a positive effect. That's why I feel a form letter would be best, if for nothing else to provide a guide or template for all to use.

[shiningstar]

count me in!

[ojai22]

Originally posted by Stray Viper
Let me get this straight ... so the first campaign to participate in is still on for October 28? I just want to clarify that, since it is getting near to that time. If I can't find a form letter I'll just write my own.

I just want to stress that as badly as we want to be heard, we should make this as persuasive, reasonable, professional and civilized as possible. I don't think taking an overly confrontational or angry tone will have a positive effect. That's why I feel a form letter would be best, if for nothing else to provide a guide or template for all to use.

Stray Viper,

The first part of the mail-in campaign is still set for Oct. 28. We're telling Larson and DeSanto that we would like a big screen movie, and what we would most like it to be about, as in continuation. Also, who we would like to watch in the movie, mostly the original cast.

The DVD's will be out at that time, and the Galacticon will be over. When the people who attend the Con post their stories and pictures I'm sure you will be more enthused as to what to write. We may have a form letter up before that time, but writing your own thoughts from your own heart is best, I think.

[ojai22]

Originally posted by Stray Viper
we should make this as persuasive, reasonable, professional and civilized as possible.

This is important. We don't need to trash the mini, we don't need to knock Moore or anyone else. The mini is an entirely different show, and has nothing in common with what we're asking for, except the title. I can live with a title change.

Persuasive and civilized is the order of the day.

Thanks, Stray Viper.

From the Dancing Viper Queen :)

[jjrakman]

I agree, the pro-continuation movement after the DVD release should not even make mention of the mini. Wherever this campign goes, I will follow. Taggert, you are the man.

[CommanderTaggart]

No, JJ, I'm just a fan... like you, Ojai, Stray Viper, and everyone else that's going to be writing letters as part of this campaign to bring about the big screen continuation of Battlestar Galactica.

Once we have been successful, we can all sit back, swell our chests with pride, and say that all of us together made a difference. And, at that time, we will also be able to say that TOM DESANTO is "Da Man." :D

[kingfish]

We the fans of the mighty Battlestar Galactica would like to see the combined work of Tom DeSanto and Glen Larson in a major motion picture. As fans we also hope and pray that these two men can bring about a possible continuation with both the characters and actors that made the show a worth while venture. We don't ask for much but hope for a show that will make those who passed proud (Lorne Greene, Lloyd Bridges, Jonathan Harris, and John Colicos). Finally we believe that actions can speak louder than the printed words and hope that both men will take this request to heart.

[ojai22]

Good job, Kingfish!

[CommanderTaggart]

Beautiful, Kingfish. Short, succinct, and to the point.

That's got all the makin's of a fine form letter.

[kingfish]

That is what I stated in the petition.

[ojai22]

Keeping this in the forefront lest we forget....

[ojai22]

A REMINDER:

Please remember the mail-in campaign. First letters to go out on Oct. 28th to Larson and DeSanto.

Get your friends and relatives to write, your cousins, aunts, uncles, pets, etc....

[kingfish]

I would suggest that someone puts the question to them at Galacticon. If the answer is yes that the project is feasible then we hit the studios in January. One voice, one fandom, united forever.

Holla if ya hear me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kingfish]

I want to ask a question of both Glen and Tom at Galacticon. Here we go:

We the fans of the mighty Battlestar Galactica would like to see the combined work of Tom DeSanto and Glen Larson in a major motion picture. As fans we also hope and pray that these two men can bring about a possible continuation with both the characters and actors that made the show a worth while venture. We don't ask for much but hope for a show that will make those who passed proud (Lorne Greene, Lloyd Bridges, Jonathan Harris, and John Colicos). Finally we believe that actions can speak louder than the printed words and hope that both men will take this request to heart.


Is this too much to ask?

Sincerely,
Paul Pisano aka Kingfish.

[AlphaAce]

This certainly makes more sense than attempting to boycott or protest the new series. We should work toward getting Larson to make a theatrical release with the original cast.

[ojai22]

Originally posted by AlphaAce
This certainly makes more sense than attempting to boycott or protest the new series. We should work toward getting Larson to make a theatrical release with the original cast.

Yes, Alpha, the mini is in name only so we can ignore it totally. Any time spent on it is time wasted. A continuation movie with the original cast as a theatrical release is what we're all about.

[kingfish]

Originally posted by ojai22
Yes, Alpha, the mini is in name only so we can ignore it totally. Any time spent on it is time wasted. A continuation movie with the original cast as a theatrical release is what we're all about.


Ojai you are a lady of wisdom :rose:

[ojai22]

Gee, thanks... :halo: :jestor:

[thomas7g]

She makes my day better!!!

:muffit:

[oldwardaggit]

My day too.


OWD

[ojai22]

:love: :sunshi: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:



:cookie: :beer: :kiss:

[Stray Viper]

First off, I'm part of the news staff on Jedinet.com, so I have posted details about this letter campaign on the news page. You can see it by clicking on the link here. (http://www.jedinet.com/miscellaneous/#79379,20031022,6492)

I also asked a friend if he can post a note about it on his site, and he did. You can see it on the the "other" news page on Starwarz.com (http://www.starwarz.com/tbone/other_news/)

Hopefully, myriads of Star Wars fans who also remember the series will join us in the letter campaign!

[BST]

< BUMP >

[jjrakman]

Bump for Ojai!

[ojai22]

Bump again to remind everyone not only is the mini air date drawing nearer, so is the time to write our letters. Let's ALL get behind this.

Thanks.......ojai22

[ojai22]

:thumbsup: