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September 21st, 2003, 03:35 PM
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#1
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Dancing Viper Queen
 | Veteran | | Fleets Warrior |
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 651
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GATHERING THE TROOPS
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
__________________
I have my own little place, but it's okay. They know me here.
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September 21st, 2003, 04:22 PM
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#2
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Guest
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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.
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September 21st, 2003, 04:36 PM
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#3
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Snowball, My Angel Baby
 | Admin | | Colonial Fleets |
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Somewhere across the heavens... aka Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 9,192
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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 
__________________
Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
The night is falling
You have come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore .
Children are a message that we send
to a time that we will never see.
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September 21st, 2003, 05:00 PM
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#4
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Warrior
 | Founder/President | | Colonial Fan Force |  | Co-Owner | | TombsofKobol.com | | Webmaster (Retired) | | Laurette Spang.com |
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Virginia
Posts: 422
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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
__________________
Our time is at hand. WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!!! http://www.colonialfanforce.org
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September 21st, 2003, 05:01 PM
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#5
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Warrior
 | Founder/President | | Colonial Fan Force |  | Co-Owner | | TombsofKobol.com | | Webmaster (Retired) | | Laurette Spang.com |
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Virginia
Posts: 422
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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.
__________________
Our time is at hand. WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!!! http://www.colonialfanforce.org
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September 21st, 2003, 07:34 PM
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#6
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Dancing Viper Queen
 | Veteran | | Fleets Warrior |
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 651
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Quote:
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.
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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.
__________________
I have my own little place, but it's okay. They know me here.
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September 21st, 2003, 10:40 PM
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#7
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Bad Email Address
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Vancouver, Wa USA
Posts: 1,874
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Lets go for it.
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September 22nd, 2003, 07:30 AM
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#8
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Warrior
 | Founder/President | | Colonial Fan Force |  | Co-Owner | | TombsofKobol.com | | Webmaster (Retired) | | Laurette Spang.com |
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Virginia
Posts: 422
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Ojai22 wrote:
Quote:
CT, I hope it doesn't appear as though I'm undermining the mailing you have been discussing.
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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...
__________________
Our time is at hand. WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!!! http://www.colonialfanforce.org
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September 22nd, 2003, 09:13 AM
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#9
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Warrior
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 304
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Good plan. I'm in for both.
__________________
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Tilting at the SciFi windmill"
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September 22nd, 2003, 09:15 AM
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#10
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Strike Leader
 | Administrator | | Battlestar Pacifica | | Battlestar Rycon |
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Delray Beach, Florida
Posts: 2,949
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The Mailing Campaign
I only see 229 sigs on the current petition. How can we even consider a mailing campaign?(PHASEII).
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September 22nd, 2003, 09:57 AM
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#11
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Warrior
 | Founder/President | | Colonial Fan Force |  | Co-Owner | | TombsofKobol.com | | Webmaster (Retired) | | Laurette Spang.com |
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Virginia
Posts: 422
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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.
__________________
Our time is at hand. WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!!! http://www.colonialfanforce.org
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September 22nd, 2003, 10:26 AM
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#12
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Clunky Man In Suit
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: On Friday Nights on my lawn doing yard work
Posts: 983
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I'm planning on helping to serve the Kool-Aid at Galacticon 
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September 22nd, 2003, 11:46 AM
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#13
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Warrior
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: louisiana
Posts: 412
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i am in.
nightscape
__________________
Hear the rime of the ancient mariner
See his eye as he stops one of three
Mesmerises one of the wedding guests
Stay here and listen to the nightmares of the sea.
And the music plays on, as the bride passes by
Caught by his spell and the mariner tells his tale.
taken from "the rime of the ancient mariner" by iron maiden
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September 22nd, 2003, 02:19 PM
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#14
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Muff Daggy
 | Owner: | | Colonial Fleets |
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Beaver Hollow, TN
Posts: 3,900
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I am always open to any hope of seeing the real BSG. Pen and paper are ready.

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September 22nd, 2003, 02:36 PM
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#15
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Snowball, My Angel Baby
 | Admin | | Colonial Fleets |
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Somewhere across the heavens... aka Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 9,192
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Quote:
Originally posted by Sept17th
I'm planning on helping to serve the Kool-Aid at Galacticon
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"...and tell them that they are on an important mission for the Galactica..."
BST
__________________
Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
The night is falling
You have come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore .
Children are a message that we send
to a time that we will never see.
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September 22nd, 2003, 02:56 PM
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#16
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Bad Email Address
Join Date: May 2003
Location: West Texas
Posts: 95
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It's an excellent plan. I am most assuredly in! 
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September 22nd, 2003, 03:14 PM
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#17
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Strike Leader
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Among the 13th tribe....
Posts: 4,579
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I'm in too, We have to all stand together
If they really can't use Battlestar Galactica , I could live with Rag Tag Fleet.
28th Larson & DeSanto. January Nbc 
__________________
" KEEPING THE FAITH"
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September 22nd, 2003, 04:38 PM
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#18
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You old war daggit!
 | Owner/Webmaster | | RadioGalactica |
Join Date: May 2001
Location: canada
Posts: 988
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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
__________________
Desanto and Larson, Larson and desanto.
Did you see that? I think the Giant just opened an eye.
OWD
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September 22nd, 2003, 04:48 PM
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#19
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Clunky Man In Suit
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: On Friday Nights on my lawn doing yard work
Posts: 983
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Quote:
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
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Old Dirty Bastard, "brilliant-brilliant if you must go ahead Adama"
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September 22nd, 2003, 04:51 PM
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#20
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You old war daggit!
 | Owner/Webmaster | | RadioGalactica |
Join Date: May 2001
Location: canada
Posts: 988
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Hey thanks.
OWD
__________________
Desanto and Larson, Larson and desanto.
Did you see that? I think the Giant just opened an eye.
OWD
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September 22nd, 2003, 05:12 PM
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#21
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Bad Email Address
 | Veteran | | Fleets Warrior |
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Pensacola, Florida
Posts: 1,154
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sounds good...I'm in.
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September 22nd, 2003, 05:16 PM
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#22
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Strike Leader
 | Administrator | | Battlestar Pacifica | | Battlestar Rycon |
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Delray Beach, Florida
Posts: 2,949
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Quote:
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
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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.
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September 22nd, 2003, 05:25 PM
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#23
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Strike Leader
 | Fleet Moderator | | Colonial Fleets |
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Citrus Heights, CA
Posts: 3,544
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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
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September 22nd, 2003, 06:01 PM
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#24
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Snowball, My Angel Baby
 | Admin | | Colonial Fleets |
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Somewhere across the heavens... aka Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 9,192
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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.
Thanks,
BST
__________________
Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
The night is falling
You have come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore .
Children are a message that we send
to a time that we will never see.
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September 22nd, 2003, 06:16 PM
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#25
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Snowball, My Angel Baby
 | Admin | | Colonial Fleets |
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Somewhere across the heavens... aka Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 9,192
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The deed is done!

__________________
Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
The night is falling
You have come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore .
Children are a message that we send
to a time that we will never see.
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September 22nd, 2003, 06:32 PM
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#26
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You old war daggit!
 | Owner/Webmaster | | RadioGalactica |
Join Date: May 2001
Location: canada
Posts: 988
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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
__________________
Desanto and Larson, Larson and desanto.
Did you see that? I think the Giant just opened an eye.
OWD
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September 22nd, 2003, 07:28 PM
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#27
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Bad Email Address
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 12,939
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I agree
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September 22nd, 2003, 08:26 PM
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#28
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Guest
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"Rag Tag Fleet",or "Colonal Fleets"
Since alot of Warriors will be in Hollwood very soon, could we all go over there to NBC Burbank with letters in person!
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September 23rd, 2003, 12:00 PM
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#29
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Warrior
 | Founder/President | | Colonial Fan Force |  | Co-Owner | | TombsofKobol.com | | Webmaster (Retired) | | Laurette Spang.com |
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Virginia
Posts: 422
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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.
__________________
Our time is at hand. WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!!! http://www.colonialfanforce.org
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September 27th, 2003, 08:16 PM
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#30
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Bad Email Address
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 12,939
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Excellent BST.
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