Clueless Morons

Yesterday in Variety, a bunch of clueless morons calling themselves The Colonial Fan Force ran a full-page, color advertisement clamoring for a "Battlestar Galactica" movie starring the original cast.

Millions of fans still dream of seeing the Battlestar Galactica roam the heavens once more in a big screen continuations of the epic story that began in 1978 with the original cast and characters leading a new generation of warriors

Yeah, right... there are millions, no TENS of millions, of fans clamoring for the return of Herb Jefferson, Laurette Sprang, Dirk Benedict, and Richard Hatch (who is not nearly as powerful an actor as the nude guy of the same name on "Survivor"... nor as successful). I suspect the real audience is about 100 fat guys in their 40s, who at this very moment are busily duping all their Heather Thomas videos onto DVD...

That said, I am always amused by the losers who spend their comic book money on pointless ads like this (or, worse, the ones who publish a synopsis of, or excerpt from, their unsold screenplays). The advertising guys at Variety and the Hollywood Reporter must laugh themselves silly with glee every time one of these suckers comes in.

In the case of the "Battlestar Galactica," the folks at "The Colonial Fan Force" urge the readers of Variety (most of whom are entertainment industry professionals) to write writer/producer Glen A. Larson and Tom DeSanto, a guy who once tried to launch a movie version of the TV show. This shows just how little the people who paid for this ad understand about how the business works...and even sillier when you consider the SciFi Channel is already in the midst of shooting a new "Battlestar Galactica" TV series from NBC/Universal Studios with an all-new cast led by Edward James Olmos.

I suppose we have Gene Roddenberry to blame for this, ever since he cleverly engineered the so-called "viewer campaign" to save "Star Trek" from cancellation. So now we get ads demanding the return of dull supporting characters axed from TV shows (the "Save Marina" campaign on "The L Word" comes to mind) and from the millions of fans still crying over the demise of "Manimal." I'm looking forward to the "Bring Gloria Reuben back to MISSING" ads... maybe the Colonial Fan Force can take up the cause.

I'm sorry, I shouldn't joke. This "Battlestar Galactica" stuff is serious business, as is clear from the Colonial Fan Force website:

We've got to buckle down, and get to work. It's going to be up to each member of fandom to make sure our efforts come to fruition. The CFF and its leadership will remain active in coordinating fan efforts as much as possible, but everyone reading this page has got to accept individual responsibility for making sure that we, as a group, rise together and speak with one voice. None of us can afford to think that "someone else will do it." We've all got to find some time (and some stamps), and make it happen. We've got to make some collective noise.

This would be funny if it wasn't so sad. Think of all the truly worthy causes that could benefit from the same time, effort and money these morons are devoting with such earnestness to this idiotic pursuit...

UPDATE (10-22-04)

As you can see, the above post listed many comments, prompting me to explain the reasoning behind my opinion about the advertisement in more detail. For the benefit of those who don't feel like slogging through all the comments to find that post, here it is:

You'll notice that, with the exception of the STAR TREK and NAKED GUN movies, that none of the many other movies-based-on-TV series that have followed have starred the original cast, nor have any that have been announced for development

But that's not the issue that makes the VARIETY ad so stupid or the people behind it so...how to put this nicely?...naive and wrong-headed.

These theatrical remakings of TV series are basically trading on the name identification of a hit series to create a new movie franchise, which is why they keep the name but cast movie stars in the roles. The original franchise is the selling point, not the actors. (Which is why I SPY didn’t have Bill Cosby, it had Eddie Murphy, and why WILD WILD WEST had Will Smith and not Robert Conrad. And why the new MIAMI VICE isn’t going to star Don Johnson or Philip Michael Thomas…but Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx, instead).

These movies are intended to be blockbusters. And the blockbuster imperative doesn’t extend to nostalgia-friendly casting, with the exception of cameos (ie Patrick MacNee as invisible ghost in AVENGERS or Mark Goddard with one line in LOST IN SPACE) as a sop to the fans.

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA has been done…as miniseries. The franchise value is already being mined. And it's highly doubtful that people will flock to the theatres just to see Richard Hatch, Dirk Benedict and company.

On a whole different level, the ad itself was wronghead, directed at an audience of writers, producers, directors, and studio heads who aren’t about to write letters to Glen Larson or Tom DeSanto.

The fans threw $12,000 away on an ad targeted at the wrong audience for their message (the message itself was wrong-headed, but I will get to that later, too). They humiliated their cause in the eyes of the very Industry that the fans were hoping to impress. Industry professionals who see ads like that in Variety aren’t impressed (any more than they are buy the struggling screenwriter who spends the money on a full-page ad to reprint pages of his unsold screenplay). The ad simply reinforced every preconception Hollywood has about fandom. It certainly did for me.

(On a side note, even if Glen Larson was dying to do a BSG movie, he does not have the clout to get a $100 million feature off the ground. You will notice he is only tangentially involved in the features in works based on his other TV series. So writing letters to him isn’t going to persuade a studio to dump money into the revival of a franchise that is already being mined on television, if in a “re-imagined version).

The ad in Cinescape, however, was also money poorly spent, though less obviously so. I’ll get to the reasons why in a moment.

You want to revive BSG? I think it’s a lost cause, especially since the valuable aspect of the franchise is already being mined on TV, but here’s some constructive advice:

Investing money in trade ads is useless. It’s better to use that money to organize a grass-roots campaign to make people aware of the BSG DVD and get them to buy it. On your website, make it look more businesslike and less fannish.

The trick is not to convince the powers that be that there are 100,000 absolute diehard fans who will do anything to get BSG back as a feature. You need to convince them there are actually tens of millions who have at least a passing interest in seeing BSG brought back. You want to spend money? Spend it on raising awareness among non-devotees of BSG. Get a groundswell of interest in the show itself. Try to push the DVD on people who aren’t familiar with the series. This is how it worked with THE NAKED GUN (on video) and later THE FAMILY GUY and FIREFLY, which were revived after cancellation because a lot of people saw the shows on home video and fell in love with them. Those video sales convinced the studios there was a lucrative market still out there.

The only thing that will convince a studio (or financiers) to make a movie is to be persuaded by hard facts and hard cash that there is still MORE money to be made Slavish devotion by a handful of fans… even if there are 100,000 of them… won’t bring in nearly enough money to justify a film.

Bottom line: Expose people to the show, not to your fandom. Expose studios to sales, not examples that some diehard devotees exist.

Which brings me to the website the advertisement directs readers to. The design and writing on the website only serves to confirm every Industry professional and non-fan’s immediate assumptions from the ad: This isn’t about the quality and merits of a TV show… it’s about a handful of diehard fans who can’t let go and have no real-world perspective.

The more you can do to NOT make this about the fans--- and about THE SHOW, the better chance your campaign has of succeeding. But you’ve sabotaged yourself, and your campaign, from the outset… by crafting the wrong message and sending that wrong message to the wrong people. You need to rethink your image (the name "Colonial Fan Force," for example), your message, and the best way to present it to the people you need to reach…

Which isn’t the studios.

It’s the viewers.

Comments

[Tod Goldberg]

I only have one thing to say to this: Frak.

[Tod Goldberg]

I actually have two things to say: You must go visit the Richard Hatch website and read the Q&A section where he makes tells Glen Larson how it should be...and concedes that Glen might feel like he "owns" the show but Richard has some ideas of his own, dammit.

[Mark]

You know, considering you do make money from fans of shows (like me), you might want to consider that at times when you look at how devoted fans can be.

And believe me, I was right there when TNT canceled Crusade. I'm will to admit defeat at this point and hope that JMS lets stuff come out in novel form at some point. I hate being left hanging.

[Lee Goldberg]

Tod,

I don't know why Glen Larson should feel like he owns the show just because he created, wrote and produced it.

Get real.

Universal owns it.

[Lee Goldberg]

Mark,

I have a healthy respect for fans. Intelligent ones, that is. It's one thing to like a show...it's another to lose all sense of perspective.

I appreciate the Diagnosis Murder fans... but let's be honest here, anyone who took out a full-page ad clamoring for a feature film version of the show...and devoted themselves to "the cause" as if they were leading the charge against AIDs, racism, or censorship...would be a clueless moron.

[Jim Winter]

I lived in that world for awhile. Go ahead. Laugh. It's the biggest favor you can do them.

[Mark]

Yeah, I do see your point. And in my own defense, when I was trying to save Babylon 5 spin-off Crusade, it had just been canceled and I just wrote a letter to two to other networks trying to get it picked up. It wasn't 20 something years later.

Don't they even think that the actors are so much older now it wouldn't have the same appeal for that reason if nothing else!

[Lee Goldberg]

Why would any other network have been interested in picking up a series that couldn't even garner an audience on TNT???

No offense, Mark, but that's what I mean about a lot of these fans not understanding how television works. I'm sure lots of them wrote letters to ABC and CBS after UPN canceled "Mercy Point."

[Mark]

Maybe because TNT never gave it a chance. They canceled it before it even aired over creative differences with JMS. Then went ahead and aired the 13 episodes already filmed. According to series creator JMS, Sci-fi was very interested in picking up the series but didn't. And it gave TNT some of their best ratings ever.

I'm not a completely stupid fan. I do pay attention to what people involved in a series says. Once JMS gave up the battle, so did I. Not that I was involved too much.

And, for the record, I did love your Babylon 5 joke in Diagnosis: Murder. ("Who do you think we are, Babylon 5 fans? Of course we didn't kill her.") I've shown it to other fans, and it always gets lots of laughs.

[fletch2]

I have to admit to being shocked by this posting, especially as it comes from an industry professional and insider. These people are your consumers, the folks that watch your shows, buy your tie in novels and allow you the privilege of writing for a living. I wonder if you would call the Diagnosis Murder fans that read your books “morons” too? Is your contempt for your audience that blatant?

Yes these guys are carrying a torch for a cause that is probably long dead. They do it because something about another writer’s work touched them in a profound and lasting way. You shouldn’t mock that, not unless you believe that all television drama is worthless, your own included?

It’s ok to think what these folks are doing is weird perhaps even futile, but to call them “morons” in an open forum shows a certain lack of professionalism and respect.

[Juli]

I will no longer purchase books written by an author who insults his own fans by calling them "clueless morons". Never stopped to think that some of the very people you were insulting might be your own fans did you. Not very intelligent on your part. I may be the only one who no longer buys your books, but, think of how it would be if there were hundreds or even thousands of us who did stop. Not a very pretty picture.

Next time, you might want to engage your brain before putting your mouth into gear. Good day.

[Kyle Stewart]

Why is trying to get the show revived inferior to any other hobby? I'm currently running a petition to get RH signed on to write TNS books, but it's just a hobby. I'll admit that I put alot less effort into it than CFF (in fact I think it will happen anyway, but I see this petition as a way to aquire braggin rights when it does), but I think BSG is all in fun, and besides alot of people donating a few dollars to this ad is alot less stupid than a few people buying (try that for perspective)...oh, and about that petition:

http://www.petitiononline.com/hockey44/petition.html

[D. Kelly]

So, you hate all fans, not just fanfiction writers? Kindly remember exactly who it is who gets you those profits you love so dearly.

[Patrick Green]

I was not going to reply to this. Your mind is closed and your arrogance is high. There is nothing I could say that would convince you that these people might be dignified human beings who do not live in their mom's basement.

You make fun of them for having a passion for a show. You paint it is if they came out of nowhere and said "Hey! Let's bring back a television show!" Since you are aware of what is going on in film and television, I am sure you are aware Ron Moore wrote a mini series for Battlestar Galactica that is being picked up as a series. The show is a re-imagining of the series and some feel it is an abomination and would like to see a different version closer to the original. There is a longer history than the mini series, but that is the most recent event to rally fans of the original to try something.

You question their comic book money spent in this cause. Are you in possession of their portfolio's? Are you the final arbiter of how people are to spend their money? Do you know that one who has contributed $100 to the CFF has not given $1000 to St Jude's or some other worthy fund.

As you know, there are a wide variety of organizations to contribute funds to. Political campagns, charitable organizations, the arts, etc. You question them for their rally cry to make it sound important? That is just good leadership. Do you think a small community theater is going to raise funds if they promote themselves to be a mediocre troup and there are several other more worthy groups to give your money to? No. You market your group as if it is the most important thing you could possible do!

Finally, I am sure you have fans and the shows you have been involved in have fans. You know that fans come from a vairety of backgrounds, vocations, races, and life experiences. Some are refreshing and pleasant...others may offend you and irritate you. You hate them...but need their money. Painting an entire fan base with such a broiad brush seems ignorant. I can see that ignorance from one not in the industry, but you should be more enlightened.

I will add I see a difference in character. There is nothing in the CFF website that is negative or attacks other people. They go out of their way to discuss proper manners in not disrupting a place of business. You insult them.

Patrick

[Patrick Green]

My apologies to all for grammatical errors. Maybe I spilled Chef Boy R D on my Ren and Stimpy t shirt and need to clean my mom's basement. That tends to distract me.

[Patrick Green]

Darn! Did it again.

[Bill Gordon]

Dear Mr. Goldberg:

I am neither 40, bald, nor a moron. I don't own a single Heather Thomas video and have never transferred a single file to DVD.

I am amazed, however, at people's propensity for negativity. A lot of good, thoughtful people have spent untold hours creating the Colonial
Fan Force, and have given generously to make the ad campaign happen.

Judging from your comment regarding the SciFi Channel/Sky One series, it is apparent you merely glossed over our website to extract pull
quotes which you felt were sufficient for mocking purposes. But far be it for me to criticize your journalistic integrity or your depth of
research without getting to know you better. That would be irresponsible.

I've known a lot of people who try to build themselves up by putting other people down. Unfortunately, it is all too common an occurrence in our society. I wonder if you were as quick to put down the fans of
FARSCAPE who are being lauded throughout the media for their part in brining back the show they loved in the form of last night's miniseries?

Of course there are plenty more "worthy causes" out there. And that God there are so many dedicated oragnizations working to address them.
But we, as a fans of something we enjoyed very much, felt we could either sit back and let Hollywood dictate to us what we should enjoy...in the form of the SciFi Channel's disrespectful "reimagining" of this
little program that we remember fondly from our youth, or let somebody know that we'd prefer something else.

We're not morons, Mr. Goldberg. Nor are we mean-spirited little men looking seeking accolades by urinating on the efforts of others, whether or not we personally believe in the value of those efforts.

I do understand, however, as I am sure you do, the old adage that no publicity is bad publicity, so I do thank you for spotlighting our efforts, for the benefit of the five or six people that I am certain
frequent your website. Just imagine if that website were devoted to a truly worthy cause... or even a truly thoughtful critic? The mind reels.

Good luck to you with all of your future endeavors.

Warmest regards,
Bill Gordon
President
Colonial Fan Force

[Peter Noble]

Dear Mr Goldberg,

I'm a fan of your work from Diagnosis Murder, Martial Law and the last (and my favourite) season of Seaquest.

By the way, I'm 6' 2" and weigh 175 lbs.

Cheers from the UK,

Peter Noble (co-founder www.colonialfanforce.org; co-owner www,cylon.org [Saving the Future's Past])

[Jocelyn]

Wow, 6'2", and am I to assume you have a British accent? Can I have your phone number?

(Sorry, sorry, just a silly American gal trying to lighten the mood. Forget me.)

;-)

[Peter Noble]

Sorry Jocelyn, my mum won't install a phone in the basement! ;)

Best,

Peter

[Ioraptor]

You know everything you said about CFF and the effort to bring a Battlestar Galactica continuation movie to the big screen might be true.
That doesn't change the fact that you are a mean spirited asshole.

[Daniel]

Dear Sir,

I have just read this article, and I have to say that I am pretty disgusted that you would go out of your way to mock the hopes of others.

Why did you do this - can't you just live and let live ?

It is a shame that YOU did not devote the time you spent writing this to a more worthy cause, rather than making comments like a 'school bully' to people who just want to go about their lives as they see fit.

BSG has many good points, such as spin-off show Galactica 1980 star BARRY VAN DYKE. BSG is enjoyed by many. Many people who would probably rather you did go out of your way to maliciously knock the hopes of others...

Go play being a bully with someone else...

[Patrick Green]

Mr Goldberg,

I have been a member of a few Battlestar Galactica forums for well over a year. I cannot let your accusations of their character go without comment. There are a broad range of people on the forums that have contributed to the CFF project. Mothers, fathers, grandparents, children, college students, Americans, British, Australians, teachers, writers, IT specialists, struggling actors, retired military, business owners, Republicans, Democrats, and even Libertarians! We come from all walks of life and educational backgrounds. We share a common love of a genre and a television show. Sure, it may not be your cup of tea, but it is ours. I have forged friendships with some of these people. We exchange Christmas cards and fudge. Many of these morons stood by my side in thought, prayer, and spirit while my daughter went through a serious heart problem, they stood by me when I went through a series of tumors. We have stood by each other while some of our members lost fathers and grandparents or were right in the middle of Florida's recent hurricanes or other hardships. Maybe it sounds odd that some of us have friends we have never physically met, but we have. These are not losers in a basement with no social circles. They have hobbies and lives and passions and friends and families that care for them and they care for very deeply.

If it seems silly that they invest some spare time and a few extra dollars to a cause as minor as a television show, oh well. We are all wired differently and have different interests and passions. The fact that we have a different passion than yours should not make us subject to your criticism and character assault. That diversity and that passion called fandom that allows you to have a career should be respected....not insulted and panned.

You do not know these people and you have no right to say the things you have. Well, you do have a constitutional right, but all I see is an arrogant and elitist snob. For all I know, your books may be outstanding, but the reflection of the man who wrote those books that I see here today is not a person who I wish to associate myself with.

I think it would show some amount of class if you were to apologize.

Patrick Green (known as CaptainTux by my friends online)

BTW 34 years old. 5'10 190 pounds. Broad Shouldered, have all my hair. A little grey at the temples. Home owner, father, husband, good and decent man with enough disposable income to buy books by other authors.

[Russell Sanders]

Tell you what Lee, if you want to bet $10,000 on which of us looks less like a nerd, can better justify not being called "a moron", or can better handle the iron man competition you let me know. I'd be happy to risk my appearance, education and life experience, and physical conditioning against yours any day of the week. The wasted money for the Variety ad could then come directly out of your pocket.

Yes, this is a serious offer.

Russell Sanders

P.S. By the way, I hear that your books suck.

[RG]

His books definitely do NOT suck. Look over at the right-hand column of this page. His book, "The Walk," received a positive review from no less than Harriet Klausner herself. HARRIET KLAUSNER!

Some writers might use excerpts from Kirkus or Booklist or Publishers Weekly, but these are authors who have not been favorably reviewed by Amazon.com's number one amateur book nerd.

True, "The Walk" is listed at somewhere over 1.1 million on the Amazon book list, and true, Klausner's review is the one and only review posted, but a Klausner review is as good as a hundred five star reviews.

You people may try to put down Lee Goldberg, but I have no idea how to finish this sentence.

[Jaeson Jrakman]

Your piece proves your own lack of knowledge of the situation, and the fact that you're too lazy to do your homework. Since homework is not one of your strong points, let me educate you.

You wrote:

"This shows just how little the people who paid for this ad understand about how the business works...and even sillier when you consider the SciFi Channel is already in the midst of shooting a new "Battlestar Galactica" TV series from NBC/Universal Studios with an all-new cast led by Edward James Olmos."

If you had bothered to read the Introduction page on the CFF website (homework), you would have discovered that while Universal Studios owns the rights to the television series and Sci-Fi Channel is currently producing a remake series, Glen Larson currently owns the theatrical rights to Battlestar Galactica. Mr. Larson also publicly stated that if there were still interest in a Continuation movie with the original after the Sci-Fi mini aired, he would team up with Tom DeSanto, to bring us one. So Universal Studios or Sci-Fi Channel need not be involved in any way. Mr. Larson can solicit any studio he wishes.

Furthermore, if you had bothered to check out the Links page on the CFF website, you would have seen a variety of different websites devoted to the show, each one created by a devoted fan. In addition, there are links to forums and mailing lists each of which have members which total far more than the 100 or so you claim there all to be.

But as I said, homework is not one of your strong points.

Thank you for writing your piece. It advertises your blatant incompetence very well, warning everyone who reads your work as to your complete lack of credibility.

[Patrick Green]

RG,

Maybe his books are wonderful Maybe the artistic vision of this man is orgasmic. It does not matter. He has taken an entire community of good people, painted them with a broad and insulting brush, and then runs off to his intellectual snobbish ivory tower. When you write for a television show, you have to know how important fans are. He has written and produced for some shows that could have used a higher fan base to keep them alive. I loved Nero Wolfe. I did not think A&E would do a good job converting a radio classic to the small screen, but they did and did it very well. Just like Remember WENN, Sport's Night, and other shows, it did not get the recognition, exposure and life it deserved. You look at shows like Star Trek, Magnum PI, Farscape, and even ED...you see shows that had dedicated fan bases that breathed new life to these shows and showed networks and sponsors that the Neilson system is fried and people are watching these shows and want to see more. Maybe ED is not my cup of tea, but God Bless the fans who wrote letters, raised money, and showed their support for what they felt was a worthwhile artistic venture. I recently read that fans of Farscape raised tens of thousands of dollars for their own ad campaign. In a little less than an hour you can tune into the sci fi network to see the second installment as a result of their efforts. If your fans love your work and you respect them, the symbiotic relationship will reap benefits. Ben Browder understands this...why does this yutz not?

I see a man with little regard for fans of other things...why would I think he will show genuine respect for his own fans?

You know why you couldn't finish your sentence? You could not find a reasonable defense of his character. You could defend the work based on review of well regarded peers, but you could not defend the man. He has let his character (or lack therof) show in his rant.

[AJ]

Dear Sir,
I found your comments about a group's efforts to revive Battlestar Galactica quite childish in nature. You accuse these people, who you do not know, as 'wasting their time and money' on this effort. Perhaps it is you who does not truly understand what they are trying to do and have failed to see their side of the story.
I support their efforts and find your words “I suspect the real audience is about 100 fat guys in their 40s, who at this very moment are busily duping all their Heather Thomas videos onto DVD” to be rather insulting.
I found it to be strange that you would insult an entire group of people without even knowing them. It’s like me saying all TV writers are 60 year olds who work on a typewriter.
Now you and I both know that that isn’t true so it begs the question as to why you would say something so untrue. I do not know, perhaps you will explain it to everyone you insulted, but I somehow doubt it as your arrogance shines through everything you have written here.
You may have some talent, but you definitely lack grace.

AJ Marks

[debra steinman]

If anyone is the CLUELESS MORON it is YOU. I am not
a LOSER! I am a responsible parent raising two autistic
children with my husband. I helped paid for that add as
did MANY MANY PEOPLE including RON MOORE no less. I am
deeply offended by YOU and JERKS LIKE YOU who JUMP to
CONCLUSIONS without BOTHERING to check out the facts.
You should be on CBS or ABC with your frigging attitude.

[Patrick Green]

Lee...Baby...I doubt you will be writing the forward to the next edition of How to Win Friends and Influence People. Kevin Smith has more class than you and your sarcasm is not even as clever as his. Who really pens your books?

A guy who's online rants can't rise to the level of the guy who wrote Clerks and puts a rubber poop monster in a movie is pretty sad! Snooch!

[anonymous]

*BSG has many good points, such as spin-off show Galactica 1980*

Hey, that's a good idea! Forget "Battlestar Galactica," that battlestar has sailed already. You should start lobbying Hollywood to mount the "Galactica 1980" movie! There are millions of fans who to see it return with the original cast on flying motorcycles! Bring back Barry Van Dyke and Kent McCord or nobody! Where do I sign up to donate money for the full-page ads? I think this is a much better use of my money than helping my two autistic kids! I have to go now. We're having a high-level, executive strategy meeting in the kitchen to plot our campaign to convince the networks to bring back "Special Unit 2" as a mini-series.

[Russell Sanders]

RG,

I can't personally say if indeed his books suck or not since I haven't fished through the $1.25 discount bin to find any of them. If I did, I'm sure some second rate murder mystery writer wouldn't be getting my hard-earned 125 pennies. However, just because I've heard his books suck doesn't make it so ... given his article about ColonialFanForce.com, I'm inclined to believe that they do indeed suck since Lee shows little talent for checking his facts and a huge lack of judgement in that article. ... but let's not forget that Lee was nominated for an award ... twice!

He didn't actually win anything but he was nominated. I wonder if the guys who were good enough to win the award are as bitter as my good friend, Lee.

By the way, Lee. How much time have you wasted over the years writing these articles. Wouldn't that have gone a long way towards fighting AIDS or another worthy cause? I heard that sort of thing was very important to you.

Russell Sanders

[Bill Gordon]

Dear Mr. Goldberg:

After reviewing several of your old Usenet posts provided by our resident archivist, I have now determined that you have a history of "going off" on invalid facts, without conducting any amount of research. Never let the facts get in the way of a scathing commentary, eh, Lee? Bravo.

I can now say, without fear of improriety, that you are a shoddy journalist. And after reviewing your less than impressive cadre of television writing credentials, feel fairly confident in accurately assessing you as a clueless moron.

And as for your well thought out and cleverly worded post, anonymous, I wish to salute you for having the chutzpah to put your name behind your bold statement.

I have clearly given you, as the originator of these "thoughts" and "ideas" more credit than you were due.

May you continue to enjoy the same level of success you have hitherto been able to claim in your industrious career as a screenwriter and author.

No... on second thought... I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Good day.

Regards,
Bill

[Patrick Green]

Anonymous,

You can knock a mother of two with autistic children, but you cannot come up with a name? I will grant that Lee at least gives his name. My name is Pat Green. The guy who has a $10,000USD wager offer is Russell, the mother is Debra, there are many others here who gave their names. What's up? Ohhhhhh!!!! I get it, you are a coward. Man, I meet so many of you guys on the internet. You have semi clever retorts that you boldly pronounce from the safety of your PC. You say things to others that you would never say to a persons face in a bar. I suspect Lee is going to pipe in here in a day or so with some predictably sarcastic remarks and one hitters in an attempt to appear above us all. I do not know if the second rate hack would do so to my face, but we all know you wouldn't. Got a name, Sunshine?

[Craig Bishop]

I disagree with your opinion on the people trying to bring back the original Battlestar: Galactica.
I think it is great that people can band together for their cohesive wants. What is odd to me is that you had nothing better to write about, and in doing so, promoted their efforts to another sector. Sounds like hypocrisy to me,
Craig Bishop
Appleton, Wisconsin.

[Anonymous]

Say what you will about the guy, I'll give him this -- unlike me, he puts his name where his mouth and he lets a lot of people come into his own house (so to speak) and trash him. Remember where you are bucko, his blog. Goldberg could have deleted your postings calling him a cocksucker and a hack -- but I don't see him doing that. He hasn't deleted a thing. I gotta respect the guy for that. He's not afraid to share his opinion or let you have yours. It says to me this is an honorable guy, whether you share his view or not (and, no surprise, I do).

So you love each other deeply, share Christmas cards, counsel each other over your tumors and bunions and lost homes...and you're thin and you're fat and you have college degrees....yadda yadda yadda. Goldberg didn't attack you for that. He said you were clueless morons for spending thousands of dollars on a full-page ad in a Hollywood trade paper crying for the theatrical return of some crap scifi show with the original cast of geriatric nobodies.

And he was right. Look in the mirror bucko... the truth is, the vast majority of people who saw that ad thought the same thing Goldberg did. He just had balls enough to post it on his blog!

[Steve Dunlap]

Perhaps he might not be deleting the posts of his detractors, but his statements are still unnecessary. These people who have devoted their time and money to the pursuit of their dream are some of the most decent, honest people you would ever meet. They are intelligent, eloquent, and passionate. This person could have criticized their efforts without being so derogatory and insulting. I may not have been able to contribute to the CFF, but I stand by them in spirit...and also take exception to the voracity with which their efforts were attacked.

And I am a six foot tall, long haired rock and roll musician with a great, undying love for Battlestar Galactica. You would not have done well to call ME a clueless moron to my face. You would NOT have done well at all.

Respectfully,
Steve Dunlap

[Russell Sanders]

Anonymous,

I'm still waiting for Lee to put his money where his mouth is. He called me a 40-ish fat man still stuck in my basement duping Heather Locklear videos. I challenged him with real cash. All Lee has to do is step up and put me in my place.

At this point, he can either admit his mistake and print an honest retraction, take the challenge, or continue to be defended by nameless posters who may or may not be his own cowardly self. I suspect he'll choose the last because only a coward would print an article like he printed and only an idiot would attack an entire fanbase who did nothing but put an ad in a magazine.

Nobody prodded Lee. He simply opted to scream to the world what a complete loser he is by attacking a group who banded together and accomplished something. His best arguement was that the time and money could have been used for a more worthy cause like fighting AIDS. Even that rings hollow coming from a twerp who spends his own time writing articles about the entertainment industry. I'd be more than happy to compare my real-life impacts against Goldie's anytime. His best claim to fame is writing some second rate chick-flick scripts and forever sinking SeaQuest. Yet, like so many internet heroes, he now runs his mouth as the "expert".

An expert would have contacted Bill and offerred suggestions to better guide the CFF effort based on his own experience in Hollywood. A twit writes an article attacking a group that successfully raised $10,000 in a grass roots effort. Notice the important difference.

Of course, one look at his picture explains a lot. He's definitely the last guy who should be calling someone else a Geek.

Russell Sanders

[AJ]

Anonymous,

Actually Lee did attack us or did you not read what he wrote. I will admit that he probably wrote it in haste without thinking like most Hollywood types. He wrote “I suspect the real audience is about 100 fat guys in their 40s”not what you wrote “and you're thin and you're fat and you have college degrees”.

I truly wonder why it is when people band together for something they do care in that people like you and Mr. Lee have to trash them. We did not attack you, or call you names yet you felt the need to attack us without knowing us. That has lost any respect that I might have had for people like you.

AJ Marks

P.S. Russell is right, Lee did sink Seaquest.

[Jean Williams]

Well as one of the countless fans of the original Battlestar Galactica. I am writing you to say if supporting a sci-fi show that was more than CGI and a bunch of scantily clad people blasting each other with four letter words and lazers is a moron than I am one!
The original Battlestar Galactica was a family show about a family of humans that found themselves in a very drastic situation. With hope and love and wisdom they traveled thru the universe seeking a better life. I watched it in the late 70's as a young mother with my children and my Parents. We are three generations strong for GOOD tv sci-fi at its best when it teaches and exploresmoral values. Gee all you want is sexy CGI, bet you thought the puppet movie was better...... now who is the moron.
Jean C Williams
Mother, Master Gardener. University of Maryland Graduate,and a supporter of excellence in Scifi TV

[Diane Rinella]

How sad this state of affairs is. How nice of you to judge our works without meeting us or even doing your homework. It puzzles me how you can claim to be intelligent yet write this piece. Very sad indeed.

I would say that a moron is more the type of person who wants something but does not have the gall to go for it. At least we fans have done something. Very few people have the guts to begin a project, let alone see it through. This project was nothing short of large either.

So at the very least, I would think a logical human would respect the effort that people make. We did not whine, we acted. You sir, have whined and have seemingly done so for no ones benefit. Shame on you.

As I have said before, if it were not for the old fans, there would not be a new show.

For the record, I am far under 40, female, slim, and a happily married professional in the computer industry. I also have every right to determine how I will spend my money. If the old show comes back, I will happily make the studios richer by supporting it. That is my decision.

Diane Rinella

[Bill Rabkin]

//I would say that a moron is more the type of person who wants something but does not have the gall to go for it. At least we fans have done something. //

And that would be... what?

You wasted thousands of dollars on a trade ad that will do absolutely nothing to further your cause.

[Patrick Green]

Did anonymous call me Bucko? Did he really call me Bucko. Sorry, I am kinda stuck on Bucko right now. Tell the fonz I said hi?

[AJ]

//You wasted thousands of dollars on a trade ad that will do absolutely nothing to further your cause.//

Does not seem like a waste if we got people to talk about it. And it has worked because you are talking about it.

AJ Marks

[Patrick Green]

Bill,

Maybe it is a long shot. I know of stories like Ed and Farscape where fans were very much a part of the show getting more air time. The Variety ad was part of the campaign in both instances. There have been other campaigns for other shows that have not seen success. Again, no one is suggesting one ad in Variety is going to bring the show back, it is part of a larger campaign. Now, Ed and Farscape did not have nearly the hiatus time Battlestar Galactica has so it is a calculated risk that may come up empty. On the surface I could see how it would seem silly to many. To truly understand why there is a glimmer of hope you would have to have started the journy on a website that offered research instead of accusation and understood how close we were to a DeSanto vision of the original BSG. You would also have to know recent public statements made by Desanto and Larson. As it is just a television show, I know quite a few contributers and none of the ones I know gave up their life savings for a show.

Along the way to raising money...people had fun. There was a goal and we worked together to achieve a goal. There is still a goal and we are working together to achieve that.

Personally, Bill. I think you should get a momento of the day you saw a man who attacked the character of many people for doing something he thought was silly. We have Coffee Mugs, t shirts, buttons, mousepads...check it out and always remember this day.

[Nerd]

This is pathetic, no better than a flame war on any forum on the internet, only this time it was started by some Hollywood guy and carried on by someone "anonymous" guy (Goldberg himself?) who can't even use a handle, which is anonymous enough as it is.

Lee Goldberg should know better than to start crap like this. Then again, we're talking Seaquest here, which actually makes Battlestar Galactica look like Shakespeare. Why is anyone concerned by anything said by the Shnoz that Ate Cleveland?

[Patrick Green]

I have explored this piece of real estate on the Web and I have a better grasp of Lee's character and a glimpse of his brother's character. Both are sadly lacking. There is an elitist metality and I am not sure if it is based on perceived IQ or tax bracket, or simply that he writes for a living and you don't.

I have seen him or his brother knock people for being fans that dare to write fan fiction or express fandom in other ways. I have people made fun of for working minimum wage. Basically, if you are not at his station in life, you are not worthy to breathe the same air he does.

Pulications once thrived on fan fiction. People of all ages submitting thier works in hpes of it being published in a science fiction magazine. Today, the Star Trek franchise embraces that expression with published volumes of fan fiction that you can get at your local bookstore. George Lucas gets involved in this expression of copyright infringement by voting for the best fan films reflecting Star Wars. They embrace the fans and allow them to express themselves. I will admit that most fan fiction is not really well written. However, some of it is quite good. Even the ones that are not good...you are seeing a group of poeple so captured by a work that they are inspired to try to participate. Even if thier expression is less than good...you know they are buying your products, watching your show, and supporting your franchise. In other words, they are your customers and you should treat these people with respect.

As far as people who make less than he does or not in a high level position. That is just dumb. People are people and we should respect them all. Elitism is a dangerous thing. I had a grandfather who died when I was four. He dies with a tattoo on his arm. The tattoo had a number. He was a victim of someone elses elitist view of the world. If your elitism is based on race, gender, fianancial status, education level, etc...you are a reflection of an ugly aspect of humanity and one I have very little tolerance for.

[Lee Goldberg]

He simply opted to scream to the world what a complete loser he is by attacking a group who banded together and accomplished something.

What have you accomplished besides taking out an ad in Variety? Oh yeah, you made some Colonial Fan Force coffee mugs, mousepads, t-shirts, and fanfic journals (No underwear yet? No jammies?) Gosh, that really is something.

I've caught up on all the comments and I've found them very amusing, especially the ones calling me a bad journalist (this is my blog, not a newspaper!) or trying to rile me up by attacking me personally.

But what I found most interesting is how so many of you have fixated on something in my post that you've quoted out-of-context.

Your advertisement said:

Millions of fans still dream of seeing the Battlestar Galactica roam the heavens once more in a big screen continuations of the epic story that began in 1978 with the original cast and characters leading a new generation of warriors

And I wrote:

Yeah, right... there are millions, no TENS of millions, of fans clamoring for the return of Herb Jefferson, Laurette Sprang, Dirk Benedict, and Richard Hatch...I suspect the real audience is about 100 fat guys in their 40s, who at this very moment are busily duping all their Heather Thomas videos onto DVD

The issue I was raising, and that none of you have addressed, is the notion that there are MILLIONS of fans dreaming of seeing a Battlestar Galactica movie with the original cast.

You also posted messages about what educated, humane, wonderful, caring, attractive, wholesome, God-fearing, friendly people you all are... as if that makes the advertisement, and the earnestness of the campaign, any less idiotic and laughable.

And this ridicule, by the way, is coming from a man who likes Battlestar Galactica...has met Glen Larson many times... and is listening to the Stu Phillips "Galactica" Anthology on his iPod right now (I also bought Stu's book).

But frankly, I think your ad, and especially the call-to-arms on your website, speak for themselves:

We've got to buckle down, and get to work. It's going to be up to each member of fandom to make sure our efforts come to fruition. The CFF and its leadership will remain active in coordinating fan efforts as much as possible, but everyone reading this page has got to accept individual responsibility for making sure that we, as a group, rise together and speak with one voice. None of us can afford to think that "someone else will do it." We've all got to find some time (and some stamps), and make it happen. We've got to make some collective noise. This is it folks, the Big One! Fandom's time has arrived at last! Give it everything you've got left! Now let's go get OUR Battlestar Galactica!

And you wonder why you're ridiculed?

[Patrick Green]

Lee,

You say your main point is that there are not millions of people itching to see the original Battlestar Galactica. Is it at all possible that you could have made your point without calling people clueless morons or losers. Do you think that would have been possible? I think people would enjoy a mature discussion on the issue you accuse us of not speaking up on had you been less insulting. In life, I have found that not much changes from the fourth grade on. If you call someone a poopy head, they will tell you that you are a bigger poopy head. Then you reply with I am rubber and you are glue.

Do you think it is at all possible the main point was lost in translation with the immediate accusations?

You are right, you are not a journalist, but you are a writer and a public figure. When you open up a blog, you have to know that anything said will be subject to debate, scrutiny, and flame wars.

Some of us shared who we are as opposed to addresing your point because you decided to attack paint an entire group of people with a broad brush. Moron? Loser? Are you at all shocked that someone would want to point out who they are and possibly insult you back?

[Lee Goldberg]

Let's put things in perspective. You took out a full-page ad in Variety... and now you're upset that someone in the audience you were trying to reach is responding to it? When you bought that ad, you went public... and willingly opened yourself up to comment...and yes, even for ridicule. If that bothers you, you shouldn't have taken out the ad, and invited people to your website.

This is my personal blog... are you telling me I can't express my opinion here? That I'm out-of-line for having one? You took out an idiotic ad in a publication I subscribe to... I'm not allowed to comment on it?

By the way, you don't see me whining about the attacks on me, my work, and my character. I opened myself up for it by posting my opinions on this blog -- which is also why I choose to allow people to trash me here, too.

You can disagree with what I wrote, you can even call me names, but don't start whining that you were "unfairly attacked."