FORKNI-L
Digest - 3 Jan 1996 - Special issue
Wed, 3 Jan 1996
There are 21 messages totalling 1040 lines in this issue.
Topics in this special issue:
1. Other sources? (2)
2. SFK Resolution
3. excuse the interruption...
4. If we pull this off... (4)
5. IMPT: Timelines
6. Canadian attorney?
7. What I would do for FK
8. Resolution
9. letter count
10. PUBLICITY--CRUCIAL!
11. PUblicity-- USA Today Rates & Contact (2)
12. NATPE - pens vs. flyers
13. PUBLICITY--weeklies?
14. Fax numbers for USA and TriStar
15. More Koplovitz Korner
16. READ THIS: SOS Extended FAQ Weekly Update / Repost
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 01:23:43 -0500
From: Annmarie McKee-Fitzgerald <mickey@c.......>
Subject: Re: Other sources?
Hi..
I have the newsgroups and I'll get right on it! :)
The night is only as dark as the thought of no "FOREVER KNIGHT"
The "Forever Knight" show may be cancelled,we need your help!.
Write to: Kay Koplovitz Chief Exec Officer & President USA Network
0000 Xxx xx xxx Xxxxxxxx XX XX 00000**VISIT the FK Homepage for more help.
http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/SaveForeverKnight.html or E-mail me.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 01:21:39 -0500
From: Chanda Keith <ckeith@u.......>
Subject: SFK Resolution
Since everyone is making resolutions for what they will do if the show
is saved, I suppose I better make on too. You'll need a little background
on me first, though.
I am deathly afraid of needles and I mean deathly afraid. I have
panic attacks when I have to get immunizations. I can't even stand to have
a finger stick to test my blood sugar. I'm so afraid that I won't even
have my ears pierced. The thought of having blood drawn makes me
positively ill.
However, if the show is saved I will march into the local blood bank,
willingly, and let them take as much as they want. I may wind up fainting
but I'll do it.
Chanda Keith Ravenette and Immortal Beloved
ckeith@u....... or cwkeith@c.......
"Forever Knight has been cancelled. If you want to help efforts to reverse
this decision, visit the official Save FK Webpage!" at
http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/SaveForeverKnight.html
P.S. Now that I've confessed my phobia to the whole list, I hope that I
don't start getting needles or pictures of needles in the mail like Scottie
got frogs.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 01:51:19 -0500
From: A McLaughlin <Iremi@a.......>
Subject: excuse the interruption...
Sorry to bother everyone with this but I lost Jennifer Sangiovani's e-mail
address.So Jennifer if you're still out there could you possibly get in touch
with me.
Thanks.
We now return you to our regularly scheduled round of FK hysteria.
AMc
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 23:38:45 -0800
From: Dianne Therese De Sha <maeve@m.......>
Subject: Re: If we pull this off...
>
> NOT EAT CHOCOLATE FOR 1 SOLID MONTH!!!!
Oh my *Goddess*! I'm impressed!
Hmmmmm... what to sacrifice, what to sacrifice...
O.K....o.k....
*When* we pull this off <g>...
I will write (and <gulp!>_ post_!) a story in
which Tracy gets the better of LaCroix *and*
Nick is not made fun of or injured in _any_ way.
<gasp!>
Sorry, folks, that's giving my *all* right there! <g>
Dianne
The Mad Digester :-)
Dianne la Mercenaire... -*- <moonlight@c.......>
"I hope you'll pardon us if we continue to crusade. :)" -- Jaye
*Web info: http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/SaveForeverKnight.html
*Daily digest/list-summary email loop: moonlight@c.......
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 02:39:38 -0500
From: Apache <lf@c.......>
Subject: IMPT: Timelines
I am extremely sorry that I cannot say why I know this, but I do
know this for sure: the ten-day window is in fact a highly relevant one.
It might be all we have, though I am not convinced. Yet.
This does not come from Fred.
If we are going to get publicity, we'd better try to do it fast.
We have to hit *everybody* -- TriStar, everybody -- as fast as we can.
Laura
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 02:45:21 -0500
From: Apache <lf@c.......>
Subject: Canadian attorney?
If there is a Canadian attorney on this list would that person
please delurk and contact me?
Tax expertise a crucial plus.
Laura lf@c.......
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 23:48:47 -0800
From: "Toni C. Holm" <tch@w.......>
Subject: What I would do for FK
Jill Kirby asked:
>Has anyone volunteered to collect information on how many letters,
>telegrams, etc. are being sent? <clip> ...
then Bea said:
>I'll do it...(no one ever said I was sane)!
>If you've contacted any of TPTB in any way e-mail me at OCaoin@a....... and
>let me know how many letters, faxes, phone calls, postcards, lottery tickets,
>telegrams, whatever you've sent or caused to be sent.
Let's hear it for Bea -- Hip, hip hooray! - OK folks, let her know
what we've done!
Hooray for Cynthia too & those fabulous press releases!
Round up some addresses, Send 'em out, move 'em out, (breaking into
virtual chorus of "Rawhide"...)
Hooray Julie for the great article & words of encouragement. I've got few
peole to send *that* one to as well. ("So explain it again, just what is
this TV show you're trying to get us talk about... something about
*vampires*???")
And last round of cheers
Jamie M.R. says:
>If we pull this off:
>Apache has pledged to become a Perkulator and start the Lisa Ryder fan club.
>Sharon has vowed to eat a whole can of Spam.
>I... I... <sigh> If we pull this off, I WILL QUIT SMOKING.
>(did I say that? did I REALLY say that?)
Yikes!
-- So what kind of vow can I make? (Wasn't this quite popular with
Catholics in the 1400's or so -- how appropriate. I've never really
understood the guilt thing, but "Let's Make A Deal", *that* I can relate
to... <g>)
Hmm... Already become a cheerleader in public (don't tell anyone at my 25th
h.s reunion -- it would ruin my rep as the meanest b***h in school),
actually contemplating joining AOL just so I can e-mail Steve Case (can't
tell that either, I'll lose my 15 yr.computer geek pin)... hmmm I kind of
liked Spam when I was a kid (Has to be somthing you'd really hate doing
right?)... OK, I'll write an ode to Kay Koplovitz & USA (gagging all the
way) or whoever provides the $$ the finish the season. A real one in meter
& everything and hand write it & send it to them. And I join the *#%**
Perkalators.
-Toni <tch@w.......>
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 03:01:04 -0500
From: "<Felicia Bollin>" <AriCon@a.......>
Subject: Resolution
If we pull this off, I will . . .
Write copious amounts of pro-Janette fanfic--- and *finish* them.
Join the Optimist's Club, albeit unofficially.
Write a letter to every single show or magazine that even breathes a
favorable mention of FK.
And the #1 promise:
Never ever ever ever utter the words, "No FK is better than bad FK", ever
again.
Not even to myself.
There!
Felicia Bollin
AriCon@a.......
Forever Faithful Ravenette and Immortal Beloved
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 03:03:24 -0500
From: Bea Quindlen <OCaoin@a.......>
Subject: letter count
If you have sent correspondence of any type to save FK e-mail me with a count
so we can see how we're doing! Totals will be posted daily.
OCaoin@a.......
=================================
Time: 2:30 am Wed. Jan 3, 1996 6 letter-writers responding
14 lottery tickets
129 LETTERS:
32 Kay Koplovitz USA
24 Jon Feltheimer TriStar/Columbia
15 Ron Perth USA
14 Bonnie Hammer USA
2 Paragon
7 Sony (location unspecified)
6 TriStar/Columbia
3 James Parriot
2 USA - NY
2 USA - LA
1 FOX LA
1 FOX NY
1 Local Syndicators
1 Sponsors
1 Cast/Crew
2 FAXES:
1 each Kay K. & USA
12 E-MAILS:
5 USA
5 SONY
1 each Fred Mollin & Nigel Bennett
========================================
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 23:23:53 -0900
From: Muldy Sculler <ffbmh@a.......>
Subject: Re: If we pull this off...
Okay, everyone is giving up something--I will raise the stakes (ha ha)--I
will give up sex.
Bite this,
Barbara
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 03:25:42 EST
From: MS CHRISTINA L KAMNIKAR <VQRW76A@p.......>
Subject: If we pull this off...
Oh, wow. Just read the summary... all these resolutions...
Okay. If it gets renewed for the third season, I'll (sigh) give
away all my chocolate in the apartment to my co-workers and NOT BUY ANY
MORE 'TIL EASTER. AND I'll take the Rollerblades to work and skate on my
lunch hour, instead of going to the library and the Natural History museum
and the Denver Art museum like I want to.
If if gets renewed for a fourth season.
Well. Hmmm.
If it gets renewed for fourth season, I'll give up chocolate until
_Halloween_. I'll do this, despite how much I love the stuff. I'll be
happier to have FK back.
And I won't take pictures of Susan washing the Caddie during the
next War. :)
Here's looking at all of you in awe, amazement and wonder----
Christina, Merc at work at CERK
vqrw76a@p.......
"Death can not stop True Love", Nick Knight, or a really determined lister
willing to lay their lifestyle on the line...
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 04:46:49 -0500
From: Apache <lf@c.......>
Subject: Re: If we pull this off...
On Tue, 2 Jan 1996, Muldy Sculler wrote:
> Okay, everyone is giving up something--I will raise the stakes (ha ha)--I
> will give up sex.
> Bite this,
> Barbara
>
You know, if it weren't 5 am I wouldn't touch this with a ten
foot pole, but...
If we pull this off, I will try to give up my position as poster
child for the Get A Life foundation.... I will take up sex.
Preferably with Ben Bass, as everyone already knows, but I'll consider
other offers.
L
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 04:48:12 -0500
From: Sandra Gray <TMP_HARKINS@d.......>
Subject: PUBLICITY--CRUCIAL!
In light of the seven to ten day window, I think we had best consider
taking out an ad about how to save the show in some national or at
least wide ranging newspaper (The New York Times, Washington Post).
Short of *free* publicity, it may be our best shot at reaching the
most offline fans. Someone know anybody with some money that could
undertake something major like this? :)
--Sandra Gray, forever Knightie
--tmp_harkins@d.......
Any rich uncles out there? :) We could take up a collection to repay
the ad cost later if need be.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 05:03:53 -0500
From: Apache <lf@c.......>
Subject: PUblicity-- USA Today Rates & Contact
On Wed, 3 Jan 1996, Sandra Gray wrote:
> In light of the seven to ten day window, I think we had best consider
> taking out an ad about how to save the show in some national or at
> least wide ranging newspaper (The New York Times, Washington Post).
> Short of *free* publicity, it may be our best shot at reaching the
> most offline fans. Someone know anybody with some money that could
> undertake something major like this? :)
Ad rates, as of the Jan 1 hike, in USA Today: Entertainment section:
black and white one quarter page display in thousands
M-Th $ 23
F $ 27.6
black and white one eighth page display
M-Th $ 13.7
F $ 16.4
Contact: National Display Advertising, (212) 715-5350
Jay Mills
and an additional person who was on vacation
Laura
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 05:15:04 -0500
From: Sandra Gray <TMP_HARKINS@d.......>
Subject: Re: PUblicity-- USA Today Rates & Contact
Whew! You would definitely need *rich* relatives for USA Today! :)
Has anyone checked out ad rates at the Times or the Washington Post?
--Sandra Gray, forever Knightie
--tmp_harkins@d.......
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 05:43:26 -0500
From: Melissa Puzio <miss68@p.......>
Subject: Re: NATPE - pens vs. flyers
>Fwiw, imo pens are better than flyers.
Ah but in more ways than one. Pens Rule! Flyers Suck!
Ooops! Wrong mailing list!
Just a little joke.- If anyone hadn't noticed before, I am a big hockey fan.
Just look at my email address.
68 is in honor of Jaromir Jagr of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Now back to your regularly scheduled FORKNI-L list
Cousin Melissa of the NatPack
Founder of Valentines (Nat/LC faction-ask me about it)
miss68@p.......
Penchk68@a.......
"You really like me. You just don't know it yet"-LaCroix,"Night in Question"
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 05:21:15 -0500
From: Sandra Gray <TMP_HARKINS@d.......>
Subject: PUBLICITY--weeklies?
Anyone know any weekly national press that might be a place to advertise?
For that matter, anyone think papers like the National Enquirer or
The Star might be interested in our efforts to save the show (from a
story standpoint, although maybe we could find out ad rates?)?
--Sandra Gray, forever Knightie
--tmp_harkins@d.......
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 05:51:36 -0600
From: Richard Scott <rscott@m.......>
Subject: Re: Other sources?
Yes, there is a Vampire mailing list. (Vampyres already got th einfo.)
Also rec.games.frp.storyteller probably propagates further, too.
I don't remember if anything was sent to the Vampire game list or not.
Richard Scott (rscott@m.......)
"If it hits you in the crack you're not out."
- H. G. Nelson - Allan Border, Cricket's First Saint
"A cannibal granny has to get her human flesh."
- Andy Richter - Late Night with Conehead O'Brien
On Wed, 3 Jan 1996, Sandra Gray wrote:
> Ruth Dempsey mentioned contacting "the Caramilla" (actually, that's
> "Camarilla")--people who play Vampire: the Masquerade. Did anyone
> post news of FK's troubles to alt.games.whitewolf newsgroup (I think
> that's the name)? There are also mailing lists for various White
> Wolf games--anyone on any? If not, maybe a query to the newsgroup
> about at least a V:tM mailing list would net useful info for publicity
> purposes. I can't post to newsgroups currently or I would.
>
> --Sandra Gray
> --tmp_harkins@d.......
>
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 06:51:28 PST
From: Sherri Lynn Godsey <us011164@p.......>
Subject: Fax numbers for USA and TriStar
Is anyone up this early? I tried to Fax to Kay K. from home just now using
the number supplied on the list yesterday, but it didn't take. So I'll try
again from work. Are you certain that 212-408-3606 is her fax number? Also,
what is the fax number for TriStar? I haven't seen anything else given.
Let me know ASAP so I can send some THIS MORNING -- once I go off-line from
here, I'm at work all day and have no way to contact any of you!
SLG
-----------------------------------------------------
Name: Sherri Lynn Godsey, Founding Member SFKS
E-mail: us011164@p.......
"Think where man's glory most begins and ends, And say
my glory was I had such friends" in Forever Knight...
-----------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 07:02:34 -0500
From: "<Felicia Bollin>" <AriCon@a.......>
Subject: More Koplovitz Korner
<disgusted look at myself--- try *that* one sometimes! (G)>
If any of you still want to write to Kay, my mailbox temporarily ate the
third article Karen sent me. Here it is.
Felicia
***********************************************
USA's Koplovitz has worldwide ambitions. (Kay Koplovitz; USA Network poised
to enter European market) (Brief Article)
Amdur, Meredith
Broadcasting & Cable, v123, n17, p44(1)
April 26, 1993
TEXT:
Following cable franchises such as CNN and MTV into the
international fray, USA Network is polishing its brand offerings for
territorial conquests outside its namesake. Already a formidable
co-production partner on several major international TV projects, USA is keen
to further exploit the programing clout of parent companies Paramount and
MCA.
"These are very exciting times; there's an opportunity to build
companies here," says USA Network's Kay Koplovitz. As a
satellite-delivered network, "we see our growth in other markets....
Hollywood is hard to copy; we have a unique product that is very exportable."
USA Network is asserting its own muscle in the international market.
Along with fellow U.S. cable networks that are rapidly breaking down both
capacity and territorial barriers, USA is on the brink of its own launch in
Europe, partnered with an established media group that will lend the
operational expertise in a complex market.
If USA's negotiations with Stockholm-based Kinnevik go through, its
satellite-delivered entertainment and science fiction services will raise the
level of competition in Europe and possibly pave the way for expansion into
other regions such as Asia. In Europe, pay-TV growth is inhibited by the lack
of a common encryption standard and extraordinarily high prices for satellite
transponders, Koplovitz says.
Koplovitz acknowledges that the "USA" label can be both a help and a
hindrance, depending on whether international viewers appreciate or resent
the American entertainment slant. The network is actively seeking foreign
product, particularly for the Sci Fi Channel, which could balance the
channel's stylistically American bent. Building a catalogue with rights in
different territories "makes sense in the
long term," says Koplovitz.
Asia, she says, where cable and satellite have taken hold
despite ambiguous, obscure or prohibitive regulations, could be one of the
most vibrant markets: "Communications is a very powerful tool. With satellite
and the flow of information, it's difficult for governments to stop it." The
collapse of the Soviet regime, she says, was largely a result of greater
communications and international awareness.
According to Koplovitz, the technological dimension of the
entertainment business is also shifting the goals, but product will continue
to set the agenda. Says Koplovitz: "There is a propensity to talk about the
technology and not what the consumer gets from it. [Compression and
convergence] will enhance access, information and control ... but not
everyone wants to aggressively interact with their TV set every time they
turn it on."
*END*
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 07:02:59 -0500
From: "<Felicia Bollin>" <AriCon@a.......>
Subject: READ THIS: SOS Extended FAQ Weekly Update / Repost
'Kay, I know it's missing a lot, I have three mail documents full of stuff
that I would like to integrate yet, but I think it's more important for
returning listmembers to get a good idea of what's happenin'.
And yes, there is not a whole lot of new stuff; but my brain is so fried
right now, it's not surprising <VBG>
Keep fingers crossed!
Felicia
*********************************************
***THE "FOREVER KNIGHT" SAVE OUR SHOW FAQ***
Version 1.5
January 3, 1996
Ladies and Gentlemen:
"Forever Knight" is in trouble, and it needs your help NOW.
"Forever Knight" is a television show about policeman Nick Knight. Nearly
800 years old, he fights crime in the city of Toronto to atone for sins
committed in his life as a vampire. He is constantly striving, along with
Dr. Natalie Lambert, for a cure to bring him back from the land of the
undead. Natalie's opponent in this battle of wills is Lucien LaCroix, Nick's
vampire master who seeks to wrest Nick's eternal soul back from Natalie and
the mortal world. "Forever Knight" shows on the USA Network Mondays at 10 pm
ET, again at Fri 1:00 am, with an older repeat at 9 pm Tuesdays.
On December 22nd, through information on the Internet, sources close to the
show announced that the show, in the middle of its third season in
syndication, was now basically finished: "USA has elected not to pick us up
for the remainder of the season". This news came barely ten weeks after its
adoption by the network. With several episodes in various stages of
production and more completed but unaired as of yet, this was a crisis to
friends of the Knight worldwide. The information spread like wildfire.
Concerned fans immediately began to mobilize. Their goals: To convince
TriStar Pictures, its monetary suppliers, and USA Network, its current home,
to finish production on the remaining six episodes of the season; and
ideally, to bring enough attention to prove to the network executives that
there truly is a market for this excellent, groundbreaking television series,
and that it should *not* be allowed to die.
To that effect, there are a number of plans, designed with the idea of
bringing the program's plight and that of its devoted fans everywhere, to the
attention of various media outlets. They are as follows:
I.) THE LETTERS
{Note: If you send *only one* letter and/or telegram, it MUST be to Kay!
She makes the decisions!)
Ms. Kay Koplovitz
Chief Executive Officer and President
USA Networks
0000 Xxxxxx Xx Xxx Xxxxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Mr. Jon Feltheimer
TriStar/Columbia Pictures TV
10202 Washington Boulevard
Xxxxxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Mr. Rod Perth
President and Programming Executive Vice-President
USA Networks
0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxx, #0000
Xxx Xxxxxxx, XX 00000-3127
Ms. Bonnie Hammer
USA Networks
0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxx, #0000
LA CA 90067-3127
**Send a telegram or mailgram.** Some rates:
American Telegram: 800-343-7363
call at least one day ahead: $19.00 +0.89 cents/word
Unitel: 800-361-1872
$25.98 +tax (Canadian) if you call the day before
includes 15 words and a card (call Friday to get cheap rate)
Above rates vary for same day.
If you can't swing a telegram, send your letters via overnight mail (FedEx,
UPS, etc.) . We want to create a sense of urgency here, plus conveying that
FK viewers are a generous *and loyal* lot, willing to spend their disposable
income where it counts (that is: for any future FK soundtrack,
novelizations, 1st season Canadian episode tape copies, products advertised
on FK, and so forth).
If you can't afford that, send them priority mail. Send them regular mail,
send a postcard if you can afford nothing else.
***IMPORTANT***
NEVER EVER send ANYTHING with the words "Forever Knight" written ANYWHERE on
the envelope!!!!!!!! Keep it as clean and anonymous as possible as to its
contents. Send it only to the *person* listed, at the address listed. No
additions of "Re: Forever Knight" on the back flap, or anything of the sort,
no matter how small and subtle *you* may think them!
*If you do*, you run either the risk that your letter will be sent directly
to Paragon, the show's production company (and they already *want* to see the
show continue, we needn't convince them); or, in the case of mail that must
be signed for, it might be discarded outright and your money wasted.
"Anyone who has access to PRE-PRINTED FedEx airbills (like the types that
companies get for free) should use those... see if you can use the company
airbill and either a) check an alternate billing method, or b) reimburse your
boss the amount of the shipment. The reason why this may be important is
that "official" -looking overnight envelopes, like the type companies use,
are automatically better than ones that look unofficial... If you don't have
access to pre-printed airbills/shipping slips (both USPS ExpressMail and
Fedex use 'em), try to TYPE the airbills rather than handwriting them. ...
an old secretaries' secret . . . for sending mail that gets to the Big Guy,
not just the underpaid wench who opens his mail." (courtesy JMR, former
underpaid secretary <G>)
*Any* letterhead envelope from an organization can't hurt either. If you
have a business card, *include it*. Typed or handwritten are better than
printed letters. And keep in mind that demographically speaking, each single
letter is seen as representing *one hundred* viewers who feel the same way as
you, yet who might not pick up their pens and keyboards to write. Yes, your
letter DOES COUNT!!! (I know there were some of you out there who were
thinking, "Why should I write a letter? What difference does one person
make?" 1 : 100, we're telling you, you'll never get better odds!!)
If you have friends and family who care about FK and want to help, **do not**
send petition letters with multiple signatures--- they are counted as *one
letter*.
Sony is still offering electronic postcards for the holidays (until sometime
in mid-January); you can send and receive these postcards FREE OF CHARGE, and
every one counts as a) a sign of interest in Forever Knight, and b) money for
charity -- donated by Sony to the Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
To send one, go to
http://spiw.com/cgi-bin/postsubxm.pl?postcard=wyn-dcrd.gif
and retrieve them from
http://spiw.com/postc/pickup.html
NOTE: The postcards will ONLY be registered if they are picked up. Bea
Quindlen {OCaoin@a.......} has volunteered to pick up cards for anyone without
Web access, so don't let that stop you. All you need to do is e-mail her the
claim check number. If you want to send postcards, but can't think of anyone
to send them to, there is a list of people who would be perfectly happy to
receive and pick up any cards sent to them. E-mail Lana Soward at
LGSoward@a....... to receive the list.
If you truly feel like you can squeeze no time or money out of your holiday
schedule, *at the very least* boot up and send email to
USA Networks: USAO33A@p....... (and yes, that IS an "O" in the
address, *not* a zero!)
TriStar: callback@m.......
Paper is more effective *every* time; but every little bit will help! Carry
around preaddressed postcards and offer them to coworkers and friends (to get
different handwritings on the cards). For the same effect, have them mailed
from different area postmarks. It is very important that we seem like
Everyperson, not some member of the lunatic fringe. We're already uniting as
a group under the charity / lottery banners, that's enough solidarity. With
the letters, we should seek to cast a *wider* net. We are also sending mail
to the "unseen" partners: those in the Sony hierarchy; both New York and
Tokyo.
DO NOT: *Make up* names, or sign anyone's name to anything without their
permission. It only takes one call to one address that is false, and *all
the rest of the letters* sent by fans will be looked upon with suspicion---
and may even cause TPTB to disregard them all.
Most important of all, ***Be Polite***! No ultimatums or threats of the "if
you don't do this I will never ever watch anything on your network again!!!"
kind, no matter how tempting. They've probably heard such threats many
times before, and this will most likely hurt your chances of being taken
seriously. Also, now is *not* the time to be critical. You should simply
drip and *ooze* praise for FK. Now is NOT the time to launch your own
private little campaign to smarten up Tracy or send Vachon to the barber.
Ideally, you should act like FK is perfect and you are glued to it every
minute it's on, and you had *no idea* that anyone has had any complaints
about its quality so far in the third season. For our purposes at hand,
concentration is key. If you're going to say, "Even though I can't stand
Tracy, and boy is that Urs a ditz, and Natalie is looking a little chunky
this season, I really like this show and want to see it live on", you might
as well not write at all. And under **NO** circumstances are you to quote
*ANYONE* from the show directly. You can say, "through information on the
Internet"; but you *CANNOT* name names any further than "a source at the
production company". These are people's jobs we're talking about here;
don't put them in danger.
On the advertiser front; send letters telling the recent advertisers on FK
(and those whom you *think* could be well-suited to advertise on FK in the
future), about this wonderful show. Tell them that you started using their
products *because* you saw them advertised on Forever Knight. In other
words; tell current advertisers that their dollars were spent well!! Tell
future advertisers that they will be also making the right fiscal decision if
they choose to start advertising on FK, because we will buy their product
faithfully. Vote with your dollars! Send the sponsors your *cash register
tapes* with their product listed, along with a "since you support our
favorite show, we support your product!" note. If you need a list of the
show's sponsor addresses, write to:
XFF Raven@a.......
or
ktobin@t.......
Cynthia, choff@v......., is working on compiling the list of all
the syndicated stations which carry FK. She is currently searching for a
*lot* of states where we know the show is aired, but can receive no
confirmation as of yet.
**Toronto fans**: Your conduit for the Toronto-based media campaign...radio
stations, newspapers, etc.; can be found at
katya@i.......
II.) THE CHARITY:
A.) Donations, to be sent to the Pediatric AIDS Foundation in the honor of
the cast and crew of Forever Knight. Ideally, we hope to send a large LUMP
sum in hopes that Sony/TriStar/USA will realize the power of the disposable
income of "Forever Knight" fans. We are suggesting a minimum donation of
five dollars, but you can give as much as you want and feel you can afford.
After all, it will all go to a splendid cause, whatever happens.
*SEND DONATIONS TO: *
Lisa Prince
PAF "Forever Knight" Group Charity Organizer
000 Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
*Make checks/ money orders out to the Pediatric AIDS Foundation.*
B.) Also, we ask that you consider following up your donation with a
postcard to USA and TriStar, informing them ($ amount is optional) that you
have donated in the names of the cast and crew of "Forever Knight". You
might also want to consider adding a sentence about how much you enjoy the
show and hope to see more of it in the future. If you do not wish to send a
separate postcard, add a line about having given money in the charity drive
to the letters you write to protest to USA and TriStar.
III.) THE LOTTERY
Purchase a symbolic donation to the cause in the form of one or two
scratch-off lottery tickets and include them in your letters. The *intact,
unscratched* tickets are being sent to:
Ms. Kay Koplovitz
Mr. Jon Feltheimer
Mr. Rod Perth
Ms. Bonnie Hammer
(their full addresses can be found under the heading above, "Letters")
with a note mentioning that you are sending them the tickets and wish for the
proceeds of the winning tickets, if there are any, to go towards funding the
remainder of the season of "Forever Knight". Be upbeat and cheerful, not
implying that TriStar et al. are paupers who *need* a lottery in order to be
able to afford to complete the show :-))).
Be as attention-getting as you can--- better to send it slower by regular
mail, than not to send it at all--- however, we are ideally trying to hit
between now and *the end of the first week of January*.
In case TPTB are still interested in the number of "hits" each webpage gets,
don't forget to *answer the Sony Survey* at:
http://www.spe.sony.com/Pictures/tv/feedback.html
to tell them which of their shows you watch, and access the main FK page at
http://WWW.SPE.Sony.COM/Pictures/tv/forever/forever.html
Again, this is a "if you can do nothing else, please do this" or "I have a
couple extra minutes" measure. With all the ideas we're generating, I'm sure
everyone who reads this can find quite a few "somethings" palatable to do!
Also, another something that takes not much time at all: Include the SOS
effort in your Internet sig. Something along the lines of:
"Forever Knight is in danger of cancellation. If you want more information,
email me at (insert your address)."
Other potentially useful addresses:
1. ) Sony Corporation
7-35 Kitashinagawa 6-chome Shinagawa-Ku
Tokyo, 141
Japan
2.) Sony Corporation of America
One Sony Dr
Park Ridge, NJ 07656
USA
3.) Sony Pictures Entertainment
10202 W Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
USA
4.) Sony Pictures Entertainment Television Group
10202 W Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
USA
We also have a list of the executives at said places; if you are interested,
email Karen, at ktobin@t........
IV.) WORD OF MOUTH
"It is said that there is at max six degrees of separation between any two
people on this earth. I'm sure that if you think about it, you know someone
who knows someone, who knows someone, etc... it is also called networking.
"We can not limit ourselves and our campaign to the net. It is time to move
away from your keyboards and talk to all those other people. Someone
somewhere will listen.
"So, talk to everyone you know.. maybe they know someone who might be
interested in our story."
This is *very important* to all the fans who are not online and would
otherwise have no way of even finding out about the cancellation.
If you have "Forever Knight" clothing or jewelry, start wearing it. (If you
want to get some, visit the FK merchandise page, maintained by Deb at
gebbie@e.......). The URL is:
http://www.eden.com/~gebbie/merch.html
For the CERK bumpersticker showcasing the Nightcrawler, email
Questinc@a....... for more information.
Anything to start up a conversation. One of our members recently went to beg
Santa for a last-minute Christmas miracle of renewal, and found that the
women doing the picture-taking were fans!
*Get out there* and talk to your friends. If you are a college student, talk
to dorm members, post it on a campus-wide bbs or through brief campus-wide
email. Get together with friends of yours who have or had dearly-loved shows
in danger, and "trade" letters (i.e. 'I'll send an "American Gothic" letter
if you send a "Forever Knight" one'). If you're a homeowner, take an old
real-estate sign, make your own FK lawn billboard! Get people who have not
yet watched the show to watch, in its last precious known episodes as of now.
Convert new fans!!! Even if they don't seem to pay attention to what you
say, it may plant seeds for the future--- they may be channel-flipping one
evening and say, "Hmm, maybe I'll tune in and see what it is that crazy
neighbor (classmate, coworker) of mine was rambling about!" You *never know*
what plants a seed.
The name of the game, friends of the Knight, is PUBLICITY.
V.) THE MEDIA
We also **need** media attention ASAP, and the more the better. If you
happen to know of anyone involved in the fields of journalism, television,
advertising, or cable, get them interested in the plight of FK too!!!
Members of the relief efforts are currently in the process of compiling a
press release that can be used to bombard local TV station affiliates, radio
stations, and newspapers. Get thinking creatively!! We need BIG GUNS here,
and we need them yesterday.
VI.) OTHER IDEAS IN THE WORKS:
We are also considering sending some people to NATPE, the broadcasting
convention where syndicators meet in Las Vegas to decide which shows they
wish to pick up. Thousands upon thousands of broadcasters attend. If you
have any connections that might help in this area, now is the time to tell
us. If you want to join the contingent volunteering to pass things out, mail
gryphon@e.......
for more details.
*THE* homepage for information on our efforts, the "Save FK Homepage", can
be found at:
http://members.aol.com/CuznJamiMR/SaveForeverKnight.html
And it is case-sensitive, which means you must copy everything exactly, down
to the capitals, or you will not be able to access it. Those who do NOT have
web access but have FTP access can find most of the information at:
ftp://www.empnet.com/pub/sherri
If you cannot get to the Webpage, send mail to gryphon@e....... with
something like "Down and Dirty SOS Loop" in the header. You will, in return,
get the barest-bones essentials needed to participate fully in the SOS
campaign.
If you know someone who is a fan and is not on the Internet at all, you may
also request to have them put on our snail-mail list. Just mail
LGSoward@a....... for more details.
VII.) MORE ADVERTISING
Satori's ad industry friend said: "Rather than create a fund to give to them
(USA) -- advertise on Forever Knight, or even buy USA ads on other shows to
promote FK. After all, revenue is revenue."
*Write to those who advertise on USA*. The same former ad man strongly
recommended writing to current/former/ prospective advertisers of FK on USA:
"tell them how much you love their product BECAUSE of their ad on FK; tell
them of the nationwide effort to save the show -- and how much the loyal
viewers will pay back the favor by buying their product. Be sincere, be
believable -- and do it! If advertisers see a blip in revenues and sales,
they will believe -- copy USA (also Sony--- Ed.) on all the letters."
Write to those who advertise on our local cable companies. USA will listen
if cable companies in the top 100 markets say they want to see FK -- because
their local advertisers want to see it.
Write or call the local cable companies themselves.
Write to computer companies and their suppliers. If you bought a new modem,
increased your memory, what-have-you recently, send them copies of your bills
and receipts. Tell them that you bought this equipment / use this online
service *specifically* so that you could communicate with other people
involved with THIS specific TV show.
Write to local or national papers: If your local Sunday paper carries the
USA Weekend insert, you can write to the "Who's News" column about FK
e-mail: whosnews@u.......
snail: USA Weekend/ Who's News
1000 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington VA 22229-0012
Write to other national print media. Or write letters to TV Guide's columns,
such as its Q&A column, drawing attention to the show or its actors. TV
Guide also has a Sci-Fi page and a Cheers and Jeers column that might
respond. Cheers & Jeers just this week jeered the cancellation of MST3K.
Columnist Ian Spelling writes a widely-read newspaper column which contained
a sympathetic, favorable FK article on Nov. 13th. His snail-mail is:
Ian Spelling
c/o The New York Times Syndicate
122 E. 42nd St.
New York, NY 10168.
VIII.) ON THE WISH LIST:
Advertisements. 'Nuff said. They're *expensive*. Anyone who has
connections at any of the magazines or newspapers who might be able to get us
a deal/ moved to the top of the queue, write and tell our print media
coordinator, at choff@v.......
IX.) RADIO and CLASSIFIED ADS; MISCELLANEOUS:
Use "Dedication and Request" call-in shows from the local radio stations to
plug our efforts. The idea is that hopefully the DJ will be interested
enough to ask questions if you call up and say "I'd like to request a song to
be dedicated to the hardworking cast and crew of the endangered TV series
'Forever Knight'", and maybe let you say something small on the air, to reach
more non-Net folk.
Songs with the words "Forever" and "(K)night" in the titles are seen as the
best choices, since it will repeat said phrases as many times as possible.
However, any song which is catchy will do. It is better to pick a readily
identifiable hit than an album cut, since it both increases the listener
identification, and DJs are more likely to play it! A knowledgeable
individual also has recommended that you *write and thank the deejay* after
he/she plays your song; it will do wonders. Ideally, you want to establish
a rapport with your DJ.
Send email to
mickey@c.......
if you want the most up-to-date decisions re: which song to play, when to
play it, which stations accept dedications, etc.
Take ads in your own little (preferably free) hometown papers; to get
letters, attention, or whatnot. Of course, if we can manage to get the
attention of some heavy-hitters (even celebrity fans?), perhaps other,
wealthier entities will be willing to chip in.
**It is very useful for overseas listmembers to badger their TV stations--
that's where a good chunk of the revenue is, as well, overseas rights.**
(Many of the people in "the industry" have been writing lately to stress
this. The bottom line for all TV executives is MONEY. If you're writing
from another country, they will want to hear from you *especially*.)
Remember the vast market that has been found for Dark Shadows and most
markedly Star Trek, among others; in terms of merchandise, revivals,
spinoffs, reruns, cons, and the like, all moneymaking concerns; and the
yet-unrealized consumer-good power of "cult TV shows" which most network
execs don't seem to appreciate.
Buy a length of black satin ribbon, and in the true Hollywood tradition,
festoon symbolic lengths of it on your clothing. When someone asks what it
stands for (and they will), TELL THEM.
X.) EPILOGUE
There are lots of things we have put forth in this document. We have
prioritized the first three categories for you in order of suggested
importance; but every little bit you can do helps. Mix and match the
possibilities to best suit your budget and time. If you have more, give
more. If you have less; talk, talk, talk to everyone you meet, and pass
this document on!
Let's bring back the Knight!!!!!
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End of FORKNI-L Digest - 3 Jan 1996 - Special issue
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Knight graphics and parchment background created by Melissa Snell and may be found at http://historymedren.about.com/
