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!!!!! ------------------------------ End of FORKNI-L Digest - 3 Jan 1996 - Special issue ***************************************************
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