Letter to SciFi by Jana

GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

Letter to SciFi

POSTED BY: JANA
UPDATED: Thursday, April 6, 2006 17:07
SHORT URL:
VIEWED: 5023
PAGE 1 of 1

Wednesday, April 5, 2006 6:39 PM

To Whom It May Concern:

In the fall of 2002, a little show called Firefly premiered on FOX. After poor advertising, the episodes being aired out of order and an extreme lack of faith on behalf of the network, Firefly was cancelled.

But the creator, cast, crew and fans didn't take it lying down. Like the characters in the series, they fought against incredible odds to take back the 'verse. For years, they emailed, petitioned, wrote letters, held conventions, and did everything in their power to find a home for Captain Malcolm Reynolds, First Mate Zoë Washburne, pilot Hoban Washburne, mercenary Jayne Cobb, mechanic Kaywinnet Lee Frye, Companion Inara Serra, Shepherd Derrial Book, Dr. Simon Tam and River Tam. Fan fiction, fan videos and fan-made merchandise sprung up all over the Internet. Message boards and websites filled the web, and Browncoats – as they came to be called – were converting their friends in full force.

As a direct result of its rallying fans, Firefly was released on DVD. Those who knew nothing of the series when it aired or only learned of it after it had been cancelled were given the opportunity to fall in love with this much-ignored space western. The fan base grew and with it, a thirst for more Firefly become stronger. In the fall of 2005, fans got their wish with the full-length feature film Serenity.

I am recounting the history of Firefly and Serenity because I want you to understand my full meaning when I say this television show offers an incredible opportunity. I can say with confidence that I have spent over two hundred dollars on Firefly and its related merchandise in my few months of knowing of this incredible television show. I've bought DVDs, signed scripts, costume replicas, t-shirts, comic books, companion books, and custom etched shot glasses. My current count of converts is up to six, and each of those six watched my copies of the DVDs within a week and bought their own copies within the month. Firefly is not something of mild interest; it is an obsession for any and all who view it and become emotionally attached to the characters. Once you have entered the 'verse, you will do anything to possess your piece of it.

The Sci-Fi channel has been generous in acquiring the rights to rerun the series so that others may be formally acquainted with this compelling and complex universe. However, knowing that anyone who watches the show falls in love with the universe– you only need to check fan message boards to see how many new Browncoats register every day – it constantly amazes me that no one has picked up this show. There is a boatload of money to be made in merchandising alone, let alone fan conventions, DVD sales and advertising dollars. Browncoats want feature films, straight to DVD movies, a TV movie series and – our greatest hope – the TV series back on the airwaves. It is thought widely across the fandom that the Sci-Fi Network is the perfect place for Firefly to find its new home. Firefly is unique in that it appeals to many of those (myself included) who do not normally seek out television shows, let alone something as specialized as sci-fi based programs. Firefly would – and I am sure already has – drawn people to Sci-Fi who would not normally tune in otherwise. I rarely set aside time to watch television, but if Firefly were back on the air, you can bet I would rearrange my schedule to be planted in front of the television set. My credit card and I would be online ordering new officially licensed merchandise.

As Captain Malcolm Reynolds says in the pilot episode, "We have done the impossible, and that makes us mighty." We fans – we Browncoats – have done the impossible in resurrecting this television show from the purgatory of cancellation, but despite our might, we cannot get it back on the airwaves by ourselves. It takes money, yes, but also a strong network that understands the type of home Firefly needs, and of course, a little bit of faith.

On behalf of all Browncoats everywhere, I want to thank you so far for everything you've done for the show and its fans. I wish there were a way to track how many people have become Browncoats since Sci-Fi has started airing it, but I can tell you that in the past year, the DVD boxed set has rarely dipped below the top one hundred in sales rankings. Even now, as I write this, the DVD boxed set is in the top twenty. Not bad for a series that ran over two years ago for only half a season. The feature film has never dipped below the top fifty, and it had the top spot for the entire week of Christmas.

Again, thank you for all you have done so far to spread the message of Firefly to those, like me, who never had a chance to see it on the first run. The movie says you can't stop the signal. I sincerely hope you renew that sentiment with a new run of Firefly.

See you in the world,

Jana

Can't hurt, can it? Let me know what you think...

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Wednesday, April 5, 2006 7:09 PM

CHINDI

jana

I think it is darn near perfect. It says it all and does so in an articulate and well reasoned manner. Send it.

chindi

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Wednesday, April 5, 2006 7:49 PM

RCAT

Well written and several good arguments (including financial, which I think is any network's primary concern). I like it as is, if you changed anything it might be to move the financial points up. Also, it might help to address it and send it to specific individuals (adds a personal touch), I know I've seen lists of the execs and how to reach them in past threads. I've also heard that sending both snail and e-mail gives a better chance at someone reading it. Overall, nicely done!

More folks should be doing this kind of thing, and thanks to the many who already have.

"You know it's all very sweet, stealing from the rich, selling to the poor..."
-Wash

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Wednesday, April 5, 2006 8:07 PM

BLUEEYEDBRIGADIER

Great pic of writing, Jana! Would add my John Hancock to it if I could:)

However, I do have a couple of nitpicks that will help ensure the bigwigs at Sci-Fi Channel and NBC-Universal (parent company) take full seriousness to it.

- Series was on almost 5 years ago on FOX

- Definitely put the financial bits up front cuz the people reading it will stop after a paragraph or two if they don't have the incentive to read on

- Might wanna play up the new audiences part a bit more by highlighting the fact that Firefly's special nature will bring in more non-TV watches and previously anti-"geek" (sci-fi and fantasy) television tastes.

Still a great piece of persuasiveness though

BEB

Literature has shown us some of humanity's greatest achievements; history, some of our greatest failures -- Alun Lewis

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Wednesday, April 5, 2006 8:13 PM

BIBBLEDY

Oh yes, please send it! Pretty please?

This is just wonderful. I gather from your name that you, too, are a woman/girl/otherwise of the female persuasion, and I can just say that perhaps we should talk up the point that was made in an interview with one of the Firefly producers that we ladies cotton to this series much more than other sci-fi series. Why? Because it's character driven. If other sci-fi writers would catch on to this point it wouldn't matter whether something were sci-fi or popular fiction--it would just be fiction and people would love it.

And wouldn't SciFi channel like to get yet another demographic in their audience? More advertising opportunities, Nielsen ratings (or whatever it is that cable does) and all that goes with the territory.

On second thought, your letter is perfect the way it is, or maybe you could make just the changes suggested by Rcat, and perhaps I should write my own gorram letter. I think I will! I'll post it if and when I do.

--------------
Yessir, Captain Tight Pants!

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Thursday, April 6, 2006 5:06 AM

SHINEYSHINDIG

Very nicely written Jana!
Wonderfully worded!
I wrote a similar one, though not as well rounded and detailed as yours, though this one of mine I chose to focus on expanding their marathons to evening times, and a push for a mini-series..

Here's how mine went:

***************
"Hello,
I am a veteran-regular sci-fi channel viewer making a request of a primetime marathon of Firefly. I understand that you will be re-broadcasting Firefly the complete series along with other re-licensed programs and movies, and suggest the best way for exposure to new fans to tune in to Firefly is running it at times that would pull in a bigger audience.

For myself, I was very fortunate to catch one of the daytime marathons of Firefly this past January and have been hooked ever since. I own the DVD series and movie, but this request goes out in a desire to expose this show to so many others who’ve missed it. Other marathons have run during daytime hours, which many can TIVO or DVR, but honestly, a primetime viewing would no doubt be a surprising ratings win for sci-fi channel.

Fellow “browncoats” have been very passionate in efforts to bring the show back to life, and many of us have promoted your marathons in means of personal flyers and word-of-mouth on a lot of the firefly bboards to spread the word. Any future airings will surely get a nod and prod from us and flag others to the sci-fi channel – and keep us tuned in as well!!

Like many others I am sure, you’ve received numerous requests and pleas for picking up the show for a season two, and I have to admit that I am all for that!

But, first things first – MINI-SERIES. Promote it like Battlestar Galactica and “Sci-Fi Fridays” and we fans will also do our part. Proof is in the growing number of “browncoats” nationally and world-wide. If you visit any of the Firefly message boards, such as fireflyfans.net, you will see how many of us there are and the passion that is expressed for the show. THEN, proceed with a new Firefly series (or second season?).

I love what sci-fi has done for the re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica (second personal favorite show). A similar new production of Firefly - say, the before mentioned new mini-series leading into a new series - would flourish on your channel. That would surely become a permanent primetime fixture. The audience is there. The signal is strong."

*************
I'm sure they're getting hundreds of emails like yours and mine on a daily basis, so I guess we just keep at it!

And please anyone else have some words to add in a letter to SciFi Channel it just can't hurt!

"...use of a swhat??"

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Thursday, April 6, 2006 5:18 AM

SHINEYSHINDIG

Quote:
Originally posted by BlueEyedBrigadier:
Great pic of writing, Jana! Would add my John Hancock to it if I could:)

However, I do have a couple of nitpicks that will help ensure the bigwigs at Sci-Fi Channel and NBC-Universal (parent company) take full seriousness to it.

- Series was on almost 5 years ago on FOX

- Definitely put the financial bits up front cuz the people reading it will stop after a paragraph or two if they don't have the incentive to read on

- Might wanna play up the new audiences part a bit more by highlighting the fact that Firefly's special nature will bring in more non-TV watches and previously anti-"geek" (sci-fi and fantasy) television tastes.

Still a great piece of persuasiveness though

BEB

Literature has shown us some of humanity's greatest achievements; history, some of our greatest failures -- Alun Lewis

Sounds good!! Put it to words and send it!!
It'd be good for them to get different perspectives from different voices.. and how uncanny that they would all reflect the same message..

"...use of a swhat??"

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Thursday, April 6, 2006 5:53 AM

OLDFOGEY

Jana, that's a fantastic letter! Please do send it. If you can possibly track down a name to put on the envelope that will help a lot. And if you do happen to find a name, please post it so other people can use it too.

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Thursday, April 6, 2006 5:56 AM

MICJWELCH

I hate to rain on your parade, but I don't think anyone will read past the first paragraph. You started out by immediately insulting people, and that puts a bad taste in people's mouths. Whenever I've studied persuasive arguments, you're always told to build on what people already know. Start out with something they agree with, then work your way into what is new. And end it by going full circle.

In other words, it's good, but I would give it a new opening paragraph.

"We may experience some slight turbulence, and then... explode."

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Thursday, April 6, 2006 6:04 AM

SAB39

I don't have much to add to what others have already said, but I just had to put fingers to keyboard to mention how beautifully poignant it is that you took the words that Simon Tam used to describe his beloved sister to a then-skeptical audience, and applied them to describe our beloved show to a potentially skeptical audience at the network.

Just perfect.

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Thursday, April 6, 2006 6:39 AM

JANA

How's this for a more fine-tuned draft?

****

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a twenty-one year old female college student, hardly the demographic that's normally drawn to the Sci-Fi Network, but I find myself writing a letter to you on behalf of a strong desire to become a frequent viewer.

In the fall of 2002, a little show called Firefly premiered on FOX. After poor advertising, the episodes being aired out of order and an extreme lack of faith on behalf of the network, Firefly was cancelled.

But the creator, cast, crew and fans didn't take it lying down. Like the characters in the series, they fought against incredible odds to take back the 'verse. For years, they emailed, petitioned, wrote letters, held conventions, and did everything in their power to find a home for Firefly. Fan fiction, fan videos and fan-made merchandise sprung up all over the Internet. Message boards and websites filled the web, and Browncoats – as they came to be called – were converting their friends in full force.

As a direct result of its rallying fans, Firefly was released on DVD to great success. Those who knew nothing of the series when it aired or only learned of it after it had been cancelled, myself included, were given the opportunity to fall in love with this much-ignored space western. The fan base grew and with it, a thirst for more Firefly become stronger. In the fall of 2005, fans got their wish with the full-length feature film Serenity.

I am recounting the history of Firefly and Serenity because I want you to understand my full meaning when I say this television show offers an incredible opportunity. I can say with confidence that I have spent over two hundred dollars on Firefly and its related merchandise in my few months of knowing of this incredible television show. I've bought DVDs, signed scripts, costume replicas, t-shirts, comic books, companion books, and custom etched shot glasses. My current count of converts is up to six, and each of those six watched my copies of the DVDs within a week and bought their own copies within the month. Firefly is not something of mild interest; it is an obsession for any and all who view it and become emotionally attached to the characters. Once you have entered the 'verse, you will do anything to possess your piece of it.

The Sci-Fi channel has been generous in acquiring the rights to rerun the series so that others may be formally acquainted with this compelling and complex universe. However, knowing that anyone who watches the show falls in love with the universe – you only need to check fan message boards to see how many new Browncoats register every day – it constantly amazes me that no one has picked up this show. There is a boatload of money to be made in merchandising alone, let alone fan conventions, DVD sales and advertising dollars. Browncoats want feature films, straight to DVD movies, a TV movie series and – our greatest hope – the TV series back on the airwaves. It is thought widely across the fandom that the Sci-Fi Network is the perfect place for Firefly to find its new home. Firefly is unique in that it appeals to many of those (myself included) who do not normally seek out television shows, let alone something as specialized as sci-fi based programs. Firefly has drawn people like me to Sci-Fi who would not normally tune in otherwise; although I own the DVDs, I still watch the Firefly marathons. I never set aside time to watch television, but if Firefly were back on the air, you can bet I would rearrange my schedule to be planted in front of the television set. My credit card and I would be online ordering new officially licensed merchandise.

As Captain Malcolm Reynolds says in the pilot episode, "We have done the impossible, and that makes us mighty." We fans – we Browncoats – have done the impossible in resurrecting this television show from the purgatory of cancellation, but despite our might, we cannot get it back on the airwaves by ourselves. It takes money, yes, but also a strong network that understands the type of home Firefly needs, and of course, a little bit of faith.

On behalf of all Browncoats everywhere, I want to thank you so far for everything you've done for the show and its fans. I wish there were a way to track how many people have become Browncoats since Sci-Fi has started airing it, but I can tell you that in the past year, the DVD boxed set has rarely dipped below the top one hundred in sales rankings. Even now, as I write this, the DVD boxed set is in the top twenty. Not bad for a series that ran over three years ago for only half a season. The DVD sales ranking of the feature film has never dipped below the top fifty, and it had the top spot for the entire week of Christmas.

Again, thank you for all you have done so far to spread the message of Firefly to those, like me, who never had a chance to see it on the first run. The movie says you can't stop the signal. I sincerely hope you renew that sentiment with a new run of Firefly and make me a loyal viewer.

See you in the world,

Jana

****

Quick questions: Where can I find the list of Sci Fi bigwigs so I can address the letter personally?

Is it SciFi Network, Sci-Fi Channel, Scifi channel... How exactly is the network/channel punctuated? I'd like to keep it consistent.

Also, I plan on snail mailing two copies of the typed version and copying it out twice so I can also send two handwritten copies. Also, I'm sending a big fan-girly letter to Joss and include this to show him we're still rallying. I've also emailed Sci Fi, but I'm fairly certain those go largely unread.

Let me know!

You can't take the sky from me...

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Thursday, April 6, 2006 11:44 AM

BLUEEYEDBRIGADIER

Pretty sure it's "Sci-Fi Channel," Jana (might wanna check www.scifi.com for sure).

The contact info for the execs in charge....that would be a matter of using NBC-Universal's resources to find the information, since Sci-Fi Channel is a subsidiary of NBC-Universal.

Hope this helps in any way.

BEB

Literature has shown us some of humanity's greatest achievements; history, some of our greatest failures -- Alun Lewis

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Thursday, April 6, 2006 12:41 PM

JOSSISAGOD

Can I sign it?

From what I have researched I believe it's "Sci-Fi Channel."

Also, I liked the one that wasn't too fond of FOX, as I am also a 21-year old college student, who really has no reason to watch FOX anymore!

I do agree with MICJWELCH that the second one should be the one sent if you plan on sending it anywhere.

JOSSIS(Most Definitely)AGOD

to quote FollowMal's signature,
'" You hold. Hold til I get back." Mal'

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Thursday, April 6, 2006 12:45 PM

MAGHAFFAR

Hey, Jana... great letter. I would only add one element to the
"financial" talking points area that hasn't been mentioned but I think should...

Film & network execs now all know that history has shown that a fan-base's
dedication to a long-dead show (I'm talking about "Star Trek" of course)
can equate to mega boatloads of cash from TV series spinoffs, movies,
merchandise, etc. ST-TNG, Voyager, Deep-Space 9 they ran for what, 7-10 years?
The point needs to be made that Firefly IS the Star Trek of the 21st century audience-base.

In fact, I'd go so far as to say Firefly fans are more committed to their show --
how many Star Trek fans
(old or new series) seem to have memorized darn near every word of dialog in every episode?

Us fans could easily have conversations if we were restricted to only
quoting the BDS & BDM -- Does that seem normal to you? Yes, obsession can
mean BIG PROFITS to the lucky network who gives a home for the show.

Anyway, stress the Star Trek-ish element to the dedication of FF fans... Money talks.

Also, I would recommend sending actual paper letters to Sci-Fi channel.
Nothing speaks volumes like a large and steady volume of physical mail.

=================================================================
Jonathan M.A.Ghaffar: MAGhaffar@wayoftheseekers.com
http://www.WAYoftheSEEKERS.com
http://www.TombofJesus.com
http://www.alislam.org

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Thursday, April 6, 2006 1:08 PM

WHOOPS

Every point everyones put is great i think you should deffo send all the letters you can. The More The Better!!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Love, you know all the math in the verse but if you take a boat in the air, you dont love she'll shake you up sure as turn of the worlds" Mal

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Thursday, April 6, 2006 1:38 PM

JANA

Yet another draft... am I getting closer?

Here's the address where I am sending the snail mail copy:

ATTN: Barry Schulman
Sci-Fi Channel
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020

***
To Whom It May Concern:

I am a twenty-one year old female college student, hardly the demographic that's normally drawn to the Sci-Fi Channel, but I find myself writing a letter to you on behalf of a strong desire to become a frequent viewer.

In the fall of 2002, a little show called Firefly premiered on FOX. After inefficient advertising, the episodes being aired out of order, and an extreme lack of faith on behalf of the network, Firefly was cancelled.

But the creator, cast, crew and fans didn't take it lying down. Like the characters in the series, they fought against incredible odds to take back the 'verse. For years, they emailed, petitioned, wrote letters, held conventions, and did everything in their power to find a home for Firefly. Fan fiction, fan videos and fan-made merchandise sprung up all over the Internet. Message boards and websites filled the web, and Browncoats – as they came to be called – were converting their friends in full force.

On behalf of all Browncoats everywhere, I want to thank you so far for everything you've done for the show and its fans. I wish there were a way to track how many people have become Browncoats since the Sci-Fi Channel has started airing it, but I can tell you that in the past year, the DVD boxed set has rarely dipped below the top 100 in sales rankings. Even now, as I write this, the DVD boxed set is in the top 20. Not bad for a series that ran over three years ago for only half a season. The DVD sales ranking of the feature film has never dipped below the top 50, and it had the top spot for the entire week of Christmas.

Firefly is truly the Star Trek of our generation with fans even more dedicated than even the Trekkies.

As a direct result of these dedicated, rallying fans, Firefly was released on DVD to great success. Those who knew nothing of the series when it aired or only learned of it after it had been cancelled, myself included, were given the opportunity to fall in love with this much-ignored space western. The fan base grew and with it, a thirst for more Firefly become stronger. In the fall of 2005, fans got their wish with the full-length feature film Serenity.

I am recounting the history of Firefly and Serenity because I want you to understand my full meaning when I say this television show offers an incredible opportunity. I can say with confidence that I have spent over two hundred dollars on Firefly and its related merchandise in my few months of knowing of this incredible television show. I've bought DVDs, signed scripts, costume replicas, t-shirts, comic books, companion books, and custom etched shot glasses. My current count of converts is up to six, and each of those six watched my copies of the DVDs within a week and bought their own copies within the month. Firefly is not something of mild interest; it is an obsession for any and all who view it and become emotionally attached to the characters. Once you have entered the 'verse, you will do anything to possess your piece of it.

The Sci-Fi Channel has been generous in acquiring the rights to rerun the series so that others may be formally acquainted with this compelling and complex universe. However, knowing that anyone who watches the show falls in love with the universe – you only need to check fan message boards to see how many new Browncoats register every day – it constantly amazes me that no one has picked up this show. There is a boatload of money to be made in merchandising alone, let alone fan conventions, DVD sales and advertising dollars. Browncoats want feature films, straight to DVD movies, a TV movie series and – our greatest hope – the TV series back on the airwaves. It is thought widely across the fandom that the Sci-Fi Channel is the perfect place for Firefly to find its new home. Firefly is unique in that it appeals to many of those (myself included) who do not normally seek out television shows, let alone something as specialized as sci-fi based programs. Firefly has drawn people like me to the Sci-Fi Channel who would not normally tune in otherwise; although I own the DVDs, I still watch the Firefly marathons. I never set aside time to watch television, but if Firefly were back on the air, you can bet I would rearrange my schedule to be planted in front of the television set. My credit card and I would be online ordering new, officially licensed merchandise.

As Captain Malcolm Reynolds says in the pilot episode, "We have done the impossible, and that makes us mighty." We fans – we Browncoats – have done the impossible in resurrecting this television show from the purgatory of cancellation, but despite our might, we cannot get it back on the airwaves by ourselves. It takes money, yes, but also a strong network that understands the type of home Firefly needs, and of course, a little bit of faith.

Again, thank you for all you have done so far to spread the message of Firefly to those, like me, who never had a chance to see it on the first run. The movie says you can't stop the signal. I sincerely hope you renew that sentiment with a new run of Firefly and make me a loyal viewer.

See you in the world,
Jana
***

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Thursday, April 6, 2006 1:44 PM

WHOOPS

Very Shiny!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Love, you know all the math in the verse but if you take a boat in the air, you dont love she'll shake you up sure as turn of the worlds" Mal

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Thursday, April 6, 2006 5:07 PM

MISSTRESSAHARA

Well this is very familiar, I don't know if I can go through another 4 more years of this. It's a great effort, and I hope you can prove me wrong and get their attention but since the beggining of the letter writing campaign even before the cancellation of the show it's been too much of a roller coaster ride. The veterans could tell you.... but hey, I'm behind the effort, maybe it'll work this time.... Maybe this time instead of saying no Sci Fi will actually agree and give it a chance.

But remember, it's also up to Joss. That and the fact that Fox has total rights to the show and they would have to be willing to sell them in order for anyone to bring it back. Which they haven't seemed interested in doing. I sound like a wet blanket, I'm sorry.

Anyhow, it couldn't hurt. Good luck with that.

If I'm a bitch, then life just got interesting

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