How to *REALLY* Start A Revolution...

[audio]

First, I'd like to say it's nice to know there are so many BoP fans out there. Although I've been following the show since it's announcement, I hadn't ventured to any online sites until a few weeks ago (like a lot of people I'm sure). I have a couple of comments on the goings on here...

I've read a lot of posts about "you can't save the show, it's over" and lots of people talking about ratings, etc. and how grass-roots fan efforts do not actually have any impact. Well, there are several facts to bear in mind in all of these discussions :

Ratings are imaginary things. Unlike Billboard (music) or Variety (box-office) numbers, television ratings are completely theoretical. And I'm not talking about how people refer to $ as being theoretical in the digital age - numbers reflected on computers. I mean really theoretical - as in there is no true basis for the numbers besides theories and formulas. It is like this - less than 1% of the television-watching homes in america participate in research done by a company refered to as Nielsen (hence the weekly Nielsen ratings). Some of these are from actual set-top boxes that record exactly what the television is tuned to in each house, and even who was watching it (yes, some players can "detect" this - eerie, lol). A larger number (of the less than 1%) of participants record their viewing habits in a diary (a little booklet with a grid to fill out what you watched - each member of the family recieves one). This is the different between the "overnight" and "final" ratings. The overnights are based soley on the set-top boxes, the final come at the end of the period when the diaries are collected and the results compiled.

Why the ratings lesson? Well, unless any of those people you asked to watch the show are Nielsen families (less than 1% of the population), no one is ever going to know that 20 of your friends watched the show, and the ratings will not change. This is because when they say "25.4 million people watched 'Friends' last week", they really mean "240,000 of the one million people we survey watched 'Friends' last week, so we figure thatif we multiply that number by the % of people we didn't survey, we can give you an aproximation of how many people watched".

However, letter writing campaigns, and, to a lesser extent, petitions, are about the only voice you can really have. Ask the fans of "Party of Five" - who saved their show TWICE. Or any number of soap opera stars who were brought back from the dead because their loyal fans kept writing week after week to get their favorite character back. Or how about "Roswell"? Sure, it's cancelled now, but it was shot down just like BoP, but the fans united and at least got a second season and a second chance for the show.


**HOW YOU CAN REALLY SAVE BoP**

At this point there are two options:

1) Trying to get the WB to pick up the show for the remainder of the Season

At this point this seems hopeless, but we have a month and a half of time until the new episodes end. As long as the show is still on the air, there is a slight chance (though Roswell was saved AFTER). Getting people to write personal, and not just signing a petition, letters is the best hope. *ESPECIALLY* casual viewers who may have just found the show in the last few weeks, and are dissapointed that just when they started watching the show was cancelled.

2) Getting another network to pick up the show

This is the most viable option, and I haven't heard much talk of it. Starting a letter writing campaign to cable nets - like Sci-Fi, hell, even Oxygen - could get the show picked up by another network. To do this you'd have to be organized and all write to the same network(s).

Some bat-trivia for you : the original Batman TV show from the 60's was cancelled, and two months later another net (NBC, I believe) got in contact with the producers about ressurecting the show. Why didn't it happen? The sets had already been destroyed, and NBC didn't think it would be financially worth it to rebuild them all.

Since the show stops filming in a couple of weeks, this would have to happen NOW.

However, since WB is finishing out the 13 eps (just enough for a DVD release), we can HOPE they have left the possibility of TV-movies, etc., especially since they have other shows with the same production company. So here's hoping the clocktower will live...


Hope this helps someone, and here's to BoP rising again.

Audio


PS-Is it just me, or would the perfect way to end the last episode be for Dr. Quinnlan to hear a knock at the door, answer it, and just as she opens the door we see from the POV of the person on the other side. The last thing we hear is, "Mistah Jay!!"

[Neptune's Rose]

I agree with you. If there ever was a window of oppotunity to do anything it is RIGHT NOW. I think the mods of all the BOP sites should come together with a plan for what we should do at this point.

I've heard some buzz about sending the WB BoP comics like the fans of Roswell did with Tabasco bottles.

Does anyone else have any ideas? This is trully the time to act...

[TheWraith]

Getting another network interested is not viable at all, as Seth from Tribune related to us. No-one wants the show I'm afraid. The only hope there was was in syndication, but WB don't want this, they want the show to stay cancelled. Why people can't accept this is beyond me.

sailordom explained the Nielsen system far better and far more accurately.

[Neptune's Rose]

I would encourage anyone who has any new ideas to post them here.

Again, I think that having alot of people send in something that is BoP related would be the way to go.

The reason why I think this would be good is because it might catch some media attention which would helps us greatly.

[TheWraith]

You should have done that before the show was cancelled. It's too late now.

[Neptune's Rose]

Any more ideas would be appreciated :)

[TheWraith]

WB aren't listening. Sorry...

[Gothic Knight]

Then will have to make The WB or any other Network to listen each and everyone of us.

[Neptune's Rose]

Agreed Gothic Knight!!

[Frostbite]

Give up! My god, you people are so thick headed! The show will not last! DEAL WITH IT!

[Canary]

Perhaps there are more then a few thick headed people posting...coming from both sides of the fence...I think we all need to take a deep breath and breathe!!!

[Gothic Knight]

Give up? not a chance in hell. Yeah i maybe thick headed and i like that about myself if like something i go for it. Just hapened i like BoP and i want to see it last and i'm sorry but i'm not going to stop fighting for what i like.

[Neptune's Rose]

I guess you can call me stuborn too. Cuz I don't think its over until the Black Canary sings.

[Frostbite]

Sure, I look Birds of Prey and would like to see it last. But I know that's never going to happen.

[Ted]

Agreed - edited to note that I agree with what the member Canary said about people on both sides being problematic. I've mostly told people to try and be mature and responsible but this is getting out of hand. I see people coming in and yelling at each other and insulting each other and it's ridiculous.

To the naysayers - how in the world are the people who continue to fight harming you? I could understand if they walked up to your front door and insisted on giving you a 'save the show' diatribe or camped out on your front lawn with picket signs. You have a choice as to whether to enter these forums or to enter these threads, and then to shoot down people or to tell them they're wasting their breath (and other people have said things 'far better' - really, there was no need for the personal dig) is pointless when it really doesn't affect you at all.

If you continue to find it necessary to come into threads and jump down people's throats for trying to fight, we'll simply remove access to the forum. I can't imagine why any of you feel there's a reason to insult those who continue to support the campaign/show or to tell them to give up. It hardly affects any of you until you choose to come into this forum and then feel the need to prove to people that they're wrong.

Like I said - keep on, and you'll be locked out of the forum. If you don't support the effort, fine - but it's people's choice to make as to whether they want to or not.

[Gothic Knight]

Maybe your right it may not happened. But if there is a chance, no matter how small we have to take it.

[Frostbite]

I'm doing you a favor, here. I'm trying to save you time.

Originally posted by Neptunekix
I guess you can call me stuborn too. Cuz I don't think its over until the Black Canary sings.

And don't say that ever again. It's really annoying.

[Ted]

In the end, it's their choice to "waste" their time doing this. And I find it hard to believe that yelling at people in bold capitals is really a friendly favor. If they waste their time, does that harm you? Again, no.

[Kea]

I could understand if they walked up to your front door and insisted on giving you a 'save the show' diatribe or camped out on your front lawn with picket signs. -Oracle
LOL I'm sorry but that is just too funny Oracle. Sorry I have had a long day.

I just have to say this but yes I know the show is canceled.
Yes I know the odds are stacked against us but its my stamps, my paper and my time.
So yes put me down as stubborn as well. I don't stop until I know every possible idea we have come up with has been tried. :)

[Ivy]

< coughs > Before this thread gets axed, could we subtly shift back to the brainstorming? As long as the sets are still standing, we have a chance. At least, theoretically we have a chance.

So far we've heard the following [and forgive me as I'll forget some] ideas:

-Write letters to other networks expressing an interest in them picking up the show.
-Get other people to actually watch the show by converting friends, making fliers, and mailing lists. [be careful with the last one. simpler way to go about that is to put something about it in your email signature.] Also mentioned was putting something in your online profile, if you have one.

Anything else? I'm sure I missed something.

[audio]

I started this thread yesterday - and am surprised at the response. I was trying to get two points across - one, about the Nielsen ratings and how we really cannot affect them, and two, gave examples of shows that were in the same spot as BoP and still made it.

The negativity here is really outrageous. If you do not want to participate in trying to save BoP, why do you even enter this section of the forum? It's like gay bashers going to gay websites or chatrooms and reading/posting hate - why waste *YOUR* time commenting on things you say are completely opposed to? Or by discounting other people's statements/ideas (like the Wraith, who didn't understand I was just trying to give a simple explaination for people who didn't understand the Nielsen system, not write a graduate thesis).


I realize that the chances of BoP being ressurected are infinately tiny. I wrote two letters myself, and will help encourage/support any effort going on here, not because I think it will necessarily work, but because as someone who works in the television industry I know that there is a chance for the show to survive in one form or another.

Someone pithily posted "the WB doesn't want the show ressurected" in response to another net picking up the show. Well, my uneducated friend (this is as nasty as I will get, lol), this decision has nothing to do with the WB. The cancelled the show, which forfeits their rights in the matter. The production company of the show can do with it what they choose. Have you ever heard of a little show called "Buffy, The Vampire Slayer"?

Again, the nay-sayers are absolutely correct in saying there is little chance to salvage the show. But while it's still on the air, there is still a chance.

Again, think "Roswell", "Party of Five", "Designing Women", "Law and Order", "Star Trek", the list goes on.

Another idea - does anyone know when the "Save our Show" edition of TV guide comes out? Several of the shows I mentioned above appeared in there and were saved that way (Party, Designing Women, and Law and Order, I believe).

Although I can't spearhead this campaign because of work commitments, I will gladly help in any way I can. I'm a nobody, lol, but I do have a rolodex with numbers that can help if people are serious about contacting other nets and places like TV Guide.

Thanks for the CONSTRUCTIVE notes people left in response, hope my original post gave you a better perspective on things, and here's hoping the list admin will deleted those nasty people who seem to have more time on their hands than do the nice people who are trying to do their part (like me).


Audio

[LisaM]

Audio, I tried to send you a PM or an email but was unable to do so. Please send me either an email or a PM through this site. I have some interesting things to tell you.

LisaM

[Mandy]

I know I haven't posted in a couple of days but I just can't believe the negativity people are giving others on this subject. But like Kea said it's my stamps my paper and my time. I believe in this show, I love this show and I am not going to let it fly away without giving up a fight. I'm sorry I just can't do that. Now with ideas I'm not sure lol let me think about some.

[Jesse321]

Then call me stubborn and thick-headed as well cause we are NOT going to give up on trying to make the WB change its mind. Collectively we can do this !! Keep and eye out for the plans guys !!! It ain't over yet !!!

[Shadowstrike]

Frostbite, if we're so "thick-headed" and seem to lack the capacity to understand that TheWB wants to keep Birds of Prey cancelled (which we all know is true, but we're stubborn fanatics and refuse to give up, so :P), why the hell are you even coming into the "Start a Revolution" forum in the first place, when you know all you're going to find are threads discussing how to save BoP?

You're just a regular genius, aren't you? :P

[LisaM]

Hi Jesse and Shadowstrike...and welcome.

[Neptune's Rose]

Keep Hope Alive people!!!

[Delphinios]

Okay, I've read all kinds of suggestions for what to send WB and Tollins Robbins Productions. However,, I'm not sure any of them are really going to work.

Flyers? Maybe...but there's a chance they won't draw the connection between all the different flyers.

Batarangs? Yeah, maybe...but where are we going to get them?

BoP Comics? It would certainly work, but comicbooks are expensive for us to just be sending them to a network who will probably throw them away. Not all of us have that kind of money.

My suggestion.....We don't we Birds of a Feather, Stick Together....and send them feathers. Any kind, really. Ostrich feathers, parakeet feathers, goose feathers. Just Feathers. Fill the envelope, and include a short little letter about the campaign. I think if a lot of the WB staff (and TR's staff) start getting envelopes full of letters, someone will take notice.

My other suggestion? Why don't we start sending our letters to Mr. Robbins himself. He's the one who insulted the WB when they canceled his show. Maybe if he thought there was a gaggle of fans out there ready to fight beak and claw to get the show back, he'd be willing to give us a hand.

Those are my thoughts...
Bethany

[Frostbite]

Originally posted by Shadowstrike
You're just a regular genius, aren't you? :P

Indeed I am.

[Helena Fan]

Originally posted by Delphinios
Okay, I've read all kinds of suggestions for what to send WB and Tollins Robbins Productions. However,, I'm not sure any of them are really going to work.

Flyers? Maybe...but there's a chance they won't draw the connection between all the different flyers.

Batarangs? Yeah, maybe...but where are we going to get them?

BoP Comics? It would certainly work, but comicbooks are expensive for us to just be sending them to a network who will probably throw them away. Not all of us have that kind of money.

My suggestion.....We don't we Birds of a Feather, Stick Together....and send them feathers. Any kind, really. Ostrich feathers, parakeet feathers, goose feathers. Just Feathers. Fill the envelope, and include a short little letter about the campaign. I think if a lot of the WB staff (and TR's staff) start getting envelopes full of letters, someone will take notice.

My other suggestion? Why don't we start sending our letters to Mr. Robbins himself. He's the one who insulted the WB when they canceled his show. Maybe if he thought there was a gaggle of fans out there ready to fight beak and claw to get the show back, he'd be willing to give us a hand.

Those are my thoughts...
Bethany


Some good ideas. I particularly like the one about mailing Mr. Robbins. He certainly sounds like somebody who'd like to keep doing the show.


Best wishes,

Scott

[LisaM]

Keep checking back...I think that we have a plan which takes all of these ideas/thoughts into consideration.

[Psychic Oracle]

You know, I was merely lurking for a few days to prevent myself from lashing out at people on this board, but Frostbite, please if you are going to be so damned negative, please just save it. You are wasting our time and your own.

Edited to remove a particularly brutal comment

::deep breath::

Ending my rant, I promise.

The suggestions I've heard are very good. You guys have a great mindset to continue the battle. The idea about sending feathers is an interesting idea.

Could we have someone post the addresses of the production heads, the WB offices, ect in an "important" forum, that way we can have easy access to them? Or are they already here and I just haven't seen them...

Again, keep up the struggle people! I'll be joining the battle as soon as I can (finals are coming up, but I am with you in spirit at least!).

[Neptune's Rose]

The addresses are all over the forum in random places it would be a good idea to put them in one place. Keep Hope Alive!!

[Kea]

Hmmm interesting idea Delphinios about the feathers. But I don't think my parakeets are going to go for that idea and neither will my finches! :) Just kidding!

And LisaM can't wait! ;)

[Delphinios]

LOL....My parakeets could supply enough feathers to stuff all the down pillows in the Holiday Inn...they're always moulting. I'm sure I could loan some out. Pickle wouldn't mind.

*Squaking and mad flapping in the background.*

Bethany

[Kea]

LOL granted mine also loss a lot of feathers but you really want those nice tail feathers! :D

I think if I do that there will be a lot of Squawking, mad flapping and me screaming and cursing because my female parakeet bites like crazy when she's mad! Hmm maybe I should send Jordan Levin my parakeet for a few days! Hmmmm ;)

[Neptune's Rose]

If the ratings that were posted were legit (I have yet to see them verified) then hopefully the execs will take notice. Higher ratings means more money, and money talks.

[Sxygrrl Huntress]

For everyone with suggestions on what we should do to save the show, please keep checking back on the forum/website in the next few days. As LisaM said, there is a plan in the works.