Clueless Morons

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

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

Yeah, right… there are millions, no TENS of millions, of fans clamoring for the return of Herb Jefferson, Laurette Sprang, Dirk Benedict, and Richard Hatch (who is not nearly as powerful an actor as the nude guy of the same name on “Survivor”… nor as successful). I suspect the real audience is about 100 fat guys in their 40s, who at this very moment are busily duping all their Heather Thomas videos onto DVD…
Galacticaad
That said, I am always amused by the losers who spend their comic book money on pointless ads like this (or, worse, the ones who publish a synopsis of, or excerpt from, their unsold screenplays). The advertising guys at Variety and the Hollywood Reporter must laugh themselves silly with glee every time one of these suckers comes in.

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATE (10-22-04)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which isn’t the studios.

It’s the viewers.

167 thoughts on “Clueless Morons”

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

    Reply
  2. You know, considering you do make money from fans of shows (like me), you might want to consider that at times when you look at how devoted fans can be.
    And believe me, I was right there when TNT canceled Crusade. I’m will to admit defeat at this point and hope that JMS lets stuff come out in novel form at some point. I hate being left hanging.

    Reply
  3. Mark,
    I have a healthy respect for fans. Intelligent ones, that is. It’s one thing to like a show…it’s another to lose all sense of perspective.
    I appreciate the Diagnosis Murder fans… but let’s be honest here, anyone who took out a full-page ad clamoring for a feature film version of the show…and devoted themselves to “the cause” as if they were leading the charge against AIDs, racism, or censorship…would be a clueless moron.

    Reply
  4. Yeah, I do see your point. And in my own defense, when I was trying to save Babylon 5 spin-off Crusade, it had just been canceled and I just wrote a letter to two to other networks trying to get it picked up. It wasn’t 20 something years later.
    Don’t they even think that the actors are so much older now it wouldn’t have the same appeal for that reason if nothing else!

    Reply
  5. Why would any other network have been interested in picking up a series that couldn’t even garner an audience on TNT???
    No offense, Mark, but that’s what I mean about a lot of these fans not understanding how television works. I’m sure lots of them wrote letters to ABC and CBS after UPN canceled “Mercy Point.”

    Reply
  6. Maybe because TNT never gave it a chance. They canceled it before it even aired over creative differences with JMS. Then went ahead and aired the 13 episodes already filmed. According to series creator JMS, Sci-fi was very interested in picking up the series but didn’t. And it gave TNT some of their best ratings ever.
    I’m not a completely stupid fan. I do pay attention to what people involved in a series says. Once JMS gave up the battle, so did I. Not that I was involved too much.
    And, for the record, I did love your Babylon 5 joke in Diagnosis: Murder. (“Who do you think we are, Babylon 5 fans? Of course we didn’t kill her.”) I’ve shown it to other fans, and it always gets lots of laughs.

    Reply
  7. I have to admit to being shocked by this posting, especially as it comes from an industry professional and insider. These people are your consumers, the folks that watch your shows, buy your tie in novels and allow you the privilege of writing for a living. I wonder if you would call the Diagnosis Murder fans that read your books “morons” too? Is your contempt for your audience that blatant?
    Yes these guys are carrying a torch for a cause that is probably long dead. They do it because something about another writer’s work touched them in a profound and lasting way. You shouldn’t mock that, not unless you believe that all television drama is worthless, your own included?
    It’s ok to think what these folks are doing is weird perhaps even futile, but to call them “morons” in an open forum shows a certain lack of professionalism and respect.

    Reply
  8. I will no longer purchase books written by an author who insults his own fans by calling them “clueless morons”. Never stopped to think that some of the very people you were insulting might be your own fans did you. Not very intelligent on your part. I may be the only one who no longer buys your books, but, think of how it would be if there were hundreds or even thousands of us who did stop. Not a very pretty picture.
    Next time, you might want to engage your brain before putting your mouth into gear. Good day.

    Reply
  9. Why is trying to get the show revived inferior to any other hobby? I’m currently running a petition to get RH signed on to write TNS books, but it’s just a hobby. I’ll admit that I put alot less effort into it than CFF (in fact I think it will happen anyway, but I see this petition as a way to aquire braggin rights when it does), but I think BSG is all in fun, and besides alot of people donating a few dollars to this ad is alot less stupid than a few people buying (try that for perspective)…oh, and about that petition:
    http://www.petitiononline.com/hockey44/petition.html

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

    Reply
  11. I was not going to reply to this. Your mind is closed and your arrogance is high. There is nothing I could say that would convince you that these people might be dignified human beings who do not live in their mom’s basement.
    You make fun of them for having a passion for a show. You paint it is if they came out of nowhere and said “Hey! Let’s bring back a television show!” Since you are aware of what is going on in film and television, I am sure you are aware Ron Moore wrote a mini series for Battlestar Galactica that is being picked up as a series. The show is a re-imagining of the series and some feel it is an abomination and would like to see a different version closer to the original. There is a longer history than the mini series, but that is the most recent event to rally fans of the original to try something.
    You question their comic book money spent in this cause. Are you in possession of their portfolio’s? Are you the final arbiter of how people are to spend their money? Do you know that one who has contributed $100 to the CFF has not given $1000 to St Jude’s or some other worthy fund.
    As you know, there are a wide variety of organizations to contribute funds to. Political campagns, charitable organizations, the arts, etc. You question them for their rally cry to make it sound important? That is just good leadership. Do you think a small community theater is going to raise funds if they promote themselves to be a mediocre troup and there are several other more worthy groups to give your money to? No. You market your group as if it is the most important thing you could possible do!
    Finally, I am sure you have fans and the shows you have been involved in have fans. You know that fans come from a vairety of backgrounds, vocations, races, and life experiences. Some are refreshing and pleasant…others may offend you and irritate you. You hate them…but need their money. Painting an entire fan base with such a broiad brush seems ignorant. I can see that ignorance from one not in the industry, but you should be more enlightened.
    I will add I see a difference in character. There is nothing in the CFF website that is negative or attacks other people. They go out of their way to discuss proper manners in not disrupting a place of business. You insult them.
    Patrick

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

    Reply
  13. Dear Mr. Goldberg:
    I am neither 40, bald, nor a moron. I don’t own a single Heather Thomas video and have never transferred a single file to DVD.
    I am amazed, however, at people’s propensity for negativity. A lot of good, thoughtful people have spent untold hours creating the Colonial
    Fan Force, and have given generously to make the ad campaign happen.
    Judging from your comment regarding the SciFi Channel/Sky One series, it is apparent you merely glossed over our website to extract pull
    quotes which you felt were sufficient for mocking purposes. But far be it for me to criticize your journalistic integrity or your depth of
    research without getting to know you better. That would be irresponsible.
    I’ve known a lot of people who try to build themselves up by putting other people down. Unfortunately, it is all too common an occurrence in our society. I wonder if you were as quick to put down the fans of
    FARSCAPE who are being lauded throughout the media for their part in brining back the show they loved in the form of last night’s miniseries?
    Of course there are plenty more “worthy causes” out there. And that God there are so many dedicated oragnizations working to address them.
    But we, as a fans of something we enjoyed very much, felt we could either sit back and let Hollywood dictate to us what we should enjoy…in the form of the SciFi Channel’s disrespectful “reimagining” of this
    little program that we remember fondly from our youth, or let somebody know that we’d prefer something else.
    We’re not morons, Mr. Goldberg. Nor are we mean-spirited little men looking seeking accolades by urinating on the efforts of others, whether or not we personally believe in the value of those efforts.
    I do understand, however, as I am sure you do, the old adage that no publicity is bad publicity, so I do thank you for spotlighting our efforts, for the benefit of the five or six people that I am certain
    frequent your website. Just imagine if that website were devoted to a truly worthy cause… or even a truly thoughtful critic? The mind reels.
    Good luck to you with all of your future endeavors.
    Warmest regards,
    Bill Gordon
    President
    Colonial Fan Force

    Reply
  14. Dear Mr Goldberg,
    I’m a fan of your work from Diagnosis Murder, Martial Law and the last (and my favourite) season of Seaquest.
    By the way, I’m 6′ 2″ and weigh 175 lbs.
    Cheers from the UK,
    Peter Noble (co-founder http://www.colonialfanforce.org; co-owner www,cylon.org [Saving the Future’s Past])

    Reply
  15. Wow, 6’2″, and am I to assume you have a British accent? Can I have your phone number?
    (Sorry, sorry, just a silly American gal trying to lighten the mood. Forget me.)
    😉

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

    Reply
  17. Dear Sir,
    I have just read this article, and I have to say that I am pretty disgusted that you would go out of your way to mock the hopes of others.
    Why did you do this – can’t you just live and let live ?
    It is a shame that YOU did not devote the time you spent writing this to a more worthy cause, rather than making comments like a ‘school bully’ to people who just want to go about their lives as they see fit.
    BSG has many good points, such as spin-off show Galactica 1980 star BARRY VAN DYKE. BSG is enjoyed by many. Many people who would probably rather you did go out of your way to maliciously knock the hopes of others…
    Go play being a bully with someone else…

    Reply
  18. Mr Goldberg,
    I have been a member of a few Battlestar Galactica forums for well over a year. I cannot let your accusations of their character go without comment. There are a broad range of people on the forums that have contributed to the CFF project. Mothers, fathers, grandparents, children, college students, Americans, British, Australians, teachers, writers, IT specialists, struggling actors, retired military, business owners, Republicans, Democrats, and even Libertarians! We come from all walks of life and educational backgrounds. We share a common love of a genre and a television show. Sure, it may not be your cup of tea, but it is ours. I have forged friendships with some of these people. We exchange Christmas cards and fudge. Many of these morons stood by my side in thought, prayer, and spirit while my daughter went through a serious heart problem, they stood by me when I went through a series of tumors. We have stood by each other while some of our members lost fathers and grandparents or were right in the middle of Florida’s recent hurricanes or other hardships. Maybe it sounds odd that some of us have friends we have never physically met, but we have. These are not losers in a basement with no social circles. They have hobbies and lives and passions and friends and families that care for them and they care for very deeply.
    If it seems silly that they invest some spare time and a few extra dollars to a cause as minor as a television show, oh well. We are all wired differently and have different interests and passions. The fact that we have a different passion than yours should not make us subject to your criticism and character assault. That diversity and that passion called fandom that allows you to have a career should be respected….not insulted and panned.
    You do not know these people and you have no right to say the things you have. Well, you do have a constitutional right, but all I see is an arrogant and elitist snob. For all I know, your books may be outstanding, but the reflection of the man who wrote those books that I see here today is not a person who I wish to associate myself with.
    I think it would show some amount of class if you were to apologize.
    Patrick Green (known as CaptainTux by my friends online)
    BTW 34 years old. 5’10 190 pounds. Broad Shouldered, have all my hair. A little grey at the temples. Home owner, father, husband, good and decent man with enough disposable income to buy books by other authors.

    Reply
  19. Tell you what Lee, if you want to bet $10,000 on which of us looks less like a nerd, can better justify not being called “a moron”, or can better handle the iron man competition you let me know. I’d be happy to risk my appearance, education and life experience, and physical conditioning against yours any day of the week. The wasted money for the Variety ad could then come directly out of your pocket.
    Yes, this is a serious offer.
    Russell Sanders
    P.S. By the way, I hear that your books suck.

    Reply
  20. His books definitely do NOT suck. Look over at the right-hand column of this page. His book, “The Walk,” received a positive review from no less than Harriet Klausner herself. HARRIET KLAUSNER!
    Some writers might use excerpts from Kirkus or Booklist or Publishers Weekly, but these are authors who have not been favorably reviewed by Amazon.com’s number one amateur book nerd.
    True, “The Walk” is listed at somewhere over 1.1 million on the Amazon book list, and true, Klausner’s review is the one and only review posted, but a Klausner review is as good as a hundred five star reviews.
    You people may try to put down Lee Goldberg, but I have no idea how to finish this sentence.

    Reply
  21. Your piece proves your own lack of knowledge of the situation, and the fact that you’re too lazy to do your homework. Since homework is not one of your strong points, let me educate you.
    You wrote:
    “This shows just how little the people who paid for this ad understand about how the business works…and even sillier when you consider the SciFi Channel is already in the midst of shooting a new “Battlestar Galactica” TV series from NBC/Universal Studios with an all-new cast led by Edward James Olmos.”
    If you had bothered to read the Introduction page on the CFF website (homework), you would have discovered that while Universal Studios owns the rights to the television series and Sci-Fi Channel is currently producing a remake series, Glen Larson currently owns the theatrical rights to Battlestar Galactica. Mr. Larson also publicly stated that if there were still interest in a Continuation movie with the original after the Sci-Fi mini aired, he would team up with Tom DeSanto, to bring us one. So Universal Studios or Sci-Fi Channel need not be involved in any way. Mr. Larson can solicit any studio he wishes.
    Furthermore, if you had bothered to check out the Links page on the CFF website, you would have seen a variety of different websites devoted to the show, each one created by a devoted fan. In addition, there are links to forums and mailing lists each of which have members which total far more than the 100 or so you claim there all to be.
    But as I said, homework is not one of your strong points.
    Thank you for writing your piece. It advertises your blatant incompetence very well, warning everyone who reads your work as to your complete lack of credibility.

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

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

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

    Reply
  25. Lee…Baby…I doubt you will be writing the forward to the next edition of How to Win Friends and Influence People. Kevin Smith has more class than you and your sarcasm is not even as clever as his. Who really pens your books?
    A guy who’s online rants can’t rise to the level of the guy who wrote Clerks and puts a rubber poop monster in a movie is pretty sad! Snooch!

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

    Reply
  27. RG,
    I can’t personally say if indeed his books suck or not since I haven’t fished through the $1.25 discount bin to find any of them. If I did, I’m sure some second rate murder mystery writer wouldn’t be getting my hard-earned 125 pennies. However, just because I’ve heard his books suck doesn’t make it so … given his article about ColonialFanForce.com, I’m inclined to believe that they do indeed suck since Lee shows little talent for checking his facts and a huge lack of judgement in that article. … but let’s not forget that Lee was nominated for an award … twice!
    He didn’t actually win anything but he was nominated. I wonder if the guys who were good enough to win the award are as bitter as my good friend, Lee.
    By the way, Lee. How much time have you wasted over the years writing these articles. Wouldn’t that have gone a long way towards fighting AIDS or another worthy cause? I heard that sort of thing was very important to you.
    Russell Sanders

    Reply
  28. Dear Mr. Goldberg:
    After reviewing several of your old Usenet posts provided by our resident archivist, I have now determined that you have a history of “going off” on invalid facts, without conducting any amount of research. Never let the facts get in the way of a scathing commentary, eh, Lee? Bravo.
    I can now say, without fear of improriety, that you are a shoddy journalist. And after reviewing your less than impressive cadre of television writing credentials, feel fairly confident in accurately assessing you as a clueless moron.
    And as for your well thought out and cleverly worded post, anonymous, I wish to salute you for having the chutzpah to put your name behind your bold statement.
    I have clearly given you, as the originator of these “thoughts” and “ideas” more credit than you were due.
    May you continue to enjoy the same level of success you have hitherto been able to claim in your industrious career as a screenwriter and author.
    No… on second thought… I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
    Good day.
    Regards,
    Bill

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

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

    Reply
  31. Say what you will about the guy, I’ll give him this — unlike me, he puts his name where his mouth and he lets a lot of people come into his own house (so to speak) and trash him. Remember where you are bucko, his blog. Goldberg could have deleted your postings calling him a cocksucker and a hack — but I don’t see him doing that. He hasn’t deleted a thing. I gotta respect the guy for that. He’s not afraid to share his opinion or let you have yours. It says to me this is an honorable guy, whether you share his view or not (and, no surprise, I do).
    So you love each other deeply, share Christmas cards, counsel each other over your tumors and bunions and lost homes…and you’re thin and you’re fat and you have college degrees….yadda yadda yadda. Goldberg didn’t attack you for that. He said you were clueless morons for spending thousands of dollars on a full-page ad in a Hollywood trade paper crying for the theatrical return of some crap scifi show with the original cast of geriatric nobodies.
    And he was right. Look in the mirror bucko… the truth is, the vast majority of people who saw that ad thought the same thing Goldberg did. He just had balls enough to post it on his blog!

    Reply
  32. Perhaps he might not be deleting the posts of his detractors, but his statements are still unnecessary. These people who have devoted their time and money to the pursuit of their dream are some of the most decent, honest people you would ever meet. They are intelligent, eloquent, and passionate. This person could have criticized their efforts without being so derogatory and insulting. I may not have been able to contribute to the CFF, but I stand by them in spirit…and also take exception to the voracity with which their efforts were attacked.
    And I am a six foot tall, long haired rock and roll musician with a great, undying love for Battlestar Galactica. You would not have done well to call ME a clueless moron to my face. You would NOT have done well at all.
    Respectfully,
    Steve Dunlap

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

      He wouldn’t, but I would. And this response of yours shows just why you are such a clueless moron.

      Reply
  33. Anonymous,
    I’m still waiting for Lee to put his money where his mouth is. He called me a 40-ish fat man still stuck in my basement duping Heather Locklear videos. I challenged him with real cash. All Lee has to do is step up and put me in my place.
    At this point, he can either admit his mistake and print an honest retraction, take the challenge, or continue to be defended by nameless posters who may or may not be his own cowardly self. I suspect he’ll choose the last because only a coward would print an article like he printed and only an idiot would attack an entire fanbase who did nothing but put an ad in a magazine.
    Nobody prodded Lee. He simply opted to scream to the world what a complete loser he is by attacking a group who banded together and accomplished something. His best arguement was that the time and money could have been used for a more worthy cause like fighting AIDS. Even that rings hollow coming from a twerp who spends his own time writing articles about the entertainment industry. I’d be more than happy to compare my real-life impacts against Goldie’s anytime. His best claim to fame is writing some second rate chick-flick scripts and forever sinking SeaQuest. Yet, like so many internet heroes, he now runs his mouth as the “expert”.
    An expert would have contacted Bill and offerred suggestions to better guide the CFF effort based on his own experience in Hollywood. A twit writes an article attacking a group that successfully raised $10,000 in a grass roots effort. Notice the important difference.
    Of course, one look at his picture explains a lot. He’s definitely the last guy who should be calling someone else a Geek.
    Russell Sanders

    Reply
  34. Anonymous,
    Actually Lee did attack us or did you not read what he wrote. I will admit that he probably wrote it in haste without thinking like most Hollywood types. He wrote “I suspect the real audience is about 100 fat guys in their 40s”not what you wrote “and you’re thin and you’re fat and you have college degrees”.
    I truly wonder why it is when people band together for something they do care in that people like you and Mr. Lee have to trash them. We did not attack you, or call you names yet you felt the need to attack us without knowing us. That has lost any respect that I might have had for people like you.
    AJ Marks
    P.S. Russell is right, Lee did sink Seaquest.

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

    Reply
    • @Jean Williams:

      ‘Explores moral values’

      Ah, the age-old cry of the neoconservative middle-American about entertainment (books, movies, TV shows) that they can deal with because of the simplicity and adherence to time honored conservative middle American values. Mustn’t have anything (or have the kids see anything) that upsets those values, after all; mustn’t have them question said values either, or they won’t grow up to be good little Americans who support the United States of America NO MATTER WHAT it does. So, the original Battlestar Galactica (along with other shows deemed ‘morally superior’) will serve as primers for this kind of life.

      With silly bitches like you, no wonder many Americans have a problem dealing with the present day and the future. How your children will deal with the present and the future, I don’t know.

      Reply
  36. How sad this state of affairs is. How nice of you to judge our works without meeting us or even doing your homework. It puzzles me how you can claim to be intelligent yet write this piece. Very sad indeed.
    I would say that a moron is more the type of person who wants something but does not have the gall to go for it. At least we fans have done something. Very few people have the guts to begin a project, let alone see it through. This project was nothing short of large either.
    So at the very least, I would think a logical human would respect the effort that people make. We did not whine, we acted. You sir, have whined and have seemingly done so for no ones benefit. Shame on you.
    As I have said before, if it were not for the old fans, there would not be a new show.
    For the record, I am far under 40, female, slim, and a happily married professional in the computer industry. I also have every right to determine how I will spend my money. If the old show comes back, I will happily make the studios richer by supporting it. That is my decision.
    Diane Rinella

    Reply
  37. //I would say that a moron is more the type of person who wants something but does not have the gall to go for it. At least we fans have done something. //
    And that would be… what?
    You wasted thousands of dollars on a trade ad that will do absolutely nothing to further your cause.

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

    Reply
    • You’re stuck on that world because not only are you a clueless moron, you’re a fraking idiot as well.

      Reply
  39. //You wasted thousands of dollars on a trade ad that will do absolutely nothing to further your cause.//
    Does not seem like a waste if we got people to talk about it. And it has worked because you are talking about it.
    AJ Marks

    Reply
  40. Bill,
    Maybe it is a long shot. I know of stories like Ed and Farscape where fans were very much a part of the show getting more air time. The Variety ad was part of the campaign in both instances. There have been other campaigns for other shows that have not seen success. Again, no one is suggesting one ad in Variety is going to bring the show back, it is part of a larger campaign. Now, Ed and Farscape did not have nearly the hiatus time Battlestar Galactica has so it is a calculated risk that may come up empty. On the surface I could see how it would seem silly to many. To truly understand why there is a glimmer of hope you would have to have started the journy on a website that offered research instead of accusation and understood how close we were to a DeSanto vision of the original BSG. You would also have to know recent public statements made by Desanto and Larson. As it is just a television show, I know quite a few contributers and none of the ones I know gave up their life savings for a show.
    Along the way to raising money…people had fun. There was a goal and we worked together to achieve a goal. There is still a goal and we are working together to achieve that.
    Personally, Bill. I think you should get a momento of the day you saw a man who attacked the character of many people for doing something he thought was silly. We have Coffee Mugs, t shirts, buttons, mousepads…check it out and always remember this day.

    Reply
  41. This is pathetic, no better than a flame war on any forum on the internet, only this time it was started by some Hollywood guy and carried on by someone “anonymous” guy (Goldberg himself?) who can’t even use a handle, which is anonymous enough as it is.
    Lee Goldberg should know better than to start crap like this. Then again, we’re talking Seaquest here, which actually makes Battlestar Galactica look like Shakespeare. Why is anyone concerned by anything said by the Shnoz that Ate Cleveland?

    Reply
  42. I have explored this piece of real estate on the Web and I have a better grasp of Lee’s character and a glimpse of his brother’s character. Both are sadly lacking. There is an elitist metality and I am not sure if it is based on perceived IQ or tax bracket, or simply that he writes for a living and you don’t.
    I have seen him or his brother knock people for being fans that dare to write fan fiction or express fandom in other ways. I have people made fun of for working minimum wage. Basically, if you are not at his station in life, you are not worthy to breathe the same air he does.
    Pulications once thrived on fan fiction. People of all ages submitting thier works in hpes of it being published in a science fiction magazine. Today, the Star Trek franchise embraces that expression with published volumes of fan fiction that you can get at your local bookstore. George Lucas gets involved in this expression of copyright infringement by voting for the best fan films reflecting Star Wars. They embrace the fans and allow them to express themselves. I will admit that most fan fiction is not really well written. However, some of it is quite good. Even the ones that are not good…you are seeing a group of poeple so captured by a work that they are inspired to try to participate. Even if thier expression is less than good…you know they are buying your products, watching your show, and supporting your franchise. In other words, they are your customers and you should treat these people with respect.
    As far as people who make less than he does or not in a high level position. That is just dumb. People are people and we should respect them all. Elitism is a dangerous thing. I had a grandfather who died when I was four. He dies with a tattoo on his arm. The tattoo had a number. He was a victim of someone elses elitist view of the world. If your elitism is based on race, gender, fianancial status, education level, etc…you are a reflection of an ugly aspect of humanity and one I have very little tolerance for.

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

    What have you accomplished besides taking out an ad in Variety? Oh yeah, you made some Colonial Fan Force coffee mugs, mousepads, t-shirts, and fanfic journals (No underwear yet? No jammies?) Gosh, that really is something.
    I’ve caught up on all the comments and I’ve found them very amusing, especially the ones calling me a bad journalist (this is my blog, not a newspaper!) or trying to rile me up by attacking me personally.
    But what I found most interesting is how so many of you have fixated on something in my post that you’ve quoted out-of-context.
    Your advertisement said:

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

    And I wrote:

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

    The issue I was raising, and that none of you have addressed, is the notion that there are MILLIONS of fans dreaming of seeing a Battlestar Galactica movie with the original cast.
    You also posted messages about what educated, humane, wonderful, caring, attractive, wholesome, God-fearing, friendly people you all are… as if that makes the advertisement, and the earnestness of the campaign, any less idiotic and laughable.
    And this ridicule, by the way, is coming from a man who likes Battlestar Galactica…has met Glen Larson many times… and is listening to the Stu Phillips “Galactica” Anthology on his iPod right now (I also bought Stu’s book).
    But frankly, I think your ad, and especially the call-to-arms on your website, speak for themselves:

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

    And you wonder why you’re ridiculed?

    Reply
  44. Lee,
    You say your main point is that there are not millions of people itching to see the original Battlestar Galactica. Is it at all possible that you could have made your point without calling people clueless morons or losers. Do you think that would have been possible? I think people would enjoy a mature discussion on the issue you accuse us of not speaking up on had you been less insulting. In life, I have found that not much changes from the fourth grade on. If you call someone a poopy head, they will tell you that you are a bigger poopy head. Then you reply with I am rubber and you are glue.
    Do you think it is at all possible the main point was lost in translation with the immediate accusations?
    You are right, you are not a journalist, but you are a writer and a public figure. When you open up a blog, you have to know that anything said will be subject to debate, scrutiny, and flame wars.
    Some of us shared who we are as opposed to addresing your point because you decided to attack paint an entire group of people with a broad brush. Moron? Loser? Are you at all shocked that someone would want to point out who they are and possibly insult you back?

    Reply
  45. Let’s put things in perspective. You took out a full-page ad in Variety… and now you’re upset that someone in the audience you were trying to reach is responding to it? When you bought that ad, you went public… and willingly opened yourself up to comment…and yes, even for ridicule. If that bothers you, you shouldn’t have taken out the ad, and invited people to your website.
    This is my personal blog… are you telling me I can’t express my opinion here? That I’m out-of-line for having one? You took out an idiotic ad in a publication I subscribe to… I’m not allowed to comment on it?
    By the way, you don’t see me whining about the attacks on me, my work, and my character. I opened myself up for it by posting my opinions on this blog — which is also why I choose to allow people to trash me here, too.
    You can disagree with what I wrote, you can even call me names, but don’t start whining that you were “unfairly attacked.”

    Reply
  46. Absolutely you can express your opinions on your blog. I respect the fact that you are willing to allow people to reply candidly on your blog. Just as those who contributed to the ad campaign have opened themselves up to the opinions of others, you have done the same, perhaps on a smaller scale (I do not know how many hits you get a week, maybe more, maybe less than the circulation of Variety).
    Your opinion is that there are not millions out there awaiting the return of Battlestar Galactica. Your opinion also is that we are morons and losers and fat, bald 40 year olds. For the moment, I choose to challenge the latter opinions first. If you are not willing to discuss the possibility that opinion may be incorrect, we have little to discuss and we go back to the original immature poopy head comments.
    I do not see poeple whining. I think any reasonable person would take offense to personal insults, and , if given the opportunity, challenge such accusations. It does not matter where the insult occurs…a bar, a blog, someone elses home, a radio show….an insult is likely to be challenged.
    I am a huge advocate of freedom of speech and expression. That is not at question here. Riddle me this, how does one disagree with you without then accused of whining. Kida feels like a double edged sword there.

    Reply
  47. Fascinating.
    I wasn’t going to say anything, but I feel sorry for you, Lee. You’ve obviously not found sufficient joy in your life to feel you could congratulate even a small group getting together and accomplishing such a feat – $12,000 in a few months; instead, you have to ridicule them and their effort for some reason I can’t fathom.
    I’d hate to hear what you think of the Farscape fans and what they did – and look what they accomplished, a kick-ass four hour movie.
    I’m leaving aside for the moment the fact that you insult me in a very fundamental way in your piece. I won’t comment on the fact you’re telling me that my being a fan of Battlestar Galactica (and, by extension, any entertainment) relegates me to being a loser, a basement-dwelling geek. I won’t tell you that I’m a family man and grandfather, a writer (a real one), a homeowner, contributor to my community, taxpayer…..
    Millions of fans, Lee. Millions of fans. How many millions of viewers tuned in on Sept. 17, 1978? 64 Million? Something like that. And of those, how many still remember it fondly? 20%? 50%? That’s still millions – and the vast majority of them have no idea, yet, that the Sci-Fi series even exists, or that the possibility of a movie bringing it back is there.
    If you didn’t like the original show, fine. If you don’t care about whether it ever comes back, fine. Just don’t put down a group of fine people who do and show the initiative to try to do something about it.
    I have spoken.
    😉
    John Pickard, co-founder, Colonial Fan Force

    Reply
    • You have spoken, and all that you’ve spoken, in the nomenclature of the TV show you’re a more-than-wisely fan of, is felgacarb.

      Reply
  48. It all boils down to name-calling and nothing else. The guy who mentioned the fourth grade was right. He could have made his point without name-calling. It’s much easier to name call here than in real life, where a man’s whopping shnoz can be a target for a vengeful fist. He’s simply a jerk, and we’re jerks for caring about what he says.

    Reply
  49. Darn you nerd! In the past 24 hours I have been called a moron, a loser, a jerk….and bucko! Here I thought I was a pretty swell guy! 😉

    Reply
  50. On a more serious note to nerds comments. Overall, I have always felt vulgarity and name calling to not be a productive or thoughtful manner to make your initial points. Lee is NOT guilty of vulgar language and I wish to mkae it clear that that is not on my list o accusations.

    Reply
  51. You’ve obviously not found sufficient joy in your life to feel you could congratulate even a small group getting together and accomplishing such a feat – $12,000 in a few months; instead, you have to ridicule them and their effort for some reason I can’t fathom.

    You raised $12,000 to spend on a full-page advertisement clamoring for a movie version of an old TV show. And you consider this an accomplishment. Frankly, I think that says it all.

    Millions of fans, Lee. Millions of fans. How many millions of viewers tuned in on Sept. 17, 1978?… And of those, how many still remember it fondly?

    That’s the rationale behind the claim that millions of fans are dreaming of Battlestar Galactica’s return as a feature film with the original cast? Oh my. And you wonder why I’m poking fun at you??

    Reply
  52. we, as a fans of something we enjoyed very much, felt we could either sit back and let Hollywood dictate to us what we should enjoy…in the form of the SciFi Channel’s disrespectful “reimagining” of this
    little program that we remember fondly from our youth, or let somebody know that we’d prefer something else.

    This stuff is priceless. I love it. I especially like the part about sitting back and letting “Hollywood dictate to us what we should enjoy.” I couldn’t make up fan-speak like this if I tried.
    Here’s an idea. Don’t like a TV show? Don’t watch it. That’s what viewers did with “Battlestar Galactica” 25 years ago. They turned it off, dictating to Hollywood their opinion. And “Battlestar Galactica” was cancelled.
    Whether you like the new “Battlestar Galactica” or not, millions of viewers tuned in and made the miniseries a hit, thus “dictating” their desires to Hollywood for more. Why, based on your rationale, I’d even go so far as to speculate that millions of fans were dreaming of the day when the miniseries would return with its new cast of warriors…

    Reply
  53. I think it is sad that you cannot apologize for insulting people. You have a right to your personal opinions but to flat out insult someone is inexcusable. You could have written something constructive but now many, and some of these appear to have been fans of yours, will no longer take you seriously. It would be nice to see you take the highroad in this.

    Reply
    • Diane, get a life, get a clue, and get over yourself and your whiny fan butthurt at Lee waking up your entitled, deluded ass to reality.

      Reply
  54. Lee, from one clueless moron to another, I’ve got to say that I’m amazed that you waste your time insulting us nerds. You should really be spending it on finding a cure for AIDS or something more productive.
    And you’re right, why should anyone care about any old TV shows, books, movies, or video games? This world would be much better off if no one loved anything.

    Reply
  55. Yo Lee, Tom DeSanto attended the 25th anniversary of Battlestar Galactica’s convention, the Galacticon. He was a member of a discussion panel when Glen Larson reiterated the legal problems when he went to court over the broadcast rights for Battlestar Galactica. He lost the TV rights, but did purchase the theatrical rights to Battlestar Galactica from Universal.
    Tom DeSanto is on the record that a continuation movie does not depend on whether or not The Scifi Channel series is successful or a failure.
    In order for movie based on a continuation of the original series, there must be interest in the original series. Indeed the sales of the DVD set of Battlestar Galactica – The Complete Epic Series reached # 10 on DVD sales the day it was released, on amazon.com.
    If Tom DeSanto is to collaborate on a future Battlestar Galactica movie it very well maybe based on a continuation of the original series. As was the first one Tom DeSanto and Bryan Singer where hired to produce a continuation version of Battlestar Galactica for The Scifi Channel.
    The Scifi Channel decided on the Ronald D. Moore version. Bonnie Hammer is now President of USA/SCIFI as a writer of Monk you might know some of this?
    For those that do not know of Bryan Singer or Tom DeSanto. They made X-Men 2 and X-Men 1.5, and Apt Pupil and DeSanto is to be the executive producer of Logan’s Run 2005, and the Untitled Transformers Film (2006) along with Steven Spielberg. Singer is directing the new Superman movie.

    Reply
    • None of what you said would happen, happened, John. Which proves Lee’s point about how all of you are clueless morons who wasted twelve grand on an ad in Variety.

      And Singer never made the Superman movie, Zack Snyder did.

      Reply
  56. Lee,
    I have a few questions.
    The quote where say this is priceless, I could not make up fan speak like this if I tried. I have a question for you. Do you not like fans? Bsed on the sales of your novels, I assume you ahve fans. I know that mystery fans differ in culture from sci fi fans or romance novel fans or even those who buy Bill O’Reilly books. However, as I travel, the many of the family owned bookstores I see have a trend of being sci fi/mystery specialty stores. Both genres sold in the same store to cater to an audience still willing to get their books from a store that does not sell coffee or have an escalator. I am assuming that there are some similarities. Do you attend book signings for your novels? Do you meet the fans face to face? Are you genuiniely appreciative of thier interst in your work even though some of them may not seem to live in the same plane of reality that you do? I am honestly trying to figure out if you are one who does not like to meet his own public (some do not have that inclination for various reasons), or if it is a different base of fans (sci fi fans, comic book fans, etc) that you do not like?
    The next thought deals with your view on fan interaction with networks, sponsors, etc. Do you feel that the Neilson ratings and network sponsored focus groups are the only indicators that are valid in determiing what audiences want and what should and should not be aired?
    Using the recent examples of Ed and Farscape, there was fan interaction that helped add one more season of Ed and a Mini-series for Farscape. Obviously, sponsors and network heads underestimated the popularity and audience draw these shows were receiving. Fan interaction let them know there was a demand. Obviously, they saw an opportunity to make a few dollars and went with it. In both campaigns, Variety ads were involved. I am in no way suggesting an ad and a letter writing campaign will get what one wants, but I am asking if you think all fan efforts are a wasted effort?
    Would Ed have run another season without fan letters and campaigns? Would Sci FI had run a Farscape Mini-series without fan involvement and feedback beyond the scope of ratings and focus groups?
    In your humble opinion, do the peasants have the right to tell the networds and sponsors what they like or do not like?
    What are fans of any genre allowed to do in your world. Where does our involvement as consumers of your art end?

    Reply
  57. What’s even more idiotic than the ad or the plea on your website… is that you’re here on my blog trying to argue with me about it.
    What do you care what I think? I’m just one subscriber of Variety who read your ad, took up your invitation to visit your website, and thought it was moronic.
    What do you hope to accomplish? That I’ll change my mind and think the ad was brilliant and your cause is worth the time, money, and dedication? Is that what keeps you logging on here, day after day, posting comments (even in the absense, until today, of my participation)? Or were you just astonished that anybody bothered to pay attention to you…even if the attention was ridicule?
    You’re welcome to stay and leave all the comments you want. But here’s what I don’t get… if you don’t like my opinion, why don’t you just shrug me off as a big-nosed, talentless jerk and move on? It’s not like I hold the fate of “Battlestar Galactica” in my hands…

    Reply
  58. I appreciate fans. As I said earlier in this thread:

    I have a healthy respect for fans. Intelligent ones, that is. It’s one thing to like a show…it’s another to lose all sense of perspective.
    I appreciate the Diagnosis Murder fans… but let’s be honest here, anyone who took out a full-page ad clamoring for a feature film version of the show…and devoted themselves to “the cause” as if they were leading the charge against AIDs, racism, or censorship…would be a clueless moron.

    In fact, here’s the dedication & acknowledgements in my fourth DIAGNOSIS MURDER novel, to be published by Penguin/Putnam in February:

    DEDICATION
    To Krys Strzalkowski, Oliver Waters, Ute Von Hartz and everyone at D.M.A.S.
    ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
    As always, I am deeply indebted to Dr. D.P. Lyle for his medical advise and hearty laughter. I’d also like to thank William Rabkin, Tod Goldberg, Paul Bishop, Twist Phelan, Bill Dinino and Joel Goldman for their wise counsel.
    In the midst of writing this book, I had an accident and broke both of my arms, one of them quite severely. It was a situation that required far more than the usual patience, understanding, and support that my wife Valerie and my daughter Madison bless me with me every day. During those weeks, writing was a daily struggle… actually, everything was… and I couldn’t have done it without their love.
    I’m also grateful to the hundreds of “Diagnosis Murder” fans who inundated me with encouraging get-well cards, emails and letters. This book is for you.

    Reply
  59. “…why don’t you just shrug me off as a big-nosed, talentless jerk and move on?”
    I for one think you have lots of talent. To have that big of an ego with that big of a nose? THAT is talent, sir.

    Reply
  60. P.S. How in the world does a person break BOTH arms at the same time. Where you trying to blow your nose with both hands at the same time?

    Reply
  61. I can only speak for myself on this on. I do not expect to change your mind on the wisdom of the Variety ad or the wording of the website. I also could no more change your view of us than Al Frankin could get Rush Limbaugh to change his political view. To be honest, I was hoping for at least an apology for the comments that paint people as morons or losers. I doubt that will occur.
    Currently, I am genuinely interested in your view on the role of fans in entertainment and trying to understand your position. My questions regarding fan involvement vs ratings and focus groups are honest ones. I would like to know your opinion on those matters.
    I am sorry to hear of your injury and the response by your fan base is touching. Your dedication to them is as well. So, you did answer my question regarding your respect for fans. You do respect you fans. Now I am curious as to where you feel a fan crosses the line of love of a show or artist to “moronic” behavior. I would at least like ot walk away from this matter with a better understanding of your perspective. I will likely not agree with you, but I would like to understand the basis for the sarcasm. Sometimes, why people do and say things is more important to me than what they do or say.

    Reply
  62. Lee,
    I think what most people have a complaint about is not what you THINK about our ad, it is what you WROTE about us. ’40 year old fat guys’ is down right insulting and I am beginning to think you are less and less intelligent if you do not see this fact, but then again you have already demostrated your intelligence and I find it sadly lacking.
    AJ Marks

    Reply
  63. Sir,
    I read your article where you referred to members of the (Battlestar Galactica) Colonial Fan Force as being morons. At first I was angered. Not because I am a member of the CFF, I’m not, but because of the narrow-minded arrogance you displayed. Then it occurred to me, anger was not the right reaction. In fact, I am willing to bet you were deliberately baiting the CFF, trying to get an angry reaction out of them. (A tactic commonly used to increase ‘ratings’.) No, instead I feel sorry for you.
    Why do I, a lowly commoner, feel sorry for such as you? Attend.
    You must live in a bleak cheerless world, worshiping the gods ‘Mammon’ and ‘Neilson’. I can only guess that you have never known the joy of truly loving a series (book, comic, radio, TV, movie), of being a “Fanatic” (hence…the word “fan”). More is the pity. We may not know how Hollywood works, but you apparently do not know the power a true fan base can have. Our most powerful tool is word of mouth. (You like “R”? Check out “G”, you’ll love it. “S”? Don’t waste your time, FX driven, no plot and cardboard characters.) I know of a writer who has survived for the better part of 30 years writing one series. Her fans are so devoted they snap up anything with her name on it. (Never mind her last two books were drivel). There is now 2.5 generations of fans for this series. Why does it keep growing? The existing fan base brings in the new fans. The fans can also kill a series. Do you honestly think Roddenberry would have done Star Trek: The Next Generation if he didn’t know there was a fan base, a market? He knew he could sell the series – because of the existing fan base. The sponsors knew people would watch the show and buy their products.
    You, and the executives in Hollywood, apparently worship the god ‘Neilson’. I am here to tell you, Halleluiah, he is a false god. The Neilsons are no more an accurate representation of veiwership then the Academy Awards are recognition of true talent. The boxes only go to a fractional portion of the viewing audience, also they simply record what channel a TV set is tuned to, not whether or someone is actually watching the show. You know that people will deliberately tune their sets to “critically acclaimed” shows, when in fact they don’t even watch that show. Skews the results just a little, wouldn’t you say? The written logs in the mail in books can be doctored to show inaccurate viewing patterns. I know someone who did doctor theirs. They were on vacation for the week but filled the book out as if they had been watching the shows the whole time.
    Finally, your attack on the CFF, the devoted fans: Name-calling? How Juvenile. After all, as you are no doubt aware, the vernacular an individual uses is greatly indicative of that individual’s intelligence. If you are unable to express your opinion without resorting to tactics that I expect from a Grade School child, then your opinion is of little value.
    You see, sir, I am not male nor am I 40 years of age, and I know of at least 2 dozen other 30 something females who are devoted fans of Battlestar Galactica (or Star Trek, or Quantum Leap, or Babylon 5…) and I, we, can attest to the fact that there are far more then a mere 100 fans of any of these shows.
    The passionate and vocal fan base you condemn are the same people who spread the word about a series or books and get new viewers or readers. Those people who write the fan fictions are the same ones who buy the products from the sponsors. In effect, we are the same people who pay the salaries of the executives in Hollywood. We may be ignorant, but we are by no means stupid. We also can, and do, put the word out on writers and producers that have earned our ire.
    Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to go reread one of my BSG books, rather then rot my mind with the rubbish currently being shown on broadcast TV or some of the dreck being published in the mainstream market.
    K. E. Ross

    Reply
  64. Goldie,
    You are a complete coward!
    You declared I was a fat guy duping my video tapes. I challenged you with the chance to make a $10,0000 profit to simply put your money where your mouth is. All you have to do is outperform this “fat guy” in a simple 10K race. How easy is that?
    … or you could address the clueless moron charge claiming that all who donated are “clueless morons”. I’ll bet $10,000 that all who donated to the CFF cause are not in fact “clueless morons” and have a far better background on progressing Battlestar Galactica than you do. Care to take me up on that bet?
    … or perhaps you’d like to address our real impacts on real life. I’d be happy to put $10,000 up on my impacts in the real world versus yours. Better yet, Goldie, let’s make that bet $250,000. I can cover it from my side. Care to finance my down payment on my next house?
    As far as I’m concerned, you’re nothing but a pathetic coward who hides behind his keyboard. Any actual man would have either retracted his insults as inaccurate or taken the bet and proven me wrong. You ignore the challenge because you know that you’d be badly humiliated by the “clueless moron” you insulted. Better to be a two-bit writer pumping out books that are well below over a million others on Amazon than someone bested by a 40-ish fat man.
    I’ll give you 24 hours to take up the challenge you’ve ignored. After that, everyone can clearly see what a total loser you really are and how you can only make yourself seem worthwhile by degrading others … as long as they don’t actually show up and face your charges.
    The millions of fans referenced in the ad were demonstrated by the unprecedented sales of the DVD series. If you’d like to compare sales of other television series DVDs and their expected fanbase I’d be happy to challenge you on that level as well. Want to put your money on that bet? … or perhaps you’d like to use the Sci-Fi Channel’s internal numbers that indicated the viewership they gained on Galactica name recognition?
    In my book, a “clueless moron” is someone who insults others and takes a pompous attitude without knowing all the facts. Care to guess which, of all those who have spoken up about the Variety Ad seems to best fit that category? How much better it might have been had you offerred your experience to the CFF but that would have taken away your valueable time insulting them. I’ve known quite a few script and book writers in my time and you’re the first I’ve encountered who was that childish and petty. I would challenge you for $10,000 on your total lack of character but I can’t think of any viable way to measure that. I’ll simply leave that to the observation that anyone who has to sing their own praises and insult others to make themselves look good is pretty pathetic and should be doing all they can to not be noticed rather than running a silly-assed website praising himself (which is sad on its own).
    I strongly suggest that you replace your picture before you infer that anyone else is a Geek. I don’t usually judge someone’s looks but what the Hell? YOU call someone else a Geek?
    Russell Sanders

    Reply
  65. //Using the recent examples of Ed and Farscape, there was fan interaction that helped add one more season of Ed and a Mini-series for Farscape. //
    I do believe fan interest helped bring back the Farscape mini — although I think yet another philosophical shift at the network helped at least as much.
    But I wouldn’t brag too much about Ed. Even if fan outrage did bring the show back — and deep down, I can’t help but feel it had more to do with NBC wanting to stay nice with Worldwide Pants, producer of the top-rated sitcom on the air right now — it didn’t do much once the show was picked up.
    The show was on the bubble because after several years, it had crummy ratings. And when the network brought it back… it still had crummy ratings. Worse ratings, actually.
    This was the lesson CBS learned a decade or so ago when it acceded to “fan pressure” and brought back The Magnificent Seven. A mild failure in its intial run, the show turned into a colossal ratings disaster once the fans resurrected it.
    The lesson is a handful a diehard fans do not make for a mainstream hit. If they did, then Buffy and Alias — two shows so far superior to Battlestar Galactica they shouldn’t even be mentioned in the same post — would have eclipsed Friends and ER during their runs.

    Reply
  66. //Millions of fans, Lee. Millions of fans. How many millions of viewers tuned in on Sept. 17, 1978?… And of those, how many still remember it fondly?
    That’s the rationale behind the claim that millions of fans are dreaming of Battlestar Galactica’s return as a feature film with the original cast? Oh my. And you wonder why I’m poking fun at you?? //
    Lee left out the most important part of his response, to wit: Yes, the premiere of BG did indeed get a huge tune-in. One poster says 64 millon viewers, and I’m willing to take that on his word.
    Small problem. Episode two probably drew around 32 million people, and episode three about 16.
    The show’s ratings plummeted every week. This is why it was cancelled. It was a tremendously expensive series that was losing viewers faster than LAX.
    Van Helsing had a great opening weekend. By your logic, it should have outgrossed Titanic by now. But actually, it hasn’t even done as well as that other hideous piece of trash, The Day After Tomorrow.
    TV isn’t about ratings for the pilot. It’s about running five years or more and making money in the back end. And by all standards of the TV business, Battlestar Galactica was a disaster.
    Do you really think if it hadn’t been they would have trashed everything but the name for that revival?

    Reply
  67. People, the time has come to let this man alone. There is nothing to be accomplished here.
    For those who came here to protest this talentless jerk’s pointless rantings (myself, included), take comfort in the fact that you will have exponentially more people at your funeral than this man will have at his.
    So long, Lee.

    Reply
      • A guy who decides to respond to an 18 year old post is the last person qualified to lecture someone on whether they’re part of the “real world”.

        Reply
        • Ah it’s my favorite neocon, Eric Paddon! How’s things going on in MAGA land, Eric? Still believing that neoconservatism will save the United States, when it hasn’t?

          I have a right to respond to what I want to, when I want to, no matter how old it is (especially when the website I’m leaving said response at has left it ‘open-ended’ and has not close the post to further commenting.) Also, I’m more ‘qualified’ to say what I said better than a franchise fan like you who has no sense of reality in how franchises are revived and how they’ll work in an era different from the one it started in originally.

          Reply
          • Yep, you just demonstrated once again that you’re permanently residing in La-La-Land (just like your senile President who every morning plagiarizes Admiral Stockdale by going, “Who am I? Why am I here?”) 🙂

  68. Initially, I wasn’t going to respond to this. I wasn’t going to respond, because frankly, it’s not worth my time. I don’t know who said it originally, but as the saying goes, “An equal would never insult you, while an inferior cannot.” Well, if you really knew who you were talking to, you’d quickly realize you don’t have the credentials to be insulting.
    So like I said, not worth my time. However, it is my duty as a human being to prevent my fellow man from killing himself out of ignorance, if given the opportunity. So, I respond in that light. You need a “time out.” You need to step back and look at the big picture, because there’s something here you’re just not getting.
    First, let me take you on a trip down memory lane. Do you remember what the name of the prototype Space Shuttle was? Rhetorical question – it was Enterprise. When it was unveiled, it was shown first to a bunch of Star Trek fans, and the music playing in the background was the theme to Star Trek. Well, guess what. That wasn’t by accident. The kids who watched Star Trek in the 60’s and Battlestar Galactica in the 70’s were the ones who grew up to invent and patent everything that makes modern life possible – from the cell phone, to telecommunications, to modern media, straight through to the friggen Space Shuttle. The people you’re looking so narrowly down your nose at are the power brokers of the new Babylon.
    So, do you understand the scale of your mistake? Think about it. Nobody spends more than they can afford on anything, not even “clueless morons.” What you consider an outrageous expense, some of us would call, “lunch.” Some of us spend that kind of cash in a day, and think absolutely nothing of it. To us, it’s no different than sending our personal assistants out for cheapo cup of Starbucks coffee. The only thing you prove by your comments is … YOU’RE POOR! 😉
    Now, I tend to be a bit more Zen about the whole deal. I recognize that not everyone can be a winner, and so I’m willing to let bygones be bygones. Lets face it, fortune can be a fickle bitch. Others in my socio-economic tier, however, aren’t as enlightenned. So, for the future, you need to think about situations a bit more carefully. In the land of milk and honey, where there’s justice for all (as much as you can buy) you may wish to stop and realize the person you’re about to defame could literally buy you, and turning you into a meat puppet dancing on the end of a legal string.

    Reply
  69. What’s amusing is that you’re clinging to the idea that you’re entitled to your opinion. This of course is wrong. You are only entitled to an informed opinion. And you have proved through your original entry and your subsequent responses that you are grossly uninformed, and are unwilling to admit to this fact. This of course proves your own incompetence. One can only surmise that this trend follows in all of your works.
    If someone has stated that we have been “unfairly attacked,” that is not whining. It is simple fact. It is fact that you attacked us with uninformed remarks and falsehoods. That’s what makes it unfair.
    What’s even more amusing is that while you accuse others of not addressing certain points, you yourself continue to ignore the points in which you are obviously dead wrong.
    For instance, basing your assumptive entry on the idea that the ad is idiotic since Universal Studios owns the rights, so a movie with the original cast and characters is out of the question. You point to the ad as being laughable and idiotic, as if your own assumptive entry is somehow not laughable and idiotic.
    As I have written earlier, Universal Studios only owns the television rights. Glen Larson has bought the theatrical rights to Battlestar Galactica, and can therefore shop a potential movie to any studio. Universal need never be involved in any way. Mr. Larson publicly stated that if interest remains after the Sci-Fi Channel mini aired, he would work with Tom DeSanto to bring us a Continuation movie. So on this point, you were wrong.
    You also assume that the ads were intended to ask the studios to make this movie. Once again, you are wrong on this point. The ads were intended to show Mr. Larson and Mr. DeSanto that interest still does remain (as he stated would be necessary for him to continue), now that the Sci-Fi Channel mini has aired.
    As far as the “millions of fans” bit you’re so focused on (probably because you want to shift the focus away from the points in which you were dead wrong), I have no way of counting the number of fans who wish to see such a movie. But I guess you do. May I ask what is your source?
    Here’s another point about which you are wrong. This points to yet another example of someone who has proven himself to be truly clueless through the expression of his own uninformed opinions. The original series was canceled due to the cost factor, each episode costing approximately one million dollars to produce in 1978. It was not canceled because of poor viewership. You may one day want to consider not inventing facts in order to back your inherently faulty and wrong arguments.
    Do I wonder why we’re being ridiculed? Not really, when that ridicule is coming from someone who just simply has no idea what he is talking about, and has so far proved this with every letter he types.
    Yes, you did whine about personal attacks, accusing others of trying to rile you up by attacking you personally, which for me is the pot calling the kettle black. Personal attacks were laced throughout your original entry. Thus, you have invited any and all personal attacks, and fully deserve them. Personally, I don’t see how someone with such a pudgy dopey gomer face could point fingers at anyone for being bald, fat, or anything else. But you started the ball game sir. Enjoy it.
    Regarding why we care what you think. I don’t care. I’m not even all that terribly offended. I’m only here to correct the incorrect statements you made in your blog, so that others who might stumble on this page are not misinformed by your entry.
    Here is a couple of other facts (facts are statements with truth to them) that you may find interesting, or not since truth and facts do not seem to interest you.
    Ronald D. Moore, the writer of the Sci-Fi Channel remake of Battlestar Galactica, also donated a generous sum to the Colonial Fan Force. While I may agree with you that he is a clueless moron, I doubt we agree for the same reasons. I’d suggest you let him know what you think about his donation.
    Also, Tom DeSanto, personally expressed interest in the progress of the CFF effort directly to the CFF staff. You know Tom DeSanto don’t you? He’s the guy that’s more successful than you are.
    Maybe 20 years from now you’ll experience a fan base that was touched by your own work as deeply as Battlestar Galactica touched these fans. Maybe then you won’t have to lash out from a standpoint of jealousy, that you yourself haven’t in fact touched anyone with your own work nearly as deeply.
    Adios.

    Reply
    • It’s now 20 years later (4/3/2022) as I write this, and while a lot of things have changed, some still remain the same:

      *CMF (Colonial Moron Force)’s attempt at getting a new Battlestar Galactica made with the original cast due to the ad in Variety was as stupid as Lee said it was.

      *The only ‘new’ Battlestar Galactica that got made was the 2004-2009 TV series, and the short-lived prequels Caprica,Battlestar Galactica: Razor and Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome, all of which were made despite CMF doing what it did taking out said ad (although there is to be a new Battlestar Galactica movie in production, however [sadly]-for you and all of the other fans of the classic series-it won’t be a reboot set in the original series universe.)

      *You and others here did attack Lee and called him names, here on his own website-you have no moral highground.

      *Ron Moore donating money to CMF was just him doing that probably out of a sense of ‘pat you guys and gals on the head’ kind of paternalistic thing; how come said money wasn’t used to keep the site and group going?

      *If Lee’s works get a fan base, it will probably be one more thoughtful, intelligent, and less fanatic about said works than you fans of Battlestar Galactica were about Battlestar Galactica .

      Reply
  70. “You’re welcome to stay and leave all the comments you want. But here’s what I don’t get… if you don’t like my opinion, why don’t you just shrug me off as a big-nosed, talentless jerk and move on? It’s not like I hold the fate of “Battlestar Galactica” in my hands…”
    Actually, the vast majority of us have. Check out the thread Commander Taggart started about you at mboard.scifi.com, and colonialfleets.com, and you’ll find most of us felt you weren’t worth our trouble. Those of us who come here to mock you represent only a small fraction of the fandom, and yet we STILL outnumber you by what? Like five dozen to one?

    Reply
  71. “Whether you like the new “Battlestar Galactica” or not, millions of viewers tuned in and made the miniseries a hit, thus “dictating” their desires to Hollywood for more. Why, based on your rationale, I’d even go so far as to speculate that millions of fans were dreaming of the day when the miniseries would return with its new cast of warriors…”
    He supports the mini-series…CRAP, I’M FIGHTING MY OWN KIND!

    Reply
  72. Opps, it seems your book just dropped from 5 stars to 4 stars on amazon.com, due to a sudden 1 star review from some offended BSG fan, although I have no idea who ;).

    Reply
  73. I am very interested to know if you do volunteer work for charity, and if
    not, would you be interested? I can give you many address of worthy
    orginizations that could use your help ranging from animal rescue leagues to
    distribution of food to the needy.
    For I am a Galactica fan who does much charity work and how I choose to
    spend my pleasurable time is my business and I do not need to justify it to
    you.
    But, by your statements regarding charities, you need to justify yourself to
    me.
    Put up the time or shut up about the charity work….
    kathryn O

    Reply
    • Why should he have to put up or shut up? He was making a very good criticism of this stupid effort by you and the other Colonial Moron Force people to get the original show brought back. he doesn’t have to give to a charity to be anything good, or to prove anything to you or the other clueless morons who are fans of the original show.

      Reply
  74. I don’t exactly fit the “profile” described as a Galactica fan either. In fact, most of the guys I know from Galactica fandom don’t fit the profile described as well. Most are intelligent career men and women who just happen to really like the show Battlestar Galactica.
    Star Trek came back as a successful series of films and TV shows. Farscape recently returned as well. This was due in no small part to the fans of these shows letting the producers know there was a market for these productions.
    So please excuse me, but it the fans want to spend their time and money to let the powers that be know there is an interest–and a market–for a production, then that’s their right to do so.
    I also don’t think that anyone makes their point by name calling. In fact, one of those people who contributed to the ad that was being slammed here was Ronald D. Moore himself.
    One last point. I contribute to many charities myself. I am certain a lot of the same Battlestar Galactica fans who contributed to the Colonial Fan Force ad campaign also donates to charities, too. To claim that the money could be better spent isn’t what I would consider any kind of a valid argument at all.

    Reply
  75. I first came here to watch the fan fiction battle, which is, unlike this debate, not being held with people calling each other names, but, actually, debating issues. At any rate, when I read Mr. Stewart’s comments about Mr. Goldberg’s book on Amazon I was floored. What a silly and pathological thing to do. Of course, Mr. Goldberg can have it removed at any time and any person who actually saw your post would think you were an odd duck for writing all that — who is swayed by some all caps rambling about Battlestar Galactica when they are looking for a mystery book? — but it got me looking through Stewart’s other poorly written (often contrary to his Battlestar thoughts about fans) reviews. I found some gems. Spelling errors and capitalizations belong to Mr. Stewart.
    About Star Wars: These movies do NOT belong to the fans, they are GEORGE LUCAS’S just as they have always been. We PAY HIM for the PRIVELEDGE of watching them…
    About an abysmal movie starring the Rock: The movie itself it four stars…
    And, here, about Lord of the Rings, where his insulting side come out. Making fun of Brits is fun!: I DON’T CARE WHO EVERYONE’S FATHER IS, IF YOU WANT ME TO KNOW THEN WRITE A PREQUEL, JUST TELL THE STORY IT IDIOTIC BRIT
    I don’t really care one way or another about this tv program, but I find it troubling that this Mr. Stewart would think to write a negative review of Mr. Goldberg’s book. I don’t who a moron here is, clueless or otherwise, but childish behavior seems to be rampant.

    Reply
  76. // The original series was canceled due to the cost factor, each episode costing approximately one million dollars to produce in 1978. It was not canceled because of poor viewership. //
    And where precisely did you pull this fascinating bit of information from?
    Here’s how it works, oh guardian of the new Babylon. When the network orders a series, they tell the studio how much they are willing to pay for each episode. And while this is negotiated upwards in great success, it never is in minor success or, in this case, failure.
    Battlestar Galactica was indeed expensive. But that wasn’t ABC’s problem. They had a contract, and they were going to pay what they originally agreed to pay, no more or no less. All the overages came out of the studio’s pocket. And if the studio chose to spend two or three times its license fee on the show, the network would never complain.
    Now here’s the complicated part — it was the network that cancelled the show. Not the studio, the network.
    ABC didn’t cancel BG because it was so expensive. They might well have been paying more for it than for, say, the Love Boat, but nothing near the actual cost. If the series had been able to deliver the ratings the premiere promised, it would have run through the ’90s.
    The show was a flop. And since the pilot had a huge tune-in, there’s nothing else to explain it except that people watched the show, and they didn’t like it. They didn’t care enough to watch it. They didn’t give a damn.
    Some people did, that’s true. Not enough to keep a show on the air.

    Reply
  77. //Ronald D. Moore, the writer of the Sci-Fi Channel remake of Battlestar Galactica, also donated a generous sum to the Colonial Fan Force. While I may agree with you that he is a clueless moron, I doubt we agree for the same reasons. I’d suggest you let him know what you think about his donation.//
    I’ve never met Ron Moore, so I can’t claim to speak for anyone but myself. But between you and me, if I were spearheading a revival of one of the worst shows in history, I don’t know, say My Mother the Car or Streethawk, I, too, would make nice with the fans. Then I’d go ahead and throw out everything that made the original so bad, knowing that fans are such sheep that if I act like I care about them, they’ll follow me anywhere.
    As I said, I do not pretend to speak for Ron Moore here. Just what anyone with sense would do.
    Of course, Lee probably wouldn’t… but he’s a freak.

    Reply
  78. Actually Bill, you’re wrong on that point. The cost was the issue, not poor viewership … or more correctly, the viewership was substantial but not as large as they had hoped. ABC/Unversal/Practically Everyone believed they were cashing in on the mega-success of Star Wars and that would bring in the viewers to offset the cost. This isn’t some “fan myth”. Do some research and you’ll find it easy enough.
    None of this changes the fact that Goldie is too much of a coward to either put his money where his mouth is and put a 40-ish “fat boy” in his place or admit that he was totally out of line with his insults.
    Russell Sanders

    Reply
  79. “Do some research and you’ll find it easy enough.”
    I don’t think facts are a primary concern for the naysayers.
    -Guardian of the new Babylon.

    Reply
  80. Lee, I gotta admit, you are a real coward for not taking Russell Sanders on in a duel, or a 10K race, or uh, did he want to joust with you or something for money? Anyway, you’re a total pussy. And I’d previously forgotten how degrading it is to have our last name shortened, or to be teased for the size of our noses or to have our pudding stolen. Why don’t you counter offer 50K for a game of Stratego?
    Now, since we have all the Battlestar folks here, perhaps one of you can answer what has always been a pressing question for me. In the last episode, or what I think was the last episode, Apollo was watching a monitor or some such thing looking for signs of…something…and, anyway, he walks away and the monitor goes blank…but then…flickers back on and is video of the moon landing. Does that mean the fleet is concurrent with the moon landing? Was it a transmission from the past? From the future? I’ve never known. Any help would be appreciated.

    Reply
  81. Lee,
    You are certainly entittled to say or think what you want this is America and free speech is something I believe in. I certainly don’t need to defend or explain myself to you. I do however take offense when you insult my friends…that I will not tolerate. In thinking of this article and ways I could respond to it, I came up with this….I do have some advice for you. I have a degree in Psychology and have 13 years counseling experience and I would advise you to seek professional help. Insults and put-downs usually signifies self-doubt and issues that need to be resolved. It is your choice to seek help or not. I can probably predict which course of action you will choose.

    Reply
  82. All these insulting comments about Mr. Goldberg’s nose and last name just reek of anti-semitism. You people should be ashamed! He’s only talking about a television show and you are attacking his heritage.

    Reply
  83. I don’t normally respond to this type of….stuff, but here goes anyway.
    I am not informed well enough about bsg old or new, or cff, to make any comments either way other than that I like the original show. I did send cff $10.00 though, right after I paid the house payment, paid for shool lunches, and put gas in all my vehicles.
    I don’t think most people care what you said about the show, so much as what you have said about them, the fans. It was a personal attack which was probably about 98 percent wrong(there probably are a few people out there that fit your description of us, it’s a big planet).
    So, let me introduce myself. I’m sergeant Clinton H Davis, Oregon Army National Guard (9 years active duty) total service 15 years, including a recent deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I fix and fly in blackhawk helicopters for a living. Our household income is right at $75,000.00 a year. I have a wife and two little boys, 9 and 11. Oh, and my parents do have a basement, but it hasn’t been liveable since 1975 or so. I’m not bald, but the military does make me keep my hair pretty short. I know first hand what’s going on in the world, and I’ve done my part to help where I could. I’m one of 8 children. My parents had 9, then waited 9 years and had me, so my father is a WWII veteran, and my oldest brother went to woodstock. I admit to owning a Heather Thomas poster when I was 16, haven’t seen it or the lamborghini poster for 20 years (is she even still alive?). I recently purchased a 1969 Dodge Charger. I always loved that car when it was the star of the Dukes of Hazzard. Mine is blue though. I’ve had it up to 130mph, but it’ll go might faster I think! I also own a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix, 1987 Ford F150 4×4 truck, 2002 Honda XR650L on/off road bike, 2 r/c airplanes, numerous firearms, and many other items, too many to list here. That’s OWN, as in paid off. “SUV” isn’t in my vocabulary, neither is the phrase “reality show”. Lately I watch the news and maybe one tv show before passing out exhausted in my chair. It’s rare that I have a tv show I watch regularly.
    I don’t know you therefore I cannot make any judements about you, the way you have about me and all the others you offended. I will say this though. If your ever driving up I-5 through Oregon or Washington and end up in a wreck, one, if not all, of the crewmembers onboard the big green helicopter that picks you up may be one of the people you pissed off. Or when those same people are out defending your freedom to write the things you wrote. You just never know when what you say will have an effect on the rest of your life.
    You should think about that.
    Clinton H Davis
    Sergeant
    1042nd Medical Company (Air Ambulance)
    Oregon Army National Guard
    Salem, Oregon
    A Battlestar Galactica Fan

    Reply
  84. OOPs, guess I’m really tired. In my previou post, I meant to say “I’m one of 8 children, my parents had 7, then waited 9 years and had me”
    Time for me to go to bed.
    Oh, and for Tod, I think your right, that was the last episode, and they intended for you to think that the battlestar saga was happening about the same time we had landed on the moon, ie we were nowhere near as evoloved as the race of people in battlestar galactica. Thus in sme future episode they would have found earth, and it would seem a bit primitive to them.
    That’s what I made of it anyway.
    Clinton H Davis
    Tired Soldier

    Reply
  85. Clinton,
    I don’t usually like to fight any battles for my brother (I’d be constantly fighting…), but I just happened to see your post on his web site, and I thought, wow, now here’s a guy taking things too seriously. In the words of another great military leader, Settle down, Francis.
    I can’t imagine you’d like people thinking that what happens in harm’s way is predicated on whether or not you know what a Dagget is, do you? So maybe rethink telling a person — a person who helps pay your salary with his tax dollars, mind you — that because he doesn’t like a tv show that you do that you might just let him bleed out. Seems…harsh…doesn’t it? I mean really, Clinton. It’s just TV. I can’t imagine the Oregon Air National Guard sanctions your use of your job to make TV producers fear for their medical lives should they lose control somewhere near Longview, WA, do you?

    Reply
  86. Sorry, that isn’t what I meant. I meant that if you, your brother, says something to offend someone, that same someone may save his life some day, or may be at this moment defending his right to freedom of speech. Or could be the next person he applies for a job from, etc. I don’t take tv too seriously, but I don’t like getting lumped in with those fat bald guys, ya know!
    Now it really is getting late, I gotta turn this thing off!
    Clinton H Davis
    ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

    Reply
  87. Bill Rabkin wrote:
    “Battlestar Galactica was indeed expensive. But that wasn’t ABC’s problem. They had a contract, and they were going to pay what they originally agreed to pay, no more or no less. All the overages came out of the studio’s pocket. And if the studio chose to spend two or three times its license fee on the show, the network would never complain.
    Now here’s the complicated part — it was the network that cancelled the show. Not the studio, the network.
    ABC didn’t cancel BG because it was so expensive. They might well have been paying more for it than for, say, the Love Boat, but nothing near the actual cost. If the series had been able to deliver the ratings the premiere promised, it would have run through the ’90s.
    The show was a flop. And since the pilot had a huge tune-in, there’s nothing else to explain it except that people watched the show, and they didn’t like it. They didn’t care enough to watch it. They didn’t give a damn.
    Some people did, that’s true. Not enough to keep a show on the air.”
    That makes them pretty stupid for ordering Galactica 1980 then doesn’t it?
    I think we’d all like someone to explain that one to us! lol!
    Best,
    Peter

    Reply
  88. Necron informs me that the Colonial Fan Force aren’t just diehard fans dreaming of the day “Battlestar Galactica” will return as a motion picture with the original cast….no, they are much, much more than that.

    The people you’re looking so narrowly down your nose at are the power brokers of the new Babylon. So, do you understand the scale of your mistake? Think about it.

    Oh my. And they wonder why I poke fun at them…?

    Reply
  89. I think this message, from Thomas7g on the Colonial Fleet Discussion Board, nails it:
    “I think most people assume that the new show is the entire ballgame. That any hope of a revival went out the window with the new series. And that any attempt by fans is pathetic and hopeless and fanatical.
    That sadly is the average Joe’s opinion.
    Though there is a core group, we few but hardcore that will continue.
    I don’t think we should bother this guy. We should leave him alone. Any attempt will only convince him he is definitely right, that we are fanatics and losers. Its like tryong to out argue Shawn Hannity on Fox that democrats are smarter.
    That guy above has some definite holes in his logic born out ignorance of some facts. But his opinion is the same opinion the majority of the world has. That sadly is a grim fact.”
    He’s right.
    <http://www.colonialfleets.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8186&page=1&pp=20>

    Reply
  90. Anyone who states that Galactica was a “flop” in it’s original run is either a liar or a shoddy researcher.
    Galactica drew the highest numbers of any sci-fi series in the history of network television. That is a fact. No sci-fi show that has ever aired on television before or since drew numbers to equal Galactica’s, and that of course is why they always have to air in syndication where such dumbed-down numbers can then be reinterpreted as a hit based on lower expectations.
    Galactica did suffer a ratings drop, but that was entirely due to a series of pre-emptions and lack of consistency in delivering new original shows toward the end of the season. It’s final numbers though were the best ABC had ever done on Sunday nights, considering its stiff competition from CBS sitcoms.
    The real problem that did Galactica in was ABC’s status as the #1 network at the time, with it’s “Still the One!” campaign. ABC by this time had gotten cocky in terms of its expectations, and as a result they raised the bar to unrealistic levels in what they expected from Galactica and then foolishly decided that they could get the same numbers on Sunday nights from “Mork And Mindy” for less cost, foolishly thinking that “Galactica” and “Mork” constituted the same audience. Had “Galactica” aired on NBC at that time during it’s dark Fred Silverman era, it’s renewal would have been a foregone conclusion considering how NBC would renew “Buck Rogers” with much lower numbers.
    Those are the facts for the benefit of those who want to spread disinformation about Galactica being a “flop” (in the same tradition of those who spread disinformation regarding the matter of George Lucas’s lawsuit over Galactica).
    As for what I think of Mr. Goldberg’s crass remarks, I will only say that there is something I think he can do to himself and there is a certain part of his anatomy he can insert his opinions in.

    Reply
  91. I have just toosed into the trash every single book I have ever purchased written by Lee Goldberg.
    Goldberg has not only lost a fan but a customer as well. Way to go Lee.

    Reply
  92. How you ever got a job as a writer is beyond me. Your childlike finger pointing shows a strong lack of maturity and compassion.
    You’ve pointed out what you think of us a whole and how you feel that what we are doing is a waste of time…but let us put some things into perspective.
    How long did it take you to write this bashfest?
    If it took you any length of time then you really went out of your way for what reason? To point of what you consider to be flaws in a group of people that have never done a single thing to hurt anyone?
    Or did you simply slam it out in a few minutes,
    un-researched and ill conceived?
    Catch 22. Both display a gross immaturity as a writer and as a human being. I’m quite sure that if we were to dissect your life under a microscope we could find some interest of yours that we could expoit here and place a spin on it to make you look ridiculous…but to what end? It certainly wouldn’t shine brightly on us, and it hasn’t done you any favors. Then there is the fact that there is no such thing as bad press.
    Was this for the attention?
    Grasping for straws?
    Over a year ago I came across a similar article that caused somewhat of a backlash for a writer named David Kronke over at http://www.dailynews.com. He was a big enough man to admit that he was wrong to make such broad generalizations about any group of people. You can read his comments and mine below.
    We’re waiting to see if you’re half the man he is.
    If you’d care to discuss the matter further I’d be happy to speak with you.
    -Mark Todd
    ——————————————————–
    “Mark,
    In 20 years of writing, nothing — nothing — has inspired so much
    righteous anger as that one line.
    Consider it a lesson learned.
    David Kronke”
    My letter to David,
    “You assume much with your remarks regarding fans of
    this show. Why should you or anyone else take us serious? Simple answer…because people who work in the entertainment industry only exist to make money off of what “we”, the fans of their work are entertained by and subsequently consume out of prolonged interest.
    Our letters are less about Battlestar Galactica, and more about how blatantly these people think that we do not matter. What people? People like yourself who dismiss us without ever really hearing what we have to say. If you are really interested in what has gone on here there are many web sites with the story readily
    available and are quite easy to find. I myself would not expect you to go out of your way to find this information. However, it frowns upon you as a writer to dismiss the very people you serve with such broad strokes when you know little of the situation.
    Petty slander of any group of people, NO MATTER WHO THEY MAY BE, should be above any writer. Thank you for your time,
    -Mark Todd”

    Reply
  93. Todd,
    You’re right. Your brother is a pussy. He degrades a group of people he doesn’t know, who never crossed him, with slanders that are totally unfounded. When challenged on his attacks, he has to send in his brother and most likely respond as some anonymous guy rather than face up to his claims.
    Anyone with the smallest amount of character would stand by their words and either defend them by taking the challenge (which I gave on many levels) or retract his attacks. Goldie opts to have his brother fight for him and whine about he’s somehow being victimized.
    After today, once this coward rejects my challenge by ignoring it past the 24-hour deadline, I won’t bother you idiots any longer. You and your bother have been well proven to be the real “clueless morons”. Like all cowards, when challenged, Goldie whines and then hides behind someone else.
    For myself, I’ll return to my normal routine and forget about two of the most pathetic wastes of human flesh I’ve ever encountered, both with the last name of Goldberg. You must both make your parents very, very proud. I’m sure they beam at night knowing that their sons spend their time insulting people who never wronged them with inaccuracies launched from their self-delusional internet world. I’m not sure what they did wrong raising you two but it must have been some major missteps.
    Russell Sanders
    P.S. I’m now hearing that your brother’s television scripts sucked as well.

    Reply
  94. Ladies and Gentlemen,
    I believe we have seen the mark of a sad man who belittles others and refuses to apologize for it. The sad part is that character is so hard to find these days. We live in a world where sarcasm rules and you win a debate, not by issues, but by who has the best one liner.
    The issue at hand that most people wrote you about is that you made blanket accusations about an entire group of people. The part that lacks character is that you could not and would not apologize for it. You could have easily apologized for your personal insults and still maintained your view that the ad was an excercise in futility. Could have been done.
    Right now you are choosing the course of no character. You know that most people will get bored in a few days and this thread will be forgotten by many. Other than the occasional snide remark, you have been mostly quiet on the issue…other than further sarcasm hinting at the issue in “There is a God”. As a matter of fact, it would not shock me if you use this issue as fodder in another thread in the future or try to slip some piece of this into a script or book.
    The simple fact is, you do not have character or courage. These are not things that come automatically with a career, an IQ, or interests. It is something that makes you want to be a better man. It is who you are when no one is looking. It is something that you do not have.

    Reply
  95. //That makes them pretty stupid for ordering Galactica 1980 then doesn’t it?//
    Well, yes. Yes it does.
    Galactica 1980 was cancelled after 10 episodes. It was a disaster of, well, galactic proportion.
    So yes, it does make them pretty stupid for ordering it.

    Reply
  96. Dammit, Lee. Why did you have to prove me right with scammer of the month replies. Why? Couldn’t you have shown a least amount of decency or class? No, you could not. You had to be petty. You had to lack character. You had to be a weasal. Did it make you feel good, Lee? Did it make you feel tough, Lee? Did it titilate you, Lee? Are you a man now, Lee?
    I wish you hadn’t done that, Lee. I really wsh you had not done that. It’s a shame, Lee. Really a shame.
    Is this the example you wanted to set for Madison of what it means to be a man and a responsible citizen of this world? Is this the legacy you wanted to leave her of your wisdom and wit? You have.

    Reply
  97. Alas Goldie, you have been bested by the “clueless morons” you so despised, exposed as an idiot, liar, and coward. You took an unwarranted and unprovoked sniper shot at the Colonial Fan Force membership with false claims originating from your own skewed prejudices.
    For the Record:
    As one of those you insulted and mischaracterized, I came to YOUR playground and challenged you on your own criteria. My challenge was simple. Stand by your own words. I slapped $10,000 on the table with the offer that its yours if you could simply prove any of your assertions. If your words proved to be lies (as even you knew they were) then you’d pay the penalty of repaying those you rediculed. Failing that, you simply had to admit that you were wrong and needlessly insulting, something that would be easy enough for anyone proclaiming themselves to be in a position to pass judgement on others. A man would do this. A petty coward would do as you did. By your actions and subsequent lack of action, you proved to all how insignificant and small you really are. Not only did you shrink from the challenge, issued on your website challening your own assertions, you had to hide behind your brother because you were too cowardly to even face one who demanded that you show the smallest credibility.
    Your true lack of character has been revealed beyond doubt. You are comfortable slandering people who are far better than you from the safety of the Internet, under the belief that by tearing down others, you somehow appear to have more worth yourself. Your insults say nothing about your targets and everything about your own shortfalls. Both your words and you were proven false and hollow. Although you shout loudly, you have no substance. Your resolve turns to mist when you’re asked to defend your lies. Now, any who gave your words credibility know the true reason you dwell in your protected, imaginary world of scripts and TV novels. Only when you exercise complete control on every aspect of a situation do you have any courage, false as that courage is. This is why, in your own words, you hate dealing with studios and executives and prefer writing novels. You can’t face others on an equal level and have to either create your own delusional conditions to give yourself value or resort to insults to hide your own severe flaws. I knew this to be your character when I first read your article but thought it best to prove it for all to see.
    You have been exposed as the true “clueless moron”.
    Before I depart, as a goodbye gesture, just to prove how completely lacking you really are, I will author your own article in the way it should have been written — the way any competent writer would have written it.
    MISGUIDED
    Yesterday, a fan group calling themselve the Colonial Fan Force took out a full-page advertisement in Variety Magazine calling for the return of the 1978 television series “Battlestar Galactica”. I was surprised when I saw this as its purpose wasn’t at all clear. Advertisement space in any national magazine is expensive and full-page ads are not cheap, running in excess of $10,000. I wondered what could possibly be the point. Whey would they do this? I wasn’t sure, so I went to their website and had a look for myself.
    Like most fan sites, it was enthusiastic, filled with comments I thought were overblown. My experince with fans of SeaQuest taught me that some fans seem to loose perspective and I hought this must be the case here. Comments on their website indicating that everyone should “do their part” made me wonder just what sort of people these folks were. Their Variety ad claimed that “millions” of fans were awaiting the return of the original series. I doubted that, especially since Universal and the Sci-Fi Channel recently opted not to continue the 1978 series but adopt a totally new format, with an all new cast, led by esteemed actor Edward Olmos. I believe that those who actually fondly rememeber the old show number more in the hundreds but admit that such things are hard to quantify.
    Since this intrigued me enough to serve as the subject for my daily column, I thought to do a bit more checking. I contacted the CFF representative, Bill Gordon, who explained that their group branched from several internet-based fan sites, most notably, ColonialFleets.com and Cylon.org, both of which mainain active bulletin board memberships. I also learned that this active fanbase was far more numerous than I’d believed, reaching a level that worried Universal executives and the management of the Sci-Fi Channel when most rejected the “re-imagined” Galactica series showing in the UK in early Oct. 2004 and in the USA in 2005. Although some have adopted the new series, most of the long-term fans reject it wholesale, inspiring many to push for a separate initiative to continue the 1978 series. As an experienced television script author, I was perplexed by some of the fans presumptions.
    Most notable was their collective desire to see a continuation of the 1978 series while simultaneously ignoring the 1980 continuation, “Galactica 1980”. Anyone familiar with G1980 knows it was a horrid disaster, an ill-concieved attempt to bring back the series with a minimal budget in a contempary setting. Yet, it was a continuation and such a disaster rarely lays the groundwork for another continuation attempt. It seemed the group wanted the studios to risk millions of dollars on what seemed to be a weak foundation, especially given that the 1978 show only lasted on season.
    Bill Gordon explained that their faith was based on a real effort backed by Hollywood superstar Tom DeSanto. DeSanto, best known for the mega-succes of his X-Men movies, has long wanted to continue the Battlestar Galactica storyline and was within days of filming a continuation series of his own when his effort was cancelled. Despite the setback, he hasn’t abandoned the idea but doesn’t currently have the studio backing to press forward with another effort. This, I thought, must be the goal of the fans who were willing to sink such money into a full-page ad.
    I learned that things aren’t that simple. Tom DeSanto is only one component of this rather unusual situation. Along with Glen Larson, the creator of Battlestar Galactica, and Richard Hatch, the actor who played the lead-role Apollo and later came to questionable fame for investing his own money to create an elaborate concept trailer called “Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming”, DeSanto hopes to divert his effort from making another series to producing a motion picture. Certainly, this project is far more manageable. I’m still left wondering, who will watch it? Then it struck me. That is the purpose of the fan advertisement.
    In its text, the advertisement asks readers to write Tom DeSanto and Glen Larson and ask them to bring back the original series. Although a nice gesture, this shows a sincere misunderstanding of how Hollywood works and the character of the magazine in which the advertisement appearred. Despite isolated fan group successes like Star Trek and Farscape, fan letters, e-mails, and convetion rallies have little impact on studio executive decisions. The smattering of series that have been returned on this premise have generally performed poorly, Star Trek notwithstanding. The track record hasn’t been good. Battlestar is further complicated by the fact that Universal does currently have a Galactica series, just not the soert these fans want. These execs need to see some sort of proof that a viewership would be there. Sadly, this advertisment doesn’t do that. It shows that a handful are willing to invest money but not that a large group will tune in weekly or buy movie tickets. So, I can’t see the execs being the target of this effort.
    That leaves DeSanto and Larson. I ask myself, what are they possibly going to be convinced to do? DeSanto has wanted to continue the 1978 series for years. I personally spoke with Glen Larson in 1999 when he too was trying to continue the series. Letters asking either to bring back the original are asking them to do what they already want to do. I can’t see the impact these letters could have. Consequently, the only value they might have would be to provide DeSanto and Larson with ammunition to convince the execs that there is an interest. This is where the misunderstanding comes in.
    Studio execs don’t base their decisions on fan reactions. Those in the business realize that execs press forward with their own agendas regardless of what fan groups want or desire. Fans can nudge existing projects in a certain direction but they rarely cause studios to launch new, independent efforts. Studio execs evaluate expected viewership on statistical data, not fan passions.
    That’s the problem with this Variety ad. Its real message isn’t that anyone should write letters to DeSanto or Larson. The general readership of Variety is the memebrship of the entertainment busines itself, not the general telvision or movie audience. Even if inspired, few of these people will actually write a “fan letter”. The real message is that a group of fans are passionate enough to invest their own money to purchase a very expensive advertismeent just to send a signal that they want to see a continuation of a television series that was cancelled 25 yeras ago. That sends a great message about their passion and if passion were the measure, the ad would be effective. Unfortunately, passion isn’t the measure and I doubt this group will see the results they hope to obtain.
    I can only see their effort as misguided.
    In a way, I wish I’d have known about this before they contacted Variety Magazine. I’d have shared my knowlege of the inner workings of Hollywood and encouraed them to spend the money differently. Real-life causes such as fighting AIDS or building shelters for the homeless could have benefitted from this level of effort. Yet, the entertainment industry has a long history of wasting large sums of money on frivlous attempts with little chance of success so I can’t blame these fans for wanting to take their shot.
    Lee Goldberg
    You see, Goldie, that’s how your article would have read had it been written by anyone with even a smatterring of talent or character.
    This week, we’ve all learned a lot about you but I doubt any of us will hold our breaths wondering if you’ve learned anything about yourself.
    So long, Goldie!
    Russell Sanders

    Reply
  98. Patrick:
    Perhaps all the arguements would have been easier to listen to and make some sense of if half the people writing in weren’t such hateful people. I like this from one of the board you all frequent:
    Quote:
    Tell you what Lee, if you want to bet $10,000 on which of us looks less like a nerd, can better justify not being called “a moron”, or can better handle the iron man competition you let me know. I’d be happy to risk my appearance, education and life experience, and physical conditioning against yours any day of the week. The wasted money for the Variety ad could then come directly out of your pocket.
    Yes, this is a serious offer.
    Russell Sanders
    P.S. By the way, I hear that your books suck.
    I doubt the little faggot will even respond.
    Sandy
    Calling someone a faggot is such an excellent way to make them see your point about a tv show. Is there a new website called Homophobes for Starbuck? This is all so silly. If you want to get this angry about something, get angry about something that actuall matters. I’ve seen links to this site from ten different places pointing out what nuts you all are, Lee included, for giving enough to write something in the first place. But its his opinion and never once did he call someone a faggot. What a small, small person you must be to still talk like that in this day and age. Maybe one day you’ll have the opportunity to have a boy for a child and I hope that boy becomes a man who just loves sucking cock.

    Reply
  99. Hey Patrick & Company,
    You’re big hypocrites.
    You slam Goldberg for calling you clueless morons (which you’ve proven here repeatedly in your messages), but it’s okay for you BATTLESTAR groupies to call him worse.
    Where’s your riotuous indignation about that? Non-existant.
    Oh yeah, you’ll chastize people for using naughty words, but it’s okay to call Goldberg a big-nosed faggot asshole.
    You have any idea how many gay & lesbian Battlestar fans you people have offended? Or how many Jewish Battlestar fans with your rabid anti-semitism? Didn’t think of that, did you?

    Reply
  100. I’ve spent a couple hours perusing the Galactica discussion boards… where Mr. Goldberg is called faggot, asshole, hack, jerk, and a number of other charming things I won’t repeat here. I don’t see Patrick Green (who himself called Mr. Goldberg, among other things, “a second rate hack” and “a mean spirited little man”) expressing his outrage, calling on his brethren to “take the high-road,” “act with grace,” or and “show some maturity.”
    No, because it’s okay when THEY do it…mean-spirited and evil when Mr. Goldberg does. Does anyone here but me see a double-standard? Besides, he’s too busy to police what’s happening in his own backyard, he and his bunch are here attacking Mr. Goldberg for doing what he and his brethren do all the time.
    Shame on you!

    Reply
  101. I am deeply saddened that comments have been made here which could be construed as anti-semitic or homophobic. I do believe that Lee, himself, was the first to make a “big nose” comment, but nonetheless such potentially volatile slurs have no place in this point/counterpoint debate. Those who have employed them were wrong to do so, and it does weaken their position, and… in truth… make them a bit hypocritical.
    It is a sad fact that hate begets hate. Lee was wrong in what he wrote. That does not justify anyone from sinking to his level… or lower… in retort.
    The whole point of contention here has been lost, and this whole thing has just become hateful. Really, folks. Let’s just leave this sad little man alone with his brother. I know I’m the one who first posted the link to this page but I think we’ve made ourselves clear. Let’s move on. There’s letters to be written and a movie to be made… and Lee is right about one thing… we’re not going to get it by slamming him.

    Reply
  102. I grew up a half breed. Caught in the middle of a Jewish family and a Catholic family in a small town. Trust me when I tell you that I know anti-semitic behavior when I see it. Those that poked fun at his nose or called him Goldie…I doubt they were going after his Jewish heritage. I suspect they were going after his nose. True, a large nose can be attributed to a heritage. Jewish, Greek, Italian….or you can just be born with an unusually large sniffer. Genetics is a bitch that way. As far as the play on words, well, as I mentioned in my earlier poopy head remarks, we all revert back to the fourth grade at times. I knew a girl named Charmen in the fifth grade. She was an early developer right at the height of popularity of a certain ad campaign. Little did we know we would want to be nicer to endowed women a few years later. Ah, who knew. This is as far as my defense of statements will go. I do not believe there were comments made against Jews. I know there were insunuations by some here that anti semitic comments were made, but I did not see them personally.
    As far as the use of the word faggot. It is not a word I personally endorse. It is in the same category in my life that nigger, spick, and other such words fall under. I have a four year old daughter and I know that she will learn those words one day, I hope she shares my sentiments on the meaning of those words and thier lack of appropriateness in a civil society.As far as righteous indignations goes, I have made my position clear on the use of certain words here and I am sure they will be read by my comrades.
    If there are insults that I have personally said in reference to Lee Goldberg that Lee Goldberg is offended by….I am sure that Mr Goldberg can post on his very own BLOG and tell me that I have offended him and he can demand…or even request an apology from me as I have asked him to apologize for things he has said about an entire community.
    You bring up the Jewish BSG fans and the Gay BSG fans. There are greedy and evil Jewish people in the world. There are immoral gay poeple in the world. There are black people who are criminals and like fried chicken. There are crooked cops. There may be someone who missed a rent payment to donate to the CFF and now lives in his mothers basement. That person may be an overweight bald man in his mid fourties. He may very well be a moron and a loser. Take any group or race or clique or special interest group and you will find a steriotype. To paint all people in a group with a broad brush is a bad thing.
    I am in a group that had been insulted and I asked for an apology and did not get one. Here is the deal. I am not a hypocrite. I ask of no man or woman something I am not willing to give. I acted in anger to Mr Goldberg and I have insulted him. If he tells me that I have insulted him, I think you will see that I am willing to answer my charges head on, admit to them, and make a sincere apology. Not a pc bullsh*t one, but a genuine one. I am a man. I am a good man…not a perfect man, but a good and honest one. You want perfect? Watch Mr Smith Goes to Washington.
    I have not heard from Lee in regard to any offense. Lee has heard from me and many others. An apology from any of you would be meaningless, as would me apologizing to any of you since I have not attacked any of you. This is his Blog and he has my email addy. Just as he has welcomed me to post in his world, he can contact me at any time.
    Cheers

    Reply
  103. Despite Sanders, who just poorly represented the BSG fandom in an aggressive, Neanderthal manner and his ridiculous He-man challenges, I find CFF and most people within the Battlestar Galactica fandom a great bunch of people and I have many friends among them. I was lucky to get to know most of them online from forums, chat rooms, e-mails and my participation in the early campaigns.
    Like you Mr. Goldberg, a couple years ago I too suffered an unfortunate accident resulting in 4 broken ribs, a broken right arm (ulna), a dislocated left shoulder and a severe concussion. I was hospitalized for almost 2 weeks.
    Upon that my employer terminated me and I lost my mortgage lone as a result. My career then spiraled downward.
    My physical injuries healed in a matter of months, but my emotional and spiritual healing took much longer.
    Although, I had a lot friends and family supporting me in real life, I was just as overwhelmed by the support I received from my online friends within the Battlestar Galactica fandom. They helped me and supported emotionally me when I was unable to love myself.
    For that I will always be grateful and I am proud to call them “my friends.”
    I did my part for the cause by writing and mailing my letters to both Tom DeSanto and Glen Larson. I admit I have little to no faith in seeing the original Battlestar Galactica being revived on the big screen. Personally, I think CFF has a better chance in getting a “straight to DVD” production, but nevertheless I will always do what I can to support.
    Upon reading your article Mr. Goldberg, I found your comments to be slanderous, insulting and way out of line. You insulted an entire online/offline fandom (many who are friends of mine) in a bigoted manner. You have a lot of nerve belittling the BSG fandom considering that your minor claim to fame comes from writing episodes of Diagnosis Murder, Baywatch and Baywatch Hawaii. I doubt those shows will ever be remembered as being thought provoking.
    You could have stated your point within the article without the personal attacks and the name calling. It’s the same thing with Sanders who made some great comments in CFF’s defense but unfortunately he threw it all out the window with his aggressive manner and the “fagot” comment. I’m just fortunate to know that NOT all people within BSG fandom are like Sanders.
    I myself went through an aggressive stage online (most notably during my recovery) and I upset many people within fandom, but I’m happy to say that I moved on and progressing into a better person. I too hope that Sanders will someday find peace within himself and I wish him the best of luck.
    In contrast to Lee Goldberg’s comment’s, the majority of the Battlestar Galactica fanbase are passionate, talented and intelligent.
    I am a proud to be a fan among them

    Reply
  104. I got tipped to this and was drug back. Glad I was in a way but don’t intend to stay in a discussion.
    I never intended to sway Goldie’s opinion. I’m not a social worker and saw this moron as a lost cause from the beginning. Calling him a faggot was probably a mistake as it infers an attack on his sexuality that never crossed my mind. Maggot, dipshit, unwashed toe-licker or any of a thousand other descriptions would have worked as well. I never commented on his Jurassic Park nose nor did I comment on his race. The anti-Semite crowd is as clueless as Goldie himself.
    I also DID NOT come here “representing the Battlestar Galactica Crowd”. I came here representing me. My “he man” challenges may have seemed out of line to some but Goldie placed himself to slanderously judge others and then proved to be totally incapable of defending any of his statements. He was not “too busy” to respond. He read every word and is reading this now. He also read through the Galactica boards. Read his later comments in other writing and you can see he was well up on everything written. He most likely tried to argue under “anonymous” and then sent in his brother and friends. He’s the ultimate coward — a pathetic little bug.
    If some dislike me, welcome to America. I embrace your right to think I’m some gathering of slime. That doesn’t change that Goldie attacked a group and was proven to be a total liar. Reading his silly website shows that this isn’t isolated. He’s got a long history of blindly attacking people and proving he has no clue as to what he’s talking about and never bothers to check his facts.
    The maggot was challenged and he failed to respond, even though he hovered over every word written.
    Was the name-calling justified? Who knows. When you’re walking down the street and a guy steps out and punches you, do you punch him back? If you do, does that make you violent? Anyone who checks MY posting history will see that I am one of the most reasoned and level-headed people within the fandom. I save this for extra-special, totally worthless cases like Goldie — and they are few and very far between.
    Take away the noise and what you have is a talentless writer and flawed personality attacking others to try to give himself worth. I challenged him to prove any of his claims. He couldn’t. His prejudices against fan groups runs deeper than any race or sexualty claims inferred by any of us.
    “He Man” challenges might be silly, but at least I can make “He Man” challenges and follow them through if the challenge is accepted. Goldie would have a problem running across his living room. Check his latest photo and you’ll see he’s a wormy little muppet of a man. I challenged him on other levels as well and Goldie couldn’t meet any of that criteria either. His single claim to fame is that he’s an author and a script writer and from what I hear, he’s a failure at that as well. If he did have talent, he wouldn’t be clinging to Diagnosis Murder novels. He’s be writting for current hit shows. He can’t even win awards and has to claim “nominated” as some mark of excellence. Again, no substance beyond his own proclaimations.
    … but, unlike this twerp, I admit I was wrong to use the faggot phrase. It carries a meaning outside of my intent and I do apologize to anyone who feels that they were in any way being put down. My comments are limited strictly to the Goldberg brothers.
    … and now, goodbye to the rest of you. Peace be with you and success in all you do … unless your project somehow involves Goldie.
    Russell Sanders

    Reply
  105. **Calling him a faggot was probably a mistake as it infers an attack on his sexuality that never crossed my mind. Maggot, dipshit, unwashed toe-licker or any of a thousand other descriptions would have worked as well. I never commented on his Jurassic Park nose nor did I comment on his race. The anti-Semite crowd is as clueless as Goldie himself**
    So this is the high road the Galactica groupies are taking in their hysterical moral outrage, all over him calling them clueless morons for their newspaper advertisement.
    Yeah, you really proved your point, which seems to be he should have called you maggots, dipshits and unwashed toelickers instead, because obviously that’s okay with you.
    I don’t blame Lee Goldberg for not bothering to respond to you people. I’ve never seen the TV show you’re in a tizzy about, but after reading the advertisement and seeing your reactions to his mild, Letterman-esque comments on it, it seems to me he is right.

    Reply
  106. Mr. Goldberg’s ‘Clueless Morons’ article has resulted in my loss of respect for Variety. It no longer has the reputation as the best source for accurate reporting on entertainment news.
    What inspires fans’ extreme devotion to Battlestar Galactica? Lee Goldberg of season three of ‘Voyage to the Bottom of the Ratings’ didn’t go to the trouble to find out.
    He used the predictable attack of the uninformed, which is the specious rumor that ABC canceled Battlestar Galactica for the reason of poor ratings. Mr. Goldberg was wrong, and vindictive in his rather mean spirited, not at all objective or even accurate, ‘Clueless Morons’ article.
    ABC wanted to cut the cost of the highest rated science fiction show to air on TV ever in ’78 & ’79, exceeding even NBC’s ‘Star Trek’.
    Indeed before the second season was canceled, Isaac Asimov was to join the writing staff, the cast trimmed and Battlestar Galactica was to have time to develop episodes with more substance. The first season was really the TV movie ‘Saga of a Star World’ rushed into a series format to cash in on the Star Wars phenomenon.
    None of this matters, Goldberg’s take no prisoners modus operandi postings on newsgroups, is indicative of his reporting on Variety.
    He will never go to the trouble to find out the details of Battlestar Galactica, and the readers of Variety are poorly served by Lee Goldberg’s inaccurate diatribe ‘Clueless Morons’.

    Reply
  107. The “details” of Battlestar Galactica are exactly the same as the “details” of just about every other flop show (yes, including some we’ve worked on).
    The ratings were bad.
    Period.
    Now, if somehow it makes you feel better to insist that “the ratings were bad compared to the cost,” you’re welcome to make that point. I don’t see how it makes any difference. The audience wasn’t big enough to support the show. It was cancelled.
    And all the other whiny excuses — oh, there wasn’t enough time to write good scripts! oh, even though it was rotten, it would have been really good the second season because Isaac Asimov was coming on board — simply prove the point that you people have no idea how television production works.
    Not enough time to write good scripts? Welcome to TV. You think Buffy and Lost and NYPD Blue and Monk have tons of time to write theirs? Not a chance. Writing good scripts fast is the only way good TV gets made in America. (They’ve got a different system in some other countries.) And Asimov coming in season two? Great, but who was going to be running the show? I mean, who was going to be making all the fundamental creative decisions in season two? The same guy who made them in season one. So I doubt Asimov — who I don’t think had ever written dramatic TV, although I could be wrong — could have made much of a difference.
    Look, you love the show, that’s fine. There are some shows I loved that didn’t make it through a year. I just don’t understand why it’s so important to insist it was a hit. It wasn’t. It was a bomb.

    Reply
  108. [Mr. Goldberg’s ‘Clueless Morons’ article has resulted in my loss of respect for Variety. It no longer has the reputation as the best source for accurate reporting on entertainment news.]
    Why? Because they took the cash and published the ad?
    [None of this matters, Goldberg’s take no prisoners modus operandi postings on newsgroups, is indicative of his reporting on Variety.]
    What reporting in Variety? Goldberg isn’t a reporter for Variety. And this is a blog, not a newspaper. So how is this “indicative of his reporting on Variety,” since he hasn’t done any!?
    Talk about inaccurate and uninformed! Sheesh.
    Learn to read, Robert. And please try to think before you post or you will make a fool of yourself, as you have today.

    Reply
  109. Bill,
    I am just curious…do you really think the television industry knows how the television industry works? I have had my doubts since I graduated from Sesame Street and the Electric Company. It is somewhat refreshing to have a four year old and watch writing that stimulate me.

    Reply
  110. I found this on Cylon.org:
    “Goldie is a no-talent little mazzof who’s fucked up almost everything he’s been involved in. If he had talent, he’d be writting scripts for current shows not clinging to Diagnosis Murder novels. He’s an excuse maker who attacks others to cover his own severe shortfalls. IOW – He’s a fucking maggot!
    The example article was how the little cocksucker should have written his perception based on his expressed prejudices. I would have written it entirely differently.
    It says a lot that a 40-ish “fat boy” could take a half hour break and write a far superior article than he wrote himself.
    .. but if you really need to know more about the WANKER, just check his photo this last weekend.”
    This is the level if discourse among the Galactica fans. It’s astonishing and shocking to me that they have the guts to come to his blog with moral outrage when their behavior is far worse (they even make fun of his picture!). These are what the Galactica fans are REALLY like. If you don’t believe me, check it out for yourself.
    http://www.cylon.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1211&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

    Reply
  111. GOOSE WROTE: “So this is the high road the Galactica groupies are taking in their hysterical moral outrage, all over him calling them clueless morons for their newspaper advertisement.”
    No, Goose, this is:
    “I am deeply saddened that comments have been made here which could be construed as anti-semitic or homophobic. I do believe that Lee, himself, was the first to make a “big nose” comment, but nonetheless such potentially volatile slurs have no place in this point/counterpoint debate. Those who have employed them were wrong to do so, and it does weaken their position, and… in truth… make them a bit hypocritical.
    It is a sad fact that hate begets hate. Lee was wrong in what he wrote. That does not justify anyone from sinking to his level… or lower… in retort.”
    Did you miss that one? What a great tactic… go for the most volatile post and hold it up as an example of the mindset of the entire fanbase. The same broad strokes Lee applied in his commentary. Bravo. The same goes for missanonymous. There are a lot of thoughtful responses in that thread at Cylon.org. Which did the oh-so-brave misanonymous decide to repost? Anyone who doubts me can check the thread for themselves, rather than rely on the biases of those who pick and choose in order to support their position.
    Sigh.

    Reply
  112. My experience with people is that if you approach them with hostility you are likely to receive hostility in return. Which may bring you back to the original post that launched all this verbiage.

    Reply
  113. Bill Gordon, who long ago said he was leaving, and then got on his high horse back here, forgets the one part of his post where he, in his infinite wisdom, continues to insult Goldberg and even his brother for no apparent reason. He might not call them faggots like his friends do, but insulting no less from a man of his high command within the Colonial Fan Force. If you hate this guy, hate his opinions, hate him, why the fuck do you keep coming back? Anyway, here’s what Bill Gordon said.
    “Let’s just leave this sad little man alone with his brother.”

    Reply
  114. Wow, look at all the fun I missed on this post. A couple points to make.
    Lee is not a bad writter. No, his books aren’t Shakespeare, but they are fun, entertaining, and creative. That’s what I look for.
    This thread continues to lower my opinion of him, however. Then again, those who argue against him aren’t any better, either. So it’s really a lost cause figuring out this grade school nonsense. Does it really matter who started it? Everyone here is behaving immaturly and acting like clueless morons. Yes, Lee, even you.
    A point no one has brought up at all. On many other posts on this blog, Lee discusses the constant reworking of old TV series for the movies. This has been a trend for years. Take a fondly remembered TV series and make it into a movie of some sort. With the BSG miniseries being a hit and a new series in the works, is it completely stupid to think someone might want to make a new movie with the original cast? No. What’s the worst that could happen with a little campaign? Nothing comes of it. They tried, it didn’t work.
    Then again, maybe the worst that will happen is being insulted by someone who writes for TV and has his own fan base.

    Reply
  115. You raise some good points, Mark. Nothing productive can come from further debate on this issue. TO be frank, I have never read one of his books. I did watch Nero Wolfe avidly, and it was a wonderful show. I am a big fan of old time radio and have many CD’s. I think the show was actually better than the original radio series.
    Unfortunately, this experience has made me doubt I will ever purchase one of his books, and I may turn to another channel if I see he is involved in a production. My one man boycott will not affect his sales or his ratings.
    My opinion of him would have changed drastically if he had merely apologized. If I offended him with any statements, I would have gladly apologized with or without his apology.
    To further discuss this issue would be as fruitless as it has already been. Just as I predicted two of his moves in prior posts, I can sit back and enjoy the reading from those who feel we are wrong taking only the worste of our statements, painting us with a broad brush, and feeling good about getting the last word in.
    Have fun.

    Reply
  116. You’ll notice that, with the exception of the STAR TREK and NAKED GUN movies, that none of the many other movies-based-on-TV series that have followed have starred the original cast, nor have any that have been announced for development
    But that’s not the issue that makes the VARIETY ad so stupid or the people behind it so…how to put this nicely?…naive and wrong-headed.
    These theatrical remakings of TV series are basically trading on the name identification of a hit series to create a new movie franchise, which is why they keep the name but cast movie stars in the roles. The original franchise is the selling point, not the actors. (Which is why I SPY didn’t have Bill Cosby, it had Eddie Murphy, and why WILD WILD WEST had Will Smith and not Robert Conrad. And why the new MIAMI VICE isn’t going to star Don Johnson or Philip Michael Thomas…but Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx, instead).
    These movies are intended to be blockbusters. And the blockbuster imperative doesn’t extend to nostalgia-friendly casting, with the exception of cameos (ie Patrick MacNee as invisible ghost in AVENGERS or Mark Goddard with one line in LOST IN SPACE) as a sop to the fans.
    BATTLESTAR GALACTICA has been done…as miniseries. The franchise value is already being mined. And it’s highly doubtful that people will flock to the theatres just to see Richard Hatch, Dirk Benedict and company.
    On a whole different level, the ad itself was wronghead, directed at an audience of writers, producers, directors, and studio heads who aren’t about to write letters to Glen Larson or Tom DeSanto.
    The fans threw $12,000 away on an ad targeted at the wrong audience for their message (the message itself was wrong-headed, but I will get to that later, too). They humiliated their cause in the eyes of the very Industry that the fans were hoping to impress. Industry professionals who see ads like that in Variety aren’t impressed (any more than they are buy the struggling screenwriter who spends the money on a full-page ad to reprint pages of his unsold screenplay). The ad simply reinforced every preconception Hollywood has about fandom. It certainly did for me.
    (On a side note, even if Glen Larson was dying to do a BSG movie, he does not have the clout to get a $100 million feature off the ground. You will notice he is only tangentially involved in the features in works based on his other TV series. So writing letters to him isn’t going to persuade a studio to dump money into the revival of a franchise that is already being mined on television, if in a “re-imagined version).
    The ad in Cinescape, however, was also money poorly spent, though less obviously so. I’ll get to the reasons why in a moment.
    You want to revive BSG? I think it’s a lost cause, especially since the valuable aspect of the franchise is already being mined on TV, but here’s some constructive advice:
    Investing money in trade ads is useless. It’s better to use that money to organize a grass-roots campaign to make people aware of the BSG DVD and get them to buy it. On your website, make it look more businesslike and less fannish.
    The trick is not to convince the powers that be that there are 100,000 absolute diehard fans who will do anything to get BSG back as a feature. You need to convince them there are actually tens of millions who have at least a passing interest in seeing BSG brought back. You want to spend money? Spend it on raising awareness among non-devotees of BSG. Get a groundswell of interest in the show itself. Try to push the DVD on people who aren’t familiar with the series. This is how it worked with THE NAKED GUN (on video) and later THE FAMILY GUY and FIREFLY, which were revived after cancellation because a lot of people saw the shows on home video and fell in love with them. Those video sales convinced the studios there was a lucrative market still out there.
    The only thing that will convince a studio (or financiers) to make a movie is to be persuaded by hard facts and hard cash that there is still MORE money to be made Slavish devotion by a handful of fans… even if there are 100,000 of them… won’t bring in nearly enough money to justify a film.
    Bottom line: Expose people to the show, not to your fandom. Expose studios to sales, not examples that some diehard devotees exist.
    Which brings me to the website the advertisement directs readers to. The design and writing on the website only serves to confirm every Industry professional and non-fan’s immediate assumptions from the ad: This isn’t about the quality and merits of a TV show… it’s about a handful of diehard fans who can’t let go and have no real-world perspective.
    The more you can do to NOT make this about the fans— and about THE SHOW, the better chance your campaign has of succeeding. But you’ve sabotaged yourself, and your campaign, from the outset… by crafting the wrong message and sending that wrong message to the wrong people. You need to rethink your image (the name “Colonial Fan Force,” for example), your message, and the best way to present it to the people you need to reach…
    Which isn’t the studios.
    It’s the viewers.

    Reply
  117. Well, hell! Just when you think you got people all figured out they go and do something to prove you wrong.
    It may not be an apology, but it is constructive, to the point, and informative.
    Mr Goldberg,
    I cannot speak for an entire group of people. I can only speak for myself. I appreciate you taking the time to write the posting you did. I can take criticism, I merely prefer it to be constructive. Probably why I stick with local theater as opposed to doing it on a grander scale.
    As I said before. I have never read one of your books so I cannot call you a second rate hack and have an informed opinion on the matter. After this exchange, I may go to my local library and see what they have.
    I do mean what I am about to say with all sincerety. If I have said anything demeaning to you that offended you, hurt you, or created concern, I am sorry.
    Though I beleive that poeple in the public eye should be mindful of what they say, I do not think that should make them subject to personal concerns for safety and family. I remember the shock that went through your community at the tragic events that fell on Rebecca Schaeffer, a young woman with great potential cut in her prime from a misguided person. I do not consider that a reflection on fandom, I see that as a reflection that we have alot of ill people in society that need help and we need better laws in place to protect those who are stalked.
    I do not have to agree with your position on fans, fan fiction, or entertainment in general. That does not give one liscense for boorish behavior.
    Again, thank you for your last post as it was constructive and perhaps helpful. I doubt people in my group will dedicate songs to you, but I wonder if some of the CFF founders will adopt some of your suggestions. That is not my decision to make and I think Ihad a point to this post, but I am not sure where to go with this.
    To sum up…I apologize for being a jerk.
    Though I still disagree with the initial post, I appreciate this post.
    I do not know if your books are good or bad (pretty subjective matter, however)
    I think that about covers everything I can say at the moment.

    Reply
  118. Lee,
    That was the best thing you have posted on your blog in days. NOW I see your point. Remember, we don’t all know Hollywood as well as you do, so something that seems logical to us but isn’t won’t make any sense if you assume we know why when we don’t.
    I thought the Firefly movie was in production before the DVD’s came out. Or was that just a rumor that was backed up by the DVD’s actually sellling well. Shows how much attention I paid to that timeline, doesn’t it? 🙂

    Reply
  119. //I thought the Firefly movie was in production before the DVD’s came out. Or was that just a rumor that was backed up by the DVD’s actually sellling well. //
    I think you are right on this one, that Firefly was in production (or at least serious pre-production) before the DVD came out.
    I don’t understand how this deal came together at all (and I say that as a great admirer of Mr. Whedon’s work). I can only figure that he promised Universal he could do the film on a tiny budget, that the show was doing well enough overseas the studio figured they could make their money back on foreign and domestic DVD sales, that Whedon made a killer pitch and then wrote a dynamite script…
    …and that Universal really, really wanted to be in business with Joss Whedon, and here found a very inexpensive way to start a relationship.
    I also assume that Whedon sold the studio on the original version of the show, the one Fox scrapped after seeing the pilot…

    Reply
  120. You may be right on FIREFLY, Mark. The movie deal may have been in the works before the DVD came out and did so well. But the big difference between FIREFLY and the other projects is Joss Whedon.
    He is a major force in television (BUFFY, ANGEL) and film (TOY STORY, etc.) and has considerable clout. Everybody wants to be in business with him… and if making a feature film based on his short-lived series (and pet project) is the way to do it, they will. I’m sure the brisk DVD sales only further justified the decision.
    On another subject…relating to your original message earlier… keep in mind that BATTLESTAR GALACTICA aired for one season in 1978. It was not a success, and a follow up series bombed. The pilot was even re-edited and distributed as a feature film. That, too, failed to ignite much interest.
    Most of the TV series revived for feature films, or in the works for movies now, were huge successes in their day … and later in syndication. I SPY, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, CHARLIES ANGELS, WILD WILD WEST, BRADY BUNCH, MIAMI VICE, DUKES OF HAZZARD, VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA, GOOD TIMES, STARSKY AND HUTCH, ADDAMS FAMILY, BEVERLY HILLHILLIES, etc. (By the way, I wrote a non-fiction book a decade ago about this business called TELEVISION SERIES REVIVALS).
    STAR TREK, while a ratings disappointment, still ran for three season… and scored a huge success in syndication.
    BATTLESTAR GALACTICA isn’t in the same league as those franchises on any level. Whatever value BSG does have as a franchise property, primarily its name recognition, is already being mined with the miniseries (and, so far anyway, with great success). The new versio, unlike STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, has new actors in the same roles as the original series. I doubt that two filmed properties, both called BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, could or will co-exist in the marketplace. I believe the most the BSG fans can realistically expect to happen is for the old cast to show up in cameos in the “reimagined” new version…

    Reply
  121. I appreciate your concern, Patrick. But I can assure you I was never offended by the discussion here. I have a very thick skin… or I wouldn’t have a blog that allows readers to comment freely about my opinions and observations, whether they agree with me or not.
    As far as my books go, there is one I can recommend to you that might give you a better understanding of how the television industry works… it’s SUCCESSFUL TELEVISION WRITING by me and William Rabkin. Despite the title, its more about how TV shows are produced, and the business behind the business, than it is about writing scripts.
    I also wrote a book many years ago called TELEVISION SERIES REVIVALS, which was more about the revival phenomenon on primetime rather than in the movie theatres…you might be able to find it used on abebooks.com

    Reply
  122. I was 3 then when BSG was on TV. I just know I’ve heard about it all my life so assumed it was more successful then it was. Obviously I didn’t know what I was talking about.
    Don’t take my word for it on Firefly, either. I know I had heard rumors that Joss hoped to resolve stuff in a movie version (and I hope he does. There’s a lot I want to know about that story). But that doesn’t mean he had any kind of deal. My memory for stuff from two years ago I was fanatacal about is not super reliable. Heck, I probably only watched half the Firefly episodes, didn’t buy the DVD’s, but do plan to see the movie.
    I always forget Joss wrote Toy Story. So completely different from the rest of what he’s done.

    Reply
  123. Lee,
    I found this message, a response to what you wrote here the other day, in the discussion on the colonial fleets website:
    //Lee is obviously oblivious to how well the BSG DVD box-set sold (with another reissue around the corner). I don’t have the numbers to compare the BSG set to the Firefly set, but Firefly has been priced-to-sell for a while now, and… so far as I know… it never sold out, nor has there been a reissue. (Of course I realize the BSG reissue is set to coincide with the American premeire of The Abomination, but it’s still getting the original Battlestar Galactica series back out there).
    Lee is obviously oblivious to the fact that BRAND NEW LINES of action figures are being released… not in the image of The Abomination… but in the image of the original Battlestar Galactica series .
    Lee is obviously unaware that a company in England is about to relase a bound edition of vintage the original Battlestar Galactica series comics.
    The financial “proof-in-the-puddin'” Lee is talking about is already happening. He just doesn’t know it because he doesn’t bother to do any research before spouting off his “expertise.//
    To the person who wrote this, I would say:
    If Lee doesn’t know it…and regardless of what you think of him, there’s no doubt he’s got an eye on popular media…what makes you think anybody else does? You think the average man on the street is aware of the original show? The action figures? Some obscure comic books being reissued in England?
    Not that it matters anyway. Those products preach to the choir, the Galactica groupies. I think you’ve just proven the point of Lee’s post the other day…and the faults of your campaign.
    Your job isn’t to reach BATTLESTAR GALACTICA fans… it’s to reach people who either haven’t heard of the show or barely know about it. Lee was saying if you convince them, and get them behind the show, then you have a campaign. He says the advertisement was money poorly spent on a message sent to the wrong audience.
    In many ways, what you’ve said proves that… and that you’re still thinking the wrong way. If you can get past your dislike of Lee, and think about what he said, you might learn something useful that will help your cause.

    Reply
  124. I am sure you have already read a lot of emails from us “Clueless Morons”
    but I just had to write and tell you that I thought your mean spirited attack on fans of Science Fiction was rude and uncalled for,
    Obviously you have some sort of Grievance here against someone, and its too bad you have to resort to this type of behavior in order to make youself feel better.
    I am one of those 40 year olds you talk about in your article and I can tell you this much, if you were here right now I would kick your fucking ass so hard you would be shitting out of your mouth, if you dont think I can try me,
    maybe you think we are all old soft bald losers but the truth is no we are not all like the stereotypical Sci Fi fans you think we are. in fact I have a great wife and two great kids and a good Job that pays very well, I haven’t ever gone to a Convention I dont care if I am in “The Little Circle” of fans that talk to the actors etc… I just like to watch Science Fiction and Battlestar Galactica was and is my favorite one, I wanted them to revive it in its original form just like a lot of other people , but not for the reasons you suggest, but rather I wanted to see what happened to those characters.
    I am not against this new Battlestar Galactica, in fact I see a few things I do Like and I hope that it will grow into a better show so that I will want to know what happens to these characters also. As for the Article in those Star Magazines Crap, well I can only say that its their money to do with as THEY SEE FIT and in fact if you had taken 2 seconds to go and look at that site you would see that they have quite a few people listed for donations including Richard Hatch, and Ronald Moore, in fact its a pretty good sized list in my opinion.
    In closing , I want to say that I dont know if taking out ads in cheap rags like Variety will help, anything but I do know that if people give up on things they care about and give in to Bullies like you then God Help us all, becuse we dont deserve to rule the Planet.
    Daniel G. Allan

    Reply
  125. Glen Larson updates fans on Battlestar Galactica movie.
    November 10 , 2004
    Source: IESB.NET
    Author: Robert Sanchez
    “The new Battlestar Galactica is not a bad show but they should of called it something else.” That is the feeling from the crew behind the original series. Most fans agree that the new Galactica is a decent show but it completely disregards what the original show from the 70’s had accomplished. But wait… there’s hope.
    For years there has been talk of Glen Larson making a feature film of Battlestar Galactica featuring the original cast. You may ask how that’s possible considering that there is a new TV series. It’s actually quite simple, Glen Larson owns the theatrical rights to Battlestar Galactica.
    Last night at the Buck Rogers DVD release event Larson told the IESB that there is quite a bit of interest in making a new film featuring the original cast. He knows that both Dirk Benedict and Richard Hatch are willing participants in the venture. He does not know what storyline they will follow but that they plan to be faithful to the original series and to the fans. “We have some pretty good ideas and it will be a great journey to bring BSG back,” Larson said.
    Regarding other projects in the works such as Knight Rider, Magnum P.I. and Fall Guy, he explained that they still don’t know what direction they will take and that they don’t have any scripts quite yet. He does promise that in the very near future he will have some Knight Rider news to share with us all.
    Stay tuned to the IESB for future updates!
    http://www.iesb.net/movies2/movie111004.php
    http://scifipulse.net/battlestarnews/Larson_Report2004.html

    Reply
  126. I have just read your very interesting article on Battle Star Galactica. Like you I cannot see any real point in bringing back Battle Star Galactica.There is just one note that distracted from an otherwise excellent article:
    “I suspect the real audience is about 100 fat guys”
    Why “fat”? Surely we have gone past the point where serious people use “fat” as an insult.
    Surely you would have made the same worthwhile points without that phrase It gave the impression of a juvenile wish to shock (like accusing people of being “fags” or “niggers”) when otherwise the article was thoughtful; and constructive.

    Reply
  127. Seems those “clueless morons,” as you call them, just gave $4,000 to the Sri Lanka flood victims. Their generosity is in direct proportion to your pettiness.

    Reply
  128. Glad to hear it — they should be commended for their generiosity. It certainly puts the far greater amount of money they threw away on a full-page advertisement pleading for a “Battlestar Galactica” movie into proper perspective (and proves my point far better than I ever could). I’m glad to see they are donating their money now to a much more worthwhile cause.

    Reply
  129. I’m not sure your point was ever clear, except that you were an angry guy who got off on a hostile rant, but I’m sure many of the people you lashed out at appreciate the friendlier tone. I know I do.

    Reply
  130. My point was that taking out the ad was an incredible waste of money, that there were many truly worthy causes that could benefit from the same time, effort and cash they were investing with such earnestness and devotion in an idiotic pursuit. It’s nice to see they’ve come to the same realization…and at exactly the right time!

    Reply
  131. Lee,
    May I call you “Lee?”
    Now, Lee, before you think to just gloss over this posting as another effort by a ‘clueless moron’ to have his voice heard…at least give me the courtesy of a once-over. Trust me, I’m relatively polite regarding the matter.
    On to business…
    I’m a fan.
    Not just a fan of the original “Battlestar Galactica,” whose loyalists you sought to so thoughtlessly skewer (that’s the last dig, I promise), but a fan of quality science fiction. The problem with science fiction is that it’s a medium of ideas. Quality and attention to detail are two properties that are paramount to a successful telling of tales in a science fiction universe. While that may sound great on paper, in the hands of Suits it often becomes a medium of washed-up cliches.
    i.e. – Green women with ample cleavage toting ray guns is not a staple in the vanguard of the Medium of Ideas. However, it’s usually what you get when you hire a bunch of moneyed white guys to pay writers to create a film that’ll cash in on the masses hungry for space opera.
    See, the bulk of crappy science fiction – in fact, the bulk of crappy EVERYTHING nowadays – is not conceived of by those who would enjoy it, but by suits who sit in air-conditioned offices (even in January, which proves they MUST be mammals, but you couldn’t prove it by me) trying to figure out ways to make money by pandering to the lowest common denominator.
    It must work, because they make lots of money doing it. However, their product never satisfies the most ardent supporters, because it’s never what they REALLY want…it’s always crap. Kind of like giving soda to a thirsty man…he’s never gonna quench his thirst, is he?
    It’s a typical suit move: use the name recognition, but bring in a new cast to make it cheap. While it worked for the jump-starting of the Star Trek franchise in 1987 with “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” time will tell whether or not it will work with Galactica. Now, I’m not saying that the new Galactica series is bad, far from it…I like the new show. However, as a fan of the original series from 1978, I’d love to see a film version (or at least a TV movie) that uses the original cast…just for nostalgia’s sake. Pursuant to that, the fans who call themselves the ‘Colonial Fan Force’ sought to bring their desires to the Medium of Ideas. Instead, the suits recast one of their favorite characters as a caucasian alien woman with ample cleavage toting a ray gun.
    (Okay, maybe that’s an unintended slam against erstwhile actress Katie Sackhoff, who really IS doing a good job portraying a female version of the BSG character Starbuck – a male – and maybe, sometimes, a cigar really IS a cigar…but that sort of thing sure does run roughshod over the Medium of Ideas. However, unlike most “classic” fans, I don’t blame the messenger. Sackhoff is fine in the role she plays…it’s the writers and producer who sometimes need a schooling.)
    While I agree that the money spent on a ‘Variety’ ad for a theatrical film version of the original ‘Battlestar Galactica’ utilizing the original cast was ill-conceived, it was not for the same reasons as you posited in your article. The people who read ‘Variety’ are the very Suits that are ruining the Medium of Ideas in the first place.
    Let’s take a look at two of your ill-conceived statements:
    “You’ll notice that, with the exception of the STAR TREK and NAKED GUN movies, that none of the many other movies-based-on-TV series that have followed have starred the original cast, nor have any that have been announced for development”
    …and…
    “Industry professionals who see ads like that in Variety aren’t impressed (any more than they are buy the struggling screenwriter who spends the money on a full-page ad to reprint pages of his unsold screenplay). The ad simply reinforced every preconception Hollywood has about fandom. It certainly did for me.”
    Bzzzt. Wrong answer. Would you like to try for Double Jeopardy, where the scores can REALLY change?
    The American science fiction series, “Farscape” was rescued – albeit all too briefly – from cancellation and resurrected as a miniseries by the very same efforts that the Colonial Fan Force are using…Variety ad and everything. Word-of-mouth amongst investors of the fans’ passion for “Farscape” encouraged them to finance a Henson miniseries entitled, “The Peacekeeper Wars,” to satisfy the cravings of that series’ fans.
    Similar efforts (including a Variety ad) for the cancelled ‘Fox’ science fiction series “Firefly” produced similar results – a film version of that series (using the original cast, I might add) has already been shot and is scheduled for a September release. The Star Trek series of films, the temporary resurrection of ‘Roswell’ due to fan support (Variety again), all of which point to the fact that science fiction fans have some measure of power…that the flagship shows of the Medium of Ideas have their supporters, and that sometimes – just sometimes – they have power over the Suits.
    And, honestly, that’s what it’s all about. Perhaps we fans have demonstrated we have no idea how the TV industry works. However, you demonstrated clearly that you have NO idea how Fandom works. Science fiction fans are passionate about their shows in a way no other TV viewers are – and rightly so. You write for television, but that doesn’t mean you have Clue One about science fiction, or it’s fandom.
    Are the folks who go out in subzero weather and paint themselves the team colors of the Dallas Cowboys or the Yankees any less crazy? Still they’re fans, right?
    It’s funny, but I don’t see that many ‘Diagnosis: Murder’ conventions out there.
    In your mind, are fans of science fiction the only idiots and fools out there, or just the saddest ones? Because, honestly, I believe them to be the bravest fans of all, because we have to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fools.
    From one outrageous fool to another, I remain…
    T.R.
    Clueless Moron

    Reply
  132. As Al Jolsen said,”You ain’t heard nothin’yet!” I recently received this rather astonishing email:
    To whom it may concern,
    As a loyal fan of the tv series “THE SAINT” as well as
    the series “B./J. & THE BEAR”, well, I feel that they
    should come together in a crossover film project, or
    rather my associates at RACONTEUR PRODUCTIONS feel
    that it should happen!? My cousin TOM “MAC” McMILLAN
    whom is the mastermind of the screenplay script is so
    desperate that he is even planning on both ROGER MOORE
    as SIMON TEMPLAR, SR. & STEPHANIE BEACHAM in her guest
    role of PENELOPE BROWN from the ‘SAINT’ episode
    entitled “LEGACY FOR THE SAINT”, & with MAC himself as
    SIMON TEMPLAR, JR., well, he’s planning on an all-star
    cast that has not yet begun to light up theatre
    screens throughout the world!
    One scene even features SIMON TEMPLAR, SR. in a shootout with a law enforcement officer named SHERIFF “BIG ED” LITTLE who never gives up in his attempts to blackmail the DUKE boys (friends of TEMPLAR’S son) into prison!!! LITTLE is the sheriff of CHICKASAW COUNTY, GEORGIA according to the classic AMERICAN tv show entitled “THE DUKES OF HAZZARD”! Just make certin confirmations through various websites, including the one representing veteran-actor DON PEDRO COLLEY whom played SHERIFF LITTLE!? The title of the film which my associates have decided on will be called “SON OF THE SAINT”. Now ROGER MOORE is still considering rather,or not to portray SIMON TEMPLAR, SR., & I’ve not yet received any responses
    from STEPHANIE BEACHAM as of yet either. However,
    ROGER MOORE’S co-star RICHARD KIEL from the 007 movies
    “THE SPY WHO LOVED ME” & “MOONRAKER” worked with
    ‘DUKES’ cast member SONNY SHROYER in 1974’S
    “THE LONGEST YARD”, & later in 1978’S
    “THEY WENT THAT-A-WAY & THAT-A-WAY”, KIEL was working
    with both SHROYER & SHROYER’S fellow ‘DUKES’ cast
    member BEN JONES.
    Also, ROGER MOORE’S other 007
    co-star CLIFTON JAMES made an appearance in the
    ‘DUKES’ episode entitled “THE TREASURE OF HAZZARD”, &
    he also appeared with KIEL in 1976’S “SILVER STREAK”!
    RESPECTFULLY YOURS.
    J.C.
    P.S.
    Special casting will have GREG EVIGAN reclaiming his
    role from “B./J. & THE BEAR” to really get things
    cooking!

    Reply
  133. You know everything you said about CFF and the effort to bring a Battlestar Galactica continuation movie to the big screen might be true.
    That doesn’t change the fact that you are a mean spirited asshole.
    Wow, hit a little bit to close to home, didn’t it? How DARE anybody critize the attempt to resurect a tv show that is all ready back in another form. The frothing at the mouth that the morons from battlestar new york and the colonial fan force is pretty extreme and immature and thier cluelessness about the sillyness of thier activities. Clueless morons indeed!

    Reply
  134. Reading anything posted by Dirk stalker Kathryn O is like reading something that is equal to nails scraping across a chalkboard. She believe all the people in the computer should behave and act like she wants them to… to be flamed without them fighting back and when they do – they get stalked, threatened and harassed for over two years. She can make your blood boil just from having access to a poor keyboard. Her statements about name calling should ring true for her because that’s all she’s ever done.

    Reply
  135. “And, honestly, that’s what it’s all about. Perhaps we fans have demonstrated we have no idea how the TV industry works. However, you demonstrated clearly that you have NO idea how Fandom works. Science fiction fans are passionate about their shows in a way no other TV viewers are – and rightly so. You write for television, but that doesn’t mean you have Clue One about science fiction, or it’s fandom.”
    What? You don’t understand why nobody wants to revive a tv series thats already been revived? But not in a form that you like. Most people seem to prefer the new one. And the critics too. What don’t you understand?

    Reply
  136. Get a clue, Chrissie-poo.
    Wow, what a rebutal! You really have a high level of intellectual acumen! So trying to revive battlestar galactica when it’s already on tv in another from is a good idea! What a worthy cause! Explain why!

    Reply
  137. Oh wait it’s THAT rob adcox! Boy, you certainly are a creepy little rage-a-holic! I don’t remember making any comments about battlestar galactica on that board? Why come over here? Girlfriend can’t keep you occupied? Oh that’s right, she’s got a puncture!

    Reply
  138. “Most people seem to prefer the new one. And the critics too.”
    Not everyone thinks the new show is that great. Of course if a critic likes then we all should, NOT. I can’t remember the last time I agreed with a critic. To borrow a phrase from Lee here, Critics are ‘Clueless Morons’.
    I think Lee however missed the point in his ranting. The poeple wanting to bring in a new Battlestar Galactica are not as clueless as he paints them. They understand that the actors are older. They really want a continuation of the old show with the old actors, along with NEW actors.
    The problem with the old Battlestar Galactica is there was no conclusion to the show. The network pulled it for many reasons, mainly money.
    I think though that the fans of any show are on the same level with Hollywood and their attitude of “Its all about me”.

    Reply

Leave a Comment