INFORMATION
INDEX
This XAC Index is a collection of selected posts to the XAC list.
It is presented to provide a point of reference for persons seeking information about the movement to combat censorship of Xena Warrior Princess.
At present there are emails from 6 April 1999 through 8 May 1999.
Complied by JacQuest
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Letter Suggestions |
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8 May 1999
Brainstorm
From: Bongo Bear <thebongobear@yahoo.com>
Perhaps a brainstorm is in order here. A number of ideas have been put forth
and a number of them have been rejected as impractical or ineffective or rude.
So, instead of knocking the options as they come up, let's open the floor for
some ideas without criticising them. Just throw them out over the weekend and
then close the floor at some specified time, like midnight US CST. Then
compile the suggestions into a single email. We can go over the pros & cons
for each one. Some suggestions may be repeats of other; those can be
condensed. Some suggestions may be best implemented in conjunction.
I do suggest that the ideas address our resource limitations. Ideas that are
cheap, effective, and fast are most likely to be implemented.
Debate Between to Ad and not to Ad
Both ideas are good, but maybe we could meet halfway on this. Maybe (and this is just an idea) we can select a charity that pleases all, combine that with a news release to the news services and present the check to the charity during one of the conventions.
The news release could read something like this:
Xena Against Censorship donates $000,0000.00 to___________.
]During their convention at _____________ a donation of ____________ was given to _________ by members of XAC. An organization formed by fans of the television program "Xena: Warrior Princess." The organization is protesting the removal of an episode of the program entitled "The Way". from worldwide distribution. The organization is working to convince the distributors of the show to reinstate the episode to regular television.
By donation this money to ____________ the group is trying to bring awareness both to this particular cause and also to the censorship of televisions at a local, national and international level.
This is just a thought.
Be Nice!!!!!!!!!!!
The Way is not Clear
From: "Angelica Dominguez Moussier" <angie01@mixmail.com>
Hi guys:
Look, I don't think the idea about collecting money is good,
you get in too much trouble by handling the money. If I sent
something, I'd like to see where it went, like everybody
would.
I also think the idea of standing outside the Studios is too
radical, and maybe was the reason for not showing The Way.
These guys, of the radical groups, are exactly that.
RADICAL.
We have to show the we are not a fanatic group of people,
like they are. We are the civilized ones because our protest
is " silent " and orderly made.
We have to stick to this, and we'll get better results than
if we scream and shout ouside the Studio.
We have to show everybody that in these times there is no
place for intolerance. We never protest if someone shows
something offensive for any way of thinking. Maybe some
people do, but not as this type of thing. They've gone too
far, and that shows intolerance is a world-wide thing.
Come on!!
We're gonna get into the 21st century like that??
I'd say we've got to be better than them, but most of all,
be smarter, and avoid being impulssive.
That would only lead the Studio to cut-off Xena, and I
wouldn't like that at all...
So, think about it, let's stick to the petitions, and remain
cool, if we show any violence the consecuences will be worse
for us. They have nothing to lose. Remember that.
Thanks.
Angie
Petition in NY
From: Mistopholees <cassetta@ix.netcom.com>
I'll be speaking on the issue of censorship and what the fans are doing this
week at Meow Mix. I'm also planning on circulating a petition there.
Mist
Petition in NY
From: MelosaQu@aol.com
I don't know if this is a good idea or a bad idea (if this hasn't been done
already, that is). If Meow Mix in NYC still holds Xena Nights, maybe they
can have a Petition Night....show the episode "The Way" (or the entire India
arc, for that matter)....and try to get the local, friendly media to do some
coverage of it. Yes.....this will only be local coverage, but maybe, just
maybe a national/world wide newspaper, magazine or TV broadcast will then
pick up on that story and roll with it. Would this generate positive
publicity or a more negative response?.....I don't know.
Just my thoughts....
Kim
Something Else to do
From: "Catherine M. Wilson" <cmwilson@wildestdreams.org>
If anyone needs something to do, here's an idea.
I have created a new web page designed to let any fan of any
TV show who has a fan page on the Internet join in our protest.
This page explains how the Xena protest has implications for other
television shows and provides code and a graphic to add to their
fan pages directing people to my protest page.
My new page is at:
http://www.tsoft.com/~cmwilson/JoinTheProtest.html
You might search out fan pages for Buffy, X-Files, Trek, Teletubbies,
Ellen, as well as Xena fan pages, and give them the above URL.
With very little trouble, they can add a nice graphic, a blurb about the
protest and a protest link to their own web page.
I would love to see our protest graphic on every single fan page
I visit! It would be a great way to increase awareness of our
protest.
Kit
Ad or Charity
From: cjkruger@email.com
Hi,
Wow we really are in a predicament now aren't we.
We have to think about this in terms of "what will bring the most attention to our cause" A charity I aggree is a fantastic idea but be realistic.Has anyone heard or seen a list of those that do give to charity.{unless you are giving an imence amount of money}I only heard about the chrity money given to Lucy through the 'chakram club mag'otherwise I wouldn't even have known. The add on the other hand will get the attention of people who don't listen to cnn or read the paper everyday. We need numbers and to get numbers we need publicity. with publicity will come notification of our cause.we could even get sponsored. Maybe there is someone out there with a company or business who might even believe strongly enough to pay or contribute most of, for the add. The money left over can then be given to charity and it could be mentioned as well. Why not raise the money first and see how much we can muster and then go from there.At the moment we're counting the chickens before they hatch.
studios USA won't care if we're giving to charity because it's numbers of people ie petitions ,that ultimatley put preasure on NOT giving to charity.
HOWEVER I am a xenite and if the majority decides on the charity way then so be it - count me in.
battle on.
7 May 1999
Charity
From: "Silea Lawless" <sileakicksbutt@hotmail.com>
A very worrying thing happened to me the other night- I was in a Xena chat
room at Amphipolis Village, and NONE of the people in there had even heard
about the censorship of "The Way"- and these were (internet) Xenites!
Obviously we have to make the anti-censorship ribbons, banners, info etc.
bigger and more important on every Xena site we can...all the people in the
chat room were happy to go sign the peition, but I think we've found why our
petition doesn't have EVERY xenite on the net's names on it...perhaps we can
make it a mission to go into various chat rooms and remind everyone of the
cnesorship?
Silea
Charity Donation
From: MHeckrotte@aol.com
All right,guys...let's get a little realistic...donating to charity is a
worthy cause and certainly we can do that...BUT...how much exposure do you
really think it is going to give our cause...people are donating all over the
country...I frankly don't see on television the names and causes of any of
them being promoted...and even if they were what are we going to say...we
from XAC have gotten these funds together to help these victims and by the
way we want to talk about our cause...we are using a tragic event to promote
something
that doesn't even come close to being on the same scale...do you REALLY think
any media is going to think
what we are doing is news worthy on a grander scale and
do you yourselves feel good about taking advantage of
a crisis...if you want to donate, then donate for cripes
sake but keep our protest out of it...that is caring...
if you don't want to do an ad then don't...just keep
fiddling with petitions and all of this is going to go
away...by the fewer numbers signing the petition, it's
already on its way out...needless to say I for one am
TOTALLY against using any funds to promoted causes like
that because that is not giving, it's capitalizing...
certainly I would rather and am donating my contributions to organizations
without ulterior motives..and having said all that, I am going away.
6 May 1999
To ad or not to ad
Just MHO and two pennies worth, but I don't think that and Ad in any paper is they way to go.
What we need, and have needed since the beginning, is to strike HARD while the iron is hot.
Unfortunately it is getting alot colder the more time we waste 'tooing and frowing' (sp?).
Quickly organised mass protests and demonstrations, all on the same day, outside all the local TV companies that broadcast Xena - even across the world. And for those fortunate enough to be able to get to Studio USA or RenPics then do it outside there.
Only then can we get our '15 mins of fame' on TV and publicly send the message against censorship - not just Xena.
Then that should get us on the news and in the papers. Followed up the be petitions and maybe even - if someone knows one - a supportive Congressman or whatever your local politicians are called in the states.
Maybe then we can sort out this stupid mess.
But please come on and stop this 'brainstorming' otherwise if we wait much more we will have total lost.
And, speaking for myself, I refuse to let some small minded, religious or just pathetically dumb people determine what I can and cannot do, think, see, read or hear.
Just my thoughts....
A really frustrated Xena fan.
To ad or not to ad
From: "Becky Calvert" <lostkiwi@worldnet.att.net>
I would like to address some key points that ie has brought up.
This is, of course, all IMHO.
> From: i e <stand-in@juno.com>
> To: XAC@onelist.com
> Subject: Re: [XAC] To Ad or not to Ad??
> Date: Thursday, May 06, 1999 12:11 PM
>
> From: i e <stand-in@juno.com>
>Unless you are damn sure that the petitions alone will do the
> job, why deter another powerful avenue of helping our cause?
I am Damn sure that the petitions are having an effect. I still think the
ad is a bullish attempt to force a change and will backfire. I feel the
most powerful venue would be helping others and attaching our name to
it--good deeds, good PR, good feelings all around, and we still get to stay
visible.
:> making Studios USA aware of the situation in front of the rest
> of the Industry and those are the people you want to reach.
I am sure Hollywood has a great grapevine and every one of the studios had
this tidbit of juicy news as a major issue for discussion around the water
cooler.
> Money has already been given to Lucy's charity recently and
> while the charities are a good cause, I think bringing attention
> directly to our cause via an ad would be appropriate. The
> petitions are also good but there is no reason why an ad could
> not also be implemented.
Just because "money has already been given to Lucy's charity" doesn't mean
that we are released from a human obligation to help those in dire need.
And if it gives us some credibility and good press at the same time--who am
I to argue?
> Enough fans have already expressed a willingness to put up the
> ad, enough writers have volunteered their services.
> In fact, if anyone reading this would like more details you may
> call 323-857-6600. That's the number for Valerie Montague in
> Variety's ad department.
I would think for that amount of money they would have a toll-free number!
And I can't believe that if people are willing to give to a one-time ad,
they would have any problem with seeing that the same money is benefiting
someone while also promoting our visibility.
Visibility is what we are pushing here for--with the ad--right?
> Thomas White, the Variety ad person said based on what he had read it
>seemed that the Hindu factions had acted rather rashly, over-eager,
jumping
> the gun (a zealot by anyother name?) with protests before having
> even viewed the episode of 'The Way'.
I am sure Thomas is a wise man and we all would agree with him, but do we
want to do the same? Jumping the gun, using pressure tactics, trying to
make ourselves look better by throwing mud at the studio? It wouldn't
exactly make me want to be receptive to someone's plight if some one was
treating me that way.
> I mean we've got all the facts, they speak for themselves
Which facts? Did I miss something? The only "facts" I know with 100%
certainty is that "The Way" was pulled from national and international
syndication due to the protests of ?????????.
We assume it was Tusta and his group--and they certainly haven't denied it.
Indeed, they have used it to thier advantage (be it as it may). We also
know there was a political activist involved. But the exact and real
reason for the pulling of the episode is know only to those who drafted the
media release: Soloman, Benson and Aghi.
>And using the petitions alone we are all
> hoping they are not just dumping those petitions in the trash, we
> are all hoping they are taking it to heart. We are hoping that they
> are not so calloused or concerned with other issues that they
> can not listen to fans. But, like I said, if you really want to make
> them take notice in a way they can not help but notice since it will
> put the matter in front of the entire industry, an ad will do it.
I don't think that the protest petitions are being used a "doggie papers".
And I can't believe that the studio is deaf to our voices. There are
changes, such as the replacement of Soloman with Baker. I don't know for
sure what it means, however since it happened right after the episode was
pulled and the protests were started.......well, draw your own conclusions.
As I stated before, I am sure the pulling of "The Way" is old news to the
other studios and that many employees and execs from the other studios
enjoyed a good laugh at the expense of StudiosUSA.
> Remember, they responded to vocal protests from Hindu factions
> that stormed the gates of Universal. That's what got them to
> withdraw the episode. It may take more than petitions delivered
> by the friendly Fed-Ex carrier to do anything to reverse that action.
> If they haven't uttered a peep after 6,000 petitions so far, yet made
> their initial decision based on a couple of hundred rag tag groups
> who appeared IN-PERSON, you may have an idea where this
> petition thing is going and that a stronger course of action is needed.
Once again, I am not certain what the exact thing was (threats, money
issues, boycotts, or people standing at the gates of Universal Studios)
that motivated the pulling of "The Way". I think the petitions are doing
the job they were set up to do. I don't believe we have to mirror the
actions of our opponents to achieve our goals. We are well on our way to
accomplishing what we set out to do in making the studio aware of our
presence and our continuing growth. All we need now is a bit more time.
And a good deed or two wouldn't hurt us either
> Stand-in
Becky Calvert
From: MHeckrotte@aol.com Return to the top
Everyone who is concerned about the fundalmentalists getting more attention
ought to stop and think that it may not be a bad idea having the media focus
on them...if they are as vocal and radical to the media as they are to the
networks, I think they will offend many people around the world...if they
garner more support for their cause than we can, then shame on the rest of
the xena followers and everyone else who doesn't have the courage or interest
to speak up...I read letters of people who are afraid of slander, libel,
getting their names printed and various other reasons for not having the
petitions go public or ads put in the paper...no one said that USA Studios or
Renpics name or anyone elses need be printed in the ad...the Way need not be
in the ad..the ad can simply be designed in such a way as to get peoples
attention such as
"WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TELEVISION PROGRAM...READ HOW A SMALL MAJORITY CAN HAVE
IT REMOVED FOREVER FROM TELEVISION...GO TO XENAMEDIA.COM OR (WHATEVER THE
PETITON ADDRESS IS) "
the purpose is to get people to become aware of what is happening...what it
may accomplish is getting more signatures on the petition...it only took the
fundamentalists about 2 weeks to get the show pulled...we have been at it
much longer and frankly I have heard of no cracks in USA studios armor...a
reality
check is that this will go away in time and the execs know it...5000
signatures on an email petition means nothing to them compared to the boasts
of the fundamentalists millions...I still say we either move to the next
stage or we will fail...if local ads could be organized to appear across the
country during the same week or on the same day, it will show we are a united
front...I've signed the petition and I've passed the word on as everyone else
is but I see no stampede to the doors...now I sit and send emails to XAC and
read those
of others and think we are sure heading no where...if
anyone has really heard something positive from the studios, let us know.
GLAAD
From: Virginia V Kelly <vkellyian@compuserve.com>
I contacted GLAAD last month. I got a formula response. I haven't been back
in contact again. It would help if lots of us would contact them.
The Ad Idea
From: "Lisa Jain at Starpoet" <lisajain@starpoet.com>
Stand in wrote:
>Unless you are damn sure that the petitions alone will do the
> job, why deter another powerful avenue of helping our cause?
Are you so sure that it IS a powerful avenue or would it make us look like a
bunch of rich spoiled fans with too much times on our hands? The money
would be better sent to help the Kosovo refugees.
> making Studios USA aware of the situation in front of the rest
> of the Industry and those are the people you want to reach.
See above. What would the ad be telling them actually? There are dozens
of ads in Variety each week. Most of them are lost in the jumble and
clutter. How would you insure that the ad would be noticed let alone have
any effect at all?
> Money has already been given to Lucy's charity recently and
> while the charities are a good cause, I think bringing attention
> directly to our cause via an ad would be appropriate. The
> petitions are also good but there is no reason why an ad could
> not also be implemented.
Well there's the matter of designing the ad in a profession manner. An eye
catching effective ad usually requires the services of a professional
advertising firm for the design.
How do you propose accounting for the money and insuring it's proper use to
the satisfaction of everyone?
If you collect more money than the ad requires, what are the provisions for
the extra revenue? How do you account for it? Will there be an audit?
Will the bank account be in your name? If not, who will have legal control?
(I'm assuming you will want checks that will be deposited --- cash gets
stolen in the mail very easily, besides which it is untraceable.)
> Enough fans have already expressed a willingness to put up the
> ad, enough writers have volunteered their services.
Will everyone who contributes money have approval over the final Ad copy?
I doubt if people want their name and money associated with a pig in a poke.
How are you going to coordinate the final copy?
The six of us worked over the language of the online petition for three or
four days before we came to agreement on the tone and the exact words and
then put the petition online before we solicited names.
> In fact, if anyone reading this would like more details you may
> call 323-857-6600. That's the number for Valerie Montague in
> Variety's ad department.
I'm certain that Valerie at Variety is only too happy sell another ad. Does
she work on commission by any chance?
<snip>
>And using the petitions alone we are all
> hoping they are not just dumping those petitions in the trash, we
> are all hoping they are taking it to heart. We are hoping that they
> are not so calloused or concerned with other issues that they
> can not listen to fans. But, like I said, if you really want to make
> them take notice in a way they can not help but notice since it will
> put the matter in front of the entire industry, an ad will do it.
And for $2500 we are hoping they read the ad and take it to heart? If 5000
names on a petition don't get their attention, how can we expect one ad to
have any effect. The names represent viewers. A single ad just
represents money.
> If they haven't uttered a peep after 6,000 petitions so far, yet made
> their initial decision based on a couple of hundred >rag tag< groups
> who appeared IN-PERSON,
Hope you have a better choice of words planned for the ad copy.
> you may have an idea where this
> petition thing is going and that a stronger course of action is needed.
You have some private revelation, Stand in? Tell us where YOU think the
petition thing is going and WHY you think that, Stand in. Who have YOU
talked to at Renaissance or Studios USA?
Tell us, Stand in.
I'm certain that all of us would like to hear the details.
LJ
Lisa Jain Thompson
http://starpoet.com
Charity funds
From: "Becky Calvert" <lostkiwi@worldnet.att.net>
KateG@aol.com
Wrote:
Respectfully snipped:
I am strongly in favor of an ad. In my opinion, we could debate forever
what is the very "perfect" action, but placing an ad is a strong one and
probably will get attention because its unexpected.
###########################################################
Don't kid yourselves. These lists are being monitored by the studios and
they know exactly what we are doing.
When we sent in the first big petition not only were they (everyone from
the mail room to the executive offices) aware of the petition, they knew
how it was coming, when it was shipped, when it would be delivered, and
exactly the time it would land in the executive offices. So, the act of
purchasing an ad secretly is not practical or doable.
I am sure the other studios have heard what happened and it is old news to
them. The thing that we can do and be absolutely sure that it could not
backfire is to use those funds for a charity in the name of the XAC. For
that we might also garner some favorable press and respect.
Becky Calvert
To ad or not to ad
From: KAllen9876@aol.com
I'm a Brit, only recently got on the net and found out about the 'missing'
episode - "The Way". I've read with interest different people's ideas on how
to change the studios minds about broadcasting this episode and wonder if
there is an alternative 'way' of going about this.
Firstly I have to say that whilst none of us agree with the views of Tusta
Krishna das, you have to admit that 'The Objections' by him/them was an
articulartly written piece and I feel this is one reason why it has been
taken seriously by the studios.
We have to be careful not to be viewed as 'fanatics' in our response - but as
reasonable people (which of course we are). Having said that, as a
'fanatical, obsessive' Xenite all I want to do is see 'The Way'.
I'm sure I've read somewhere that the studio has not yet made a decision
regarding the release of this episode on video. Given that the cost of the
other episodes which are now available (Seasons 1&2) is $15 approx, how about
everybody inundating the studios with requests for 'The Way' on video.
Before you all send replies in horror at this suggestion, please take a
moment to consider the possible consequences of this action.
The studios will know exactly how many of us so desparately want to see this
episode.
It could be suggested to them that they charge maybe $20 - $30 thereby making
a profit which could then be donated to a charity (preferably Lucy Lawless'
choice.)
The people associated with Tusta Krishna das could not complain about our
suggestion of how to make the show available to those who really want to see
it, and we would be seen as reasonable, compromising citizens.
The studios may well (hopefully) decide that as so many people want to see
'The Way' and that as they are able to make a sizeable donation to charity
(and think of the positive publicity for them) then they may feel able to
broadcast it in the future.
Surely this would make an excellent news item.
Of course, everybody must be prepared to pay their cash for the video now,
and still hope that it will be broadcast, for that is what we all ultimately
want. I for one would sooner make my request direct to the studios rather
than lining a newspapers pockets for an ad. which will probably be ignored.
Can you imagine the astonishment when hundreds of thousands of requests are
received for this video, and for maximum impact we could arrange to all send
our requests together! along with the hard-copy petitions which are always a
good idea.
Admittedly, it would be a mammoth task for them to sort out, and that in
itself might make all the difference.
SCA
From: simahoyo <simahoyo@blarg.net>
I just sent a note to rec.org.sca the SCA newsgroup. I understand they
have many Xena fans among them. Would anyone else from this list like to
add comments on this issue at that newsgroup?
Simahoyo
To ad or not to ad
From: KateG@aol.com
Hello there.
I agree with MHeckrotte. Placing an ad has nothing at all to do with libel.
Its a protest of a factual situation. Its not name calling, or lying, its
not saying anything slanderous. Its an explanation of what happened and why
we are protesting what happened. Simple as that.
I am strongly in favor of an ad. In my opinion, we could debate forever
what is the very "perfect" action, but placing an ad is a strong one and
probably will get attention because its unexpected. One expects a religious
group to have enough determination to follow through with a group action like
that, but fans to a TV show? You usually think of fans has people passively
sitting back, watching the tube and changing the channel if there is
something that upsets them. I think having TV fans buy an ad, might just
turn a few heads.
. I don't even necessarily agree that newspaper ads only touches people
locally. Items can get picked up by AP once they hit one paper. In fact,
the original protest of the Way hit the news wires which is partly how they
got so much attention. But even so, the most important local area to place
the ad in would be the Hollywood area. If we can get the attention of the
Entertainment area, then that is a big step.
I also agree that its a good time to use all this energy with one strong
statement. I am afraid that all this energy will dissipate as time goes on.
My two bits
Ad
From: "Catherine M. Wilson" <cmwilson@wildestdreams.org
The only valid source we could use in an ad is Rob Tapert's
letter of apology to the Hindus and the press release from the
studio about pulling The Way. I haven't actually found a copy
of that press release anywhere. I've just seen it referred to
in news articles.
We can't use any of the articles by the Hindu protesters that
we've found on the Internet, because they are copyrighted.
And just because something is on the Internet doesn't make it
true.
> let's either get off our cans
> and do something or call it quits...
I believe we *are* doing something. Anyone who has
signed the petition can print hard copies and get people
to sign them. If there are 300 of us and we each get
10 signatures, that's 3000 signatures. If we each get
50 signatures, that's 15,000 signatures.
Sometimes the urge to *do something* can be
counter-productive. We need a very clear idea what
we want any action to accomplish. Otherwise it has
all the charm of a two-year-old throwing a tantrum.
> we all know
> the movement will die with only petitions
This is very defeatist talk. I know nothing of the sort.
And there's plenty of other things we could do.
What if we each spend 15 minutes a day surfing the
net looking for people to inform about our protest.
What if every fan page on the Internet had a Xena
protest graphic on it and a link to a protest page?
> I for one want an ad and will place one in my paper
If anyone is going to place an ad on their own, first
think about what you want to accomplish. Do you
want to put pressure on the studio? How will an
ad do that? What can you say in an ad that will
pressure the studio in a non-hostile and un-threatening
way? How will the studio respond to pressure?
If the purpose of the ad isn't to pressure the studio,
what is its purpose? To raise awareness among the
general public? How will an ad do that? What do
we want the public to do?
Rather than placing an ad just to do something,
you will need a well-defined objective and an ad
designed to accomplish it.
Kit
To ad or not to ad
From: i e <stand-in@juno.com>
I've considered all of what you've said before I even called
up the ad people at Variety. Here's the way I feel about
running an ad in a Hollywood trade:
#1. An ad in the local Hollywood addition of any trade paper
(Variety, Hollywood Reporter, etc.) will put this matter in the
spotlight. This matter not being the Hindus, but the idea of
censorship and fans support and care about a show they love.
#2. An ad in a trade paper rather than in a regular non-industry
publication speaks clearly that the fans care enough to spend
enough money to speak directly to the Industry, specifically,
Studios USA, Renaissance Pictures and all the others who
will see the spotlight on this matter focused by the fans.
#3. The focus of attention drawn by such an ad even for one day
in one edition will make its point as no other medium could,
making Studios USA aware of the situation in front of the rest
of the Industry and those are the people you want to reach.
We have enough good writers on these lists (NOT just the XAC
for we must make this letter/ad a representation of a majority
of Xenites) to word a letter appropriately and skillfully enough
so that it bring across our point of view effectively without
offending or alienating our cause.
Money has already been given to Lucy's charity recently and
while the charities are a good cause, I think bringing attention
directly to our cause via an ad would be appropriate. The
petitions are also good but there is no reason why an ad could
not also be implemented.
Unless you are damn sure that the petitions alone will do the
job, why deter another powerful avenue of helping our cause?
Enough fans have already expressed a willingness to put up the
ad, enough writers have volunteered their services.
In fact, if anyone reading this would like more details you may
call 323-857-6600. That's the number for Valerie Montague in
Variety's ad department. Roughtly a full page ad in one
Hollywood edition will run about $2500. A premium ad meaning
choice position at the front of the publication may cost an extra
10-25% more.
Thomas White, the Variety ad person I spoke to originally,
speaking off the record regarding the background info I sent per
his interested request, said based on what he had read it seemed
that the Hindu factions had acted rather rashly, over-eager, jumping
the gun (a zealot by anyother name?) with protests before having
even viewed the episode of 'The Way'.
I mean we've got all the facts, they speak for themselves (Dr.
Palat's views, others like Dr. Mehra, the views of other Hindus who
feel the fundamentalists were wrong, etc. etc.). We've explained
it all to Studios USA. And using the petitions alone we are all
hoping they are not just dumping those petitions in the trash, we
are all hoping they are taking it to heart. We are hoping that they
are not so calloused or concerned with other issues that they
can not listen to fans. But, like I said, if you really want to make
them take notice in a way they can not help but notice since it will
put the matter in front of the entire industry, an ad will do it. It
just
might be the thing to pierce the thick skin.
Remember, they responded to vocal protests from Hindu factions
that stormed the gates of Universal. That's what got them to
withdraw the episode. It may take more than petitions delivered
by the friendly Fed-Ex carrier to do anything to reverse that action.
If they haven't uttered a peep after 6,000 petitions so far, yet made
their initial decision based on a couple of hundred rag tag groups
who appeared IN-PERSON, you may have an idea where this
petition thing is going and that a stronger course of action is needed.
Stand-in
To ad or not to ad
takacs-lambert.msn@attcanada.net
I think you have something here. Good idea!
There is the tornado disaster in Oklahoma or sick kids or a wish found for children. All sorts of possibilities. Advertisement for the XAC cause yet something constructive and helpful. I'm interested. Lucy Lawless would definitely approve so would "Xena and Gab".
FOR THE GREATER GOOD..............BATTLE ON...........
Maria (FTGWN)
To ad or not to ad
>
From: "Dan Ma" <dan@xenamedia.com>I think since most everyone is willing to 'donate' money for the ad, donating it to a charity would indeed make more sense. If we use just one banner, like XAC, I'm sure we can get the media's attention. I wasn't overly sure about the 'ad in the paper' route, but I'm all for THIS suggestion.
can everyone vote on this so we can start to flesh out the plan?
ads
From: MHeckrotte@aol.com
I just read the letter from the person concerned about
lawyers...no one is talking of accusing anyone of anything in running an
ad...everything is pretty clear cut...the letters of record for reasons why
it was pulled is as clear cut as it gets...one need only go to the internet
to read it...our ads can simply state that
we object to censorship by the how and why this episode was pulled by the
parties responsible...and include the
internet addresses where people can research and make
their own determination...It is not against the law to
advertise an event or protest one...who said anything about libel, slander or
anything...the press release was
as blatant as it can get...let's either get off our cans
and do something or call it quits...we all know
the movement will die with only petitions as they can
only be signed once by someone and people lose interest
in things after awhile...I for one want an ad and will place one in my paper
with helpful wording from our
commander in chief or stand-in...the $20 contributions
people are willing to make would almost pay for a small one in some local
papers...let's do something guys besides talk about it.
To add or not to add
From: "Dan Ma" <dan@xenamedia.com>
I've only just got my email back up and running again, and I've just caught
up with what's going on in this list only in the past hour.
Now I've had a few messages from the moderators of this list asking me what
I should do, and before you all rush out and splurge your money on ads for
your local rag, please give this some consideration...
Firstly, the way I see it, the primary motive behind the protests lead by
the Hare Krishna splinter, the WVA, is to increase awareness of their group.
And it's a sad fact that bad news always hits the media better than good
news. So if they make an excuse to protest about something (usually high
profile, ie, a successful television show), they'll get their 15 minutes of
fame in the media. Kinda like a child trying to get the attention of its
parents by kicking and screaming.
IMO they've done this successfully, but sadly the casualty is RenPics and
ourselves for not seeing the episode - leaving us open for other groups to
join the censorship bandwagon. The point I'm trying to make is, if we do get
a paid advertisement in the print, we're only giving them more of the
attention they want. In the end, the only victors are them and the
newspapers' coffers.
Secondly, our targets for awareness (newspapers, television) are mainly very
local. And ads for such media are VERY expensive (usually many thousands of
dollars) So even if we all pooled our money together in our various
countries, we may lucky to afford ONE ad in ONE paper for ONE city.
By now you may think I'm your regular party pooper, but what I've said is to
provide logic for my suggestion:
A harder but probably more effective and positive way is to pool our money
together and nominate a charity (preferably international, eg Red Cross
towards the Kosovo Crisis, say), to donate it to. Each city nominate someone
(trustworthy!) to collect the money and liase with the charity and the
media. In the meantime, tip-off the media in what we're doing and why we're
doing it. Once again, this may not pull a lot of punch if we all did it
individually, but if all the fans around the world chipped in at once as
part of XAC, I believe we can do far better than a single page ad on some
newspaper - instead of being some ad that people will most likely ignore, we
will actually be part of the news.
Everybody wins, the charities benefit, we get our cause across all forms of
media, and the protesters have nothing to hit us with (unless they like
attacking charities).
When we see "The Way" hit our television screens, I'll quietly pop open the
bottle of Brut Cuvee I've been saving up for the moment, as it will be the
sweetest moment for me as a Xenite.
As I said, it's only a suggestion - if you don't like it, rather than saying
what you hate about it, suggest an improvement that'll help us kick along.
Throwing the Brut Cuvee in the chill,
Dan.
dan@xenamedia.com
XenaMedia.Com - The Xena Online News & Media Resource
http://www.XenaMedia.Com
ListOwner - Xenites Against Censorship (XAC)
http://www.xenamedia.com/xac
5 May 1999
About the ad
From: "Catherine M. Wilson" <cmwilson@wildestdreams.org>
I would like us all to think very carefully about what we think we can
accomplish with an ad.
We can't say things we don't know for sure, which means we can't
say definitively that the studio is responsible (or that Renaissance is,
for that matter) for pulling the episode. All we can safely say is
something very wishy-washy like, We're sorry The Way was
withdrawn from syndication and we'd like it put back.
What we may say in letters to the studio are our own opinions, but
anything we say publicly in print may be actionable. I'm talking about
lawsuits. We can't accuse the studio (or anyone) of censorship or
even of stupidity or ignorance without the possibility that someone at
the studio will see the ad as libelous.
And what do we hope to accomplish by it? Do we want to hold the
studio up to ridicule in the entertainment community? I think doing so
would backfire. They may have some sympathy for us now, but if
we do anything to embarrass or ridicule them, that may be the very
thing that will discredit us in their eyes. It will certainly end their
sympathy for our position.
Although boring, circulating petitions and writing letters is THE most
effective technique to get someone's attention in a positive way.
There is no reason we can't write more letters to the studio, and
they don't have to be elaborate. Just a reminder that you're still
concerned about the censorship issue.
Also, it's too late to get news coverage of the censorship of The Way
as *breaking* news, but it isn't too late to get investigative
journalists
interested in the story.
A common mistake in efforts like this one is expecting results too
soon. I believe we are having an effect, but it will take time for the
studio to reverse its position on this, and we need to give them plenty
of room to do that.
Kit
Return to the top
Ad in a trade paper...
From: simahoyo <simahoyo@blarg.net>
I think RenPix lawyers put the lots of them under a gag order.
Tyldus can't talk about it either.
I no one else will do the money gig, I will, but I must say that I
have NO PROBLEM with having my name out there. I have worked for
Washington State Environmental PAC, and we had our offices broken into
twice, my purse was stolen, and a co-worker's tires were slshed. One of
our members was shot at, and another threatened while testifying. I now
work for a pro-choice group, and regardless of how you may feel about
the issue, I think most of us know that there are really extreem people
with guns out there, who disgree with us in a truly nasty fashion. I do
know that the mainstream opposition folks would never behave in that
fashion, but the nuts exist. SO, I have no trouble at all having my name
out there again. To me, my freedom, and yours is too important to let
people like that shut me up.
Simahoyo
Re: [XAC] XWP Removed from South African Television
From: "Catherine M. Wilson" <cmwilson@wildestdreams.org>
bookdaft wrote:
> I haven't had much time to think this one through and am not even sure we
> can use this item in our counterprotest, given that I don't have much
> information on the social and cultural situations in South Africa that may
> have led to such a decision,
>
> Anybody else have any thoughts on this? Does anyone think we can use it at
> all?
I think we should leave the South Africa situation out
of things. Sovereign nations make their own laws and
set their own policies, and the world community gives
them the right to do that, so they are well within their
rights not to air any show that they feel conflicts with
their social and cultural values.
Also, I think it would just muddy the water and confuse
people to equate the two situations. If South Africa
is well within its rights not to import an American TV
show, then why aren't the Hindus right? Well, it's not
at all the same situation, and if we use it, it seems like
we're drawing a parallel between the two situations.
So we could actually be working against our own
position here.
I encourage everyone to keep doing what we've
been doing. Print out hard copies of the petition and
get people to sign them. Each hard copy has room
for about 15 signatures, not an impossibly high number
to get over a week's time just going about our
everyday lives.
Go through the protest pages for e-mail addresses and
Internet feedback forms, and write follow-up letters
to people you've already written to.
Changing the world takes time. ;->
Kit
Ads
From: Hawk <hawk@multiboard.com>
Mary Paulson wrote:
>
> From: Mary Paulson <Palmay@pacbell.net>
>
> Because this is world wide.....
> What if we held an account in each country and hit more industry mags in
> each country?? USA, CAN, England, Australia??? It seems that we have
> enough willing to contribute... it seems we could do more good if we
> spread out a bit and sent the same ad to each designated zine in each
> country.
I like this idea myseslf. We'd get wider coverage, reduce the 'burden'
for any given individual. Additionally, different countries have
magazines with good reputations and status, that may not be
internationally known.
I think that this would be more effective in getting the message out to
more people. As many of us have discovered, a lot of people haven't
heard about this issue on the streets.
Like the saying goes..."Think global, act local". Having a unified
format would also be a good idea as well. As someone mentionedm, this
would display a unified front. Perhaps we could reach a greater number
of people, and contact more medias in less time, rather than each group
having to draft up a different letter.
Well, I'm off to read 30+ more E-mails before dinner so... :)
Hawk
Homepage http://www.multiboard.com/~hawk/
Renegade BBS Homepage http://www.multiboard.com/~hawk/renegade/
London and Area BBS Listings Editor http://www.multiboard.com/labl/
Fidonet: 1:2401/0 (NC/NEC) ReneGade Supt. Net: 50:63/0 (RC)
E-Mail hawk@multiboard.com BBS Awareness Campaign 21:1070/100
Re: [XAC] Ad in a trade paper...
From: Mary Paulson <Palmay@pacbell.net>
Because this is world wide.....
What if we held an account in each country and hit more industry mags in
each country?? USA, CAN, England, Australia??? It seems that we have
enough willing to contribute... it seems we could do more good if we
spread out a bit and sent the same ad to each designated zine in each
country.
Mary~
4 May 1999
Re: [XAC] Ad in a trade paper...
From: beboman <beboman@cwix.com>
Regarding Lucy not responding to letters from the Vaishnava Association,
could be that she has been instructed both by her publicist and by the
production company to stay away from the issue.
Regarding the problem of publishing names I think we can go under a blanket
name "XAC" and not release who we are.
My two cents for the day,
Be Nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beboman
Re: [XAC] XWP Removed from South African Television
From: "bookdaft" <bookdaft@voyager.net>
I haven't had much time to think this one through and am not even sure we
can use this item in our counterprotest, given that I don't have much
information on the social and cultural situations in South Africa that may
have led to such a decision, but the thought strikes me that Studio USA's
cave-in on "The Way" made it so much easier for SABC to cancel its
contract. If the distributor won't stand behind all of its product (i.e.,
support how some religions are portrayed in the show) and conveys they
clearly make errors, then the broadcaster doesn't need to feel any
obligation to continue the contract, based on local needs.
I just find it interesting this came to light after Studios USA pulled "The
Way". Maybe it would have happened anyway, but it seems more significant
now.
Anybody else have any thoughts on this? Does anyone think we can use it at
all?
bd
----------
> From: JacQuest <jjalv@ida.net>
> To: XAC@onelist.com
> Subject: [XAC] XWP Removed from South African Television
> Date: Tuesday, May 04, 1999 7:28 PM
>
> From: "JacQuest" <jjalv@ida.net>
>
> This piece of information has just been brought to my attention. Many
may
> know it already, but feel that we need to be aware of the removal or
> censorship of XWP when ever and where ever it occurs. If anyone is aware
of
> other similar actions or the new supports of the censorship of XWP please
> let me know. I am working to keep a record such activities at the XAC
> Information Index for ready reference.
>
>
> >From chakram:
>
> -------------------------------
>
> Date: Tue, 4 May 1999 22:44:10 +0200
>
>
> For those South African Xena fans who are wondering why Xena
> suddenly got replaced with Tarzan last week. The SABC has
> cancelled their Xena contract for the following reasons:
> (message quote from sabc media liason)
>
>
> Thanks for your mail. Unfortunately SABC2 has had to cancel their
> contract for this series, since the content of the latest episodes
> of XENA have changed drastically. It has become far too violent, and
> conveys contradictory religious messages and elements of satanism,
> and is therefore no longer suitable for the TUBE time slot. The
> channel will no longer consider showing this to our young viewers.
>
> For those not in South Africa, this is not about "The Way" but rather
> the first few episodes of Season 2 being shown for the first time!!!
>
> ---------------------------------------------
>
> Jacquee
>
> The XAC Information Index
> http://www.poky.net/xac.html
>
From: Virginia V Kelly <vkellyian@compuserve.com>
I am assuming that the ruckus of "Satanism" in Season 2 may be coming from
Orphan of War (remember the huge Centaur had horns) and, of course, the ram
horned guy in Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.
-sigh-
On the lighter side, however. I just caught the tail end of a Seventh
Heaven (it's a show about a minister, mother and their many children) and
the youngest was a huge fan of Xena and trying to deal with a bully who was
picking on her. She kept doing the Xena yell and, in the end, the whole
family kind of got into a wrestling match with another family of kids to
the tune of the Xena theme song. It was an interesting approach. They were
talking about not using violence while at the same time, sticking up for
themselves. Anyway. It seemed like a kudos to Xena, although, again, I
didn't see the full show.
From: MHeckrotte@aol.com
I'm ready to place my ad...just give me the words and
we'll go for it...as to the person in Enland, certainly
there must be tourism in your area and just about any
american will have american money...or store, I would
think...anyway let's quit talking about ads and do something..frankly I can't
wait to hear what the suits
would say when they start getting papers...also a central mailing place where
copies could be shipped and
held wouldn't be a bad thought...ad should be highlighted and paper open to
ad page...I don't mind
receiving and bundling and shipping off to USA but I do
live on the east coast which has certain demographic
disadvantages.
From: Frankie Radford <fradford@yahoo.com>
--- "McKinlay, David" <dmckinlay@pc.gov.au> wrote:
> From: "McKinlay, David" <dmckinlay@pc.gov.au>
>
> if the media can't get any reaction from Rob, Lucy
> or anyone to do with the
> show which, may be the case. We can only guess at
> the protocol they might
> have to observe in public about this.
***
> The following was taken off the Vaishnava site: The Cast of XWP need
to remain silent for security reasons.
"Any response from Lucy Lawless? Says Tusta Krishnadas of the World
Vaishnava Association: "Yes, she is fully aware of the situation. She
received a letter from us describing how offended and upset so many
Hindus were, but she has never made any attempt to apologise. Maybe she
is under the illusion that she really is some sort of god, and does not
need to consider the real Supreme Lord and the law of karma. "
The other comment I would like to make is we need to respect the
privacy of the people who are willing to provide support both monetary
and moral.I think having the list of sponsors made public is not going
to achieve anything and in fact may alienate potential
supporters.
fr
From: "McKinlay, David" <dmckinlay@pc.gov.au>
The placement of a notice I think is a very worthwhile idea. What is in it's
favour is that Hollywood is narcissistic and the biggest stories in town are
always about themselves and their peers. An item such as this one might just
grow into something which is observed in such thoughtful shows as
Entertainment Tonight and the like. XWP is a high(ish) profile show and this
might just be deemed newsworthy. On the other hand, what might stifle it is
if the media can't get any reaction from Rob, Lucy or anyone to do with the
show which, may be the case. We can only guess at the protocol they might
have to observe in public about this.
Such a notice might be more useful if co-ordinated with or timed to appear
during a XWP convention so that the media have a focus to show on the
screen: 5 seconds of gathered fans, 10 seconds of someone to do with the
notice in the paper, a vox pop on censorship etc. Again, they would have to
be notified about it. The notice might get lost if it's a stand-alone.
Do we want the sort of notice where the names of contributors to the cost of
the advertisement are listed with their place of residence? This would show
that it is a concern around the world and not confined to the US.
Lastly, to Kaz, regarding getting funds to the US - you face the same
problem as we do in Australia. The solution is to exchange some sterling for
US dollars at a currency exchanger. This is a problem if you're off the
beaten track and away from the tourist routes, but I found in the UK that
modest sized towns often have at least an American Express or Thomas Cook
which could do it for you.
If you can get to central London there are exchange booths all over the
place, as is the case here in Melbourne. Then post it off to whoever
volunteers to collect the funds.
David
From: i e <stand-in@juno.com>
Ad post
Hi Everyone...
I'm getting lots of private e-mail from alot of people
on the Xenaverse and XAC Mailing Lists who already
want to send in anywhere from a couple of bucks to
$25 or more! This is good, but wait till we set
everything up and then whoever is in charge will
give you the details on where to send your
contributions for this.
This is so encouraging to know some of you are so
gung ho and to think you are silently waiting and listening
out there ready to lend your support to the series we
all care so much about.
I LOVE YOU!
Stand-in
From: DefiantHrt@aol.com
Guys,
I'm on the east coast so can't do much about the ad being discussed on on
the
west coast except contribute....let me know if it gets off the ground and $1
be damned, I'll kick in alot more than that if others are will...we need
something besides a petition. >>
I think this is a good point - "We need something besides a petition." I
know we have been sending thousands of signatures over there (and more
recently, hard copy petitions), but I think we do need something to get more
attention. A full-page add is impossible to ignore and it would show people
that we are out here. A lot of people (even Xena fans) don't know what we're
going, or even that "The Way" was pulled. I know it's hard to believe, but I
encounter Xena fans who have no clue what's going on. The full page add is a
great idea - for non-Xena fans... for everyone in general. We can't back
down...
From: i e <stand-in@juno.com>
If enough people are interested in the idea of placing a fan
letter expressing concern over the censorship of 'The Way'
in a Hollywood trade paper then, we have to organize
the entire thing:
#1. Someone must be selected to be recipient of the
donations from fans. Someone who will be responsible to
collect the monies and then place the ad.
#2. News of this effort should be spread to other mailing lists
like Gabsclan, Bruce Campbell, Hercules, etc., the newsgroups,
the netforum (if it ever gets fixed), the people who signed the
petition, etc. I'm sure we can get enough money if this is done.
#3. A letter that will be published in the ad should be drafted.
The ad man at Variety told me in a case like this, they usually
float the letter enlarged. As for placement (front, middle, back)
of the newspaper it varies although you can secure a spot of
your choice with an additional fee.
I don't know what else to say to those of you who have any
doubts about this course of action. I've done all I can do:
writing countless letters, making tons of phone calls some
half way around the world, faxing, e-mailing, etc. All I may be
able to add is the following question: "When's the last time $1,
$2 or even $5 bought you a place on the stage in front of the
entire film and tv industry where your concerns as a fan would
be seen?"
$1, $2, or even $5 is a small bet to place on the hopes of
making a difference. It's a chance to become a part of
history in a small way; something that when the fan letter ad
is published you can post on your websites; something you can
treasure forever, show to friends, your kids, your grandkids;
something that you know that Rob Tapert, Lucy and the XWP
staff will see and appreciate in ways you can not imagine.
There are other obvious and less obvious benefits from this
that will make itself known through the stars and staff at
conventions, in the future episodes, and in the relationship
between fans and members of the show.
It's time for someone to come forward and implement this
now. Dan? Lisa? Becky? Simahoyo? Anyone? If ever you
wanted to make a difference, now's the time.
I've done all I could, I can't do anything more except send in
my money like all the other fans.
Stand-in
From: "Becky Calvert" <lostkiwi@worldnet.att.net>
I have no problem in drafting the wording for short ads.
There are many excellent writers here. Between everyone I am sure that
something could be written that everyone would agree on.
Let me know -- love the cryptic stuff in post 2---no names seen stuff <bg>
Very James Bondish!
PROTEST CENSORSHIP--REMEMBER "THE WAY"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Becky Calvert
Commander in Chief
SSPA/NBB
<http://www.nutbread.com>
Return to the top
From: "Adrienne Howard" <ahoward@pps.k12.or.us>
Ummmm.. I think dailytv.com might not be a good idea!!
A few months ago they wrote a not-so-nice article about Lucy after her
bulimia comments and they used a picture of her when she popped out of her
bustier while signing at a hockey game.
Needles to say the wrath and reactions from Xenites everywhere was swift and
severe. Many emails were written to the editors by fans, some not so nice
email either.
If we whine to them about "The Way" I think they would be able to use a
"freedom of speech" argument against us with glee. I realize they are a
satirical site, but on the current review of ITOTKO there is the line
"Gabrielle in the bedroom with a candlestick". This isn't support of
subtext, its just some left over needling of Xena fans.
But that's just my opinion.. I could be wrong!
Adrienne
From: MHeckrotte@aol.com
Another thought guys, is how about those who can run
small ads in their local papers and then ship copies to
USA studios...these ads can't run much even if for one
day...put something to the effect of "people against
censorship of tv and see who's controlling your programs now" whatand the
website addresses for people to get the info as to what's going on and the
petition address..imagine what usa studio will do if they start getting news
papers in with ads.
From: " " <janette_db@my-dejanews.com>
I was part of a group that donated funds to place an ad for another show, and just wanted to offer some tips to those that may be thinking of doing so on this list.
Communication is ESSENTIAL. Lack of communication caused some infighting which ended up hurting some listmembers and resulted in some swearing off the effort.
Set up an escrow account or some sort of separate account, and suggest that everyone who donates do so by registered mail, so there will be no misunderstandings.
Start a separate list exclusively for fundraising. Pain in the butt, but keeps things clearer.
Just thought I'd offer these tips so that what happened on the other list doesn't happen here.
Peace!
janette_db
@my-dejanews.com
3 May 1999
From: "Catherine M. Wilson" <cmwilson@wildestdreams.org>
If you check out the review of It Takes One To Know One at:
http://www.dailytv.com/review/1373.html
you'll see in the last paragraph a mention of The Way. We might
consider getting in touch with the author, Jeff Lundrigan, and let
him know about the protest. There's an e-mail link at the end
of the article.
From: "snick" <snick@beaufortco.com>
I think this is a good idea. I would be willing to contribute, if others
will as well. It could really show that the fans are serious and aren't just
going to let this fade away. And hell, if it doesn't work, its not that much
money to blow. One question, how could the money be coordinated?
Back to lurking, Sally
From: i e <stand-in@juno.com>
Overheard:
SUIT #2: They're thinking of running a full page ad in
one of the trades concerning the censorship.
SUIT #1: If the fans of Xena: Warrior Princess care
that much about the series, I think we should restore
'The Way' to syndication.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
It's your choice guys, $2,500 is the price for a full page
1-time ad. You can fritter your efforts away on countless
more letters and other things, but 1 ad expressing fans
concern over the censorship of 'The Way' in a Hollywood
trade paper will say in a way no other medium could to
Studios USA as well as their associates in the Industry
that the fans care.
I've talked to the ad department of Variety, the guy
was so interested in the idea that I mailed him the full
background and follow-up story concerning the censorship
of 'The Way' as well as carbon copying it to the news editor.
Variety or Hollywood Reporter, doesn't matter, it'll get the
message out just the same.
There are what -- 6,000 signatures on those petitions
LJ has been sending to Studios USA? Say just 3,000
of those are true Xenites willing to kick in a buck, that'll
do the job. Or if even 1,500 Xenites are willing to
donate $2. Or if just the total combined membership
of Xenaverse and XAC mailing lists which must total at
least 500 could donate $5 each we'd have it signed, sealed
and delivered...the episode's restoration into syndication.
Is it worth $5 from each of you?
Stand-in
From: mswami@aei.ca
afternoon all,
just a quick update as i am home for lunch and must return to work soon.
There is lots of work to be done in montreal.
at a dinner party friday night i showed "the way" twice and everyone there signed the petition (thanks Kit). my partner and i hit the local lgbt book store saturday and were surprised to find out they haven't a clue. i had telephoned on thursday and
after explaining the situation they readily consented to posting the petition in the store.
next we hit the downtown comix/collectible store where i had already phoned ahead as well. the guy sells xwp stuff and was very sympathetic. no problem there.
so the hard job will be getting the word out.
we have a little strategy worked out for the local universities (too bad they are already in spring/summer session) and hope to get a spot in our pride day celebrations called "Divers Cite".
also montreal is alive with all sorts of conventions and festivals during spring an summer months so we are going to be busy.
we know it will be a long campaign but we are up for it. my nephew is also willing to help and has offered his services. so hopefully once the word is out there will be alot more of us.
peace out
battle on
mswami
From: Synergeer@aol.com
This will raise the issue to the level it needs. However, the ad must be
carefully designed. Most protest related issues in Variety take the form of
an open letter. In this case an open letter to the head of Studio USA that
would have all the important points.
Once we move into the realm of collecting money for a ad we have to set up
some system for accounatbility and the person who signs the contract with
Variety will be responsible for the costs. This means getting a PO, set up a
checking account and providing receipts for people who send money. I think we
should set up an action fund to run ads. There are other media pubs we should
us. The Hollywood Reporter has a much higher status and credibility among the
Hollywood community and there is also Media Weekly. This also means we would
have a more formally organized group so that the decisions around copies and
issuing press releases would be clear.
Lynne
2 May 1999
From: "Arthur Chappell" <arthurchappell@clara.net>
Just got back from my radio piece on the Xena pulling of the Way protest. It
went very well I think, and lasted a few minutes. The World Vaishanava's
local representative was apparently invited to participate and declined to
bother even coming. I'm hoping some friends recorded it all for me.
GMR has a gay talk show later inthe week, which has also expressed an
intyerestinthis issue, and they are impressed by the articles I sent in
prior to today's talk, so there is a chance it may be covered again on
Thursday evening (I may even be invited to attend, but thatisn't clear yet).
The chap attacking playstation/nintendo style games was on earlier, and
not as I was initially led to believe, in on the Xena piece too. Onthe whole
I think it went well; hope anyone hearing it was/will be pleased withthe
results. Best wishes - AC arthurchappell@clara.net
http://arthurchappell.clara.net/xenacles.htm
fan-fic - http://wwww.arthurchappell.clara.net/xena.heliostratus.htm
protest site - http://www.arthurchappell.clara.net/unbanxena.htm
2 May 1999
From: "Arthur Chappell" <arthurchappell@clara.net>
Just got back from my radio piece on the Xena pulling of the Way protest. It
went very well I think, and lasted a few minutes. The World Vaishanava's
local representative was apparently invited to participate and declined to
bother even coming. I'm hoping some friends recorded it all for me.
GMR has a gay talk show later inthe week, which has also expressed an
intyerestinthis issue, and they are impressed by the articles I sent in
prior to today's talk, so there is a chance it may be covered again on
Thursday evening (I may even be invited to attend, but thatisn't clear yet).
The chap attacking playstation/nintendo style games was on earlier, and
not as I was initially led to believe, in on the Xena piece too. Onthe whole
I think it went well; hope anyone hearing it was/will be pleased withthe
results. Best wishes - AC arthurchappell@clara.net
http://arthurchappell.clara.net/xenacles.htm
fan-fic - http://wwww.arthurchappell.clara.net/xena.heliostratus.htm
protest site - http://www.arthurchappell.clara.net/unbanxena.htm
29 Apr 1999
From: Karen Williams <karenw_uk@yahoo.com>
I would like to voice my opinions not just surrounding the episode of
‘The Way’ but to the series in general, I think it is an excellent
series that not only entertains but educates. My children have learned
a great deal about Greek History/Mythology due to watching XWP.
We have discussed many of the topics after the show and our children
have even included them in their homework, for example after watching
the episode of Destiny it prompted my eldest daughter to write an essay
about Caesar. Her teacher was highly impressed with the effort she had
put into her essay and its content, especially as she had not been set
any homework - XWP inspiring children to do homework without force (is
this really a bad thing???).
As for being unsuitable for children I feel that this is not the case,
in the UK we have Panto’s (Pantomimes) around Christmas time which
takes a fairy tale to the stage, in these Panto’s some of the dialogue
has a double meaning one that children find amusing and can easily
follow but also one that is aimed at the adults which is certainly
interpreted differently, to which the adults are also kept highly
amused, I feel this to be the same with this excellent show. As for
the violence we feel as a parents that in most cases that it is at an
acceptable level for our 3 children, it has on occasions been
unsuitable for the youngest, the one episode in particular that
springs to mind was in the second series and featured the ‘Horde’ which
seemed to be frightening her, so I taped the remainder of the show and
switched channels. My two older children and I watched the remainder
of the episode once our youngest daughter had gone to bed. I feel that
the producers of the show are aware of the fact that a large part of
the audience are children and do take it into consideration.
Should shows like this be censored certainly not, especially on
religious grounds. I am a Catholic and believe strongly in my faith,
but I also respect other people’s faiths and beliefs. I remember the
controversy that surrounded Monty Pythons ‘Life of Brian’, I watched
the film and in no way did I find it offensive, although many other
people did and voiced their opinions, to which they are perfectly
entitled to do so. There was also another film surrounded in the same
controversy which was ‘The Last Temptation of Christ’, I attempted to
watch it but for my own personal reasons could not and therefore
switched it off and that is the point I am trying to make, if people
watch a program or a film on TV and find it unsuitable or offensive in
any way they can always switch channels. Where a person feels
something has offended them deeply and feel they must voice their
opinion, they certainly have the right to do so, but not to deprive
millions of people the right to make their own decision as to whether a
program’s content is suitable for them or not.
To my knowledge, neither one of the films I mentioned above were
banned from world wide syndication and most people made up their own
minds as I did as to whether they should watch them or not and this
should be the case with the episode of ‘The Way’, let people make up
their own minds, (please note the emphasis on world wide syndication as
I am aware these films were banned in various towns around the world
including the UK).
As to the ‘Lesbian’ aspect of the show, I feel it is upto the viewers
to interpret what they are seeing on their screens. I feel the
relationship is that of true friends who care deeply for one another,
they are indeed soul mates, each one would die to save the other. As
the series has continued, I feel that the love and responsibility that
Xena has for Gabrielle is making her more vulnerable, an aspect that I
personally feel is a great area to develop, as her Xena had always been
a strong, totally independent person who needed no-one, before meeting
Gaby. This strong need for independence has been superbly changed as
the series developed
To remove a film, or an episode of a TV series that a person or a group
of people may have taken offence to would bring the world of
entertainment to a standstill, as I’m sure that for every film or TV
series made there is someone out there in this big world who will take
a dislike to it for one reason or another.
Karen
From: "Arthur Chappell" <arthurchappell@clara.net>
I've been invited to a live radio show on Sunday 2cd May at manchester
England's BBC GMR Talk Radio station - I'll be championing the reasons to
get the Way reinstated in a discussion on censorship - The only other
participant I know of is a Mr. Tom Jones (not the singer/or Fielding hero)
who is defending Christian Family Values by trying to get Playstation style
computer games banned. You won't hear the show outside Manchester, but if
anyone can be in to record it (the show runds from 8AM to 10.30 and I'll
only be a small part of it) do let me know. Any points you think need
emphasising,let me know. I'll use the latest update stats on how the
petition is going there. arthurchappell@clara.net
http://www.arthurchappell.clara.net/xenacles.htm
http://www.arthurchappell.clara.net/unbanxena.htm
From: MHeckrotte@aol.com
Guys,
Just read an article in the local paper where Congress
is considering a bill to limit the times when "violent"
programs can be aired on television...they are going
to try to keep it away from when children and "women" are most likely to
watch television...well, this "woman"
for one is opposed to being included in such a scheme..
I don't see too many of us going on psychotic sprees...
this is just another form of censorship and you know
Xena is going to be included in it...as they reduce
the time slots, fewer of our favorite shows will be aired...I sent a formal
protest against this to all the
Senators and Representatives stating that television sets have censor
controls on them...people need to use
those not make decisions for us...might be an idea if
petitioners wrote their congressman...you can find
a list of everyone by searching internet US Senators..
there is a service that for $5 will send your letter to
everyone at once...well worth the investment...Oh, and
I did mention our protest of the removal of the Way as
an example of censorship out of control.
From: simahoyo <simahoyo@blarg.net>
Arianne Barreto wrote:
>
> From: "Arianne Barreto" <arianne@navybase.net>
>
> I wonder if we are making a difference or not, I am having bad luck getting
> people on the streets (offline ppl) to sign. Since Xena is a show that is
> not that yet famous, but there are some xenites around. People have said
> that I am crazy and obssesed with the show.
You then might change the packaging of what you say. Talk about
censorship in general. Explain how television works--sydicates have to
be produced (RennPix) and distributed (Studios USA) If the public is
stopped from seeing something the creators made by any outside group,
that is censorship. And any sucessful censorship spreads. Compare it to
the furor over, "Lolita" Use the slogan, "It's not just about a TV show,
it's about censorship."
Try putting a line on your petition stating that signatures are not
going to be sold, or for fundraising. Some people are really afraid of
that.
Simahoyo
28 Apr 1999
From: "Arianne Barreto" <arianne@navybase.net>
I wonder if we are making a difference or not, I am having bad luck getting
people on the streets (offline ppl) to sign. Since Xena is a show that is
not that yet famous, but there are some xenites around. People have said
that I am crazy and obssesed with the show.
And in fact I AM!!!! so what???? I ADMIT IT!! I AM CRAZY AND OBSESSED BY
THE SHOW!!!!
This doesnt mean that I am giving up! So keep fighting for our rights.
If they (the cult) didnt gave up, so will I! Dont YOU give up!
Arianne
Are we making a difference???
-----Original Message-----
From: Osborn, Amber - AUS SYD <osboa@jibgroup.com.au>
To: 'XAC@onelist.com' <XAC@onelist.com>
Date: Thursday, April 29, 1999 3:52 AM
Subject: [XAC] Re: Letter to Media
>From: "Osborn, Amber - AUS SYD" <osboa@jibgroup.com.au>
>
>Anything happening down in Sydney then?
>
>Amber
Today was my day off so I took some time to watch "The View" they mentioned to send them some hot topics. I thought that if we all e-mail them about the Xena Censorship they might bring it to the table. You can go to
http://abc.go.com/theview/index.html
They have a section for Hot topics, I already e-mail them.
Be Nice!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beboman
26 Apr 1999
Please to all Xena fans, go to the page and place your comments, I just did. It is very important that we don't give up. The fight has just started. The road is long and we need to stay together and fight in every possible front.
I'm still collecting signatures and bogging everyone I know to sign the petition either by e-mail or on my hard copy. I know this all takes time but what we get accomplished today would reflect in the future.
With this I say good night.
Beboman
From: JacQuest jjalv@ida.net
Here is some information I just received from a friend. This is the
kind of thing that we need to be aware of in our effort to combat censorship
of not only The Way, but other future Xena shows.
A comment was made to me recently about XAC and all our efforts.
XAC was seen as just a one topic list and would fade away or die
from apathy. Other people are of the opinion that the protest is no
big deal, but this newest attack, brings it home again. There is more
at stake here than just "The Way."
--------------------------------------------------------------
"here is an article that was in the london free press april
23, 1999. new pl, new vr, city tv are all owned by the same
company .. my fear is that if a decision is made against the
show, we will be getting edited episodes .. new pl is already
responding to this by setting up a poll in which your opinion
can be offered .. it can be found at
with the question: xena and hercules are these shows too hot
for ontario?
we need to say something now before this goes much further.
our support is needed at this stage. xena is already
rated as pg 14 .. i don't want it edited or taken off the air.
now for the newspaper article itself ..
------
By Sandra Coulson
Free Press Arts
&,Entertainment Reporter
A self-regulating body for the broadcast industry has moved ahead
on a London father's complaint that the Xena and Hercules television
series are too violent and sexual.
Fred Janzen complained to the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council
(CBSC) about episodes he saw on CFPL-TV in February
The CBSC could have dismissed Janzen's complaint at an early review
stage. Instead, the complaint win go to the CBSC's Ontario regional
council for a ruling.
CBSC chairperson Ron Cohen said complaints are dismissed at an early
stage for only a few reasons, such as that the complaint is too similar
to one previously dealt with by the council or that the viewer is
harassing the broadcaster.
Janzen said he has had support from others, especially those to whom he
describes a scene from Xena in which a woman is crucified. He added he
is sending out petition forms that he wants to forward to the CBSC.
CFPL-TV program director Don Mumford said the station believes the Xena
and Hercules shows are suitable for the audience they are aimed at. The
station places a logo in the corner of the TV screen to signal to viewers
that the shows are rated for parental guidance.
"We're very sensitive to the needs of the market and the hours of
programming," he said.
Mumford said since news of Janzen's complaint broke, the station has
received four letters of support from viewers. Mumford said the
supporting viewers prefer the current system of on-air ratings and are
concerned that one person's complaint could deny the access to a program
they consider acceptable.
Other broadcasters have had to edit shows that the CBSC has decided
violate broadcasters' voluntary codes of conduct on violence, sex-role
portrayal, ethics and journalistic ethics.
Linda Baker, assistant director of Family Court Clinic, praised Janzen's
involvement in the issue. Baker and thers working in children's services
are promoting Media Violence Awareness Week this week.
"One wants to applaud any initiative on the part of parents to raise
awareness of this," she said.
Baker said she and her husband don't ban TV shows in their house, but
they have discussed the violence, sex-role portrayal and overall reality
of Xena with their 11-year-old son.
A representative of the show's producers in Los Angeles refused to
comment on a single complaint.
Cohen said the council doesn't hold formal hearings like a court or public
inquiry. "We don't want to be user-difficult," he said. "From the point
of view of viewers and listeners, we don't want them to thing that they
have to make solid legal argument."
Today editor for the London Free Press is:
Barbara Taylor: btaylor@lfpress.com
---------------------------------------
XAC will gain strength by supporting others who love XWP and
are fighting censorship.
Thanks,
Jacquee
XAC Information Index
For fun and food visit
The Ultimate Xena Cookbook
From: "derya ozkanli" <derya5@hotmail.com>
HI DANA!
You wrote:
I've embarked on getting on paper petitions on and have found that:
1 Casual viewers and the general public do not know that an episode
has been pulled.
2 When I explain the circumstances, 98% of people are supportive.
This has been quite a scary experience for me (I'm terribly shy), but I think getting petitions signed physically is a great way to contribute and let the studio know that it's just not hardcore nutballs protesting (no offense lol) , and to increase the petition tally. (Australians are huge petition signers).
I've started with my workmates, I work in branch of 40 people in a organisation of 500 people, and so far with the exception of some hiccups (the why bother with a children's show snide that really irks me but I can't afford to take offense at) I've had some great support. I'm also planning to leave my petition with some articles and contact details (for more info), at the local science fiction book store (I know the guy there and he's real supportive), the comic store and even the new age stores. Be prepared to explain the whole thing tho - after one hour at lunch getting petitions signed I was all talked out - the knowledge on the streets is barely to non-existant.
---> I must say, for a shy person you're doing great! I'm preparing my environment for signing the paper petition I'm soon gonna print out, the hiccups do sound familiar (I don't bother trying to explain that it's NOT a childrens's show anymore!)... I guess people are really getting tired of me, talking about XENA all the time, I think soon they will be ready to sign just to get rid of me (LOL)!
You went on:
Anyway, this is where I need some co-ordinated help from my fellow xenite activists, I'm in Australia, so I will need to send the petition to the United States, I would rather send it to one of you guys over in the States, perhaps someone who is already accumulating and co-ordinating petition sheets, mostly because I don't think I'm going to get any huge numbers (I'm hoping to get at least 200) and it would look a little silly sending a small list of petitions, some type of stopping point in the United States would be fantastic. A co-ordinated (unofficial petition central so to speak) would be great for people from UK, New Zealand etc to send petitions as well.
---> I agree, coordination is important! I'm in Holland, I'll ask what the fanclub is thinking about this...
I hope that made sense, you said.
---> YES, IT DOES! I'm getting good vibes about this, we WILL get our way, but our journey has just begun! Patience is a virtue, BATTLE ON!
Greetings to all Xenites!
DERYA.
From: "JacQuest" <jjalv@ida.net>
Elaine Hale, the Mining Co. Guide to Historical/Fantasy Television has
demonstrated support for our cause by making the following post on her
Mining Co. page at: http://fantasytv.miningco.com/library/blxencen.htm
"Xena Censored?
There has been an uproar over an episode of Xena: Warrior Princess that has
lead to having the episode pulled from both Australian and U.K. television.
This episode is entitled The Way and according to the members of the World
Vaishnava Association depicts the supreme leader of the movement as
fictional and also shows him reuniting Xena and Gabrielle who they perceive
as lesbian lovers; something that this religion does not endorse in any way.
In a special message from Renaissance (the production company for X:WP) a
response was made to the protest letter from the WVA explaining that the
first point was justified but the second was no more than hate mail and
showed intolerance. After this was posted on the Official Xena Website
newsgroups and message boards were full of discussions on the subject. One
group which has come to the forefront of this dicussion is Xenites Against
Censorship (XAC). On their site you will find several areas you can join;
inculuding the main group and a mailing list. There are many informative
articles there - even one from the consultant hired by Renaissance for the
episode.
Will the controversy over this episode changed the way (no pun intended)
writers and producers will look at creating new episodes? Now each time they
get a script will they have a legal team nitpick it to make it politically
correct for all ethnic groups, religions, and personal lifestyle choices? I
certainly hope not. If that becomes the norm television will become a very
stale medium because no matter what there will always be someone somewhere
to offend."
Nice to see the word of the effort to combat censorship spreading into the mainstream.
Jacquee
XAC Information Index
http://www.poky.net/xac.html
For fun and food visit
The Ultimate Xena Cookbook
http://www.poky.net/cookbook
25 Apr 1999
From: simahoyo <simahoyo@blarg.net>
creation wrote:
>
> From: outback@primenet.com (creation)
>
> Gary has said you can certainly put them at any Creation convention -- H/X
> or Trek. Just carry this email with you and show it to the registration
> person and they will put the flyers on the freebie table.
>
> Sharon
> Creation Ent.
Thank him for us all, and thank you for your help too.
Simahoyo
24 Apr 1999
From: outback@primenet.com (creation)
Gary has said you can certainly put them at any Creation convention -- H/X
or Trek. Just carry this email with you and show it to the registration
person and they will put the flyers on the freebie table.
Sharon
Creation Ent.
From: simahoyo <simahoyo@blarg.net>
If you live in the Seattle Area, and could help with: signature
gathering for petitions to get The Way back on the air, stamps,
printing, the use of a largish screen color Tv on May 29th for the
public showing of The Way in Seattle--please email me right away.
Simahoyo
From: "D W" <darkworrior@chickmail.com>
I go onto IRC (Undernet) and have a popup that periodically announces to the room to visit my page if they support freedom against censorship. It works. People just open up the page on another window, and I'm right there so they can ask me questions. I don't have AOL so I can't visit your chat, but that's an excellent idea. It might also be a good idea to use a chatroom occasionally for discussion between XAC members, interested parties, etc.
From: William Symmonds
Here in the UK the episode "The Way" has also been pulled from the schedule on Sky TV. Viewers have sent in e-mails to the station and they say that this episode is no longer part of the series. This disrupts the India storyline and the only way to see what happens is on the official website. What I find annoying is that one hindu group spoils the series foe the rest of us.
One last point: On May 1st I'm going to a Xenafest in Birmingham. There will be at least a hundred of us there, and, if any of them are on the internet I will get them to sign the petition. I hope this helps.
Bill aka scud
From: "Zylch Obscure" <zylch@hotmail.com>
All right, college kiddies (and high school too for that matter). You
know where the major social event on campus is, so I suggest you take
a copy of the petition along with the information suggested by BD down
to the dining hall and get those signatures. College students can be
wonderfully active in defense of free speech, but they have to know
about the issue first. Battle ON!
Zylch
From: DefiantHrt@aol.com
Hello all. In an effort to contact as many people as possible, I have been
setting up a chat room whenever I am online. On, AOL this is the chat room:
Arts and Entertainment - <A HREF="aol://2719:62-2-Xena%20Support4The%20Way">Arts and Entertainment -
Xena Support4The Way
</A>. It works because people who don't know what's going on come in and
then I tell them and give them the link for the petition. I have also seen
Xena fans who didn't know there was a petition so I snag them, too. :)
I just think this is another way to reach possible supporters... And I think
it'd be a good idea, whatever server you're on, to maybe do something like
this.
Okay, thanks.
-DefiantHrt-
From: "Becky Calvert" <lostkiwi@worldnet.att.net>
Hey Lisabeth,
That is great and shows allot of initiative!!!
We thank you for your support and hard work. This shows that we can get
signatures anywhere and anyplace. If we can get people doing this as well
as e-mail contacts and personal contact at the cons & in the various
communities (Thanks simahoyo) we can easily overwhelm Studios USA.
So lets go Xenites!!!!!!!!!
From: "bookdaft" <bookdaft@voyager.net>
Hi,
I turned my paper petitions over to my comic store guy (as I said before,
he's great; I know he'll get signatures) and we started talking about
pulling the episode and Xena and free speech issues. One customer there
mentioned he thought the ban only applied to India. That would appear to
be one of our potential problems: We need to make it clear that it covers
national as well as international syndication.
In my case I have a guy who understands what is going on because I've had a
chance to talk about it with him. Since he already is a free speech fan,
it wasn't hard to get him involved.
On thing I do recommend to those who request a store host the petition,
that you make available printed copies of statements by as many of the
parties involved or who reported on the whole controversy. What I did was
leave copies of Rob Tapert's statement, Lisa Tsering's series of articles,
commentaries for my comic store manager to read. That gives whoever gave
permission for the petition a better understanding of the controversy. My
sense during my conversation today is that people don't quite see the
potential damage this could cause, at least for now.
If you don't have access to a printer or would like copies of what I
mentioned above, I can include them with any copies of the petition I send
to you. Just let me know.
bd
23 Apr 1999
From: SassaTee@aol.com
Hello felow Xenaites,
Yesterday at school, I took a peice of paper, wrote what is going on with
"The Way" & asked everyone I know that has an E-mail add. to sign, I came up
with 167 people!!!! I haven't yet finished putting them on line though, but
this is a good idea for work, school, or just walking around.
Any of ya'll going to the convention (if its not to late) can bring your
petitions, I'm SURE they won't mind signing it.
Lisabeth :-Þ
From: simahoyo <simahoyo@blarg.net>
The reporter at Seattle Gay News is looking at the tape of, "The
Way" Stephen Humphries, of The Stranger, is excited about our public
showing and wants to publicize it. I haven't heard from the Seattle
Weekly.
One of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is jazzed about
petitions. He will talk to the rest of the sisters about helping gather
signatures. Lee is working on getting hold of ANYONE from Seattle NOW
for help during the U District Street Fair, and finding cheap places to
make copies. I found a woman at work who knows the ins and outs of the
UW campus, she had ideas as to where to post flyers, and get signatures.
One thing that will be a problem besides getting volunteers is
getting stamps, so if any Seattle Area Xenites want to snail mail stamps
(US Stamps only) so we can send off the petitions, we are shooting for
3,000 signatures. We hope we get lots more. email me for my snail mail
addy if you have some stamps to give to the effort.
Simahoyo
From: simahoyo <simahoyo@blarg.net>
I posted here, and I think this is a good spot.
http://www.UltimateTV.com/forums/tvshows/thread.html/tv
Simahoyo
From: Ruth Christian <ZNA@netscape.net>
I have been with this from the start and now I feel I have to add my two
dinars worth. Has anyone thought of approching HARD COPY, ET, E! or any of
the other news magazine programs that seem to be "XENA" friendly to get the
word out! This is just not about one ep, it is about the RIGHT TO CHOOSE and
the world needs to know,,,because what or who is next?. I would also like to
applaud all the Xenites of the world who have rallied to this cause! I have
a feeling something big is going to break soon and the whole world will know
what is happening....Don't mess with Xena, she has a vast loyal fan base who
are committed to fairness and justice, just as she is, and WE WILL BE HEARD,
JUST HANG IN THERE AND DON'T GIVE UP THE FIGHT.
BATTLE ON!!
PROUD TO BE A XENITE!!!
Ruth
22 Apr 1999
From: "Becky Calvert" <lostkiwi@worldnet.att.net>
Yes, we have thought about it and are currently working on it--if anyone is
going to a con in the near future and would like to help in the signing of
the petition please let me know--
We don't have it all together--but it is getting closer.
Becky Calvert
From Lady Joxer:
Has anyone thought of taking the petitions to the Herc/Xena conventions and having the fans who come to these events sign the petition?
Kathryn
From: simahoyo <simahoyo@blarg.net>
I have arranged for the U district Public Lirary to let us use
their meeting room for a public showing of, "The Way" on May 29th, from
12 Noon to 3PM. We need: A TV, A vcr, lots of paper petitions for people
to sign, and a ton of publicity.
Looks like Lee Lightening has volunteered to be a meeting place to plan
stuff. Lee's email is: Blazzingbolt@webtv.net Please email Lee with
ideas, times you think would work for the meeting etc.
My best times are every other weekend, but not between May 1 and
May 18th.
Simahoyo
From: "D W" <darkworrior@chickmail.com>
On Thu, 22 Apr 1999 09:19:00 MHeckrotte wrote:
>
>The idea of contacting someone like Jay Leno is not a bad one...if we could
>get a fax, phone or email address for him it could help along with sending
>him the petition and asking for help...we all know that if something a little
>more drastic than a petition or some
>letters is not done this movement will fail...by human
>nature people will give up and go on with their lives...studios usa knows
>this too...just look at the
>decline in signatures on the petition from its inception...I have written,
>emailed and faxed everyone
>on the lists being provided as well as talked to friends
>and emailed people on my ebay bids...short of starting
>over again, if we do not come up with different ideas
>and sources we are dead in the water.
The petition's only problem (online) is that it's only reaching a small portion of the internet population. After awhile, being told to sign only once, you'll exhaust that portion. Which is why it is *so* important that we keep getting our voice heard by the media, who keep on publishing the addy for Kit's site, which contains a link to the petition, which brings in more curious outsiders who'll sign.
Visit a guestbook of another Xena fan? Sign it, and say "hey, drop by [addy here] and sign the petition to restore "The Way" to syndication, if you already haven't." Visit guestbooks of other fandoms? Same thing. If you're at a website messageboard, post a message asking if anyone's heard the news? Then toss out the addy. If you're in a chat room and have a tag line, put the info in your tag line. Announce it in chat every 45 minutes or so, and give out that addy! *g* And even if you use the same email everytime to write people (magazines, organizations, shows, etc), just make sure you write! I have one email, the one I posted not too long ago for the list. It works with sometimes major, sometimes minor, changes, and I can send it over and over (to diff people, of course). There are also archived letters at the XAC Index - just cut, paste, amend, and blast the sucker off! :)
You can email The Tonight Show with Jay Leno at tonightshow@nbc.com. His wife, Mavis I believe, is viewed as something of a Hollywood powerhouse, since essentially she picked up the ball and ran when it came to the Taliban. She got alot of big celeb backing (but that even took her awhile, folks - patience), which although may sound limited to Hollywood, isn't - celebs usually have political ties, and in Mrs. Leno's case, hers go to the White House and beyond. Same as Rosie O's.
I'd also suggest stopping by Rosie O'Donnell's site and leaving a message. I tried, but it won't let me for some reason. That addy is http://rosieo.warnerbros.com/cmp/comments.html (or htm) I think.
To both addresses, all you really need to do is say something like you are writing to inquire if you could get your cause mentioned. Give them a web address to one of the centralized protest pages, mention the petition, and say basically why you back the counter-protest. Of course you don't have to make your emails this short, but the shorter they are, the easier they are to read, and easier they are to retain in the memory, and thus the more likely they are to be passed down by the producers.
Anyway... I know people start to lose steam and wonder what it's all coming down to after awhile, but it's important to keep pushing onward. Sure, StudiosUSA is a big piece of a bigger conglomeration, and we here are only a few hundred fans on the internet, but that doesn't mean we aren't entitled to defense *or* offense here, and it doesn't mean that we're any less organized or justified to have a voice than the original protestors. It doesn't mean we don't *have* a voice. If we didn't, we wouldn't have the petition, and we certainly wouldn't have mentions in the press.
~DW
http://www.angelfire.com/ar/beogodeo
---
From: ladyjoxer@postnet.com
I have two things to comment on.
First, has anyone thought of taking petitions to
the Herc/Xena conventions and having the fans in
attendance sign the petition?
Also, I spent a little time making posts to
various message boards around the internet. I
received the following response from one of my posts. I hope this will be of some help.
Hi there --
Thanks for the great post in my forum. It gave me the little push I needed to get an article written on the "The Way" controversy. I had been working on something and could never seem to get it going to my satisfaction.
You site has been very helpful and informative on the issue. All I had seen before was the statement on MCA's home page and other news group posts.
Again thanks!
Elaine Hale
http://fantasytv.miningco.com
Historical/Fantasy T.V. Sites on the Web
We mine the net so you don't have to!
Battle On, Xenites!
Kathryn
From: simahoyo <simahoyo@blarg.net>
mswami@aei.ca wrote:
>
> From: mswami@aei.ca
>
> I'm new to this stuff but please bear with me.
> in response to a message i received this afternoon from XAC.
> please remember that Pride Day will be happening shortly and this is an ideal time to get signatures.
Hey, Seattle Xenites--what about the U district Street Fair, Folklife
and the Fremont Solstice parade? Can we organize a signiture gathering?
Simahoyo
From: MHeckrotte@aol.com
The idea of contacting someone like Jay Leno is not a bad one...if we could
get a fax, phone or email address for him it could help along with sending
him the petition and asking for help...we all know that if something a little
more drastic than a petition or some
letters is not done this movement will fail...by human
nature people will give up and go on with their lives...studios usa knows
this too...just look at the
decline in signatures on the petition from its inception...I have written,
emailed and faxed everyone
on the lists being provided as well as talked to friends
and emailed people on my ebay bids...short of starting
over again, if we do not come up with different ideas
and sources we are dead in the water.
From: "George Bone" <george_bone@hotmail.com>
Donna (and Kit),
> I'm not sure whether you were on XAC when discussion first
>happened regarding canned responses such as the one you
>received,
No I only joined XAC the day before yesterday. A growing frustration
with the lack of anything really happening on the issue :)
>solicit human responses from a number of stations by
>answering this sort of thing by saying something to the
>effect of:
>
> "It is clear that you didn't read my first letter. So I
>am taking the liberty of sending it again."
>
> And then I make sure to add that since it was the pressure
>of stations that pushed Studios U.S.A. to withdraw the
>episode, it is important that they hear from all stations
>(or whatever Sky would be called) who are willing to
>pledge their support if the studio chooses to return
>the show to syndication, uncut and uncensored.
This is a great idea and I'll put it into operation at once. It
didn't really occur to me that I could push the issue further by
responding to the canned response. But you are right.
> And then I try to end with a question, to try to get
>a further response from them:
This is also a good idea as it provides feedback as to whether your
mails are working.
> The important part is for them to realize that we
>won't go away, if they try to give us the kind of pat
>response you received.
Absolutely. I could also throw in some sentences which will make them
realise that there is an organised response growing to this
censorship which may make them think more carefully about their
policy too.
> As for starting a boycott of the sponsors: unless
>we are sure that it was the sponsors who pressured
>for the show to be withdrawn, I think it would be
>working against our present strategy of thanking
>the sponsors for their support of the show, and
>for sponsoring "The Way" when it was shown.
It wasn't me who suggested the boycotting the sponsors - my idea was
to boycott StudioUSA directly as ultimately it was them who withdrew
the show from syndication - I believe because they thought that it
would be easier to deal with a few unhappy fans then the unpleasant
Hindu Fundamentalists.
thanks for your thoughts - and Kit too who said essentially the same
thing - very useful.
rgds,
gb.
21 Apr 1999
I have been inform that Deja News is the greatest news resource. We can get people from there to help us, (?)
I am looking now where I can post, :)
If someone knows how, let us know. There are more than one Xenite News Groups. If someone knows if anyone can get other groups involve... well, you get the idea, MORE PEOPLE TO SIGN, :)
Arianne
from Puerto Rico
From: Synergeer@aol.com
The situation that we have here with the "banning" of The Way by the primary
distributing company is very unique to the television industry. Usually
affiliates complain about content because of the perceived sensibilities of
their viewing area or potential threat of lost advertising revenue. In these
cases as with particular TV episodes of Rosanne & Ellen the feed is provided
and certain affiliates chose not to run it. They have this right.
With The Way, this is the first situation I know of where the affiliates
have indicated a willingness to run it, advertisers have not pulled out and
the basic audiences of the viewing areas have not complained. Therefore
boycotting sponsors should not even be a consideration. The other major
difference with this incident is that we are not talking about a domestic
product that was pulled here and made available to overseas markets. This is
the absolute first time a product has been pulled from all worldwide
distribution.
What probably drove this decision was haste, poor judgment and
Universal worrying about protesters at their theme park gates and applying
pressure to StudioUSA. They figured better to drop some syndicated show than
have their theme park disrupted. Unfortunately they never bothered to check
out who this group was and that they did not represent the Hindu population.
What ever threats were leveled in the face to face meeting with StudioUSA
scared them. It's difficult for people to admit they made a mistake. So we
need to keep directing non threatening letters at Universal, and StudioUSA.
Universal was recently bought I believe by an Internet driven company. We
need to direct letters to who ever is the ultimate owner because they can
apply the pressure needed to reverse the decision.
We need to get a Hollywood type celebrity to back this issue of
freedom of artistic expression. I suggest we start sending stuff to Jay Leno
because Jay's wife is fighting against the repression of females by
fundamentalists Islamic fractions and Lucy Lawless threw her support behind
this cause. We need to send to Michael Eisner at Disney because he refused to
back down in terms of providing same sex couples who work there health
benefits eventhough he was boycotted by the Southern Baptists and the
Catholic Church who has banned priests from performing weddings at Disney. We
should send to Dreamworks pictures, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts &
Sciences, American Film Institute and the any other Hollywood related group
or individuals who will raise this a notch because in the long run it affects
them.
Lynne
From: mswami <