Whedonesque : Comments on 14809 : Joss Whedon & Ron Moore send message to showrunners about Fans4Writers and pencils campaign.

Very shiny!

Excellent plan too!

Anonymous1 | November 22, 09:16 CET

Okay, who is Ronald D. Moore?

Anonymous1 | November 22, 09:18 CET

Okay, who is Ronald D. Moore?

Battlestar Galactica.

The One True b!X | November 22, 09:37 CET

of course, they are participating in the Pencils campaign instituted by the Guild

I thought the Pencils campaign was a Fans4Writers idea in the first place.

Polter-Cow | November 22, 09:38 CET

I thought the Pencils campaign was a Fans4Writers idea in the first place.

The pencils idea sprung up in a couple different places in various fandoms, was taken up as an organized campaign by Guild members, and F4W helped publicize it, but it wasn't a F4W idea.

The confusion was inevitable.

The One True b!X | November 22, 09:47 CET

Yay Joss and Ron!

Regarding picketing at local stations, is this being done yet? I would like to participate. I unfortunatley don't have the time or the energy to organize this, but I'd like to do what I can to help.

Harmalicious | November 22, 10:05 CET

Regarding picketing at local stations, is this being done yet?

No idea if anyone's doing it on their own. Part of the point of the letter linked here is to get more fans to congregate at F4W's forums, so that such events can more easily be planned.

The One True b!X | November 22, 10:10 CET

Hey folk. I see you've found the letter Ron and I sent out. (I call him 'Ron'. It's like that.) Personally, I wanted more cussin' but Ron's old-fashioned. Whatev. The pointy part being, we're just trying to get some traction from the non-you guys based fandoms. Where are the "Walker, Texas Ranger" pencils, for the love of heck?

Meanwhilst, December 7th approacheth. Just wanted to assure you guys that I'll be there -- even, if by some miracle, the strike is over. Fox is right across the street from a nice park so it'll either be the Mutant Enemy Picket or the Mutant Enemy Picnic. I'm banking on the former, hoping for the latter. But for them as made plane-y plans, I won't let you down. I may infect you with THE COLD THAT WILL NEVER GO AWAY, but I'll do it with verve and gusto. At some point I'm gonna have to figure out roughly how many of you all are coming, so I can let the WGA PTB know. Hmm.

And I talked today with Jaime Paglia about a Boston event, possibly the week after. We're still figuring that one out, but we sure do want to get people together outside of the NY-LA areas. (And if Boston goes well, next stop: Minsk!) There isn't necessarily a place to picket, so we're trying to configure the event. More soon.

Anyhoo, thanks for keeping the energy up. Now relax and have some turkey, or tofurkey for you vegetarians who aren't afraid of anonymous-meat-shaped food products. I have many blessings to sneeze thanks on, and you are amongst them.

xo -j.

ps L.A. Times! Check out our cover girl! Skip their biased, depressing reporting! Woo-Hoo!

joss | November 22, 10:31 CET

I think at F4w the count was upto 80.

BTW - To all the NYC fans there is going to be a solidarity rally on Nov 27th. So show your support and rally for the writers. To find out more go here.

[ edited by RavenU on 2007-11-22 07:39 ]

RavenU | November 22, 10:34 CET

Yeah, all the ME Day threads are in here, including the one for making backup plans, which I guess might now need to be updated with "picnic!" or some such.

The One True b!X | November 22, 10:38 CET

Ok had no idea how that happen. I just started a thread for Boston fans who want to help out or even let them know they will show up.

F4W Calling on Boston based fans.

It's in the new Writer/Fan Discussion area where some writers have come to cordinate efforts with fans to get the word out. So if you want to ask a question about the strike or even just offer moral support to the writers, this is the place.

[ edited by RavenU on 2007-11-22 07:49 ]

RavenU | November 22, 10:44 CET

Yay! So it was a good thang that I worried not-in-vain about what might happen if the strike is over before ME Day. Shiny! :) I'm so proud.

Julesong | November 22, 10:46 CET

I am proud as well. Just as long as The Cold doesn't result in a Mutant Enemy Pandemic.

Lady Brick | November 22, 10:53 CET

Tonight, for one night only! It's Mutant Enemy Pandemic, featuring Herman Menderchuck!

lexigeek | November 22, 10:59 CET

FYI, the fans' "strike captain" for the Mutant Enemy Picket is lexigeek, who most of you should already know, one way or another. So if you have specific questions, or for example are wondering about "what do I do about a picket sign?" and the like, either: (1) If you have an account on the F4W Forum, PM him, or (2) check the main thread.

The One True b!X | November 22, 11:00 CET

And don't forget to address him as captain... he likes that :P

kurya | November 22, 11:17 CET

Yeah I also noticed RDM mentioned it in the BSG strike video that ElectricSpaceGirl linked to (in another thread).

Site's getting famous. Have we mentioned y'all done good ? ;)

Where are the "Walker, Texas Ranger" pencils, for the love of heck?

Chuck Norris karatéd them all into wood chips. That Chuck, eh ? What's he like.

Saje | November 22, 11:20 CET

And don't forget to address him as captain... he likes that :P

Who likes what?

lexigeek | November 22, 11:23 CET

He's not captain, he's The Hat!

The One True b!X | November 22, 11:25 CET

It's ridiculous that I'm jealous of people who, after all, are just going to be walking around in circles carrying signs.

I would nominate Detroit as a hotbed of production and fan activity except (a) we don't currently have any production and (b) there aren't very many fans. :( But if we did I so would!

cabri | November 22, 11:51 CET

Your Royal Purple Joss'ness Sir - Entertainment Weekly just (Like...the ish for the 16th, iirc) ran an article on the strike. I didn't read the whole thing, sorry. But it was in the breakroom at work, so maybe other folks read it, too.

But I got to thinking (Yes, I know - working without tools) - maybe the actors on the line should show up in mime face. Because without the writers they have nothing to say. (Well, ok, they do, but their characters don't.)

Ok, actually, first I was thinking "All shows should do a version of 'Hush'."

Sorry. It's past two in the morning here in Wisconsin, and I'm getting a bit punchy.

I'll be with y'all in spirit on the seventh, since I can't be there in person.

ShadowQuest | November 22, 12:09 CET

Because without the writers they have nothing to say.

Well there is this.

Meanwhile, Doonesbury has an unscientific poll up. Support for the writers is overwhelmingly winning amongst every level of viewing habit.

The One True b!X | November 22, 12:23 CET

Speaking of December 7, there's now a very strange prediction which would make that day the day a new contract is declared to be ratified.

The One True b!X | November 22, 12:28 CET

If anything is going to scare Fox it will be the thought of a Mutant Enemy Picnic at their gate.

Wish I could be there but London to LA is a long walk.

MutantFriend | November 22, 14:10 CET

Whoop! Here's hoping for a ME picnic.
Joss, my mom used to tell me to stop thinking about the cold and it'd go away. *shrug* I think it has something to do with neglect and abandonment issues.

[ edited by Mirage on 2007-11-22 11:13 ]

Mirage | November 22, 14:12 CET

Strange, my Mum used to say think about the cold as hard as you can and it'll go away. I assumed it didn't like being the centre of attention.

Colds eh, it's almost like they go away no matter what you do ;).

And yep, crossing fingers for the picnic. Wake up AMPTP, picnics > massive industrial unrest. Except when there're wasps. Unless there're also wasps at the massive industrial unrest, then it evens out.

Saje | November 22, 14:40 CET

Boston would be such good news for my sis who is going on the cruise but must MUST go back home the day we dock before her partner and their son cry from being abandoned. She introduced me to Buffy in the first place so I feel horribly guilty that I can picket and she can't.
And Jossir, perhaps if you give the cold to all of us, then you won't have it anymore. Let's hope.

Lioness | November 22, 17:08 CET

I think at F4w the count was up to 80.

But that was the out-of-town people checking in, right? I didn't check in there, for instance, because of course I'm going to be there (with food). I know danregal is also rallying the SoCal Browncoats.

Should we all check in there, to get a count?

dreamlogic | November 22, 17:28 CET

Yes we need everyone who is going to be there to check in so we make sure we have enough supplies for the day.

RavenU | November 22, 17:32 CET

You're still sick? Joss! What are we going to do with you? Seriously.

Harmalicious | November 22, 18:16 CET

I sent an email to SoCal Browcoats.

dreamlogic | November 22, 18:17 CET

Hello, body here?! They always forget me.

Madhatter | November 22, 18:37 CET

You're still sick? Joss! What are we going to do with you? Seriously.

I can attest that Joss is still strong. That table he carried is both heavy and awkward.

dreamlogic | November 22, 18:49 CET

We don't do Thanksgiving (We're thankful all year round? We're ungrateful Yerpian pigs?) but I'll see if I can organise a turkey breast this week.

Caroline | November 22, 19:01 CET

I wish to thank the lady myself.

Caroline, thanks for putting up with us. For that, we are forever in your debt.

Madhatter | November 22, 19:30 CET

Strong yet snotty (as in mucus, not a snob). Well....it's a step.

Harmalicious | November 22, 19:43 CET

Will someone please give Joss one of those smacks upside the head (not the GOOD kind)?

Or tell him from me, "Dude, it's like voting; if you don't vote, you don't get the right to complain. If you don't take care of yourself, you don't get to complain about the cold that won't go away."

Actually, do both. Knock him in the head to get his attention (but not to knock him out, because, hearing not so good); recite speech; then pop him another, just to make sure he got it.

Of course, if you think using smoochies instead would work, feel free to make the swap.

tehabwa | November 22, 20:38 CET

Of course, if you think using smoochies instead would work, feel free to make the swap.

But then you'll catch his cold.

This is one of those situations where the "violence solves nothing" people may be wrong.

Saje | November 22, 20:46 CET

"Whedonesquers practise tough love on Joss". I can see the headlines now.

Lioness | November 22, 21:09 CET

Please, my beloved Jossgod, get yourself a Z-pack of antibiotics.
I envy those who get to join in the ME pandemic in LA. Remember, there is no reason why people can't have a lot of fun while doing good.

Suzie | November 22, 21:17 CET

So where's the link to the "ME Pandemic" t-shirt?

jcs | November 22, 21:43 CET

Oh yes, a Mutant Enemy Pandemic T-shirt! It should be long sleeved, and come w/matching face mask and gloves....
Can I say how great it is that Joss is reassuring every who is making the trip to LA that Dec 7th will be a celebration of unity even if (God willing) the strike is over?! Be well everyone, I'll be there in spirit (and if you take lots of pictures I'll enjoy it vicariously!).

embers | November 22, 22:01 CET

Please, my beloved Jossgod, get yourself a Z-pack of antibiotics.

No no! Not for a virus! Antibiotic resistance is real! Rest and plenty of fluids are the only thing for a virus that won't die, seriously. Assuming that's what he has, anyway.

/ends biology PSA

And wishing Joss plenty of both rest and healthy beverages on the holiday. The picket-or-picnic is an excellent idea. Yay for fans and showrunners each doing their own thing to bring such events about.

[ edited by Sunfire on 2007-11-22 19:24 ]

Sunfire | November 22, 22:23 CET

embers,

Blue gloves.

Anonymous1 | November 22, 22:56 CET

For the record, I would totally buy a Mutant Enemy Picket/Picnic Day shirt if they were made. We probably need Joss's permission on this though, eh?

Harmalicious | November 22, 23:27 CET

For those waiting for a t-shirt to mark the day here you go ... zazzle ME Fandemic Day Shirt.

[ edited by RavenU on 2007-11-23 05:21 ]

RavenU | November 23, 03:41 CET

Surely it should be "Mutant Enemy Fandemic Day" ;-)

crossoverman | November 23, 07:14 CET

Ok - I will change it. That sounds better.

RavenU | November 23, 07:46 CET

I believe "picket" is spelled wrong. These look awesome, I love the baby blue :)

Harmalicious | November 23, 08:16 CET

Yesh I noticed that - it was from my first design. It has once again been changed. It's fixed yet again.

Done now.

RavenU | November 23, 08:22 CET

RavenU - Can you use the Buffied font on the front? I think that'd look snazzy.

Sigh Why must I be a broke fan?

Any other broke fans wanna gather at the Bronze:Beta on the seventh & have a "Vicarious Smoo....Striking" party?

ShadowQuest | November 23, 08:51 CET

Woo hoo!!! Got one, y'all!!!! Thanks for doing this, RavenU!! I'll wear it in Illinois on 12/7 and pretend I'm there chanting (or eating a yummy sandwich) with you guys.

Harmalicious | November 23, 09:21 CET

Hmm, what about getting one of the shirts, getting it signed by as many of the ME alums as possible, and auctioning it to raise money for the WGA Solidarity Fund (or whatever the actual name of it is) or the Actors Fund (which is on the Giving Works list on eBay)?

[ edited by Lady Brick on 2007-11-23 07:41 ]

Lady Brick | November 23, 10:37 CET

*stumbles into the room tired and full o' turkey and sundry foodstuffs coughpiecough.*

Yay for Joss for "gonna be there come what may" and stuff. That's Some Guy.

Joss: "ps L.A. Times! Check out our cover girl! Skip their biased, depressing reporting! Woo-Hoo!"

I think I posted this on the "Ben Edlund marches down Hollywood Blvd." thread, but I'll put it here in case anyone missed it:

Mutant Enemy writer Mere Smith made the cover of the L.A. Times in the print edition (I've posted the photo here in case anyone has a problem accessing the LA Times site.)

The cover story - print and online - was all about the town's economy being adversely affected by the strike, and was barely about the writers and this huge march. They've been doing that more and more lately - and just f-y'alls-i, they are owned by The Tribune Company.

QuoterGal | November 23, 11:24 CET

I'll be there. Hoping Joss gets over that nasty cold! So kind of him to write in solidarity.

SaltyGoodness | November 23, 12:43 CET

And because it's way into the morning past Thanksgiving, and despite the fact that I ought to be sleeping since I work at 10AM, here is my own stab at a shirt, only available in two shades of red.

The One True b!X | November 23, 15:42 CET

As discovered and brought to our attention on the F4W forum, Serenity is playing at midnight on December 7, at the Nuart Theatre in West Los Angeles.

[ edited by theonetruebix on 2007-11-23 17:53 ]

The One True b!X | November 23, 20:53 CET

theonetruebix,

And the picnic/picket will probably be over by then.

Anonymous1 | November 23, 23:15 CET

And since they are a Landmark theater, hopefully they will Serenity Collector's Editions DVDs to sell.

Anonymous1 | November 23, 23:32 CET

I was afraid this would happen. I just got an e-mail from Zazzle telling me that my t-shirt order was cancelled because of copyright violation. It specifically mentioned tne trademark-protected Mutant Enemy logo.

Bobbi | November 23, 23:52 CET

The answer to that, I would think, is to see if there's a way for Joss to fax a letter to Zazzle okaying its usage for that item, if he's willing.

The One True b!X | November 24, 00:42 CET

theonetruebix: "And because it's way into the morning past Thanksgiving, and despite the fact that I ought to be sleeping since I work at 10AM, here is my own stab at a shirt, only available in two shades of red."

Cool, b!X - I thought there should be a design that works on red, too.

Let's see what happens to this one...

QuoterGal | November 24, 01:25 CET

Cool, b!X - I thought there should be a design that works on red, too.

I should say, for the record, that unlike ravenu's, mine was really just because I wanted one, and isn't marked up to help with event costs or solidarity funds and the like. (Just so people don't think of buying the one I put up thinking they are doing anything other than just buying a shirt.)

The One True b!X | November 24, 01:28 CET

Ok, I think Cafepress is about to kill mine also. So if there's anyway to get a letter of approval to use the ME logo, if Joss is game for it, I think we might need to do that.

The One True b!X | November 24, 01:39 CET

You can buy RavenU's design at zazzle.com with 3/4 length red sleeves, which looks really good (red being the color of the day).

embers | November 24, 02:29 CET

You can buy RavenU's design at zazzle.com with 3/4 length red sleeves, which looks really good (red being the color of the day).

Except for the above person saying their order was cancelled due to trademark violations.

The One True b!X | November 24, 02:36 CET

B!x: I read that, but they haven't taken the item down, and they aren't preventing me from putting it in my cart (but I guess it is still possible they will cancel my order later...).

embers | November 24, 02:52 CET

I've just made contact with the WGA strike captain who's the picket coordinator for Fox. He said he'll make sure there are at least 100 WGA picket signs available to us. If you're coming, come find me (just look for the hat) and I'll make sure you get one.

[ edited by lexigeek on 2007-11-24 00:08 ]

lexigeek | November 24, 03:07 CET

Are these full-on WGA signs, or the ones with the blank space in the middle for customizing?

The One True b!X | November 24, 03:11 CET

I forgot to specify when I spoke to him initially, so I went back and asked if we can get the ones with the white space. I'll report back once I get an answer.

lexigeek | November 24, 03:17 CET

embers, I was able to order RavenU's t-shirt and received an order confirmation. It was several hours later that I got the cancellation e-mail. Despite that, you can still order them. I just tried again and got a new confirmation. We'll see how long it takes for me to get another cancellation. Maybe they'll miss it.

Bobbi | November 24, 04:07 CET

lexigeek: I forgot to specify when I spoke to him initially, so I went back and asked if we can get the ones with the white space. I'll report back once I get an answer."

Thanks, lexi. Yeah, these are the handiest ones - hope they got 'em for us...

QuoterGal | November 24, 04:24 CET

Well, I got myself a red B!x ME Day shirt and got a confirmation... we'll see how it goes. :)

Julesong | November 24, 11:45 CET

cabri, I join you in jealousy solidarity ;) I want so badly to be there, and it's so utterly impossibly. Seriously, there could be tears.

Shey | November 24, 17:51 CET

Bobbi - I ordered one as well, right before you mentioned the cancelation. I now have a shipment conformation on the order. So it looks like, they decided that it is ok.

The following item(s) from your order were shipped:

via Priority Shipping (2-3 Business Days)

----------------------------------------------------------
Mutant Enemy Fandemic Day T-shirt,
Basic American Apparel T-Shirt, Light-Blue, Adult

Quantity: 1

RavenU | November 24, 18:28 CET

I hope everyone has a great time at a picnic rather than a picket. I will be 3000 miles away sending psychic support. ;-)

newcj | November 24, 18:42 CET

(Scratch this. I had posted it about 5 minutes after waking up and it made no sense.)

[ edited by theonetruebix on 2007-11-24 18:18 ]

The One True b!X | November 24, 21:04 CET

newcj, if there's bar-b-q in that deal, you've a friend for life!

Madhatter | November 24, 21:15 CET

Thanks, RavenU. I just got a shipment confirmation on my 2nd order. Yay!!

Bobbi | November 25, 01:06 CET

OK, at first I got a cancellation e-mail yesterday, but today I tried again with 3/4 sleeve style. They didn't have the style I tried to purchase previously. Hope I get it!!!

Harmalicious | November 25, 04:45 CET

And they shipped it! Woo hoo!

Harmalicious | November 25, 20:19 CET

Do you all have a number for how many people are flying in for the fandemic picnic?

ruthless1 | November 27, 22:24 CET

November 22 2007