An unlikely claim

[ah-chie]

Before I begin, I just want to say that these are just general observations of mine and not directed as an answer to any particular poster...

I really don't know this fellow Sandy, but I do lurk occasionally on CA and have read a number of his past posts, and although I wouldn't say he is totally negative about TNS (and he does seem to be one of the most civilized detractors of the show - I appreciate that he actually took the moron who posted the "bullet to the brain" picture of K. Sackoff to task), it is safe to say that he isn't exactly a supporter of it either (I got the impression that he wouldn't shed many tears if it was cancelled).

There is nothing wrong with not liking the new show, of course - he has every right to have a different opinion of a TV show.

But if he is going to post a message like he did, then I *have* to question his motivations for this post when I read it because the fact is that he clearly *isn't* a disinterested party (just like, on the other side of the fence, plenty of others have questioned KR motivations and posts because of who he is and his known views about the new BSG).

I can believe that partially he was trying to cater to "TOS only/Continuationist" fans (this post obviously was meant to be in part an ego-satisfying boost that confirms that they are the "make or break factor" for the new series after all).

But I also have to assume that he knows that more than just TOS fans are going to read this post (especially since he presented it like Moses coming down from the mount with the stone tablets of "clarification" and "reliable insider" information, and he obviously knows that things travel fast on the internet) and that the "gloomy" tone was purposely set to rain on any TNS fans' anticipations that came across it.

It isn't hard for me (and many others I suppose) to picture that there may be dissenting voices concerning the new BSG in the inner circle of executives at Sci-Fi (what group of people totally agree on *anything*??), but is this something that is strong enough to be representational of the overall milieu at the network - is it really enough of a factor to seriously affect the prognosis of the new series, as he seems to be pronouncing in his post?

Was this post done with the intentions of both soothing TOS/Continuationists wounds, while also fanning the flames of TNS fans' anxiousness concerning the fate of the series? That's the question that comes to mind when I read that post. Intentions and motivations of the person posting is everything when it come to this kind of message - it is the "filter" through which the information received is passed to anyone who reads it.

[TwoBrainedCylon]

Greetings all.

First of all, congrats to Xenu and the team for the growing success on RA.

Second of all, thank you for the unrequested feedback on my character and motivations. No doubt some of you understand me better than I understand myself. The insight has been helpful, if not a bit painful. Hearing what others think of you can often challenge what you know about yourself. In this case, I've gotten a grand dose of that.

I disagree with much of what has been written here but everyone can work most of it out for themselves. Regardless, since I have become the topic, not the subject of the post, it seems fair to provide some feedback.

I personally don't feel that I have some intolerance for people who disagree with me. I have intolerane for insincerity, lying, TROLLING, and game playing. Some fairly fierce fueds that arose when the miniseries was first announced as a concept may have tainted some of my thinking but most seem to think I'm a reasonable guy. To believe that I can't stand someone who disagrees with me misses what I see as my real character. I can only believe that anyone who feels this hasn't really read the things I write or realized the basis of the conflicts that have occurred.

I didn't like being called volitile but I can understand why that characteristic may seem valid to many. That and the comments about being confrontational were useful to me and I thank those that made them as it is a valueable perception that I'll try to keep in mind in the future.

As for my motivations behind posting the first and second message, there wasn't and isn't any sinister plan to sway anyone to one side or the other, deflate anyone's hopes or dreams, soften the blow for TOS fans, spin doctor a situation to seem to be different than it is, or anything else. It was simply to provide information that people could consider or not.

Every time I do this I get a storm of flak like this and I ask myself why I even bothered. In this case, I heard scores of folks firmly under the belief that if the new series broke a certain mark it would be renewed. I know for fact that there are far more considerations than that under the table. If the posts sounded like I was dissing the show, I don't think you read them for their real content. If you note, there were also comments about how Larson saving the day for the TOS crowd isn't a viable possibility either and that the Sci-Fi Channel isn't about to backpeddle and get more TOS friendly even if the show tanks.

One could bellieve I'm at war with everyone and that would fit the evidence before you OR you could simply consider that things are just as I claim they are and that I was merely relaying an insider's view with no other motive than to provide people with a window as to some of the thinking going on behind the scenes.

Someone noted that I didn't announce a series pickup before it happenned in early 2004. That's true. I knew when it happenned but was asked to keep it to myself. In fact, I keep a lot of information to myself (about 1/2 to 2/3rds). Usually that's simply to honor requests made by those who share things with me but increasingly, its because sharing information with this fanbase isn't worth the hassle that always accompanies it. Try having every word you write scrutinized with sinister motives added and see how ambitious you become to tell people things you know, epecially if its what they don't want to hear. To many, it sounds arrogant that I think my words have such impact but experience has shown me that even things I write causally impact a lot of people and are often used as ammunition for one side or the other often years later. (Ask people you trust if this is arrogance or truth). I may come across like Moses coming from the mountain but in my mind, I'm simply a fan sharing some things I know for those that want to consider them. If some (or even most) don't, that's fine too. The last time this sort of conflict of info took place I made a lunch bet over it and would have laughed and enjoyed the lunch had I lost.

I recently decided to post a basic review of the series (my personal thoughts) because I'd been requested to do so by quite a number of folks, including some members of the production team. I posted it on the Skiffy board and pointed people towards it. Within a day, the mods had to close it down due to the backlash and personal attacks launched against me.

In this latest case, I posted information on Cylon.org, not to stroke the egos of anyone but just because that's the closest thing I have to a "BSG Home". I clearly said, "take it or leave it" yet for some reason, its posted all across the internet now and people are whining about some secretive plan I must be following. You guys should really listen to yourselves sometimes because your explainations are pretty rediculous. If you live in a world framed by a struggle of making the new series succeed or die you live in a world unconnected to mine. Some are correct, that I wouldn't shed a tear if this new series were cancelled. I've told Ron that directly. I also wouldn't be bothered if it continued for another ten years. My participation in fandom (minimal at the moment) is to interact with other fans not sway anyone to any cause or press forward under some misguided belief that I'm going to change anything about any production. If anyone thinks they're swaying any production team or media studio with their BBoard posts they're very sadly mistaken. I might be passionate about Galactica but I'm not a stupid person nor do I belief I inflate my view of my own importance.

The info I posted doesn't parallel what everyone hears. That's absolutely true. I think I even noted that. I posted it precisely because it contrasts. If things I heard were the same as what everyone else was saying, there wouldn' be any reason to post it. If I did have some anti-TNS agenda, trust me, it would be a LOT more fun to let you guys continue to get spun up about how a second season was a certainty and then laugh when the cancellation was announced. Then, there would be a sea of comments to throw in people's faces.

I'm not that way and anyone who thinks I am isn't even trying to understand my character -- not that I think anyone should try to understand my character but if you spend effort describing what I must be like you should at least try to see if I really am this villian you describe.

As many know, I and KR have a profound dislike for each other. I now like Michael Hinman but we've been through some strong challenges and you could claim we are at odds based on what's posted on the internet. Yet, with these two, I still wouldn't assign some ulterior motives to thier actions for posting information. I take what they present at face value until I know otherwise. I think many of you would be well advised to do the same. I explained in context the information I presented and explained why I bothered to post it in the first place. Before you call me a liar, you should at least have something to go on other than a belief that I must have some secret agenda. In ther future, if anyone really wants to know what I think or intend about anything, you're welcome to contact me directly at [e-mail] . I doubt you'll find me to be the evil, plotting mad-scientist so many of you picture me to be.

If the membership here intends to alienate and attack everyone that doesn't sing the top praises of the new series, that's fine in itself but I'm reminded that this site was originally concieved because new series fans felt they couldn't express themselves without someone attacking them. I personally find it ironic that its become a safe haven for engaging in the exact same conduct against members of other sites who either like the original series or dislike the new series. I recall that a chief complaint was that people at Cylon.org weren't considerate enough of new series fan's views and a place where everyone was respected had to be created. Somehow, I thought mutual respect would sound less vicious than what I've read here.

Of course that's only my opinion.


Sandy

[Harvester]

Thanks for taking the time to respond, Sandy.

[RedSalmon]

TwoBrainedCylon said:

Greetings all.

First of all, congrats to Xenu and the team for the growing success on RA.

Second of all, thank you for the unrequested feedback on my character and motivations. No doubt some of you understand me better than I understand myself. The insight has been helpful, if not a bit painful. Hearing what others think of you can often challenge what you know about yourself. In this case, I've gotten a grand dose of that.

I disagree with much of what has been written here but everyone can work most of it out for themselves. Regardless, since I have become the topic, not the subject of the post, it seems fair to provide some feedback.

I personally don't feel that I have some intolerance for people who disagree with me. I have intolerane for insincerity, lying, TROLLING, and game playing. Some fairly fierce fueds that arose when the miniseries was first announced as a concept may have tainted some of my thinking but most seem to think I'm a reasonable guy. To believe that I can't stand someone who disagrees with me misses what I see as my real character. I can only believe that anyone who feels this hasn't really read the things I write or realized the basis of the conflicts that have occurred.

I didn't like being called volitile but I can understand why that characteristic may seem valid to many. That and the comments about being confrontational were useful to me and I thank those that made them as it is a valueable perception that I'll try to keep in mind in the future.

As for my motivations behind posting the first and second message, there wasn't and isn't any sinister plan to sway anyone to one side or the other, deflate anyone's hopes or dreams, soften the blow for TOS fans, spin doctor a situation to seem to be different than it is, or anything else. It was simply to provide information that people could consider or not.

Every time I do this I get a storm of flak like this and I ask myself why I even bothered. In this case, I heard scores of folks firmly under the belief that if the new series broke a certain mark it would be renewed. I know for fact that there are far more considerations than that under the table. If the posts sounded like I was dissing the show, I don't think you read them for their real content. If you note, there were also comments about how Larson saving the day for the TOS crowd isn't a viable possibility either and that the Sci-Fi Channel isn't about to backpeddle and get more TOS friendly even if the show tanks.

One could bellieve I'm at war with everyone and that would fit the evidence before you OR you could simply consider that things are just as I claim they are and that I was merely relaying an insider's view with no other motive than to provide people with a window as to some of the thinking going on behind the scenes.

Someone noted that I didn't announce a series pickup before it happenned in early 2004. That's true. I knew when it happenned but was asked to keep it to myself. In fact, I keep a lot of information to myself (about 1/2 to 2/3rds). Usually that's simply to honor requests made by those who share things with me but increasingly, its because sharing information with this fanbase isn't worth the hassle that always accompanies it. Try having every word you write scrutinized with sinister motives added and see how ambitious you become to tell people things you know, epecially if its what they don't want to hear. To many, it sounds arrogant that I think my words have such impact but experience has shown me that even things I write causally impact a lot of people and are often used as ammunition for one side or the other often years later. (Ask people you trust if this is arrogance or truth). I may come across like Moses coming from the mountain but in my mind, I'm simply a fan sharing some things I know for those that want to consider them. If some (or even most) don't, that's fine too. The last time this sort of conflict of info took place I made a lunch bet over it and would have laughed and enjoyed the lunch had I lost.

I recently decided to post a basic review of the series (my personal thoughts) because I'd been requested to do so by quite a number of folks, including some members of the production team. I posted it on the Skiffy board and pointed people towards it. Within a day, the mods had to close it down due to the backlash and personal attacks launched against me.

In this latest case, I posted information on Cylon.org, not to stroke the egos of anyone but just because that's the closest thing I have to a "BSG Home". I clearly said, "take it or leave it" yet for some reason, its posted all across the internet now and people are whining about some secretive plan I must be following. You guys should really listen to yourselves sometimes because your explainations are pretty rediculous. If you live in a world framed by a struggle of making the new series succeed or die you live in a world unconnected to mine. Some are correct, that I wouldn't shed a tear if this new series were cancelled. I've told Ron that directly. I also wouldn't be bothered if it continued for another ten years. My participation in fandom (minimal at the moment) is to interact with other fans not sway anyone to any cause or press forward under some misguided belief that I'm going to change anything about any production. If anyone thinks they're swaying any production team or media studio with their BBoard posts they're very sadly mistaken. I might be passionate about Galactica but I'm not a stupid person nor do I belief I inflate my view of my own importance.

The info I posted doesn't parallel what everyone hears. That's absolutely true. I think I even noted that. I posted it precisely because it contrasts. If things I heard were the same as what everyone else was saying, there wouldn' be any reason to post it. If I did have some anti-TNS agenda, trust me, it would be a LOT more fun to let you guys continue to get spun up about how a second season was a certainty and then laugh when the cancellation was announced. Then, there would be a sea of comments to throw in people's faces.

I'm not that way and anyone who thinks I am isn't even trying to understand my character -- not that I think anyone should try to understand my character but if you spend effort describing what I must be like you should at least try to see if I really am this villian you describe.

As many know, I and KR have a profound dislike for each other. I now like Michael Hinman but we've been through some strong challenges and you could claim we are at odds based on what's posted on the internet. Yet, with these two, I still wouldn't assign some ulterior motives to thier actions for posting information. I take what they present at face value until I know otherwise. I think many of you would be well advised to do the same. I explained in context the information I presented and explained why I bothered to post it in the first place. Before you call me a liar, you should at least have something to go on other than a belief that I must have some secret agenda. In ther future, if anyone really wants to know what I think or intend about anything, you're welcome to contact me directly at [e-mail] . I doubt you'll find me to be the evil, plotting mad-scientist so many of you picture me to be.

If the membership here intends to alienate and attack everyone that doesn't sing the top praises of the new series, that's fine in itself but I'm reminded that this site was originally concieved because new series fans felt they couldn't express themselves without someone attacking them. I personally find it ironic that its become a safe haven for engaging in the exact same conduct against members of other sites who either like the original series or dislike the new series. I recall that a chief complaint was that people at Cylon.org weren't considerate enough of new series fan's views and a place where everyone was respected had to be created. Somehow, I thought mutual respect would sound less vicious than what I've read here.

Of course that's only my opinion.


Sandy

Sandy, you're a top bloke. Your morals are cool, and warnings noted. You also have had one of the best resources for BSG for a very long time, which as far as I'm concerned, makes you a BSG fan foremost.

The TOS / TNS wars, as far as I'm concerned, was all before I came back to the genre. AND I came back to it (ie there was a before).

There's been some arseholes posting either side, but as far as I'm concerned, as a TNS fan, you are clearly a good guy post 'nam'. Respect from the UK , well south west london anyway.

[koenigrules]

Darth:
I would like to point out something about the Dirk Benedict thing- since you brought it up.
Aaron did confirm on lvrocks this week that he had seen a script with the name Dirk Benedict in it. It was assumed he would be in the episode.
That's what my source said.
It was not based on nothing, nor was it something that was concocted.
An actual script contained the name Dirk Benedict & a scene written for him.
Aaron did indicate some of the actors were expecting another TOS actor on the set.
Yet, I was trashed by some (fortunately not those here) & have been put on the proverbial dung heap if I report anything else.
Probably because they do not want TOS stars in TNS.
But let me make it clear: anything that I have reported has some base to it.
If you recall, I reported the BSG pickup as a series, I reported that NBC would re-air the miniseries, I reported recently that Aaron received a contract (which he indicated both at MB & lvrocks this week), and I am now reporting that there will be a Season 2.
I have also been reporting on BSG's ratings the last few weeks, and even obtained a press release on Episode 4's ratings days before futoncritic released it.
My accuracy rate has been pretty high.
If people choose to ignore me or criticize me, fine.
But there are those who put stock in what I say.
And I can state right now the situation with BSG is not the same as before the series pick up last year.
Ratings are a major factor to go another season, and BSG has performed exceptionally well- even better than the Stargate franchise.
That secondary tier actors are now receiving 5 year contract options (something my source reported to me) is also a positive sign Sci-Fi is "lining up its ducks in a row" for an announcement shortly.
And NBC & Sci-Fi are VERY PLEASED with BSG.
So stay tuned for some positive news.
Yes- its unconfirmed right now.
But when the confirmation comes, you will know that TPTB (The Powers That Be) have faith in this show.
So Say We All!
KR

[Darth Marley]

Yes, I heard the LVrocks bit.

And I never thought you were just making stuff up, though that was mentioned by others.

I said the same things then, if someone tells you something that doesn't pan out, that doesn't make you a liar.

I do think it is kind of funny for some to suggest that your track record is poor. As you indicate, except for that instance, things have been pretty much on track.

Some of the more rabid posters have admitted that they resent the notion that for a new generation, and even for the older one, when BSG is mention, this current episode will be what people think of. For those fans, the series continuing for a few seasons, getting critical acclaim, and such, makes the scary notion that this new and improved BSG will become BSG in the pop culture gestalt.

[Xenu]

Well, for anyone who wants my 2 cents, Sandy has always seemed like a straight-up fellow to me, and I don't have a problem taking him at his word.

That having been said, whoever his source is must work in a completely different film & TV industry than I have for the past decade, because nothing in that report seems to conform to any reality I know of or could imagine; up until the part when a continuation was mentioned I figured it was just the musings of a PA with wishful thinking, but I have an extremely difficult time beleiving that anyone in Hollywood is even so much as entertaining the notion of a continuation film anymore in any way, manner, fashion, or form...nor shall they ever again, for better or worse.

I believe that is what someone told Sandy. I just believe that not a shred of it will turn out to be true.

[koenigrules]

Xenu:
If there is any continuation movie, Sci-Fi would probably be doing the same thing that was proposed when Stargate was "going off" the air a season or two back- namely, a continuation with those series' characters.
So if BSG ever goes off the air, and eventually it will, its ratings would justify a big screen version of TNS & would probably take off where the series ended.
It would be interesting to see if there are still plans for an SG-1 movie after Season 9.
KR

[kingfish]

KR has the show been renewed? Yes, No or you don't know. I might not be the biggest fan of the thingy but I also don't want to see people hurt.

[Darth Marley]

Kingfish, if you talk privately with people that claim to have "sources" you run in to the wall that keeps them from telling everything they know.

Two good reasons for this. They might stop telling you things, and they might lose their jobs.

No one I have talked to has been able to say "officially" that the show if a go, but more than two have said it is.

[kingfish]

Darth said:

Kingfish, if you talk privately with people that claim to have "sources" you run in to the wall that keeps them from telling everything they know.

Two good reasons for this. They might stop telling you things, and they might lose their jobs.

No one I have talked to has been able to say "officially" that the show if a go, but more than two have said it is.

Darth so why post anything at all. Plain and simple wait for the press release. I am sure when the show is officially renewed there will be plenty of them.

[Darth Marley]

I agree in part.

Once the "press release" is issued, there will be a "victory dance" series of posts, and then there will be the "damage control" posts from the other side of fandom.

AS NBC panics as its network ratings fall, and they have no original programs to counter CBS with, I would not be surprised if the wrest control of the show away from SFC, and perhaps doom the show as a result.

In 11 days, someone has to write a check to keep the sets up, or to pay a crew to strike them, or to start S2 production.

[koenigrules]

Kingfish:
There are enough people out there (including those on this site) that want to hear about a pickup, even if it is "unofficial".
They are smart to realize it has not come from Sci-Fi yet.
But it does contribute to less worry on their part that Sci-Fi does not want the show or is unwilling to make a commitment to it.
That is simply not true.
Everyone can wait & be patient for the official word.
I am simply relaying what several sources have told me and what I have read in the Toronto Star today....
FYI- Here's the link:
www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1107731409136&call_pageid=970599119419

KR

[AdeptHavelock]

Thanks Koenigrules.

As a resident of the US, I've long said thank goodness for the Canadian media!

[Harvester]

As a resident of the US, I've long said thank goodness for the Canadian media!

Here we just refer to the Canadian media as the Liberal Party Booster Club.