RDM-Colonial Fleets Contact
TO: Ronald D. Moore, Executive Producer, Battlestar Galactica
As you may know, Colonial Fleets has long been a supporter of the revival of the original Battlestar Galactica. Despite this, we have had fans from your version of our beloved story who have come in, singing the praises of your show, even at the expense of the original. We have embraced these fans, in the hopes that there might be good communication, discussion, and esprit de corps between them.
Battlestar Galactica, to us, has always represented a story that could be viewed by entire families. Yes, the story deals with a very dark subject (the annihilation of the human race across the stars, and the subsequent horrors and strife that follow), but the show also was a tale of hope and strength in the face of great adversity. It was a story of rising above the challenges the rag tag fleet had to face as a result of being exiled to the stars. And, the show was one of a family united against these processes that no despair could rend asunder.
Your version of this tale has twisted so many of the concepts of Battlestar Galactica into something that is barely recognizable by its fanbase. Constant dysfunction, a military that is far beyond any discipline we acknowledge, and stories far darker than need to be told in the realm of Battlestar Galactica.
Many segments of your show have been extremely controversial. Many TOS fans have spoken out against such events. In the miniseries, you depicted the murder of an infant in what you perceived to be an effort to show just how EVIL the Cylon race is supposed to be. We feel this was nothing more than "shock jock" material. In your efforts to evoke a sense of "The Cylons will PAY!" among your intended fanbase, you have instead evoked a response of "does RDM, et al, have no decency!?"
We have tolerated fans of your show giving lavish praise to your show, and quite at our own sufferance. However, your recent episode "Pegasus-Part One" has sparked more than just a controversy among the Battlestar Galactica fanbase. It has evoked such a negative emotional response among those who took an hour out of their lives to see what you had done with a classic, staple tale of Galactica, that we can no longer abide any continued support from this site for your show. Many families within our Galactica communities have suffered even as far as episodes of Post Traumatic Stress when witnessing the sickening scene you decided to air (regardless of how much "restraint" you'd shown). This has caused a sense of distress, outrage, and indignation among these good and decent people. AND, you also seem to have managed to drive away a segment of your own fanbase. For what? For the sake of shock?! The scene you filmed and aired doesn't even qualify as good drama. And the warning/advisory that was posted before that segment was insufficient to prepare potentially sensitive viewers for what they were about to witness.
Mr. Moore, your show has had many events which have driven us away from its potential enjoyment, but the negatives have far outweighed the positives, and in this case, the negatives have finally come to a head that cannot be ignored.
Yes, there are people still praising your show for its "gritty realism". Its "darker take". Its "grand reinvention of the genre". We have seen none of what you claim you've set out to do. Yes, you may have written off the fanbase of the original series. Yes, you may have spit and defecated all over a property we have long treasured for nearly thirty years. For all your airs, all you have served to do is destroy the name of something that was once considered a "family friendly" show.
Do not think for an instant that what we want from a revival for Battlestar Galactica is the exact same elements that existed in 1978. Yes, we would like to see an updated version of Battlestar Galactica. Perhaps a little darker, and more mature. But what you have given in your version of the show has pushed the boundaries of decency.
We, the staff, therefore withdraw any support that Colonial Fleets may have given your show.
We will still welcome fans of the new show to Colonial Fleets, but they will have to understand that your version of Battlestar Galactica is no longer a subject we choose to discuss here.
Please understand, Mr.Moore that we do not hold the flaws of the show against you, as a person. Not at all. But, as a professional, we cannot support your production. Our criticisms of your show are stictly at the professional level...not personally toward you.
Sincerely,
The Staff of Colonial Fleets
RDM's Response:
To the Administrative Board,
Thank you for the email regarding the changes atColonial Fleets.
It saddens me to read of the changes that have been made at Colonial Fleets, an exemplary forum where respectful discussion and debate flourished due to the dedication of the owners and moderators in providing ahome for all of the fans. In a fandom where less than ideal behavior often runs unchecked and is sometimes encouraged, Colonial Fleets' zero tolerance policy for personal attacks and rude off topic threads set astandard of tolerance and civility that other forums could only emulate, but not surpass. It was a place where all viewpoints were welcome (often in spite of the personal feelings of those same moderators and owners), and I often saw it held up as an example of what all boards both could and should be.
Colonial Fleets, is, of course, your property and you should do with it what you wish, and therefore I fully support you determining your own rules of behavior, etiquette or topic regardless of whether it has any relationship with Galactica or not. As for the topic at hand, think it worth noting that contrary to what some believe, I have yet, in my many years as a writer to write a scene -- ever -- strictly for shock value.I have no patience with the idea of a show that brings in an audience based on shock value alone, and have no interest in doing the dramatic equivalent of "FearFactor." I do try to write stories to provoke thought and passionate debate and I'm gratified that "Pegasus" has managed to do both, as evidenced by the debates on many boards on topics ranging from the historic dehumanization of prisoners throughout the world to the question of whether abusing a machine even counts as abuse.
On a personal level, I will say it's sad to see one of the oldest Galactica boards out there shut down discussion of Galactica. Colonial Fleets, by providing a meeting place between old and the new, provided a gateway for fans of the new to learn about, and possibly come to an appreciation of, the old. It goes without saying that the new series has broughtnew eyes and attention to Galactica, and it's unfortunate that Colonial Fleets will no longer provide an arena of discussion that can -- and has --instilled in new fans the same passion and respect forthe original that you on the Administrative Board obviously feel with such vigor.
One has only to look to newcomers such as Tabitha, who came to your board as a fan of TNS, only to join the ranks of those who value TOS, to see how openness and inclusivity can redound to the benefit of TOS. Certainly other TNS/TOS boards and forums exist out there, but I wonder if Tabitha would've come to the same appreciation of the old show had she not come to Colonial Fleets?
I am more than happy to let the audience decide whether this version of Galactica should continue or not based on nothing more than their willingness to watch it or not. If they decide to turn it off because of storylines or scenes they find offensive or morally repugnant, and as a result it gets cancelled, then so be it. I also find it a continuing source of fascination that the show is cited by publications as diverse as the National Review and The New York Timesas not only worthy viewing, but also as supposedly espousing views similar to those found on their own editorial pages.
There are those who will say: that all of the above is a lie and a manipulation, and simply further proof that I am a liar, that I have no morals, no respect for my audience, my country or our military institutions, that I am a misogynist, a pervert, and a drop out and and am only interested in dragging the American public into the muck. There is no way for me to prove otherwise. Perhaps if they knew me, my family, my friends, they might see things differently.
But that is not possible, and I am happy to be judged by the words that I write and more than willing to accept that many will judge me harshly.
If writers chose their words to win friends, there would be many great works that would have never seen the light of day. I think that it is essential that we all hold true to our values and beliefs and not be cowed by the views of those who may disagree with us.We live in a world where too few neither hold, nor are willing to stand by, core values and principles. I cannot argue with, and indeed have the greatest respect for, those who choose to stand by theirs, just as I choose to stand by mine.
I wish you all well in your new approach and look forward to seeing your commentary and opinions about the new show on the other forums so many of you still frequent.
All the best,
Ronald D. Moore
One thing: Post Traumatic Stress?
As you may know, Colonial Fleets has long been a supporter of the revival of the original Battlestar Galactica. Despite this, we have had fans from your version of our beloved story who have come in, singing the praises of your show, even at the expense of the original. We have embraced these fans, in the hopes that there might be good communication, discussion, and esprit de corps between them.
Battlestar Galactica, to us, has always represented a story that could be viewed by entire families. Yes, the story deals with a very dark subject (the annihilation of the human race across the stars, and the subsequent horrors and strife that follow), but the show also was a tale of hope and strength in the face of great adversity. It was a story of rising above the challenges the rag tag fleet had to face as a result of being exiled to the stars. And, the show was one of a family united against these processes that no despair could rend asunder.
Your version of this tale has twisted so many of the concepts of Battlestar Galactica into something that is barely recognizable by its fanbase. Constant dysfunction, a military that is far beyond any discipline we acknowledge, and stories far darker than need to be told in the realm of Battlestar Galactica.
Many segments of your show have been extremely controversial. Many TOS fans have spoken out against such events. In the miniseries, you depicted the murder of an infant in what you perceived to be an effort to show just how EVIL the Cylon race is supposed to be. We feel this was nothing more than "shock jock" material. In your efforts to evoke a sense of "The Cylons will PAY!" among your intended fanbase, you have instead evoked a response of "does RDM, et al, have no decency!?"
We have tolerated fans of your show giving lavish praise to your show, and quite at our own sufferance. However, your recent episode "Pegasus-Part One" has sparked more than just a controversy among the Battlestar Galactica fanbase. It has evoked such a negative emotional response among those who took an hour out of their lives to see what you had done with a classic, staple tale of Galactica, that we can no longer abide any continued support from this site for your show. Many families within our Galactica communities have suffered even as far as episodes of Post Traumatic Stress when witnessing the sickening scene you decided to air (regardless of how much "restraint" you'd shown). This has caused a sense of distress, outrage, and indignation among these good and decent people. AND, you also seem to have managed to drive away a segment of your own fanbase. For what? For the sake of shock?! The scene you filmed and aired doesn't even qualify as good drama. And the warning/advisory that was posted before that segment was insufficient to prepare potentially sensitive viewers for what they were about to witness.
Mr. Moore, your show has had many events which have driven us away from its potential enjoyment, but the negatives have far outweighed the positives, and in this case, the negatives have finally come to a head that cannot be ignored.
Yes, there are people still praising your show for its "gritty realism". Its "darker take". Its "grand reinvention of the genre". We have seen none of what you claim you've set out to do. Yes, you may have written off the fanbase of the original series. Yes, you may have spit and defecated all over a property we have long treasured for nearly thirty years. For all your airs, all you have served to do is destroy the name of something that was once considered a "family friendly" show.
Do not think for an instant that what we want from a revival for Battlestar Galactica is the exact same elements that existed in 1978. Yes, we would like to see an updated version of Battlestar Galactica. Perhaps a little darker, and more mature. But what you have given in your version of the show has pushed the boundaries of decency.
We, the staff, therefore withdraw any support that Colonial Fleets may have given your show.
We will still welcome fans of the new show to Colonial Fleets, but they will have to understand that your version of Battlestar Galactica is no longer a subject we choose to discuss here.
Please understand, Mr.Moore that we do not hold the flaws of the show against you, as a person. Not at all. But, as a professional, we cannot support your production. Our criticisms of your show are stictly at the professional level...not personally toward you.
Sincerely,
The Staff of Colonial Fleets
RDM's Response:
To the Administrative Board,
Thank you for the email regarding the changes atColonial Fleets.
It saddens me to read of the changes that have been made at Colonial Fleets, an exemplary forum where respectful discussion and debate flourished due to the dedication of the owners and moderators in providing ahome for all of the fans. In a fandom where less than ideal behavior often runs unchecked and is sometimes encouraged, Colonial Fleets' zero tolerance policy for personal attacks and rude off topic threads set astandard of tolerance and civility that other forums could only emulate, but not surpass. It was a place where all viewpoints were welcome (often in spite of the personal feelings of those same moderators and owners), and I often saw it held up as an example of what all boards both could and should be.
Colonial Fleets, is, of course, your property and you should do with it what you wish, and therefore I fully support you determining your own rules of behavior, etiquette or topic regardless of whether it has any relationship with Galactica or not. As for the topic at hand, think it worth noting that contrary to what some believe, I have yet, in my many years as a writer to write a scene -- ever -- strictly for shock value.I have no patience with the idea of a show that brings in an audience based on shock value alone, and have no interest in doing the dramatic equivalent of "FearFactor." I do try to write stories to provoke thought and passionate debate and I'm gratified that "Pegasus" has managed to do both, as evidenced by the debates on many boards on topics ranging from the historic dehumanization of prisoners throughout the world to the question of whether abusing a machine even counts as abuse.
On a personal level, I will say it's sad to see one of the oldest Galactica boards out there shut down discussion of Galactica. Colonial Fleets, by providing a meeting place between old and the new, provided a gateway for fans of the new to learn about, and possibly come to an appreciation of, the old. It goes without saying that the new series has broughtnew eyes and attention to Galactica, and it's unfortunate that Colonial Fleets will no longer provide an arena of discussion that can -- and has --instilled in new fans the same passion and respect forthe original that you on the Administrative Board obviously feel with such vigor.
One has only to look to newcomers such as Tabitha, who came to your board as a fan of TNS, only to join the ranks of those who value TOS, to see how openness and inclusivity can redound to the benefit of TOS. Certainly other TNS/TOS boards and forums exist out there, but I wonder if Tabitha would've come to the same appreciation of the old show had she not come to Colonial Fleets?
I am more than happy to let the audience decide whether this version of Galactica should continue or not based on nothing more than their willingness to watch it or not. If they decide to turn it off because of storylines or scenes they find offensive or morally repugnant, and as a result it gets cancelled, then so be it. I also find it a continuing source of fascination that the show is cited by publications as diverse as the National Review and The New York Timesas not only worthy viewing, but also as supposedly espousing views similar to those found on their own editorial pages.
There are those who will say: that all of the above is a lie and a manipulation, and simply further proof that I am a liar, that I have no morals, no respect for my audience, my country or our military institutions, that I am a misogynist, a pervert, and a drop out and and am only interested in dragging the American public into the muck. There is no way for me to prove otherwise. Perhaps if they knew me, my family, my friends, they might see things differently.
But that is not possible, and I am happy to be judged by the words that I write and more than willing to accept that many will judge me harshly.
If writers chose their words to win friends, there would be many great works that would have never seen the light of day. I think that it is essential that we all hold true to our values and beliefs and not be cowed by the views of those who may disagree with us.We live in a world where too few neither hold, nor are willing to stand by, core values and principles. I cannot argue with, and indeed have the greatest respect for, those who choose to stand by theirs, just as I choose to stand by mine.
I wish you all well in your new approach and look forward to seeing your commentary and opinions about the new show on the other forums so many of you still frequent.
All the best,
Ronald D. Moore
One thing: Post Traumatic Stress?
posted by (and Ernie) at 12:43 PM
12 Comments:
Leeadamaisacylon, please check your Knowledge of the Masses post. I have posted there recently. Just posting in case you would forget to check Knowledge of the Masses now that it is no longer top post.
This whole fiasco leaves a bad taste in my mouth. If those at Colonial Fleet want the sunshiney happy BSG I would leave them to it. So long and thanks for all the fish. And while they're at it they can leave the rest of the darker sci fi classics for us officianados to enjoy, like Blade Runner for example, and Matrix. But to send a letter to TPTB...what were they hoping to achieve? Would RDM say "Oh, you're right, I have seen the error of my ways and promise to portray war and all it's ugly aspects with complimentary rose colored glasses...." At that point he stops being a writer and becomes a politician. But to send a letter to RDM like that is tantamount to saying "You can't play in our sandbox anymore, and neither can your little friends." I find it as juvenile as the original message aimed at the fans themselves. I can only imagine the letter they sent to Lucas after Anakin slaughtered all the baby Jedis.
"I can only imagine the letter they sent to Lucas after Anakin slaughtered all the baby Jedis."
I imagine it would go something like this:
"To George Lucas, master of comedy,
While we love your family-sensative comic relief, we can no longer stand idly by as you have Anakin slay the wittle baby Jedi's.
The acting in this scene and the ones that followed were certainly portrayed with a touch of genius, but there are some moral lines that cannot be crossed.
We gave your "Episode Three" or "Star Wars in Name Only" a chance, but we have to draw the line somewhere.
We still respect everyone who likes the acting, but we will not listen to anyone else.
With fingers in our ears,
Directors of le CF"
That was a little snide of me, but I couldn't resist.
RDM's a cool fella.
These Colonial Fleet people are so frakked up that it isn't really worth acknowledging their existence. The part that scares me is that they might actually believe what they wrote.
RDM chose his words perfectly in my opinion.
By the way, there hasn't been a new post in Knowledge of the Masses for a few days.
LAiaC - Excellent point about the slaughter of the Jedi Younglings.
Does anyone else find it interesting that the CF folks have made nary a mention of Baltar/Six many liasons?
RM's response was perfect, direct and to the point. It respectfully said, "Don't let the door hit you in the arse on the way out."
I doubt that any other EP/Director/Writer would have been as magnanimous.
For example: here is George's response to your "letter."
Dear Mr. LeeAdamaisaCylon:
It's my show. Piss Off!
Sincerely,
George "mitichlorians is the dumbest idea I've ever had" Lucas
What are they crying about? That somebody did an awesome remake of a marginal 70's TV show? Even Richard Hatch who hitched his career(lack of) to the original series has signed on to the new one. In the words of William Shatner, "Get a life you people".
Is anyone interested in reading the Knowledge of the Masses posts and contributing to that thread?
Reepicheep (one of my favorite Chronicles of Narnia characters), the letter should be addressed to Ms. LeeAdamaisaCylon.
Ronald D. Moore is a wise man to ignor the message boards.....
This is a fun little BSG-related quiz to help you kill some time until January. http://quizfarm.com/test.php?q_id=77810
I'm just tired of people wanting to foist their moral views on the rest of us. It's a show on cable that airs, at least in my part of the world, at like, 10 PM on a Friday night. That doesn't scream 'This is a family program' to me.
Real life can be harsh, particularly in what amounts to a post-apocalyptic world. Deal with it, y'know?
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