Someone I know attended a seminar the other day, one of those self-empowerment love-ins where attendees are exhorted to: a) tap the hitherto unexploited reservoir of energy hidden deep inside them and, b) oh, by the way, purchase oodles of instructional books, CD’s, and t-shirts. Whenever I hear about these How to Live Your Life fests, I’m always reminded of the best-selling “Diet of the Week” hardcovers. You know, those 300-some pages of filler ultimately concealing three worthwhile pages of advice: eat less, eat better, exercise more. Back when I held down a 9 to 5 job for a company, I would have to sit in on these godforsaken meetings in which my co-workers would say the same things, bring up the same ideas, and arrive at the same conclusions, in a roundabout and varied manner. The end-product of these get-togethers – on the rare occasions something productive was ever actually achieved – always amounted to common sense and, quite frankly, something we didn’t need a 3+ hour meeting to conclude. Being assertive makes good business sense. Eating ice cream before bedtime can make you fat. This cartoon we’re working on sucks ass. Every time I’d head back to my office, still mired in that post-meeting maalise, I would always wonder whether I was the only one who saw the truth. Did anyone else realize how useless these meetings were? Well, as it turns out, some did but, to most, they weren’t useless at all because they would have never arrived at these very obvious conclusions on their own. Most people aren’t assertive. They don’t seek out their own answers. They eat ice cream before bedtime and wonder why they get fat, so they pick up those 300 page diet books in a desperate bid to have someone spoon-feed them the obvious. Or they pay hundreds of dollars to attend seminars where motivational speakers regale them with amusing anecdotes, pump them up with inspirational personal accounts, and then send them out to conquer the world – or, at the very least, help them feel good about themselves all the way back to the parking lot.
This person I know attended a seminar where the speaker informed the gathering that individuals tend to befriend and hang out with people in their approximate income bracket. But in order to improve their station in life, he advised the attendees to, instead, befriend and hang out with people in higher income brackets. So, in other words, base your friendships not on a person’s character or how well you get along but, rather, on how much they earn because that may prompt you to seek out a bigger and better life for yourself. Seriously, ask yourself? What has your best friend done for you lately? No, forget that. Ask yourself: How much does he or she earn? Is it significantly more than you? If not, then dump them. The last thing you need is dead weight like dragging you down. Once that’s done, start trawling for replacement friends. BMW dealerships are good hunting grounds although I would avoid wanna-be’s circling the 300 series and set your sights on the SUV, roadster, and sedan-seekers. A yacht club would also be a good place to scope out although that may not necessitate your learning something about yachting which, now that I think of it, probably wouldn’t be worth it. Upscale steakhouses are also good bets as everyone knows no one enjoys a good filet mignon more than a rich person.
Ultimately, there are no easy answers to taking charge of your life. No, check that. There ARE easy answers. Spend time with good friends regardless of how much they make in a year, don’t waste your money on motivational seminars and diet-books-of-the-week, recognize the obvious and don’t be afraid to take chances and, most important of all, don’t eat ice cream before bedtime.
Well, that’s a wrap for this weekend. I’m off to watch the season finale of The Amazing Race. It’s down to three teams. Which one do I hate the least? Hard to say. Who’s going to win? I’m still rooting for Rob and Amber even though they were eliminated six weeks ago.
Thoughts –
Susan writes: “And are the three pugs fans of Mars? […] Wilst typing this my cat has fallen off a wall unit into a deep box that she can’t get out. Should I rescue her or not?”
Answer: Yup, they’re buddies. When David and Jane come over, Mars and the pugs like to lounge around. As for your cat – if she’s still alive, then by all means rescue her.
Kirstine writes: “Have you ever tried some Norwegian food?”
Answer: I have eaten a Norwegian cheese. What other dishes are typically Norwegian?
Kristine also writes: “Any good advice on how to make a marridge work?”
Answer: Marry someone you respect and who respects you. And shares your passion for Stargate.
Bugguy writes: “How is your mom doing.”
Answer: She’s doing much better. Thanks for asking.
Scifan writes: “I was wondering if a fan was to have an idea for a show, can they share it with you or should they just forget about it? Also, my oldest son,who is 7, really likes pugs. Are they good with kids.”
Answer: Unfortunately, we can’t check out fan ideas or stories. Sorry. As for pugs – they’re great with kids but kids aren’t so great with them.
My Name Is Scott writes: “ “You know what they say about six-fingered children:…”
Answer: …They’re quicker at peeling bananas.
Anonymous #1 writes: “I’ve read that you’ve been to Le Petit Munich. Have you’ve ever tried their German Chocolat Cheesecake?”
Answer: I think we did. I’ll have to go back and check.
Anonymous #2 writes: “ The Beckett and Weir fans online are indicative of the way ‘casual’ viewers feel.”
Answer: Okay. But what if focus group testing of non-online fandom suggests findings that are opposite to what online fandom suggests? Say online fans want more A but focus group fans want a lot less A? Should we be paying more attention to one sampling than the other? Or should we be mindful of both and continue to make the show we always have?
Flying Fig writes: “EW has had positive things to say about the Stargate franchise, although it has been a few years. However, their selection of TV shows was pretty good, as well as being an excellent sampling of scifi genre over the last 25 years.”
Answer: I have absolutely no problem with the shows that made the list. I’m just reacting to the fact that, for years, I’ve had people on the production pointing out how EW seems to go out of their way to slag the show.
Ghost writes: “You mentioned that you were thinking of three different people to replace Weir, and Carter won out in the end. Who, might I ask, were the others that were considered?”
Answer: No can say out of respect for the other candidates.
Hannah writes: “What are your feelings on Battlestar Glactica? Overrated? Or as good as everyone says?”
Answer: I don’t know. I’ve never watched an episode. I hear good things though.
Elodie writes: “Is there any chance to see Mitchell, Daniel and Vala in Atlantis season 4? Will we see Chaya Sar (the ascended being in season 1) in season 4?”
Answers: Possibly and no.
Jed writes: “Hello, i was just wondering if we are going to see anything on how the wraith ships are created in season 4?”
Answer: We were discussing this topic just the other week. Let’s just say some wraith secrets shall be revealed in season four…
Edward4th writes: “Thanks for answering a previously asked question, its not easy catching up with everything that has already been covered. I’ll attempt to be more original in future.”
Answer: No problem although, next time, we will hunt you down.
*waves*
You sound hacked off, need a hug?
((((Joe)))
The fact that you haven’t posted pics of food makes me think you’ve lost your appetite and you losing your appetite is like me not talking about hot and sweaty, semi-nekkid Shep…
maybe we’ll be back to ‘normal’ tomorrow…er today. 😉
And just so you know, not that you need to, lol, but I don’t eat a lot of ice cream as it gives me a brain freeze :o) and then I can’t get those fuzzy warm feelings I get when talking about a certain sexy pilot…
And no it’s not biggles :o)
One of my best friends makes 70thousand a year….and the last thing he did for/to me was tell at me, cause I put a wrench in my bra because I didn’t have pockets. So uh, that answer your question?
I read your blog regularly, makes me miss Vancouver even more-born and raised there!
I have an off the wall question. Yeah I know like any are on the wall. Okra for or against?
If you can please, in your next blog, before mentioning the winners of the Amazing Race, give a large warning about what information you intend to reveal, in Australia here, we are about 5 or 6 weeks behind. That would be greatly appreciated.
But I like ice cream at bedtime…oh wait that does explain a lot of the weight gain. Oh well back to South Beach diet.
Joe, you’ve said focus groups have nothing to do with the way you tell the story — you don’t care about what they say. Now you’re saying “what if a focus group of casual viewers says the opposite of online viewers?”
I guess in the end, ratings will tell you whether these decisions with Beckett and Weir are right or wrong. But after such outcry from the fans, just remember, there’s no way you can claim you didn’t realise that the fans loved these two characters. And you’ve stated many times that it was a creative decision, so there’s no way you can fob the blame off on Scifi or MGM if it fails.
All the “oh they don’t advertise enough” and “the fans just won’t accept what we’re giving them” won’t fly if the series fails.
If it was a case of Paul and Torri wanting to leave, the fans would accept it. But we’ve seen interviews from both of them. We know they didn’t want to go. That’s why people continue to fight for both of them.
Hopefully my new name will show – got fed up of Susan.
Rescued cat (Merlin), but she is still playing in the same corner.
Thanks for doing your blog every day. I read it during the night when insomnia strikes. Not that I am saying…or maybe I am.
Now the cats are fighting, typical siblings – knew I should have bought another dog.
BLOG READER PARTICIPATION REQUESTED
Joe, the following is intended to be a romp, but at the same time, I won’t get my feelings hurt if you think it’s not an appropriate idea and decide not to post it.
——————-
The success of this project is entirely dependent upon the participation of my fellow commenters. Just as in the case of recycling or preventing forest fires, YOU can make all the difference.
So…here goes:
Joe has been blogging for several months now, and I thought it would be fun and interesting to give this blog a ‘formal’ performance evaluation. It is a ridiculous idea, and that is what will make it entertaining…hopefully.
The evaluation consists of 10 areas that are to be rated on a scale of 1-5. 1=Unsatisfactory, 2=Needs Improvement, 3=Meets Expectations, 4=Exceeds Expectations, and 5=Far Exceeds.
Additionally, there is an opportunity at the end of the evaluation to write a comment or two. For creativity’s sake, and because I’m bossy, the comment must be written as of someone describing fine wine or great chocolate. For example, ‘Joe’s blog has a nutty flavor with a blossoming hint of snark.’
I have created an appropriate email address where, if you chose to participate, you can send your ratings and comments, and I will compile everything and post the results on Sunday, May 13.
Ok, if you’re still with me, then here are the items, categories, etc. that you are to rate.
1. Quality of post narrative
2. Pictures
3. Interaction with commenters
4. Snark/sass
5. Book Recommendations
6. Food/restaurant reviews
7. Work/life content balance
8. Creativity
9. Overall blog design
10. Suffering fools
Yes, I purposely made the categories rather broad. Remember you will need to write a comment or two at the end.
Now go forth, copy and past these 10 items into an email, type in your number ratings next to each one, write your comment, and email it to me at:
mallozziblogeval@aol.com
Please remember this is all in good fun, and I eagerly anticipate the deluge of responses I hope is forthcoming.
Pre-thanks to all who participate.
Hi Joe!
Just wanted to drop by and say that I love reading your blog. Also, I just read “Old Man’s War” and THANK YOU for recommending it, because IT IS AMAZING!:D
Have a lovely week:)
~Anna~
Given that I’m “relatively” new to your blog, I wonder, are all your pugs boys?
I’m guessing that Maximus is but I find Bubba and Jelly rather neutral names… With all your work and hours (longish?) at the studios, do you walk the dogs everyday? Or do you alternate with your wife (or do it together?)
I find pugs are one of the friendlier and ‘easy-going’ breeds. Some friends own the akitas and they’re rather territorial and take a while to become friendly. Plus once they’re fully grown, they scare me with their size!
Oh gods, do you mean ‘The Secret’?
Alright, I apologize if this has been asked before, but for the sake of my poor overworked eyes and my remaining sanity, I’m not going to slog through months of entries that I’ve already read and eventually forgotten.
How do you get a concept/story/script solicited so that it becomes legitimate and legal in the eyes of the show executives?
Do you ever wonder why people find it so compelling to beat a dead horse? Seriously, fans need to realise it’s not the end of the world! There’s more to life than a TV show!
Is there to see Jack in season 4 ?
As a hard up/borderline broke student I tend to rub shoulders with other completely skint folk…does this mean I should base my friendships with those who owe the least amount of money to the student loan company or hang out with those most likely to earn a few quid in the future?
Generally it’s the people who have scraped together change from the dark recesses of the sofa/bedroom/fridge freezer/ vaccuum bag to buy a pint in the student union bar who remain on my radar. 😉
Oh, look a penny! I’m off to the pub.
Just thought it might amuse you to know someone at deviantART actually requested tonight that I make a print of that portrait of you as a villian. (I told them no, of course. Even if you were amenable, I hate dealing with release forms anyway. ^_~)
This entry reminds me of a book my mom got me, in the best of hopes that it might help me as I start out on this new path in life (I left home and moved to LA in an attempt to break into “the biz”): How to Win Friends and Influence People. I obliged her in reading some of it aloud on the drive down, but I could only bear so much before I just flipped through the rest of the book, summing up the main points. “Treat people with respect.” “Try to understand the other person’s point of view.” “Smile.” Seriously, this thing’s a classic?
In other news…have you seen the new Spidey yet? It may just be my favorite superhero movie ever. And Venom kinda rocks (though he’s not in it all that much, by the time they finally get around to him).
But when you’re hanging out at the yacht club, how do you know those other people are in fact wealthier than you, and not just other people just like you, pretending to be just like them?
Hey Mr. Mallozzi,
I’ve been reading, but I haven’t had anything to comment on lately. That said, Space has restarted re-airing the earliest seasons of SG-1 in their syndication loop, and I have a couple of questions.
1) The First Commandment is very reminiscent of Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. Have there been other past shows or will there be future shows in the Stargate franchise that put a sci-fi spin on classic literary works?
2) Is the franchise in general done with the Oz references? I always enjoyed them, but there have not been any in recent years.
Hope everything is going well at the office.
Sincerely,
Copernicus
WHO OUT OF THE TWO WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE GUEST ON SGA(AND YOU HAVE TO PICK ON)
A.)BRAD PITT) (B. TOM CRUISE
Hi Joe:
Two thumbs up for SG1 and Atlantis this weekend!
Seeing Jack & Daniel together again was wonderful. For me, they are the foundation of the show and just seeing them together makes me smile.
As for Atlantis, well, you know I loved this one. It will be one of my top favorites of this season I have no doubt. David was so good in this episode and his interactions with every character were spot on.
By the way, you do realize by telling us the SaveFondy campaign was successful, you have given hope to the Save Elizabeth campaign. 😉
Have a great week,
Roxanne
Quick addendum to my previous post:
I forgot the Oz references in M&MM, but I still think there have been less of them recently. Maybe that’s just me.
On average, how many hits a day did u get in the past week?
There was actually a self-help seminar that advised people to be shallow and gather friends on the basis of money?! Was it held in the rich part of town? Unbelievable! Whatever happened to “be a good person,” “work hard,” and “live what you love?”
As for the diet books? As a life-long food addict, I recognize the desperate need for the quick solution. As if, somehow, you could actually eat everything you crave (or think you crave) and still be in a healthy weight limit without any other changes to your lifestyle. Or eat just a few types of food for six weeks and have your problem go away.
As my Weight Watchers leader is fond of saying, “If it were that easy, no one would be overweight.” But it does get down to eating less and moving more and somehow changing your thinking to accept that gift to yourself, instead of using food as your emotional fix to everything.
I did try Nutri-System, once. Beyond the fact that I knew I’d have to kill myself if I were forced to eat that “food” for any stretch of time, I had to start laughing when I read the instructions that said, in a nutshell, that you should eat their food until you lose the weight, then start eating normal food again, then go back on when you need to lose weight again.
Nice little business model they have there….
So what are you going to watch now that Amazing Race is over?
you know what they say: You can please some of the people some of the time but you can’t please all of the people all of the time. That is what fanfic is for.
By the way were you previously aware of the rap problem Hewlett has been battling?is there any chance of this affliction affecting his performance in S4, has he tried the 12 step programme?
I was driving through a cornish village this morning when an elderly gentleman wearing a flat cap and escorting three pugs on a leash crossed the road in front of me. Any relation?
Joe, perhaps I’m beating a dead horse here, but I just have to ask this (well, actually two things to ask), With Hammond in SG1 last Friday and O’Neill in Friday’s episode, SciFi previews for both shows could have highlighted them and created some serious buzz of anticipation, but instead they make no mention of either. Seems to me that SciFi has a legal obligation to produce the commercials and promote them “X” number of times, but fearing some 2+ ratings points they are downplaying the show, perhaps trying to rationalize their decision not to renew for S11. Do you have any thoughts on the subject? Do you think I’m completely off the mark?
And, a question about the direct-to-DVD movies (ya know, I realize you’re the showrunner for Atlantis and these questions for SG1 must be annoying. I apologize, but Atlantis is secure for another season so I’m not worrying about it)…anyway, does Jack have a substantial part in the 2nd movie or is it more of a walk-on? I’m assuming you have seen the script, no?
Lastly, if the first movie comes out before Christmas my wife and I decided to buy everyone on our buying list (currently 23 people) the movie, regardless if they have ever seen the show or not. We’re hoping that when they watch it they’ll become fans and they’ll buy the 10 seasons on their own in 2008. In fact, we’re trying to figure a way to get many other Gate fans to do the same thing. If we can we think we can start something huge, not only for the movies but for the past 10-seasons on DVD. Can you imagine a sudden uptick in DVD sales for SG1 in 2008? That would be just incredible.
Oh my word, seminars. At work we call them ‘the 2 hour talk about something that could be said in 5 minutes and is information anyone could figure out for themselves if they really thought about it anyway’!
Eat less, eat better. Ah yes, wise words. You could add ‘eat slowly’ to that as well. Something about the brain taking 20 minutes to register the stomach is full! I mean, really, what’s that all about? The human body really needs to get it’s act together 🙂
Talking of eating and chocolate. (Um, I know chocolate wasn’t talked about, but I know you want to!) I’ve just read that in Tokyo, there’s a department store that offers shoppers their own accounts in a Chocolate Bank. You buy an amount of gourmet chocolate, the shop keeps it in it’s temperature controlled chocolate vault and you call in to make a withdrawal any time you want. How cool is that!!
Anyway, you got any more Sheppy spoilers for s4 that you can give us please? Don’t mind if it’s something cryptic. Over on GW, us thunkers and whumpers love a bit of a conundrum to chew over!
Since the team is looking for the Athosians in “The Seer,” do they dissappear in “Missing?”
Ah yes – The Self Help Seminar – at which an attempt is made to flog the latest turgid Book / DVD / CD / Video by instilling an unhealthy dose of paranoia / guilt / lack of self-confidence into the audience.
Gulp …. oh no I’ve just realised I have no friends – being too skint to attract any and at the same time not knowing anyone well-heeled enough to warrant my overtures …
…. except – hey Joe – will you be my friend???
*smile*
AMx
Any updates you can share on Stargate Universe?
I new here and forgive my if this has been asked. When Carson returns will he be Repli-Carson?
Also gotta say I love the blog.
Joshua Meyers said…
WHO OUT OF THE TWO WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE GUEST ON SGA(AND YOU HAVE TO PICK ON)
A.)BRAD PITT) (B. TOM CRUISE
Good God – neither I hope – and don’t SHOUT he’s not deaf!!
AMx
Is Ida further away from the MW than Pegasus. I thought Pegasus was much further away seeing how quickly the Asgard could jump back & forth from Ida to Earth. However some are still debating it & saying that Ida is actually further away.
So could you please state which is further away from the MW galaxy. Pegasus (3 million light years) or Ida?
Thanks..
ratings… are your numbers (ie: 1.2) a market share? Or do they represent a number (like 1.5 million)?
Yeah, Joe. “Is there to see Jack in season 4 ?”
Alot of us want to know.
I have to disagree with the person who said the online fans are indicative of the way a casual fan views Beckett and Weir. I don’t even think they’re indicative of ALL online fans. I’m more than a casual fan, as are most of my friends, and none of us are torn apart about losing Beckett and Weir.
I’m so glad you brought up this subject, Joe, as this whole “self-empowerment/motivation” movement has been getting on my nerves lately. Especially with the latest craze making the rounds, called The Secret, which was promoted on Oprah a few months ago. I swear, I threw up in my mouth every time these prophets/pundits/book authors explained — in revolting detail — how they achieved their phenomenal success with positive thinking & surrounding themselves with positive, successful people.
Bullshit. Bullshit! Bullshit!!
I could go on, here, but I think I’ll just vent on my own blog about this topic, later this week.
No can say out of respect for the other candidates.
for some odd reason this whole talk about other candidates makes me wonder how your pugs would have looked wearing these new S4-uniforms 😉
[/random]
Joe –
FYI – my 4 1/2 year old daughter was watching “Tao” with me on Friday. She loves to watch the opening credits with the “pretty music” as she call it. Unbeknownst to me, the girl knows all the character names! When each picture appeared on the screen she called out their names.
I think she must be one of SGAs youngest fans, what do you think? =)
Cheers!
SMB_BOOKS
It’s all crap. Being more of a corporate drone myself, I was almost bullied (yes, bullied!) into reading that 7 habits books and the one about stealing cheese. I didn’t pick up the first title since one of my bad habits is to not listen to people, and the second also remained unread since I don’t care if you take my cheese. I’ll just get more cheese. Whatever.
But you know what’s really annoying? Weir fans. Seriously. Move on, or be more creative in your whining! Carson will get airtime next season even though he is dead thanks to the SaveCarson folks. Do something fun, instead coming here and haranguing Joe in every single damn post. Don’t whine about someone moving your cheese — just buy some more cheese! Or something like that.
But my question: I know you get on the treadmill every (is it EVERY?) morning for at least 30 minutes, but do you do strength training as well as cardio? And if so, what do you do? What about yoga?
Hi Joe, just wanted to say I have really enjoyed all the great hints and bits of information you’ve given us about season 4 of Atlantis.. it’s especially interesting to hear more about the way things work behind the scenes and how production meetings and prep meetings and prop meetings etc etc all play their part in getting the episode planned and filmed.
Any chance you can let us know the planned airing order for the first 10 episodes? We know it’s Adrift, Lifeline, Reunion, Travelers and Missing and that Miller’s Crossing airs 9th and This Mortal Coil 10th, but where do The Seer, Tabula Rasa and Doppelganger fall in this order? Could you confirm who will be the writer and director for each of these first 10 episodes?
Have you guys started work on the back 10 episodes yet, beyond basic plot ideas that you’e referenced thus far.. has anyone actually started writing scripts (aside from Alan’s probably third part to the mid-season 2-parter… oh and I assume Martin is struggling manfully with crafting a resolution out of the corner you wrote him into with TMC?)
Whooops! Didn’t mean to swamp you with so many questions…guess my enthusiasm got the better of me!
A bientôt!
Sorry Joe, I’m hijacking your blog for the tiniest of seconds….
Namiko said…
“But you know what’s really annoying? Weir fans. Seriously. Move on, or be more creative in your whining! Carson will get airtime next season even though he is dead thanks to the SaveCarson folks. Do something fun, instead coming here and haranguing Joe in every single damn post.”
Sorry Namiko, I have to respond. Not all Weir fans are “whining” as you put it. Some of us are stating our love for the character and asking for a reconsideration of her fate in a polite and professional manner. We’re also doing “fun” things to show our support to many sources. They may not yet have received the publicity that the SCB campaign received, but we are doing things and we’ll keep doing things in support of this character. Just because we don’t outline every single thing we’re doing on this blog doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.
I am sorry if the way some Weir fans are choosing to share their feelings has come across in a whining or complaining manner. Obviously that’s happened and guess what, it’s probably going to happen again before it’s all said and done. It’s my hope the polite and professional pleas will be heard over those that tend to inflame. But, please don’t color all Weir fans with the same brushstroke, though.
Sorry Joe for the hijack. Just couldn’t let that one go.
SMB_BOOKS
Can the Weir fans all do us all a favor and accept the fact the Weir is gone? Be happy with the four episodes she’ll be in and move on!! Goodness, the rest of us are tired of hearing you whine and complain. And we’re tired of the constant infintile threats of not watching the show and that there will be HUGE fan backlash and bad ratings when she’s gone. Honestly folks, that most likely won’t be the case.
Joe has tried to tell you in as nice a way as possible that you don’t represent the majority of SGA fans and that’s why Weir was replaced. Let. it. go.
Oh and Joe, excellent rant about the self-help seminar crap. The only people those things help are the ones selling the books and CD’s!
*waves*
Only me again, I was going to say that it must be nice that you got your blog back on an even keel after yesterday’s non bickering comments lol, but now I see some of today’s post I note that everything is back to normal 😀
So, before I go on my merry way did you hear anything more about the possibility of us (as in the viewers) seeing S4 earlier than the fall? Maybe? Please…shall I beg? It’s really pitifull when I do, and really not ladylike 😀
And while I am begging pitifully, any yummy stuff on the horizon for the fandom 😀
Thanking you Mr M you’re a very wise and kind man, and please go easy on Mr Hewlett he has got some serious issues that he needs to work out, but hopefully with time, patience and maybe a padded cell, everything will work out for the best 😀
Joe, I started watching Iron Chef America thanks to your blog and I have a question, imagine yourself as a judge, sitting in your chair, waiting for the secret ingredient to be revelead, what ingredients would you be crosing your fingers over for a)Please let it be…? and b)Please let it not be…? take care!
How do you feel about all the speculation going on for how Beckett will return in the latter half of season 4? Are any of those theories on GW right, or at least close? And will we finally get some nice Beckett whump when he does come back?
We Beckett whumpers may not be as rabidly bloodthirsty as the Shep whumpers, but we love our whump too! 😀
Hi Joe,
The first half of season four sounds incredibly exciting and I am really looking forward to Sheppard getting some good meaty story lines and also Teyla’s arc.
With the recent revelation of Teyla being pregnant, can you tell us which episode the team will find out about her being pregnant. I know the audience finds out in the Seer, but will Teyla continue to keep it a secret and can you give any hints as to why she is keeping it a secret. Does her pregnancy tie into either Doppelganger or Missing.
Many thanks.
Namiko said…
“But you know what’s really annoying? Weir fans. Seriously. Move on, or be more creative in your whining! Carson will get airtime next season even though he is dead thanks to the SaveCarson folks. Do something fun, instead coming here and haranguing Joe in every single damn post. Don’t whine about someone moving your cheese — just buy some more cheese! Or something like that.”
oh, no.
joe said himself that they, the writers, had intended on bringing back carson. he also said that if the fans desires happened to coincide with the writers desires… it works out for both parties.
let’s not give the save carson ppl more *power* than they really had. as joe has stated, the fans don’t dictate how they’ll write the show, no matter how popular a character or storyline might be.
sally 🙂
Mmmmm, I can smell my gourmet downstairs. Gourmet garlic chicken pizza!
Hey Joe, what do these translate to?
SG-1
– 1.402 million viewers
– 0.9/2 HH
– 0.6/2 A18-49
Atlantis
– 1.392 million viewers
– 0.9/2 HH
– 0.5/2 A18-49
Answer: Okay. But what if focus group testing of non-online fandom suggests findings that are opposite to what online fandom suggests? Say online fans want more A but focus group fans want a lot less A? Should we be paying more attention to one sampling than the other? Or should we be mindful of both and continue to make the show we always have?
I personally think that you should pay more attention to the hard core fans- they are your loyal viewer-ship and probably make up most of the numbers. So you should listen to us more because we’re the one keeping the show afloat while a focus group might be stacked to give a certain result to please certain people… online fans give you an unbiased response.
If it was a case of Paul and Torri wanting to leave, the fans would accept it. But we’ve seen interviews from both of them. We know they didn’t want to go. That’s why people continue to fight for both of them.
Exactly. Elizabeth and Carson are two well loved characters and most of us think that getting rid of them within a span of three episodes in a single season is too much of a change.
So please, reconsider what you are doing– I gather from interviews that I have read and seen that both Paul and Torri would love to be in season four and since you are still spinning stories for the back-half of season 4 perhaps you could throw us a bone and put them in a couple more episodes or even reinstate them permanently as a part of the cast….
…and we only protest these changes so much because we love the characters that the writers have created and want to see much MUCH more of them. And with Rachel’s pregnancy maybe we CAN see much more of Elizabeth?
Any plans to make the 3rd Stargate series a bit more kid friendly? My 10 & 13 year old children really enjoy watching Stargate SG-1, and we watch all 10 years of the show as a family in general, but I won’t let my 10 year old watch Atlantis because the Wraith would give her nightmares. The Wraith even creep me out at times. So, for the new series, maybe more SciFi, less horror??
Anjirika said…
online fans give you an unbiased response.
Are you serious? I mean, really.. are you? Just take a look at the comments on this blog.. or at GateWorld, or any fansite.. unbiased?!! Hardly!
The online fans can’t even agree amongst themselves what they want/what should happen on the show and every “faction” of online fandom is biased in favour of their favourite character/ship/whatever.
I rather think you’re entirely missing the point of the reponse that you quoted….
Hello JM,
Since you used focus groups to off Dr. Weir (and maybe Carson?), is it fair to say you also relied on focus groups to bring Carter to SGA, or you just assumed everybody likes her?
Were other SGA characters such as Teyla and Ronon subjected to focus groups, or just Dr. Weir and Carson?
Who participated in the focus group you mentioned? What kind of questions were asked?
Please, tell us more!
Since you’re an obvious animal lover and a Pug guy, how about some advice?
The next door neighbor lady, Ms Defonafez, (she rides a Harley) called up last week telling me I had to have my cat put down because he ate her Pit-bull, Twinkles. Now just because Clovis is affectionate toward other dogs and eats 20 or so lbs of raw meat at a time and Ms Defonafez dog went missing doesn’t mean Clovis ate him, right? I mean really! – we didn’t say anything when Ms Defonafez ran over old lady Manolenesky’s Rat Terrier with her Harley. So don’t you think that in the off chance Clovis did eat Mitsy she should just let it go?
Thanks for the great read on your Blog it sure makes a break as life is pretty blasé around here this these days.
SG1 – SG1 – SG1 – SG1
Little Red
PS: You’re right about that self help crap. Get a cat! Dogs are okay too.
The end-product of these get-togethers – on the rare occasions something productive was ever actually achieved –
We have a saying for these type of meetings:
Not coming to a decision is a decision not to do anything.
😛
Anjirika said… I personally think that you should pay more attention to the hard core fans- they are your loyal viewer-ship and probably make up most of the numbers. So you should listen to us more because we’re the one keeping the show afloat while a focus group might be stacked to give a certain result to please certain people… online fans give you an unbiased response.
You just don’t get it do you? There are NOT more on-line fans who watch the show. And of the minority of on-line fans there is by no means a consensus about Weir. There are just as many people tickled pink to see her leave as there are who are upset. The online community while enthusiastic is very small in number. We are not and never have been a good source of information when looking at the big picture for the show. Hence the focus groups.
If you think for one minute that on-line fans will give an unbiased opinion, you’re dead wrong. All you have to do is read this blog everyday to know that most of us have a very decided agenda. Further, TPTB had no reason to stack the focus groups because they NEEDED the actual responses, likes and dislikes of their target audience. Believe me if they thought for one single second that keeping Weir was essential to their bottom line, she’d still be there.
…and we only protest these changes so much because we love the characters that the writers have created and want to see much MUCH more of them. And with Rachel’s pregnancy maybe we CAN see much more of Elizabeth?
We GET that. The Weir fans here have left no one with any doubt on the subject. You want to see more. Joe gets that. But the rest of us are tired of hearing about it.
Weir is gone. It’s done and over. Rachel’s pregnancy is not going to get you more Weir. They are as committed to Teyla being a main character and force in the show, despite Rachel’s condition, as they ever were. Joe has said it so many times here I fail to understand why you hold onto this irrational hope that they will suddenly take Rachel out and put Torri in.
Love it or hate it, Atlantis is moving on without Weir and no amount of your whining will change that.
And of the minority of on-line fans there is by no means a consensus about Weir. There are just as many people tickled pink to see her leave as there are who are upset.
That is debatable, but we’ll find out for certain when season 4 starts airing. Right? 🙂
They are as committed to Teyla being a main character and force in the show, despite Rachel’s condition, as they ever were.
Teyla is about as interesting as a block wall, and her pregnancy is going to prevent her from doing the only thing that turns on the few guys who like her, stick fighting/sweaty/half-dressed chick. Teyla was the one who needed to go, not Weir and Beckett.
majorsal said…
joe said himself that they, the writers, had intended on bringing back carson. he also said that if the fans desires happened to coincide with the writers desires… it works out for both parties.
let’s not give the save carson ppl more *power* than they really had. as joe has stated, the fans don’t dictate how they’ll write the show, no matter how popular a character or storyline might be.
My point was, Joe actually said, “Get on air during a major network broadcast!” and they did. He was (probably) kidding, but it’s good to see that people who are passionate about their beloved characters are actually doing something creative to show their appreciation, not just whining about why this person was offed or why that person gets less screentime. Do you think Rodney would get all these fantastic eps if everyone (the actor, the fans, the reviewers, the fans at the network) hated him?
You also can’t deny the power of the audience, either. (The anecdote about the Cagney & Lacey cancellation comes to mind.) Actors like Paul McGillion, David Nykl, and Kavan Smith have pretty large and vocal admirers, and I’m sure that had to have at least influenced the writers decisions to increase their respective screentimes.
Writers shouldn’t allow their audiences to dictate plotlines, of course, but I’m sure they felt even better about their decision to bring Paul back when they got serenaded by a pipe and drum band! 🙂
Teyla is about as interesting as a block wall, and her pregnancy is going to prevent her from doing the only thing that turns on the few guys who like her, stick fighting/sweaty/half-dressed chick. Teyla was the one who needed to go, not Weir and Beckett.
*rolls eyes* Oh, here we go again. When you Weir fans run out of logical arguments or get tired of whining about how Torri was robbed you trot out the “Teyla is boring” mantra.
Well just for the record, I being a hetero-female, happen to LOVE Teyla and would much rather watch her all season (even pregnant) than Weir. And believe me when I tell you that there aren’t just a “few” guys who love Teyla, there are hundreds of thousands. Too bad for you that wasn’t true for Weir, she might still be on the show.
JM: Answer: Alas, I don’t know the answer to that. Still, while the ratings are low, the numbers for cable are down across the board and, from what I heard, Atlantis beat a couple of networks among males 18-45.
Hi Joe!
I was curious about this statement. There seems to be a pervading assumption that most sci-fi (and Atlantis) fans are young males. Do you guys have reliable stats to prove this, or is it based on old stats or on stereotypical gender views? Please note that I’m not trying to have a go at you, but am genuinely interested in the answer.
Thanks.
Lauriel.