Divisions and Precisions

The view from here

Well, being a newbie to the whole online fandom thing, I have to say it's been eyeopening. Here in the bowels (bowls?) of Firefly fandom, I'm reminded of everything I hated about the old BBS systems, and everything I loved about them.

Let me preface this by saying I'm spending WAY TOO MUCH TIME on the official Fox "Firefly" board, which, I'm discovering, is a pure fan board--i.e., if you post criticisms, prepare to get bashed. I kinda like it though. I'm just sensitive enough about the show's cancellation on Fox, that the last thing I want to read about is how Bobo over there thought the writing on episode whatever was substandard.

However, there are some things that are starting to drive me crazy. People not bothering to read old messages, for one. I swear, if I see one more thread started called "Fox canceled Firefly, oh no!" I'm going to scream. Thank you, you're not telling us anything we don't know. Then there's the new folks who come on and start telling everybody that we need to start a campaign to save the show. Er... there was one before the show was canceled. I understand being new to an online community, but common sense dictates lurking a while to find out what folks have been talking about. Basic netiquette there.

Jesus. I can't believe I just ranted about newbies. Y'all, I sent postcards for this show. I wrote FANFIC for this show. Just when I thought I couldn't get geekier...

Although, seriously, if you've watched "Firefly" even a little, take a minute to drop a postcard to UPN. If you go to the USPS website you can send one from your computer for free. Just note that you watch the show and you'd like to see UPN pick it up, with a little of your demographic info. Here's the address:

DAWN TARNOFSKY-OSTROFF
PRESIDENT, ENTERTAINMENT (CEO)
UNITED PARAMOUNT NETWORK
11800 WILSHIRE BLVD
LOS ANGELES CA 90025

Okay, now I'm really pitiful. But write anyway!