Rich of Copywrite Ink has tackled the tough Jericho issues in his most recent post.He discusses one issue which has made me angry and that is all the articles that continue to appear which blame the fans for Jericho's cancellation.
"If Jericho the fan base was inept,says Rich, "it was only because their indecision was nurtured by the network with mixed messages and a few fans who grossly misinterpreted them."
Rich goes on to discuss where fans erred;insisting everyone stay on the CBS board, attacking dissenters, and more. He also points out where CBS was lacking and something they did right.
I'd like to add a thought to Rich's comments. I believe CBS could have done a better job communicating with the fans. Besides using the message board, they could have used Jericho bloggers who were here and willing to work with them. CBS could have developed social media relations programs such as those used by Ford and others.
CBS wanted the fans to do the marketing and find new viewers. Their marketing efforts seemed mainly focused on those who were already fans. CBS set us up to fail and I do not believe they ever intended to give us more than 7 episodes.
How does Rich close the Jericho case study? Find out for yourself by reading his entire post. No Jericho fan should miss it.
Margie: I'm home, Edna. I was walking back from Bailey's and I saw this huge truck pull into town. The logo on the side said CBS. Who are they?
Edna: I have no idea, Margie. Maybe CBS stands for “Can’t Bring Satisfaction”? “Could Be Snoring”? “Clowns, Buffoons, and Simpletons”? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• Fans are engaged, watching episodes and embedded ads over and over. • The online audience continues to grow, with ample consumer evangelists. • Even with less-than-stellar ratings, the rating are better than many other shows. • It’s a leading program among the network’s growing online inventory. • There were notable flaws in engaging the fan base that saved show while CBS continues to get up to speed on how to best engage online fans. There is an opportunity to do it right with a third season." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"As I sit here tonight waiting for the second to last episode of the season, it occurred to me that the world of social networking has really changed since the last time around. The Save Jericho movement broke new ground the first time by leveraging social networks like Digg to communicate with the outside world. We even had a few of the articles on this blog hit the front page of the entertainment category on Digg because they were heavily dugg by Jericho fans. Surely, this time around they must have gained even more momentum."
Rich "Hammer" Becker nails it again in an open letter to Leslie Moonves.
"Is the future of the television based solely on less than 2 percent of the viewing public? Or is there a better way?
“Forty years ago, new technology changed what people watched on TV as it migrated to color,” Seth MacFarlane, creator of another fan-saved show, Family Guy, told The New York Times. “Now new technology is changing where people watch TV, literally omitting the actual television set.”
With a better budget that takes the cast and new characters of Jericho: Season 3 to different locations across their alternate universe, the show could potentially grow into another dedicated fan franchise success story. But that all depends on CBS. It can play the numbers two ways and come up with different answers.
While I cannot speak for CBS, I know what my answer would be. Do what Star Trek did. Go boldly."
Many thanks to The Blog Reviewer for this review of JerichoMonster.
Jericho posts from the blog reviewer here and here.
You can look most anywhere and find debate about Nielsen ratings and Jericho or online viewing and Jericho plus a number of other debates. There's old media vs. new media, how to save Jericho again, and email vs. snailmail.
It appears to me the bottom line is money. CBS wants to sell ads, advertisers want you to buy their products, and you want Jericho to have Season 3. So, I asked myself why CBS should be embracing new media. +++++++++++++++++++
"CBS seems to have been a little self conscious in the way it has handled Jericho", says Terocious of Jericho Junction. "This is understandable because I believe the whole industry has been watching and enjoying a free education. We should be concentrating on getting CBS to see the advantages of being at the center of the storm; advantages such as having as much web traffic as the other big three combined."
I then decided to ask Rich Becker of CopywriteInk,"What's in it for CBS by embracing new media?"
"CBS, like all networks, are recognizing that a growing number of viewers — sometimes equal or more than live viewing — are watching original programming when they want. The devices don't mean as much to consumers as much as the quality of the content. This trend is tied to the eventuality that almost everything will be on demand, with little regard to what devices they are being watched on. While old school thought is tied to live programming, especially by rating system proponents, the future clearly points toward the convergence of broadcast and Internet. Those who say this will take five years or so have no understanding that the networks are moving faster than ever to make the changes. When I first noted the trend a little more than a year ago, it all seemed like science fiction to some. But now, within that year, some programs have already been brought back to life. And, even more importantly, fans are becoming more engaged then ever — they talk about their favorite shows online as opposed to simply seeing what's next. So, a single show has three to four times more entertainment value for them than a single hour its broadcast time."
Additionally, Rich states,"There are only two minor bumps in the road, which are short term challenges: Monetizing future programming and bandwidth. Both are very short term because the networks are already finding ways to generate revenue streams on the Internet and they are quickly learning that most people do not watch the same programming at the same time. It already seems like a long time ago that people used to plan their lives around entertainment. Nowadays, they just do what they want, set the DVR, or download a missed show. The only exception seems to be live programming such as contests, awards programs, and sporting events. Personally, I look forward to the day when people will be able to create their own prime time lineups with the click of a few buttons."
+++++++++++++++++ "A new study released earlier this week indicates that online video has had an affect on the way people watch television.
The research would seem to indicate that some viewers do indeed watch shows across multiple platforms, a theory that NBC has pitched to Madison Ave, saying that advertising across multiple platforms will accumulate a broader reach and different levels of engagement with viewers.
The research also indicated high levels of brand recall and other metrics among NBC Rewind users."
We call Rich Becker the "Hammer" because he hits the nail on the head almost every time. His latest post is no exception. How many good TV shows have we lost because of them counting too few viewers?
"Why are Nielsen numbers only sometimes important? According to Nielsen: There are 5,000 households in the national People Meter sample, approximately 20,000 households in the local metered market samples, approximately 1,000 metered homes for our national and local Hispanic measurement, and nearly 1.6 million diaries are edited each year.
In other words, on Nielsen’s best day, we can expect less than 2 percent of all television households to be sampled, which doesn’t even consider how many people lie (if you were a Jericho fan, chances are you would say you watched it, even if you did not). Or, in yet other words, Nielsen only sounds good when someone like Hinman writes it up like this. Ho hum."
"My point is that the rating system has become little more than a tool to push perception instead of reality. How far from reality? Far enough from reality that when a show like Jericho, for example, is placed in a setting where every viewer is tracked, like TiVo viewers or iTunes downloads, it comes close to the top and looks more viable." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Interactive ads and techniques to advertise in the VOD and DVR age are top of mind for advertisers, portions of a new survey by the Association of National Advertisers and Forrester Research says. 65% of advertisers want to try ads embedded in VOD, while 43% want to experiment with interactive ads. The full survey will be released next Thursday."
"How does the generally competent Sara Erichson, VP of sales and client services, plan to handle the general incompetence of Nielsen, the audience measure company plagued by, among other things, delays in reporting its TV data? Like any good media conglomerate exec, she’s overseeing the snatching up other companies."
"Marketers need to better understand the changing dynamics of the consumer media market and develop new marketing plans that integrate new media to replace the erosion of traditional media for influence to purchase," said Gary Drenik, president of BIGresearch.
"Marketers who can't tap new media options for their influence to purchase will suffer a decline in advertising ROI."
"CBS primarily made four promises to Jericho fans when they reinstated the series in June", says Rich Becker of Copywrite Ink.
"• Re-broadcast “Jericho” on CBS, which they did with an odd order, until the series was pre-empted by football. • Stream online episodes and clips online, but without much marketing support for the varied platforms where you can find it. • Release the first season to DVD on Sept. 25, which was postponed and lacked any substantial marketing support. • Continue the story of Jericho in digital media, which they almost did but not in any real tangible sort of way."
In light of those facts what should we make of Jericho's season opener ratings?
"Maybe those ratings aren't all bad", says Rich Becker of Copywrite Ink. "They might even be good. Jericho outperformed all but one episode of "Cane," which was planned for this time slot this season for CBS. What does that mean? Jericho is the better bet for CBS and next week's episode is reported to be even better. That has to be the feeling at CBS as Dan Shotz and Karim Zreik, co-producers, took time out to mention CBS was happy with the numbers and committed. We shall see." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Do you think CBS will be more lenient with Jericho this time around because Nielsen ratings remain flawed?
"I'm not so sure that CBS will be more lenient because of the flaws in the Nielsen system (I'm not so sure they, even now, consider them to be flawed), but I am pretty sure that CBS is going to give Jericho every chance before canceling it",says Amy Vernon of Remote Access. "Didn't they learn their lesson? But seriously, I read on someone's blog that this time slot is usually pretty bad for CBS, and Jericho's ratings in that slot were better than CBS has gotten there before; that will count for something.
And with the writer's strike, a lot fewer new shows are being added in the fall. So long as the ratings aren't bad, and the DVR+7 ratings jack up the ratings another couple million, I think there's still a decent shot at a season 3. However, I'm a rank amateur at all this, so what do I know?
Hope, as they say, springs eternal." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Is it fair for CBS to consider only Nielsen numbers?
"No, it is not fair" says a media consultant who wishes to remain anonymous. "The Nielsen ratings system is so far outdated and, in my opinion, has never been an accurate way of counting viewership of any program. In this day of new forms of media and methods in which one can view programming, it is obsolete. Millions of viewers don't get counted. But if we are talking about simply watching our TVs when a new episode of a show airs, I for one have never liked the Nielsen system of having one family determine what several thousand other households are viewing. Unless I'm failing to understand how this can possibly work with any accuracy, it's just simply not an accurate way of counting viewers. It's an unfair system and while it's good they are now counting DVR recordings, it's not enough. I believe it would be in the networks best interest to look at other ways of determining if a show they've invested in as well as the fan base of those shows' viewership get counted properly and fairly before making the decision to pull the plug. The history making grass roots campaign done by the millions of Jericho fans should be a really big wake up call that times are and have changed and before we shoot ourselves in the foot, take a good hard look at what we need to do to create a new ratings system and apply it.
We should all have our own voice in rating a show as it airs like we do when we go to the polls to vote in elections. This is America where every individual choice should be counted." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Let's remind CBS that we ALL want to be counted. They know we're here. Are you going to count all of us this time CBS?
"The rating system has been a hotly debated topic by consumers since last May, when fans of the Jericho television show (which aired its first episode of the second season last night) criticized questioned its accuracy and dismissal of online DVR viewership, which some estimates put at 58 to 70 percent of all cable households. Eventually, Jericho voices were joined by the fans of virtually every cancelled show.
While Nielsen has made changes since last May, including some semblance of DVR counts and video-on-demand (VOD) analytics, it continues to draw fire from, well, everyone. Enough so that Nielsen apologized for the “systemic problems in the delivery of its national ratings data” since the beginning of the 2007-08 TV season. Enough so that CBS and TiVo have an arrangement. Enough so that everyone is looking for alternative metrics while reporters mention that the rating system is less than perfect."
"Although "Jericho" placed third in total viewers behind ABC's "Boston Legal" and NBC's slot leading "Law & Order: SVU" repeat, it nearly matched NBC for the lead in the 18-49 demo.
Now for some positive spin. The "Jericho" renewal campaign was driven by the show's loyal online fan base -- something uncommon for CBS. And whether the network liked it or not, the first several episodes of the new season have been available on the Web as unsanctioned downloads for weeks now. It's safe to say that "Jericho" fans are also savvy enough to know they can catch the show in a variety of other ways, including TiVo and CBS' own website.
The strike can also be viewed as a mixed blessing for "Jericho," providing what seemed like a clear path against heavyweight scripted competition, but significantly lowering CBS' season averages and giving the network a smaller audience to promote fresh episodes to. Even Sunday's Grammys were down considerably."
Rich of Copywrite Ink asks the important questions in this post:
"There are only three full days left before many of the questions surrounding Jericho, the television series given a reprieve last year, begin to shift from speculations and to undeniable facts. Starting Feb. 12 and for the weeks that follow, CBS executives will be considering which of two second season episodes shot will air on week seven.
Will that episode wrap the fan-inspired story forever or usher in a complete unabridged third season?"
"TVbytheNumbers.com hopes to be your home for Nielsen ratings data for Jericho. Beginning with the season 2 premiere on 2/12/2008 we will begin reporting data. We’ll have the overnight numbers up on our site (data Gods willing) on 2/13/08, and the final weekly LIVE plus SAME DAY DVR usage numbers will go up the following Tuesday (in the case of the premiere, we will post the final weekly numbers on 2/19/2008). We will include HH rating and share info, total viewers as well as number of viewers by the 18-49, 18-34, and 25-54 age demographic.
Once the 2008 ratings arrive, we will also create a Jericho ratings widget (like the Moonlight widget here) that we will put in this post for you to grab and put on your own website."
I had high hopes for Hey Nielsen when it first arrived on the scene. It was fun and I thought it could only help Jericho. Unfortunately, my opinion has changed.
In September Rich at Copywrite Ink posted,"How can you accurately gauge fan buzz on the Internet if you are dangling “fame” in front of the people scoring the system? It adds the same kind of superficial buzz measures that are overshadowing Web metrics."
"I've been meaning to follow up with the progress being made by Hey!Nielsen since I first wrote about them in Sept.," says Rich. "And I keep putting it off because something tells me that there isn't any."
I would ask how you can accurately gauge anything when you have people abusing the system? How does Hey Nielsen rate anything accurately when some users create multiple identities and converge on one topic with the express purpose of voting down someone or some show they don't like?
There will always be people who abuse any system and it seems to be no different at Hey Nielsen. What are they doing about it and how do they adjust rankings to reflect the fact that some opinions are made by the obviously mentally challenged among us?
At this point in time I no longer use Hey Nielsen as the rankings show me nothing. It is being used by some to gain revenge or to discredit a person or show. I cannot see that it will have any usefulness to Jericho fans. I hope changes are made so abusive users can be removed quickly before their rantings are allowed to influence others and spread dissension further.
In the meantime I no longer consider this vehicle as any promotional tool I want to use. I'd rather promote where there's actually a chance of success.
First, I'd like to begin by thanking Rich Becker for offering me the opportunity of working with him as a Research Intern. This is a dream I've had since first reading Rich's posts. This is truly an honor and I'm excited beyond words.
Rich also tagged me with the popular “eight random things about you” meme so here it is:
1. I have a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology.
2.I have written and published two scientific research articles and both were featured on an A&E special.
3. I read an average of 3-5 books per week. History,thrillers, and mysteries.
4. If I could only make one trip I'd go to Ireland where my ancestors were born.
5. I have written a novel and hope to get it published one day.
To celebrate this New Year's Eve I asked two of my favorite people to give me a helping hand. First, Amy Vernon of Remote Access chose her two favorite Jericho posts of 2007.
Next, Rich Becker of Copywrite Ink presents his two most popular Jericho posts of 2007.
Another favorite of mine is Midori Miller and her New Year's post is both interesting and funny so I'm also presenting it here. Enjoy!!
"Wednesday’s Jericho was one of those rare hours of television these days, it seems. So very many questions were answered and pretty much no new ones raised.
Sure, we wonder who Valente really is. But we still know more about the man at the top of the nuke plot than we did last week, when Hawkins had circled a bald guy in the photo. We know he — ostensibly — worked for Homeland Security/CIA. That makes everything ever so much more sinister.
OK, but let’s start at the beginning."
"And now for something completely different.
A little while back, I asked previous Jericho guest bloggers Jane and Beth to make a return engagement to blog on Casus Belli (which, by the by, is Latin for “Cause for War”). They accepted and then behind my back conspired to do something totally creative and different and fun for this week’s guest blog."
Here's Rich:
"A nuclear mushroom cloud appears on the horizon -- and for the residents of Jericho, a small Kansas town, it could mean they're the only Americans left alive.
I bounced this off a few friends and family members this weekend and none of them were interested. Who wants to see people die of radiation poisoning or be evaporated under the heat of a nuclear blast? We saw enough of that, years ago, with the movie The Day After, they said.
The descriptor is also responsible for most critics rounding up the serial as a "nuclear apocalypse drama," which conjures up those same images of radiation sickness and despair. BUT that's not the show that captured millions of fans despite a midseason break. These fans, the ones responsible for the biggest show cancellation protest in history, saw something else."
"One of the greatest successes made in the past few weeks by Jericho fans is that Nina Tassler seems to have been turned into a “Jericho buzz believer.” Rob Owen, with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette even captured part of the puzzle of what turned Tassler around from saying as go the ratings so goes the show.
It seems beyond 20 tons of nuts; dozens of forums; thousands of mainstream and social media stories; and tens of thousands of calls, letters, and e-mails; her entire life was immersed in nothing but nuts and Jericho."
"After consulting the tarot....meditating....and looking into my crystal ball...here are some of my psychic predictions for 2008. Remember Miss Cleo, "Call Me Now!" Realize even in predictions you must have a disclaimer...so let me present that immediately....These predictions are for entertainment purposes only...at least for now....let's just see how close I can get...maybe.....I might be able to quit my day job next year.............
6. Watch as some of these newer Social Networks emerge . My first 2 pages of google when you type in Midori Miller . I am a member of all of them and I reap the benefits each and every day. MyBlogLog, Cre8buzz, MySpace, MSN Live Spaces, Yahoo 360, Digg, MyMashable, USA Realty, HomeQuestUSA and am so honored to be found on Consumer Blog...one with lots of traffic....one that really interests me....my new consumer friend..... Jericho Monster. Many will realize it and accept it and hope it never changes....Activerain is by the far my #1 SEO."
"This piece would have been better served as seven posts, but since my blog is more about business communication than fandom, I felt it would best serve me to fast-track some solutions for Jericho fans and CBS with seven points and hopefully turn the largest show cancellation protest into the beginnings of a long-running series with more mileage than anyone imagined, fans included.
Those are my seven tips for saving Jericho for the long haul, which pre-assumes that the two drivers currently driving the bus will listen to reason. For the fans, it pre-assumes you can get past the “nut war” and move forward without fractioning, be more courteous in discussing which characters are most expendable (after the actors were so good to give you shout outs), and take care NOT to employ a flag that characters of Jericho would be appalled to see as a fan logo. For CBS et al, it pre-assumes you can get past being short-sighted to realize you actually have an asset with tremendous potential, capitalize on unlimited non-television spin-offs (books, film shorts, games, etc.) that touch on relevant issues today, and give the fans an immersive world that they can play with so you can focus on the show."
Welcome to the first annual I Am A Little Nutty Awards. (This is a Jericho blog so I figured the award should have an appropriate name.)
What? You don't understand the connection between Jericho and Nuts?? You can read all about it here.
Anyway, the I Am Nutty Awards are hereby presented to my 11 favorite blogs of 2007. These are in no particular order so nobody has to argue about being Number 1. Sorry there's no prize attached to the award but you don't have to run around saying that.
Just say you won an award for Best Blog of 2007. Here we go:
4. "Midori Miller Speaks Out... Daytona Beach Real Estate Trainer, Daytona Beach Real Estate Training, Century 21 Sundance Realty in Ormond Beach Florida, Daytona Beach Florida and Ormond by the Sea Florida."
5. "Lead With Your Heart: Sell Happiness and You and Your Business Will Flourish"
6. "The CBS post-apocalyptic series Jericho, plus all the other news I see fit to print."
7. "Pastry arts graduate shares her personal stories, five careers, love of movies, music, art and television, her critiques, and opinions of the world at large. Her love of…"
8. "Rantings from a few corporate types about life, technology, travel, guns, politics, and everything good in the world."
9. "A Website For All Earthlings, Who Love Animals This is a blog that hopes to provide information, news, health care, training tips, inspiring stories and even introduce…"
10. "TV, Movies, Music, Sports, whatever! Post Comments everywhere. Let the world know what you think! Give them your own Two Cents!"
Okay, I couldn't stop without adding one more. Michael, take a 1 off 11 and say you were Number 1. Who can argue?
"Yesterday, Amy Vernon with Remote Access let Jericho fans know that Universal HD, a cable network owned by NBC Universal, is airing Jericho for two mini-marathons in high definition, starting tonight. One person commented.
A few days ago, CBS launched a viral YouTube video that is aimed at fans more than new viewers. To date, it has received less than 15,000 views, a fraction of what Jericho fans once mustered. Even the positive comments hint at frustration.
“Thank you, CBS, for finally letting us know what the freak is freaking happening."
"All fan campaigns have limits. For evidence, take a look back at the three we turned our attention to last June: The Black Donnellys, Veronica Mars, and, of course, Jericho."
While I’m still being brought up to speed on the viability of the Journeyman campaign, it seems clear that consumers are increasingly prepared to pummel networks for quick cancellation of good shows. Sooner or later, networks might get the message: the old rules are dead. Nowadays, it’s better to feed shows on the bubble than let them fade quietly into the night because there is nothing quiet about vested fans and brands can only take so much."
Once again Rich of Copywrite Ink hits the CBS nail on the head. I find the article to be quite revealing as well as interesting.
"Buddy TV has been running an online poll that reveals the fan base fractures over the decision. Only 10 percent of Jericho fans like the new time slot, 67 percent don’t care (they’ll watch anytime), and 23 percent think it is a mistake."
It's evident fans are not voting like we once did. Since the return was announced I haven't even seen any major promotional efforts underway. Are we burned out ? Probably. Have we done all the marketing while CBS did nothing ? Yes.
"A mere 145 people voted, which is indicative of CBS giving up its engagement with the thousands of fans that convinced them to bring it back. Equally telling is that the Jericho Season One DVD sales did not measure up, hindered by the network’s lack of the commitment to the cause. We cautioned fans to promote the DVD heavily, as if CBS would not market it."
CBS should be ashamed of the non-marketing they did for the DVD. Is it that they want to see Jericho fail this time?
"CBS primarily made four promises to Jericho fans when they reinstated the series in June:
• Re-broadcast “Jericho” on CBS, which they did with an odd order, until the series was pre-empted by football. • Stream online episodes and clips online, but without much marketing support for the varied platforms where you can find it. • Release the first season to DVD on Sept. 25, which was postponed and lacked any substantial marketing support. • Continue the story of Jericho in digital media, which they almost did but not in any real tangible sort of way."
And, Rich, don't forget that CBS gave us the most insane chat room for Jericho known to man. Porn, threats, you name it. They haven't even tried to moderate it just as they let the Jericho message board go downhill.
So we have all this plus the fact that few bloggers are blogging Jericho, the message board is dead, and CBS is sitting back watching. Personally, I don't think we can blame the holidays for the apathy I see.
If Jericho fails again the blame lays in the lap of CBS. And, I doubt they even care.
"As the old saying goes, truth is sometimes stranger than fiction, and maybe doubly so online. Two anonymous identity stories have played out very differently in recent weeks; they are dramatically lopsided and in the wrong direction."
"The digital out-of-home marketplace has seen rapid growth this year, from the formation of the Out-Of-Home Video Advertising Bureau in January to key players tripling their spending in a span of months. Double-digit growth means it's time for organized metrics -- no easy feat for a market that includes everything from elevators to urinals.
PQ Media expects out-of-home-video spending to increase to $1.28 billion by the end of 2007 (up from $1.1 billion in 2006), with an additional $365 million for digital billboards and displays."
"Part of the reason for the increased proliferation of advertising is part Internet (with Facebook leading the charge) and part consumer behavior toward network television. The American Advertising Federation is currently running a smart poll that asks its readers if they use their DVRs to fast-forward commercials. So far, more than 85 percent say they do (and AAF SmartBrief readers are predominantly advertising people)."
"The writers strike has media buyers growing cautious about the efficacy of TV advertising in the weeks ahead and in the first quarter of 2008 -- and mulling strategies for possible reallocation of marketers' ad spending. The fourth quarter is an especially fraught time for marketers to not be able to count on TV as a reach vehicle, as many are pushing products for the holidays."
"United Hollywood, one of the best sites for strike coverage, has taken a page out of the "Jericho" fans playbook (remember when they sent truckloads of nuts to CBS to protest the show's cancellation and it worked?) and decided to become creative in sending a message to the studios. With the Pencils2MediaMoguls campaign, for only one dollar you can send a box of pencils to a mogul as part of a petition to demand that the media moguls bargain in good faith and create a fair deal with the Writers Guild of America. You can even send the pencils in honor of your favorite TV show. ( I sent several boxes in honor of "House.")."
Break out the Nuts and your favorite beverage!!!!!!!!!
Margie and Edna are chatting with you Sunday night!! Nov. 18
10pm ET in the Jericho Library at Jeritopia
Join Margie and Edna, Jericho's oldest residents, for a delightful chat. These two wonderful ladies will tell it all and keep you entertained for hours!
We hope to see you all there!
Interesting post from Rich at Copywrite Ink today. He's always on target.
"Network ratings aren’t down because people watch less television. They are down because viewers have more control over their entertainment options. Simply put, if viewers do not like what is on the major networks, there are hundreds of other channels to choose from. And, if they don’t like any of those programs, there is always the DVR list, stocked full of saved programs.
So, there is a good chance the Internet, which caused much of the contract conflict, will likely also be the reason this strike will be short. After all, networks and studios tend to have a neutral or even adversarial relationship with their customers whereas producers and writers are becoming increasingly engaged with them.
When you think about it, this creates a significant brand shift. When today’s viewers think Jericho, they think Carole Barbee and Dan Shotz (some even think Steingberg, Chbosky, and Schaer), before CBS. When they think Firefly, they know Joss Whedon. When they think Veronica Mars, it’s Rob Thomas."
Many thanks to Rich at Copywrite Ink for bringing this to everyone's attention.
"Soldiers' Angels was started by a self-described ordinary mother of an ordinary young man turned hero, Sgt. Brandon Varn. Brandon was deployed in Iraq and has since honorably completed his mission and has returned back to his proud and loving family.
In the summer of 2003, he wrote home expressing his concern that some soldiers did not receive any mail or support from home. Being a caring and loving mother, she decided not to allow a situation like that to continue. She contacted a few friends and extended family to ask if they would write to a soldier or two. Within a few short months, Soldiers' Angels went from a mother writing a few extra letters to an Internet Community with thousands of angels worldwide.
With more and more merchants donating services, money and items for packages, the Angels reorganized as a 501 c 3 non-profit so all donations would be tax deductible. Soldiers' Angels currently supports tens of thousands of American Service Members stationed wherever we raise our nation's flag, and that number continues to grow daily. Soldiers' Angels are dedicated in supporting our military during and after their deployment."
Three Ways You Can Help:
1. Adopting a Soldier is the foundation of Soldiers' Angels. To Adopt a Soldier you must commit to sending one card or letter each week and AT LEAST 1 or 2 care packages a month.
2. f you are unable to Adopt A Soldier (time constraints, finances, etc.) but would still like to join Soldiers' Angelsl and help us with our mission, you have the option of simply joining one of our many teams or programs.
3. If you really want to help Soldiers' Angels carry out its mission but just don't have the time to adopt a soldier or join a team at this time, please consider helping us out financially.
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