Witchblade: The DVD

One of the best shows ever to hit TV yet it lasted only 2 seasons. No, it isn't Jericho. I've been waiting 6 years for this DVD.


Witchblade- The Complete Series- coming to DVD.

Will be released on July 29, 2008.

"Witchblade: The Complete Series stars Yancy Butler (As the World Turns), John Hensley (Nip/Tuck), and David Chokachi (Baywatch) and features guest star Roger Daltrey (The Who). This seven-disc collector's set includes all 23 episodes from seasons 1 and 2, the original made-for-TV movie and never-before-seen bonus features."



MARC SILVESTRI TALKS 'WITCHBLADE' MOVIE



Yancy Butler


Message board

Jericho: Who's Watching The Fort ?

Yes, New Year is past but Terocious did such an outstanding blog post that I want to share it.

"Happy New Year Jericho Fans

I have to admit that I was already a little tipsy when I got to Jeritopia at about quarter till twelve on New Years Eve. My intent was to remain fairly quiet and enjoy the company but I got a phone call from an old friend so I had to settle for glancing occasionally at the screen and watching the names and comments of my Jericho cohorts scrolling along. For months now we have watched each other come and go. We drop hints about “real life” as we attend to our daily business of living but we have all been elsewhere and wondered: “What is going on right now? Who is watching the fort? What will I find when I get back?” Sound serious? I think you could say that many of us would never have believed just how serious our fandom could become."




" A few weeks ago, HD Net ran an 8 episode “Jericho” marathon and this time I did set my DVR to record it. After watching the pilot episode, my wife and I were hooked. We wound up running through all 8 episodes fairly quickly and then waited for HD Net to run some more. When we didn’t see any on the horizon, we went out and bought the Season 1 DVD the other night and have now made it through another 6 episodes.

After being cancelled at the end of Season 1, a massive fan effort revived the show and a shortened second season will begin on February 12. This time, my DVR is ready. Yours should be, too. “Jericho” is one of the smartest written, best acted shows on TV. Plus with the writers strike continuing, new episodes of quality shows will be few and far between."

CBS: Will You Promote Jericho ?

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.

Striking Scribes

"The writers' strike has started today, and the writers themselves will be picketing studios and making themselves heard. If the Writers Guild of America strike keeps TV scribes off the job for a while, it's going to alter your viewing habits big time. The WGA called for a work stoppage after failing to get a bigger slice of revenue from DVD sales and a piece of what the networks expect to earn from digital downloads of TV shows.

While procedurals such as CSI and Criminal Minds tend to draw viewers in repeats – giving CBS an edge over the competition - the network has been loading up on game shows. Power of 10, a moderate success over the summer, will be back. CBS also has Do You Trust Me and a new version of Password hosted by Regis Philbin.

The network is also ready to let the cameras roll in the Big Brother house if necessary. On the scripted side, you'll definitely see all seven produced episodes of Jericho. The network will also have close to 13 episodes of The New Adventures of Old Christine ready to go. The Late Show with David Letterman and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson will go dark immediately, but the conventional wisdom is that Letterman will return after a few weeks out so that the rest of his staff can remain employed. Once he returns, so will Ferguson."





"Jay Leno rolled up to a picket line on his motorcycle with doughnuts for striking writers at NBC.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus marched with pickets at Warner Bros. in the shadow of a giant billboard advertising her CBS show, "The New Adventures of Old Christine."

Even Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama weighed in with a prepared statement urging producers to work with writers to end the strike.

Writers got a little help from their famous friends on Monday as the Screen Writers Guild launched their strike against movie studios and TV networks."

CBS: Helping Jericho ?

My friend, Myles, of Cultural Learning posted an excellent article the other day and I'd like to see word spread so everyone can read it.

"Guiding Principles for the Return of CBS’ “Jericho”

In part, he says:


*"CBS should be in close contact with fan communities in order to recapture the grassroots elements of the initial campaign to save Jericho.
• The DVD set should be advertised through traditional and new media in a way that reflects its importance to the campaign.
• Fans should attempt to overcome the rifts growing between certain populations in order to present a united front.
• CBS should be responsible for keeping the series in the public eye, not just the fans; however, fans should continue to digg, read and comment on stories to keep their momentum alive.


• CBS should choose a fair timeslot which avoids major competition while reflecting the themes and values within the series.
• CBS should immediately begin advertising the show’s return during their most successful programs (CSIs, NCIS, etc.)
• CBS will ideally have established connections with fans that they can use in order to get the word out quickly to the fans who have abandoned the cause since the summer.
• Fans should mobilize behind this date quickly: while CBS is expected to hold part of the burden, fans have access to numerous tools they don’t, so use them!
•Bloggers like myself will be sure to promote this date and make sure that people are aware it is finally happening.


• CBS should continue advertising the series.
• CBS will ideally ensure that the show’s stars are out and about on Late Night and Daytime talk shows.
• Fans should reconnect with the principles that won the show’s return: its quality, its values and of course the nuts.
•However, fans should also be willing to move into any new innovative territories in order to broaden the show’s horizons.


• CBS should maintain realistic expectations of the show’s ratings, understanding the challenges it has faced, and will not pass judgment until Live 7 DVR Ratings are released.
• Fans will watch the premiere (I don’t think this one is even in question, eh?)
• That I will put my money where my mouth is and watch and review said premiere."

Monster Guest Blogger: Nightbird

Thanks to Nightbird for being today's guest blogger.

I appreciate her efforts and her love of Jericho.

******************************************************
I've been drowning in problems in recent times in my life. I could have simply stopped functioning because of it, because it was just too much. But I had learned a simple survival trick.

What can I do that will change things TODAY?


The CBS board has problems. I suspect we aren't the only forum with these. But we do have the board. I'd love to live somewhere else and have a different kind of home, but right now I do have one. Its not perfect but its here. We have this board HERE and NOW. No reason we can't send some feedback about it to the website option, like reporting what happens with forbidden word problems. But what really matters is that we do have it. Fixing the board is a later. Tomorrow, when something perfect is possible. Using it is now.

TODAY we can tell CBS we want the third season. We can write, digg, comment, lend dvd's email friends to check it out and lots of other ideas all of which can get us to this goal.

TODAY the board, Pam Reed and any number of other things are less important and less current than the matter of the third season and SHOWING that we won't fade away. Go and read Rich's transcript from his chat in Jeritopia. WE scare them out there. They have every reason for us not to succeed so they can dismiss social media as a means of achieving a goal. So they can fade back into the old school. So they can prove to themselves we were wrong and not be so terrified until the next time.

Remember this is about a lot more than us. This is about changing the world. We wouldn't be watched by media and advertising and social experts if it was just saving a tv show. We wouldn't be feared either. We wouldn't have made history. We wouldn't have the old school of doing things rooting for the naysayers and ranters because if it was just about a tv show--they WOULDN'T CARE.

Whether or not we meant to, Nuts started a movement for social change. This means tv shows that we like will have a chance to live. It means that the entertainment industry will have to change to accomodate the new ways people act and work. It means that media like the internet will enter its true potential and be recognized by those who fear it as what it has become.

We see these things but in the minds of the old guard they are temporary. Lets send that idea to the cornfield where it belongs.

So what does a third season mean? Maybe Gale Green will be in her kitchen and the board improving. But more than that the board will be here, and those who are scared will be looking for ways to change. We have already had an impact on the way things are done. Check out any board with a new show. People are starting to share addresses to send mail and even wondering what to send the network in protest should they need to. Before they would have been complaining. And this is only tv.

So lets ALL put this in perspective. Our third season is merely the tip of a giant iceberg set to reshape the old guard into the present and future. Lets make sure it doesn't disappear.

Jericho: The Devil Inside

Rich at Copywrite Ink always knows how to hit the Bullseye. His latest post is no exception. He breaks the article down into three sections.




1) The Good:

Not real good but he discusses Amazon sales of the DVD as well as sales at Barnes and Noble. Sales, hopefully, will get better.

2) The Bad:

Carol Barbee recently stated that two endings have been filmed for Season 2.
One alternative ending will show where the show would go in a Season 3. The other ending, she says, “gives you a huge mythology so that you understand so much about what has happened."

According to Rich (and I agree)"Alternative endings mean exactly what one might think. Jericho’s continuation on CBS is about as certain as the day it was first placed on the bubble."

Think about that. No certainty of a Season 3. What would we do then?

3) The Ugly:

I will let Rich's statement about this speak for itself:

"If there is any distraction from promoting DVD sales at the moment, it comes in the form that frequently surfaces from the fan base. Someone places too much weight on their own shoulders, distracting otherwise like-minded fans.

It’s the kind of story worth following up on when you’re tracking the promise and pitfalls of spontaneous consumer marketing efforts. Jericho fans are not alone. If there is any reoccurring theme in the scheme of social media, it is in the abundance of people who suddenly find themselves in the semi-public spotlight without any real leadership training. Here’s one tip I picked up almost a decade ago …

“Angels have wings because they take themselves lightly.”



I used to believe we all wanted the same thing- Season 3 of Jericho. I don't believe that anymore. That's sad to say but, while there are angels among us, there are some devils too.

To Jericho Fans: Old and New

"In the world of communication (advertising, marketing, public relations, political consultation, etc.), people, products, and companies live and die by perception every day and all the time. But, to actively live with the mistaken belief that perception is reality is fraught with peril, delusion, and consequence."

Jericho will return for a Season 2. Jericho Season 1 DVD was released. Now what? For some, the perception seems to be that we can sit back and relax and wait for Season 2. There's no more work to be done. Right?

The reality is that we are not assured a Season 3. We are not assured that Jericho won't be canceled again. We must not delude ourselves into thinking all is well.

To all those who fought during the Nuts campaign;thank you. No one person ever has or ever will save Jericho all on their own. It will take all of us! No, there is no Leader because most of us are adults and we know what we must do. There is no idea more important than another and no one person is more important than another. Believing there is a leader "is fraught with peril, delusion, and consequence."

To new fans: We need you! We need you to help us fight for Jericho. You are important!!!! Your ideas are needed!!! Help us promote Jericho. Please.

Just like in the real world you will meet fans you may not like. As I've always said, " I don't have to like you to work with you." Not liking you does not give me the right to belittle you, call you names, or besmirch your reputation. I will work with anybody who is honestly working for Jericho. I hope you will too.


Letter To Old Fans and New:


Jericho Needs You!!!!!!!!

Re-enlist In The Jericho Army Today!

Are you one of the Nuts who saved Jericho?

Do you still want more than just 7 new episodes?

Please! Come Home to Jericho! Jericho needs your support again.

120,608 people signed the petition to save Jericho! Where are you now?

We have missed you on the CBS message board.

We need more people there because CBS watches the board to see how many people are active.

We must show CBS that we are still here actively promoting.

Please come home and save Jericho again.

And while you are at it, be sure to join the new Jericho Fan Group on Yahoo to keep up with all the latest Jericho news!
http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/jerichofans/?yguid=55172895

If you have questions or comments or a topic you'd like to see covered here email me at sweat1951@rock.com

A Monster Fan Interview: Azlady4

Gayle is a Digger extraordaire as well as commenter. You will see her everywhere posting as azlady4. I appreciate her time in doing this interview and I've loved knowing more about her.




1. Do you have a favorite chat room? What is it? If you don't use chat
rooms
why not?

I have never been in a chat room. I have no idea how to navigate one.
I
would like to try one but just haven't gotten around to it.


2. What would you do if CBS canceled Jericho again after Season 2?

I think at that point the only option that might be possible would be to
shop for a new home for Jericho on another network. I have always felt
that
might be a viable alternative if it comes down to that. I know other
networks were interested before so hopefully they would still be
interested
and I feel it would be certainly worth a try. I think that would have to
be
predominantly the producers to do this, but maybe the fans could help in
some way. It has been done successfully in the past with several shows
and I
heard one of the Law and Order series just moved to a cable network so
obviously it can be done.




3. Johnston Green died in Season 1. Will someone die in Season 2? Why or
why
not? Who?

Probably, I think to keep the story realistic somebody has to die, but
unless they really have to cut back the budget I don't think it will be
anybody as significant as Johnston Green. I think maybe Constantino, or
possibly Dale. They both have PO'd a lot of the wrong people so they are
a definite possibility, but will have to wait and see.



4. If you could talk to Nina Tassler right now what would you say?

Nina, we really appreciate the fact that you listened and heard our
voices
and brought back our beloved show. However, you told us that we, the
fans,
need to attract more viewers to ensure a longer life for Jericho. Well,
Nina, I don't really feel that should have been put on our backs in the
first place, but we did what you asked and have been doing everything we
can
within our power to make that happen. But you also said that CBS was
going
to do their part with heavy promoting and advertising and make every
effort
on your end to give Jericho the exposure that it needs to be successful.
I
don't see that happening. Also, although Jericho being preempted for
prescheduled football every other week is disappointing it is
understandable. But these sudden preemptions without warning in some
areas
and not in others, which seems to be happening frequently is not
understandable, and definitely not helping our cause, it is hurting it.
You
may not have any control over this issue if it is the work of the local
affiliates, but if you don’t I just ask that when you check the ratings
performance for each week you be aware that Jericho was not on in all
areas
because it is going to have a negative effect on its numbers. I realize
that you have new shows starting soon and they are a priority right now,
but
we would really appreciate a little communication from you as to what
yours
and CBS's intentions are over the next weeks or months as far as what
your
plans are for Jericho and if and how you are going to promote it.



5. How can CBS count all the viewers who watch and not just a select
few?

They're going to have to find a way somehow, that is a given, because
obviously just going by the few "chosen ones" isn't working anymore. I
really think they need to implement sensors of some kind or find some
method
to count exactly how many "hits" each show is getting from all
televisions
including homes, hotel and hospital rooms, bars, dorms, and everywhere.
If
websites can track how many hits they get, there has to be a way to do
it
with television shows. They also need to start counting international
viewers and not just the US. People in other countries are obviously
supporting and watching American TV, so it is only fair they be counted.
Also, they need to start counting every TIVO and DVR show watched as
well as
all on-line viewers, X-box, IPODS and all modes of watching. The only
way
they are going to get an accurate count is to include all of it. I know
the
advertisers are still pushing the idea that everybody has to watch shows
live to be counted, but lets face it folks – those days are long gone.
Not
everybody is going to.



6. What attracted you to Jericho?

I love the characters, and the actors who play them are fantastic and
they
really bring them to life. When I watch Jericho I feel like I am
hanging
out with my friends and neighbors. They are simply nice people. And
most of
them continue to be nice people even though the situation is ugly. What
makes the story so compelling is that it is something that can very
possibly
happen. I am truly moved when I see this community and how they band
together when there is nobody to help them except each other. Watching
Jericho has really made me appreciate the importance of family and
friends,
and also makes me ponder what it would be like if the things we have at
our
disposal and use every day, ie food, medicine, gas, electricity, clean
water, and even all the little amenities we take for granted like
toothpaste
and aspirin were suddenly yanked away from us and how miserable it would
be
if we suddenly had to do without them. It has given me a whole new
appreciation for those things and how blessed we are to live in a place
to
have them so readily available. I will never take my best friend or my
washing machine for granted again.




7. How can we attract new viewers to Jericho? To the message boards?

I think the fans are pretty much doing everything possible and doing it
well. I am totally impressed how so many people are using their immense
talents to promote Jericho. The banners and artwork are terrific. The
blogs
and articles being written are a great promotional tool and fun to read.
The
videos are fantastic and since many people go to Youtube that is a great
exposure. However, for those of us like myself who are not creative or
computer savvy enough to make a video or computer art, I think word of
mouth
is still one of the best tools there is for selling anything. I think
using
subtle approaches like wearing a Jericho T-shirt or sporting a bumper
sticker and having somebody notice is a great way to stir up interest.
If
they ask about it great, makes it a perfect time to promote it to them.
Even
if they don’t ask directly or make a comment, it is bound to stir up
curiosity then if they are at home and happen to see a Jericho
advertisement, remembering they had seen it on your T-shirt or bumper
sticker might just give them that extra nudge to tune in and see what it
is
all about. Also posting fliers and signs in conspicuous places is a
great
way to get attention. I am not in sales or marketing but I believe that
subliminal suggestion is a very effective way to sell something, and I
believe it is working even if it is just a few at a time. Rome was not
built
in a day. Now it is time for CBS to step up to the plate and do their
part.


As far as the message boards go, I would not be too concerned right now.
I
don’t think the traffic has really dropped off permanently; it is just
that
right now nobody really knows anything. Everything is kind of at a
standstill and it is just a waiting game. Once the dates for the new
episodes are released and more information is divulged, there will be a
lot
more to talk about and then people will start wandering back and the
traffic
will increase. That is my prediction.



8. What do you most like to do besides anything involving Jericho?

Laugh. I love laughing. I love being with people who love to laugh as
much
as I do. I love being with my husband because he is so funny and he
makes
me laugh almost nonstop. The world needs to laugh more. Life can stink
sometimes, but I’ve learned in my old age that if you find something to
laugh about it makes it a lot more bearable. We are hopeless baseball
addicts so during baseball season the Diamondbacks dominate much of our
free
time and our TV. The only show I will interrupt baseball for to watch
live
is Jericho; everything else gets DVR’d. HEAR THAT MR. MOONVES!!! I
can’t
think of anything more fun than a day at the ballpark. Other than that
my
family and I are pretty much outdoor people, camping, fishing, or even
just
a hike or a long bike ride. I work long hours indoors and live in the
city,
so I like to spend my free time outside and away from the city.



Any comments?

Just that Jericho is a treasure and well worth fighting for. I want to
say
thank you so much to all the fans who helped bring it back, everyone
from
the major contributors to the ones who just sent one letter or an e-mail
or
made a phone call. My thanks also go out to those who support Jericho
by
simply watching it. Everyone made a difference. I have never been
involved
or even thought of being involved in something like this before, but it
was
a great experience and although my contribution was small compared to
many,
I am proud to have been a part of it. I wish Jericho a long and happy
life.

A Monster Fan Interview: Hawksdomain

I am always amazed to learn how Jericho has changed people's lives. Paula is a perfect example. You'll see. She is also one of the most supportive, encouraging fans I know so I am proud to present this interview with Hawsdomain.


1. When did you start watching Jericho?

I was one of the lucky ones who saw the commercials promoting the show before it aired.... I was hooked before it even started!


2. What attracted you to Jericho?

Many things attracted me to Jericho. The entire nuclear war thing was first and foremost, plus it being based in Kansas. Some may remember the TV Movie several years ago with Jason Robards, "The Day After". That was shot in Lawrence, KS when I was still in grade school, but it was so neat to see places I knew on TV. Plus, my uncle was involved with the making of that movie... From the time they started filming until today, I have had a fascination with what my world would really be like if such a terrible thing should happen.

Then there is, of course, Skeet... not to mention all of the great acting and the wonderful storyline that brought me back to my childhood years. To me, Jericho shows a community in America that was representing the America I grew up to believe in. An America that I do not see any longer, unfortunately. 9/11 did bring America and that sense of Americana back, but many things have happened since 9/11 that have torn this country apart again.


3. When did you first visit the CBS board and why?

I don't exactly remember WHY I went to the CBS board, I think I was looking for more about next season or something. I happened across the board the day of or the day before the cancellation was announced. I remember Schumi setting up the Rally Point should the show be canceled and the boards be closed.


4. How has being a Jericho fan changed you?

Oh wow, this one totally blows even my husband away! Just watching the show gave me hope for America and all of our communities. Being involved in the campaign to bring back Jericho has done so much more for me. I have always been an introvert, but several years ago things became quite bad and I avoided all social situations. Just the fact that I was going to the CBS board every day and posting was a very big step. I began chatting and emailing with a few people and have even talked on the phone to several people. Once the Nuts Online board came up, since I was one of the first members, I was very active and talked to everyone who posted! It was a much smaller community than at CBS, so I was not nearly as self conscious. That was where I met my very good friends, KyStorms, CristyQ, Scoobud3, KayT, and DVRAddict. None of them can imagine that I was ever shy. LOL But it was thanks to them that I was able to come even more out of my shell and be brave enough to post at new places such as JRP and RFJ. This new found confidence to actually interact with people I'm not related to has also carried over into my personal everyday life. I socialize more with my neighbors and friends of my husband without trying to find a way to run back home to be alone!


5. Tell us about the DVD 4 Troops project.

I wish I could say that I was the mastermind behind the DVDs 4 Troops, but, that was actually thought of by a Ranger that is no longer active. She had mentioned the idea to DVRAddict, who posted it on the boards and talk about it came and went. Then the wonderful Ahma heard about this idea and became driven to make it happen. She looked high and low for me and after we talked about it, I told her I would help with the web space and a PayPal account to make it happen. The rest has truly been Ahma. She has promoted it endlessly. I'm just the technical person, truly! Once this was getting started, KyStorms and I were talking about her sons who are in the military and we started thinking of other things we could do for the troops... That is when JR4OT was born.


6. How do you feel about Nielsen ratings?

GAH to Nielsen ratings! But, unfortunately, the sponsors don't see it that way. The Nielsens really have us in a tough spot. To me, the Nielsens are like the warnings on coffee cups at McDonald's. Of course the coffee is hot, but Big Business needs it to cover their hiney.


7. How can we attract new viewers to Jericho? To the message boards?

I have succeeded with getting new viewers hooked on Jericho just by having a very large signature in my email with the time and day that Jericho is on. OK, so I've been pretty bad, because it still has the day Jericho returned, but, my friends and family have told me it has been quite successful!

I think that CBS did the best at promoting the message boards with the Jericho Rises campaign they did. Unfortunately, I have not seen many commercials for Jericho for a few weeks. What I am going to try is actually changing my signature in my email! Adding a link to Innertube as well as the CBS board might help some of the new fans I know in several ways. Shows them where they can see more of the show and be less confused, as well as a place where they can go to read more, and ask questions! With all the craziness, tho, I think I will just put the link to the episodes section. ;)


8. What do you most like to do besides anything involving Jericho?

The biggest thing in my life is my niece Abby. I try to spend as much time with her as possible. After that I would have to say working on genealogy. It is fascinating to learn how everyday people lived so long ago. My family has lived on the same land since the Kansas Territory was opened to settlers. I think that the common theme here is family. Just as it is for the Greens and the Richmonds.


9. Any comments?

I am worried about the fate of Jericho. We have all seen the traffic slowing down. We see the ratings each week. I know we lost several fans who thought once we got the 7 episodes, who thought that all was well, but it is not. Nina herself told us we had to get more people to watch. Of course, during the summer this has been very rough, but even the viewing on Innertube is reported to be down. I am truly coming to a loss. I have posted on more than one board that I am not an ideas person, I just help the ideas get coordinated into happening.

During our fight to save Jericho, I was convinced that we were a strong group of people that could come together to make anything happen, and that Jericho was just one part of what we would be able to do. I truly believed that we would be able to stick together to accomplish much more. For so many of us this fight was about quality TV, family TV. Yes, these are important issues, but I saw us being able to battle to do good for the homeless, the hungry, cancer, illiteracy, family violence, or, yes, even the troops.

We need to do things to get mainstream media interested again, just like the Nuts Campaign did. The Nuts, well, that was just weird! LOL But, if we come together as a community of Jericho fans, and we accomplish something for the 'greater good', such as doing significant help for any charity, we have the ability to get back into the news. If we are back into the news, think of how many people heard of the Nut story but blew us off as a bunch of nuts! If they hear now that we are doing such and such for x charity, those who didn't take the time to check out Jericho before are more likely to do so now.

If the DVDs 4 Troops campaign does not move you, like it moves Ahma and myself, that is completely OK. Just find something you can do that moves you and will move others. If you need help getting it off the ground, send me an email! If I can't help get it going, I have met a lot of awesome people who just might be the perfect match for your Jericho Project!! :)

A Monster Fan Interview: Kestral

Kestral can be depended on for anything related to promoting Jericho. She has proven herself to be a Team player and she will help anyone who asks. She diggs, comments, and votes. She has great ides and follows through on them. She is one of the best assets Jericho has. Thank you, Kestral for all you do.




1. What do you like about Jericho?

There are many things I like about Jericho. In order to keep this interview from being a novel, I’ll just focus on a few things. The first thing I like about Jericho is that my whole family can watch it together. Not only do we watch it together, but we have many wonderful conversations sparked by the magnificent storyline and stellar acting. I also like Jericho because it stimulates my brain. I am so tired of mindless reality shows and other television programs that don’t challenge viewers on a higher cerebral level. It really makes you think about surviving an attack in today’s world. Am I prepared to survive or would my family be lost? Jericho makes me think about that a lot. Probably the most important thing I like about Jericho is that it speaks to so many people around the world. I never knew until I joined the campaign, just how many different people love Jericho. Jericho’s message knows no boundaries. It speaks to everyone regardless of race, gender, social class, religion, political affiliation and nationality. Every single person can find someone or something they relate to in Jericho. Jericho goes past the boundaries we as society have set for ourselves and speaks to us all on a basic human level. We all love. We all cry. We all laugh. We all fear. Jericho speaks to us all because it finds not what is different about us, but what is the same in all of us.


2. What is your favorite episode/character and why?

I cannot choose a favorite character or episode. Every single episode is so well written and acted that to choose one I feel would do an injustice to the rest of the wonderful episodes. As for the characters, while I'm partial to certain ones, I cannot say I have a favorite. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching every single character evolve throughout the storyline. I truly do feel that all of the actors to a fantastic job at making their characters believable. I know...I chickened out...but what can I say??? I love them all!!



3. If I had never watched Jericho what would you say to urge me to watch?

I would tell you that there is something for everyone in Jericho. It is exceptionally well written, and superbly acted! There is drama, romance, action, adventure, comedy (thank goodness for Mimi and the chicken!) all in one show. What’s not to love? And if you didn’t listen to me the first time, I’d tell you again and again and again. I’d find a way to mention Jericho in all of our conversations until you finally would cave in and agree to watch, even if just to “shut me up”! Once I get you to that point, my job is done. Jericho will keep you coming back for more.




4. How do you think we can attract new viewers?

There are many ways to attract new viewers. Talk about Jericho to your friends and family. Encourage them to talk to their friends and family about Jericho. Send out emails to everyone about Jericho and include the links to the CBS website and also tell them how they can view on innertube. I recently received an email back from one of my contacts that my message about Jericho had been sent down the line and people were responding that they were watching and loving it! We need to Digg and comment on Jericho articles to help keep those articles in the public eye so that when people look online for Jericho they find the good stuff right away. We need to heavily promote the DVD release coming in October. Put up flyers in your hometown. Put a sign in your front yard. Place a bumper sticker on your car. Do anything you can to let people know about Jericho and never give up. We have to keep fighting for Jericho until we have season 3 and more.



5. Is Hawkins a good guy?

Hmmmm. I am undecided on this. I am truly hoping that he is a good guy. The writers and Lennie have done such a wonderful job of keeping Hawkins true allegiance a mystery to us. I can honestly say, I don’t know if he is good or not. But I’m really hoping he is a good guy! I really have enjoyed hearing Lennie talk about Jericho and the fans. I’d hate to have to listen to him and think about how horrible his character is! Please, please be a good guy!! (fingers crossed)


6. Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or Jericho can go here.

I would like to say a very large Thank You to all of the Jericho fans that have fought and worked so hard for this show! It has not been easy and we still have a long way to go. However, we CAN do it! I have met so many wonderful people through the CBS site, Radio Free Jericho, Jericho Rally Point and through chatting at Jeritopia. I continue to amazed by all of the people I have met. I knew going into the fight for Jericho that I would meet some neat friends. I never imagined finding a group of people that so quickly came to mean a lot to me. The Jericho fans I have met are some of the most caring, dedicated, passionate, respectful, intelligent, loyal, loving people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I am proud to be a Jericho Ranger and I am humbled to be a member of the Jericho family. Thank you all!!!

A Monster Fan Interview: Deborah

Many thanks to Rourke who introduced me to Deborah who is a Jericho fan, a survivalist, and a woman. Forget the myth about survivalists being men. This is one smart lady and I'd be heading to her house if I ever needed to survive.

Deborah raises important points for us to consider and answered many questions I've had. As a special treat she has allowed me to use a poem she wrote and you can find it here.


Deborah in the UP:


1. What attracted you to Jericho?

Definitely the scenario. I first started reading 'disaster' books at age 15, with Earth Abides, then Alas Babyon, still my all time favorite. So to see a live action show with the same premise was too much to resist, a brilliant move on CBS's part. In fact, I had not had any TV reception for 12 years, most of that while I lived off grid. Jericho got me to actually PAY for satellite TV!


2. If what happened in Jericho happened here in the U.S. what percentage of people do you think would be prepared?

By far, the percentage would be way too low, unfortunately, maybe as little as 5%. On the upside, more and more are looking into those 72 hour kits. (I shake my head at those...).. but 72 hours are better than nothing. Personally, I'm set for 24 months. Yes, that's MONTHS, which is why I never use my last name on the group sites..lol. I'm really hoping that programs like Jericho will get people to consider long term preparations.


3. Why do you think more people don't take preparedness seriously?

We live in a society that everything is done for us. I mean, what is the simplest meal to fix? mac & cheese... and you can get it in a microwaveable pouch now! give me a break! We (well, not ME...) are taught that everything will be available and it will be available NOW, so there is no need to have anything on hand. That's just not a good attitude to have. Add that to the government that says it will take care of you, but it can't... it is just not feasible for the government, on ANY level, to take care of the entire population. WE should be taking care of THEM.


4. What made you decide to become a survivalist?

I like being independent. I don't rely on anyone or any agency for MY survival. See, I take responsibility for myself and my family. Why should I expect someone else to do that for me?? I think that is missing in today's society. Personal Responsibility.


5. Do you think people have a negative perception of the word survivalist? If so how do you think it can be made positive?

Yes, to some it has a negative connotation. Some of us have started using the term "Prepper" instead of survivalist, because some think the survivalist actually wants bad things to happen. Those are the doom and gloom types, whereas the reality is that us true survivalists believe that there is a future worth preparing for, no matter what happens. I also tend to believe that the only way to do so, is without depending on the government because they won't be there when really needed.

I think of being a survivalist as just that - surviving - what is wrong with that? A true Survivalist wants to live, because they feel the world is worth being alive for. How more positive can you be?


6. What role do women play in being prepared?

Now here is where I shine! Women are and always have been, the back-bone of the family. I understand that has diminished some within our society, but 'we' are still the child-bearers and the child-raisers. We, as women, have more control within our family unit than most realize. Traditionally, women do the homemaking, the cooking, etc. so who buys the supplies to do that? who has the skills and the knowledge? women do! and it's up to the women to maintain that level of sustenance for their family, by preparing AHEAD.


7. Do more women need to be involved? Why?

Not just women, everyone needs to be involved. I'm single, and as a single female I have the advantage of making my own decisions. Part of those decisions are to maintain a certain level of comfort in my 'retreat', so I prepare for that. We all want some creature comforts, and the women in today's society should be sure they get it .. .. and share it. When there is a partnership involved (ie husband/wife), both should be doing preps. Both have something to contribute, and they need to support each other.

Besides, after a Jericho situation, there will need to be a level of normalcy maintained, just to get by, just to keep the sanity. Women are good at that. We'll fix meals and insist we sit down at the table, we'll make sure the kids go to bed at a certain hour, we'll get the kids involved in school work or chores or whatever. Most women are good organizers, and that will be very much needed.


8. Isn't it expensive to be a survivalist? Where are all those supplies stored?

Expensive? not as much as you might think. I'm always watching sales. Tuna goes on sale for 50 cents a can, then I buy two instead of one. I buy a lot of bulk items. I love to cook and bake. Those little packets of yeast? I buy a pound for double the price. That might be more expensive at the time, but definitely cheaper in the long run. That's the way to look at it. You might be spending more money now, but down the road, you're spending less.

Besides, if you put the money toward preps that you otherwise would have spent on a few DVD's, or getting your nails done, or a round of golf, or stopping for a coffee, or all those bottled waters!! you will be amazed at what you can buy!


9. Mimi just couldn't kill that chicken even though she was hungry. Could you kill a chicken to survive?

But eventually she did! The will to survive prevailed. I think Mimi's character has shown the most growth and the most promise. I loved the scene where she talked with the chicken.. still my favorite. But yes, I've killed many chickens, I've also butchered out deer, fish, and bird game. I have unique skills for a female, of which I'm very proud.



10. What one reason would you give someone as to why they should start preparing?

Do you want to end up like the folks in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina? Are you looking forward to sitting someplace, cold, tired and hungry, waiting for government relief? Perhaps starving to death, dying of dehydration or contaminated water? Or would you prefer having supplies on hand, the means to cook your own meals, meals you actually like.. as opposed to MREs (which are often called Meals Rejected by Ethiopians for a reason) .. AND the knowledge that you have food for tomorrow, and the next day, and the next....?

One reason? ...do you want to live?

Anything you'd like to add?

I think your questions have covered most everything. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to voice my thoughts.

A Monster Fan Interview: Starlace

Laci is also known as Starlace. I'm sure she's familiar to everyone on the CBS board and beyond. I got quite a few requests for an interview with her so here it is.


1. What do you like about Jericho?

Everything! What, that's too simple? To me, Jericho is the perfect example of when writing, production and acting mesh perfectly. The writing is superb and even though Jericho deals with the gravity of very intense issues, it still makes me laugh every week. It's not afraid to tackle complex and sometimes controversial plotlines. The characters are fully developed and feel like real people to me. There is not a weak link in the cast and they breathe life into the words they are given. In terms of acting, I'm a big believer in the idea that 'you're only as good as the people you work with.' Jericho demonstrates this for me...the actors bring out the best in each other and as a result, their characters continue to keep me interested. Jericho feels very real to me and I guess that's what I like the most.


2. What is your favorite episode/character and why?

Tough question! My favorite episode is Why We Fight...it made me laugh, it made me cry...what more could I ask for? Jake is probably my favorite character though I honestly love them all...I'm particularly intriqued by his past and the effect it's having on him today. I also love the dynamic between Jake, Emily and Jonah and how much it has shaped who they are. I should probably say I really like Mimi too because I can totally relate to where she's coming from. In that kind of world, I'd definitely be the city girl who doesn't know the first thing about being on a farm. I'm a quick learner though.



3. If I had never watched Jericho what would you say to urge me to
watch?

I'd tell you it has something for everyone. There is drama, comedy, action, romance. It will make you think and challenge you, but it will also make you laugh. After an entire season of telling me it was 'too scary', I finally got my mother to watch Jericho with me during the campaign and she was hooked! If she liked it, I can pretty much guarantee you will too!



4. How do you think we can attract new viewers?

Word of mouth is probably our biggest assett. Continue to tell everyone you know about Jericho! I've already heard some great stories from Rangers about who they spread the word to. I try to use every opportunity I can to talk up the show, including the time I was taken to the hospital by ambulance and told my EMTs all about it! (don't worry...it was nothing serious). The internet has been a great resource for us and I think we've got to continue to use it by blogging, digging articles and staying active on the message boards. Wear your Jericho t-shirts whenever you can!


With the DVD set coming out in October, I think we've got to make them fly off the shelves! If it sells well, that may pique the interest of people who've never heard of Jericho or never watched it.

And as a suggestion to my fellow college students out there...see if you can arrange viewing parties in your dorms! I know Friday isn't the best night to get a bunch of college kids to sit around a tv, but if you offer free food, I bet people would show up and you might just get them hooked on Jericho! And if you can't afford free food, peanuts will do...



5. What do you like about the CBS board?

It's been a great place to meet people and discuss all things Jericho. Whether I'm looking for some lighthearted humor or a serious debate, it's all there on the CBS board. I always know I can go there for the latest news or to catch up with people I've come to know throughout the Jericho experience. I also appreciate that the cast and crew have used it to communicate with us. It feels like a special place for everyone in the Jericho family to come together.


6. Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or Jericho can go
here.
I've had a very hard year personally and being a part of the Jericho family made it so much better! I just want to say it's been great to be amongst such wonderful company throughout the campaign. In the grand scheme of things, my role has been rather minimal, but to be associated with the amazing people involved in this campaign has been a wonderful experience. The Rangers never cease to amaze me with not only their creativity, but their initiative to see through many of the great ideas people have come up with! It's been an honor to be part of this and I've made some great friends who I wouldn't have met if it weren't for Jericho.

So thank you Rangers for being the awesome people you are and thank you CBS and everyone involved in the creation of Jericho for not only bringing the show back, but for giving us a show worth fighting for in the first place.

Thank you, Laci.

A Monster Fan Interview: Ahma

I am very proud to turn the spotlight on ahma(Jackie) today. She is a hard worker for Jericho, a team player, and a genuinely sweet person. Her involvement in the DVD's for Troops is only one example of how hard she works. It's an honor to work on Jericho with you Jackie.


1. What attracted you to Jericho?

The first commercial I saw before the season ever started "Had me from Hello". I guess being one of the "duck and cover" generation it was just natural that the commercial would grab me the way it did.


2. What reason would you give new viewers as to why they should watch Jericho?

There are so many reasons I think new people should watch Jericho. For one reason, it's just really good. Great writing, the story line is just amazing, it keeps me absolutely nailed to my chair every week. Great acting, I find myself getting caught up in every plot and character. It's a great show to share with your friends and family, everyone can find something interesting about Jericho, it has so many different stories within the story. It has action, drama, suspense,comedy, romance. You can go through the whole gamut of emotions in one show! One minute your laughing, the next your on the edge of your seat, and there is always something to get a softie like me crying. Jericho has fans from 9 to 99.


3. How did the idea for DVD's for Troops become reality?

The DVD's for troops was an idea that DVRaddict brought up as one of the ways to support our troops, which is one of the main charity's we try to support at NutsForJericho. It had been an idea that had been floating around for a while and she was asking for volunteers to see if we could get something going. As soon as I saw her post I couldn't wait to get started, my husband did two tours in Vietnam, my brother was in the first Gulf War, and my cousin just got home from Iraq, and my brother is in Afghanistan training police officers right now. Of course, I couldn't have ever gotten anywhere without tons of help from everyone at NFJ, sending me off in the right directions! Once we had a decent start, Rubberpoulty, designed our graphic for us,(thank you again RP) and Hawksdomain set up the paypal account and did all the posting and linking for us.( I admit, I am nearly computer illiterate.haha)


4. What do you hope to accomplish with the campaign?

We would like to accomplish several different things with the DVD's for the troops. Of course, first and foremost, we feel it is a great way to let our troops know that we are thinking of them, that we appreciate what they are doing for us. Secondly, we think its a pretty good way to increase the fan base for the show, and help the sales of the DVD's. It's been stressed so many times how important this is to help guarantee season 3.


5. How can we all donate?

You can donate from the CBS site by clicking on the graphic RP made for us in the DVD's for the troops thread here. Or you can go directly to the NFJ site and donate there. The way Hawksdomain set it up is so fantastic, you can just give whatever you can afford, you don't have to purchase a whole season 1 DVD on your own, just like during the NUTS campaign when we could pool our funds. So every dollar counts, think of what we could do if all the fans from all the boards just donated a dollar!


6. JERICHO FANS ROCK!

7. Comments?

Just that I am so grateful, to everyone that has helped us with the DVD for the Troops project. RubberPoultry for his graphic, and everyone that has donated, bumped, cheered us along, and kept me out of trouble. (who says ignorance is bliss)

A Monster Australian Fan Interview: Fragile_Day

My apologies. This is an Australian fan.

This is an interview with a Australian fan. There are a lot of them and, if they were counted, we would not have to worry about Jericho being cancelled again.

Please meet fragile_day.



1. How did you learn about Jericho?

Through advertisements I saw on television. At first I was under the impression it was a home grown TV show (and I'm not a fan of many Aussie dramas), so I didn't pay much attention to the ads. The night Jericho premiered in the US I was on the homepage of IMDB and noticed a message on the front page that headlined "Jericho starts tonight!" and was curious. I found out it was actually a US drama and I read all about the premise and loved the sound of it. I tuned in to the airing of the Pilot on Aussie TV which was just a few hours after it aired in the US and was hooked.


2. What attracted you to the show?

Two primary things: 1) The fact a US television show was airing simultaneously with the US, something that had never been done before. We are usually months behind and never able to join in on internet dicussions and what not because the US is so far ahead, so there was that aspect of not being able to be spoiled and being up to date. 2) The premise, it was so different to anything else on television, I don't recall there ever being a show with such a premise. Completely original, which is always a positive these days on TV with so many ideas that have been done to death, we don't need any more crime and medical dramas.


3. When did Jericho first air in Australia and is it on now?

Jericho first aired in Australia the same day as the US, about 6-8 hours later. It is not on anymore, the first half of the season aired simultaneously with the US, without any interruptions until the three month hiatus. After those three months, there were no time slots available for Jericho, so we fell way behind. It came back a few months ago, but was pulled off the schedule due to poor ratings.

4. Will you be able to buy the DVD in Australia?


To my knowledge the DVD won't be released here in the near future. I will purchase the set off Amazon.


5. At one point there was a problem with Network Ten showing all the episodes. Is there still a problem?

See question 3. :) Some Aussies do want it back, but I don't forsee it coming back any time soon. I guess there's always the possibility it could come back during the summer non-ratings period, however when nothing else is on and all US TV shows have wrapped up on Aussie television.



6. Will you get to see the new episodes when we do in the U.S. or will they be delayed?

No, we won't get to see the new episodes when they're on in the US unless we download them.



7. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Nope, that's about it. But Australia loves Jericho, there are plenty of Aussies around!