The Phases Of Fandom

Morgan has been in various fandoms for a number of years. When I saw this article, I loved it. Please understand this is talking about fandoms in general. This is not specific to any particular group of fans.

Written by Morgan and published with her approval.

Phase I: Positive action, solidarity & unity. This is the initial rush of finding one another, of discovering "I'm not alone!" and of everyone working together as a like-minded, cohesive (if diverse) unit. This is the best case scenario, the time when everyone is speaking with one voice and saying the same thing. This initial phase can last from weeks to years, depending on the dedication of those involved, and the response from the "Powers That Be." If the response is rapid and positive, this phase may continue. If not ...

Phase II: Cracks in the Mirror. When there's little or no response from TPTB, fandoms can falter. There's no "common foe," so fans look at one another, instead. They're frustrated, and there's no external outlet. They express disagreement or dissatisfaction with the fandom in general, or with individuals. Tempers flare, and factions begin to form. This's the most critical time in a fandom.

Phase III: He Said/She Said. Then follows a period of negativity, when individuals target one another. Miscommunication runs rampant, and everyone starts viewing each other with mistrust. The downward spiral gets worse the longer there's silence from the "common foe." Incidents of anger and accusation increase. People find fault, and divide the fandom. "Leaders" emerge for the factions, and the campaigning becomes less for the "cause" as for individual "power" within the fandom.

Phase IV: Building Our Own Sandbox. One or more communities are formed by like-minded individuals. This is can be a positive and natural progression, or a negative backlash---totally dependent upon the intent of the individuals. If communities are formed openly and honestly by those deeply committed to the "cause," then the formation is positive. If, however, a community is based on anger, then it's more negative, and can do far more harm than good to the fandom.

Phase V: Circle the Wagons! "Territorializing," i.e., individual groups put up "walls" and want to protect themselves from precieved invasions by rival groups/factions. There are assumptions and accusations of "spying." Groups can actually experience paranoia, which drives a wedge between fans. Mistrust and even (in extreme cases) hostility is shown to newcomers, which hurts the entire fandom.

Phase VI: Detente. Oddly enough, the next stage is relative peace while everyone does their own thing. Groups usually avoid confrontation with others, though there are occasional "flare-ups" in this undeclared war of factions. Generally, someone smooths things out, but appearance is everything in this stage. It's imperative to look good so their group will be seen as innocent "victims" in any given situation.

Phase VII: OMG What're We Doing To Each Other? This happens when one or more groups suddenly realize that "united we stand and divided we fall" is a basic truth. This phase usually comes after some response from the "Common Foe." There's a rush to re-unify the core fandom, and to recapture the initial unity. Sometimes it's successful, sometimes it 's not. It can bring people back together, but some fans are still leery. They've been burned too badly, and aren't willing to extend the trust too far.

Phase VIII: Peace at Last---Or Not. Eventually, one of two things happens: Either the various factions accept the fact not everyone enjoys fandom in the same way, and there's a return of mutual respect for all fans. Or, the fandom implodes, scattering all the groups in different directions. The former can bring about a re-unification for the factions, and solidify the fandom. The latter usually spells total failure for any campaign or cause the fans have embraced.

Jericho: The Finale

No television show has ever impacted me the way Jericho has. Therefore, on this Finale night, I'd like to list the top 10 things Jericho has done for me:

1) Jericho has brought people into my life that I probably wouldn't have met otherwise.Some of these friends will remain long after Jericho is gone. You all know who you are and how grateful I am for all you've done for me (and Boo).

2) Jericho has taught me that the networks do not value me. I don't have a Nielsen box so they refuse to count me although they want me to buy from their sponsors.

3) Jericho has taught me about community. I've learned that a passionate group of people really can join together and change things.

4) Jericho has shown me that there are wingnuts in every campaign. Wingnuts work towards their own glory and crave recognition. The big picture, to them, is always one of themselves.

5) I've learned that every idea and opinion deserves consideration. No one idea or person is more important than another.

6) Jericho has taught me that WHO you know is not as important as what you do.

7) Jericho has taught me that CBS plays dirty pool. They are not the network that cares about their audience; they care about our money.

8) Jericho has shown me that Nielsen ratings are horribly wrong and that multi-platform viewers need to be counted.

9) Jericho has taught me that perseverance and strength can be found in the weakest moments.

10) Finally, Jericho has taught me that the world is still full of good people.

" Love knows no limit to its endurance,no end to its trust,no fading of hope,it can outlast anything.

Love still stands when all else has fallen."
Unknown author

I love Jericho and my Jericho family. Some things can never be canceled.

Monster Changes

JerichoMonster will now be a blog which documents the wildfire spread of new media.

It will cover a variety of shows, fan blogs, networking, forums, media companies, and viral marketing. JerichoMonster at heart started out as a blog about one television show, but it has evolved over time and will now focus on such vital issues as the nature of fandoms, fan campaigns, the phenomenon of canceled (and resurrected) TV shows, and so much more.

Jericho news and information will continue to be dispensed here although not on a daily basis.

The JerichoMonster is a perfect metaphor because Jericho helped both to create and then let this monster loose. I am not just doing a TV blog, I am doing a future of TV blog. NOW.
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Jericho was cancelled due to poor Nielsen ratings. Which show will be next? If you don't have a Nielsen box then you don't count as a viewer. It's time to force changes with the networks and Nielsen Media.

We can all work together to be more focused on disrupting the ratings. No campaign is safe and may not have any effect on the networks unless the current situation is changed.

If you're interested in helping your campaign, please go here.

Monster Fan of the Week

What can I say about a person who has earned my respect and admiration? I can say he's a terrific Jericho Ranger, a fine artist, and a wonderful video maker. He gives so much of his time to promoting harmony, goodwill, and Jericho.

RubberPoultry inspires and motivates. He is kind, helpful,always willing to share,and uses every opportunity to expand the Jericho universe.

On a personal note, he has been very supportive of me and I am grateful. I look forward to working with him for many years to come.

The Monster Fan of The Week is RubberPoultry.

Congratulations,RP, and thanks for all your hard work.



"There was this fella named Larry Stewart," he tells a man in the bus station. "He was an old friend of mine. He was called Secret Santa, and every year he would find a few people who might need a little money and he would ask that you pass on the kindness."

People respond differently to the gesture. Some cry. Some scream. A rare few even say "No thanks."

Others take the money and offer their own gifts. like Robert Young, who was homeless and had only 20 cents in his pocket. When Secret Santa gave him $200, Young, 50, took out an old notebook and ripped out a song he had written.

"It's yours now," he told Secret Santa, who thanked Young, and carefully tucked the pages into his pocket.

The new Secret Santa has also started a Web site, and is trying to recruit other Secret Santas across the country. "Larry's dream was for a Secret Santa in every city," Kansas City's Santa said."

Monster Fan Interview: Cingramaol

The Monster Fan of the Week is someone who has worked very hard for Jericho and he continues to do so. He inspires, motivates, and loves Heather.

He is also helpful, kind, always willing to share ideas, and never misses an opportunity to tell anyone who will listen about Jericho.

The Monster Fan of The Week is Cingramaol.

Congratulations, Clarke, and thanks for all your hard work.


Now to the interview:



1. What attracted you to Jericho?

I've been interested in things post-apocalyptic since I first read Nevil
Shute's "On The Beach" as a teenager. When I heard in May 2006 that CBS was
taking the Jericho pilot to series, I was intrigued. When I saw the shot of the
kid on the roof looking at the mushroom cloud, I was hooked. It was several
more months until the premiere of the show in September, and I was
anticipating it all the way. I was not disappointed.



2. After Jericho was cancelled what made you decide to enlist in the
campaign to get it back?

When the cancellation announcement came, I made what I hoped was a gracious
post on the CBS message board, saying that we'd had a full season of the show
(22 episodes), and it was amazing that a weekly series about the aftermath
of a nuclear attack had done that well, and that we should be grateful that
we'd seen that much of the show. I think fans were grateful, but it was
obvious within 24 hours that no one was going gently into that good night. And
then I was recruited by other people, including Schumi, who had been working on
a web site (JerichoLives.com) which became one of the rallying points for the
movement. From there, I jumped in with both feet, as did thousands of other
fans.


3. You are well known in the Pittsburgh area as Operations Manager of
Pittsburgh-area AM stations WKHB (620) and WKFB (770). Did having that position
help you spread the word about our campaign?

Yes, but only toward the end of the campaign. Because of my career
background, and having spent my life somewhat in the public eye, I ended up as a
spokesperson several times, particularly as it became apparent that the series
might be saved. And the TV-radio editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was
surprised to find out that the Jericho campaign had a local angle. But in the
end, I was just another fan pulling for the survival of the show, like so many
others.


4. Did you really believe CBS would bring Jericho back?

I thought there was a snowball's chance in hell. These campaigns usually
don't work, no matter how strong and enthusiastic they are. When I started to
hear rumors that the show might actually return, I could hardly believe it.
When I realized that the network was bringing the show back, I was ecstatic.
Changing the mind of a major broadcasting corporation in three weeks is
unprecedented. It's a testimony to the efforts of all the Jericho Rangers and
the open-mindedness of CBS.


5. Where were you when you heard Jericho was coming back? How did you feel?

Quite by accident, I must have been one of the first people to hear the
news. It was twelve minutes after five on June 6, 2007, and I was on the CBS
message board at the time. When I refreshed the page, I saw a new posting
entitled "A Message From CBS Entertainment," time-stamped 5:08 PM. After all the
rumors of the previous few days, I knew this had to be our answer, yes or no.
I read the message -- I distinctly remember the words "CBS has ordered
seven new episodes" -- and by 5:15, I was on the phone with Schumi, who had not
heard the news. I was almost delirious. I think I was screaming. Then I
called some other people. And then the E-mails started flying and the board
started buzzing, and I thought to myself, tonight's the night the world begins
again.


6. Would you do it all over again now that you know what was involved?

Yes. There has been some unfortunate BS along the way, as there is in every
fandom at times, but I would stand and fight again for Jericho in a
heartbeat, and I'm sure many other fans would do the same.


7. Who's your favorite character on Jericho and why?

Heather Lisinski, because she's the smart girl, the slightly nerdy girl, the
underdog when it comes to winning Jake, and is played by a tremendous
actress, Sprague Grayden, who I believe has a brilliant career ahead of her.


8. What are you doing now for Jericho? (Promoting)

Right now it's a matter of getting out the word that there's going to be a
second season. Many people still believe the series disappeared for good in
May, or in November of last year. It's the Christmas season and this is the
perfect time to let people on your Christmas card list know about the show
returning in February. Better yet, give the gift of the Jericho Season One DVD
set. Now, please don't laugh, but so far I've bought 13 copies!


9. What should fans be doing now?

Simple. Tell everyone you know about the second season of Jericho,
premiering Tuesday, February 12 on CBS. This show, like all of the others, will rise
and fall on the Nielsen ratings, and we need to pull in more viewers if we
want to see a Season Three. Nina Tassler put those cards on the table, and
she's absolutely right in saying so.


10. Comments?

There have been some wonderful critical reviews of Jericho, particularly
since the show was rescued. I think it's a unique show because of its premise,
and the way it taps into our present-day fears and concerns, and forces us to
ask questions about our world and ourselves. It's entertainment, but it's
not light entertainment. It's fine dramatic television. It makes you think,
which is what good television should do. I think we're in for an exciting
second season and I am proud to have played a small part in bringing the show
back. Here's to more Jericho!

A Rose By Any Other Name

This is an article that came out in Oct. but I missed it. It's still relevant so I wanted to post it.



"We've all heard the stereotypes and the tired cliches. If you're a fan and other people know about it, someone had told you to "Get a life," per William Shatner. The person probably even thought it was funny, because as my dad would say, there's always someone who'd laugh at a rubber crutch, too. The truth is, we do have lives. We have jobs and classes and families and pets as well as our fandom-related hobbies. What's more, because fandom acts as a large, loosely-knit community, we can spread information and gather help with just a quick post or email, and when that particular power is turned towards helping others, we bring out something else the get-a-lifers don't see: fandom's unlimited capacity for giving.

Shelters are popular recipients for fannish charity funds. Over Labor Day weekend, a Supernatural fan-run group called Fandom Rocks raised over $1,000 for the Lawrence Community Shelter, a homeless shelter in Lawrence, Kansas. Lawrence is the hometown of the Winchester brothers, so naming a charity in that city seemed fitting. Fandom Rocks raised another $1,000 for SOS Children's Villages, a non-governmental organization that operates in over one hundred countries providing assistance and resources to children and families in poverty and in the wake of humanitarian and natural disasters.

So the next time your pet mundane is laughing at your online habits and telling you to get a life, feel free to tell him or her that you and your fandom friends gave your time and energy to raise money for people in need, and that you had a great time doing it. If they're still laughing, hit 'em with the rubber crutch."

A Monster Fan Interview: K4ist

I enjoy all the interviews but this one has a little something that makes it stand out. I hope you find that something too. Thanks k4ist.


1. What attracted you to Jericho?

Well, I'd have to say that the whole premise of the show appealed to me immediately. I'm a BIG LOST fan...and every episode of Jericho I see, I just can't help but say to myself "This show is every bit as good if not BETTER than LOST. Overall, the themes depicted in Jericho draw me right in to the "What would I do in this situation" frame of mind. Jericho makes me THINK...and for a network show, that in itself speaks volumes about it's quality.


2. What is your favorite episode and why?

Ok, if I have to pick one...gotta go with the Finale...it had everything...Action...drama....comic relief...and the hands down best cliff-hanger ending I've seen in like....forever.


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

Aside from duct taping you into the chair and fitting you with Malcolm McDowell-esque Eye holding open thingies? LOL....my method of encouraging new viewers has been to find out what interests them in a tv show...then jump them and show them that Jericho offers exactly what they like to see and tons more that they may have no idea that they like to see. Seems to be working...haven't lost a new one on my end yet!


6. Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or Jericho?

I'd just like to take the opportunity afforded here to express Thanks.
Thanks each and every fan out there who has done their part to help make this entire community what it is...we've come together as strangers, and grown into family...maybe slightly dysfunctional at times,lol...but family nonetheless. You guys/gals are the best, hands down!




Our Fan of the Week is terocious.
Congratulations!
I first noticed terocious in the "Passions" thread. He is very friendly and welcoming and loves Jericho. In the past week he has seemed to branch out. I see his comments posted in various places and he can Digg with the best of us. He has also been submitting stories to Digg and I've seen him out on other threads much more often. Thank you terocious!

A Monster Fan Interview: Kricka

Kricka is our focus today. It would be difficult to find anyone more dedicated, loyal, and hard-working. She is a team player and supportive of all who work for Jericho. Meet Kricka.


1. When did you start watching Jericho?

I am an avid television watcher, so I follow the new season every year very closely. Jericho was one of the few new shows in 2006 that intrigued me, so I tuned in right from the start.


2. What is most appealing to you about the show?

Jericho feeds into the fear/fascination I had growing up in the 80's of survival of a nuclear war. The Cold War was still kicking, and movies like Red Dawn and The Day After horrified me, but also made me wonder what I would do in similar situations. So the premise was tailor made for a mind like mine. But the small town dynamic is what really kept me coming back to the show. I spent the first 23 years of my life living in small towns, and even though I currently reside in a big city, I am still a small town girl at heart. I like seeing a positive, complex and intelligent portrayal of people who choose to live in that world.


3. What would you like to see in Season 2?

More Heather!! Hee... I would also like to see what is going on outside of Jericho. In the rest of the country, in the rest of the world. Also, some more about Hawkins, because like Jake, I have taken what we have learned with a grain of salt. Even though I love the character, I still don't totally believe everything he's told 'us'.


4. Who is your favorite character and why?

This is a hard one, because I hate picking favorites. If I lived in Jericho, I would hope I was friends with Jake, Heather, Stanley & Mimi. I probably would have babysat for Bonnie. They all seem like the kind of people I would like to spend time with.


5. Would you join a Jericho Fan Club? Why or why not?

I have only belonged to one Fan Club my whole life, and I only belong because I get first dibs for concert tickets. I do not like to join anything. So I don't know how I feel about a Jericho Fan Club. My gut instinct is that I probably wouldn't, but I reserve the right to change my mind!


You can add a comment if you like.

The amazing thing I found out about Jericho during the Nuts Campaign, is the broad range of people that this show appeals to. I am a single, childless gal, so it never occurred to me that whole families were sitting down to watch. Then I heard there were college kids getting together in their dorms to watch. Non-TV watching, intellectual types like my Aunt were watching (she's the one who indoctrinated me into the Star Trek world back in the 70's). Then, turns out there is a whole international audience for Jericho. So it wasn't just my group of city-livin', single friends watching. And that, made me love the show even more. The fact that a simple hour of television could bring together so many different types of people is an amazing feat, in my opinion, and I am so happy we get another shot at keeping it around for a good long time.

Thank you Kricka!!!

A Monster Fan Interview: Michele

Michele is another Jericho Ranger. I want to thank her for agreeing to this interview and for working for Jericho. Good job, Michele.


1. How long have you been a Jericho fan?

I have been a fan since I saw the first commercial for it last year.

2. What do you love most about the show?

I love the fact that it deals with the "What if's". Its not one of those mind-numbing reality shows that fry your brain worse then drugs do.

3. Would you join a Jericho Fan Club? Why or why not?

Absolutely. I think it would be a great way to show the cast and crew how much we love the show, and look forward to watching every week.

4. Which episode is your favorite?

I really don't have a specific favorite, although the Finale really kept me on the edge of my seat.

5. How would you explain to a new viewer what Jericho is about?

I've gotten quite a few friends hooked on it just by simply saying it is a realistic show that deals with the trials and tribulations of life during a nuclear holocaust. Its not a show you watch to see who is the grossest things or who can sing or dance better.

Thanks again, Michele. Glad you're getting more people to watch. You rock!

A Monster Fan Interview: Skeeterbit

Today I am starting a series called A Monster Interview. We have all worked together since before the Nuts campaign so I thought it would be fun to ask fans some questions about Jericho. If you would be interested in being interviewed please let me know on the Jericho board. I'm sweat629. Or, you can wait until I visit your board and make my pitch. I will get to all the boards eventually. Without further ado it is my great pleasure to introduce Skeeterbit.


1. What is it about Jericho that has made you a fan?

I watched the pilot episode because of Skeet, but if the show had been a real stinker, I would not have kept watching. Strange as it sounds, the first thing that hooked me on Jericho was my intense dislike for my job which involves strict compliance with health care rules & regulations. Here was a town, with a clinic, treating the wounded literally in the street and not worrying about the stifling details that I am responsible for on a daily basis. After that, I was intrigued by the interpersonal relationships, how they were going to survive, and felt a connection with Jericho because I too live in a very, very small town.

2. Who is your favorite character and why?

Jake Green because I identify with the character. He’s surrounded by people who love him, rely heavily on him, but he feels alone and he’s hurting inside. I don’t think he feels worthy of their love, can’t forgive himself for the choices he’s made, and can’t reach out to those around him to ask for help to ease his pain. He’s so busy being all things to all people he has nothing left for himself.

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

I would say that Jericho has something to offer all different types of people. It’s unique and diverse. Even before the “Save Jericho” campaign and the cast began to communicate with us, I felt the characters were easy to connect with much like friends and neighbors.

4. Would you join a Jericho Fan Club? Why or why not?

A few weeks ago I would have said, “Not on your life” because to me fan clubs were something that kids joined before the internet. Now I’m not so sure. I guess it will depend on what the fan club offers. Deep down I feel that CBS has already given us a fan club through the message board and blog, but I will support anything the Jericho fandom chooses to do primarily because I respect and admire those involved.

5. What would you like to see a Fan Club do whether you would join or not?

Provide information about the show and cast that cannot be obtained through the message board or Producers’ blog and is not immediately available to non-members or the media. Like what in the world is the tattoo under “May” on Skeet’s forearm or is the rumor about him having one on the back of his neck true? Or maybe photo shoots of the cast members’ homes so we can have a peek into their private lives to get to know them better. Jericho merchandise is already available and I have practically an entire Jericho wardrobe, but I would like something with the actual cast members on it and that would have to be sanctioned by CBS.

6. Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or Jericho?

Skeet Ulrich will never know it, but he probably saved my life by sharing the story of his, even though he says he doesn’t like to be himself in front of the camera. Also, I have done things in the past couple of months that I never thought I would do – all in the name of promoting Jericho and getting another season. This came along at a time in my life when I needed something entertaining to focus on; and I thank God daily for the people I’ve met on these boards for they are truly special individuals.

And very special are you Skeeterbit. Thank you.

To All Old and New Jericho Rangers

The following was written by DarkCrystal :

Dear Jericho Fans;

As a most humble representative of your ranks, it has come to my attention, and most certainly the attention of people actually watching the outcome of this fan based action, that somehow, you all think that this show is safe, and that the job is done.

It is not. No matter what kind of flowery spin the media or Nina Tassler or anybody puts on it, your show, the very show that you all spent time and money on to get back, is still in danger. It still needs your help.

This fandom is very unique. Most fandoms just get to sit around, make friends, talk to each other, talk about the characters and storylines and be what normal fans can be. Our fandom is not, and cannot be that way until we are past these seven episodes and virtually guaranteed a Season 3. We aren't given that chance to be normal, because we stepped forward and basically put ourselves out there to say that we were going to be faithful to this show, give us a chance, tell US what it will take to save this show, keep this show, and preserve this show. And we got it. But we only got part of it.

The show needs numbers. And now that the review episodes are gone, and the pilot episodes are gone, and now we are into the second half of the season without a rope, it's going to be more and more difficult to get people to watch and stay watching during those first thirty most vital minutes. CBS will do their part, as much as they deem fit, whether we like it or not. We HAVE to do our newly designated part to meet them halfway.

The Nielsen ratings suck. We can't change them overnight to suit our needs. We have to play on that field, under those rules, because the ball is already in play. We have to finish the game under the existing rules, that is just how it has to be. It's like finding a needle in a haystack. NCIS has had no problem finding said Needles. CSI found those needles. Ghost Whisperer found needles to keep them from going over the brink. We have the opportunity and several chances to find those needles, something that they don't have to do, but we do.

The media is coming out with quotes and articles on Jericho again. Blogs are starting to kick into motion again. Don't just hang on what you want it to say, or one part you want to believe in, and disregard the rest. As ka4ist and others have stressed many times, read it. Reread it. Digest it. Read between the lines. Read how the words are carefully stated. And even if it is positive, don't get lax and figure that it's all good and taken care of. Because, the reality is, it's not. This is also the same corporation who rushed to announcement, without even having the actor's resigned, just to get us to stop nutting them. This is the same corporation who made no bones about it, that they would do what they could, but it was in the fan's hands to get people to watch, and that things were still reliant upon their system, nothing else. Nothing has changed, other than us as fans who have sat back and just figured the deed is done, and it will take care of itself. (Or at least that is what the general actions have conveyed.)

Participate. Those of us who were around for Save Jericho still have a job to do. Operation Watch Jericho is still in our hands. It's ok to have fun, make friends amongst us, and have some relaxation moments, but not a permanent siesta. We still are charged with the mission to get out there, motivate present fans to keep watching even if they can recite the script line for line. We have to get newbies to the seats, and unconfused about the storyline since they are REALLY coming in mid stride now. We are all ambassadors in this, and each and every one of us has to welcome the newbies into the mythology and intricacies of the show, and get them to sit and watch it. And to keep watching it. If they get hooked, gettng them to help spread the love afterwards will come naturally to them, as it has to us. For the present fans, they need to be attentive, follow through with the deal that was made with us to watch, watch it their way, and to finish this game with a desirable result.

We have to prove that we are not a bunch of splinter groups, and cliques, and that we still take the future of this show very seriously. We have to prove that we are still one fandom under Jericho. Indivisible. For the sanctity and preservation of a show that a lot of us worked hard on. Personal egos, have GOT to go. We came together to save the show. We aren't done yet.

In closing, many of you are my friends. Others I haven't gotten to know you yet, but hope that I do. But let's remember what we all came here to do: we all stepped forward on the internet for the show. And this show, regardless of everything, still needs our help, and it's still going to be a long haul between now and the end of the year, but what we do now, is STILL vital to the survival of the show.

The fat lady was only clearing her throat. She still has an entire opera to get through.
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