It was great having a conversation with you. Be well.
In the past, I recorded programs on my VCR, intending to fast forward through commercials. What happened was I gained a huge library of taped shows that I never had time to watch. Recording one show while watching another looked good on paper. Eventually, I ended up only recording and watching a favorite show if I wasn't going to be home at the time. Granted, that's just my experience. I pay no more attention to commercials on streaming services than I do with broadcast TV. Commercials are when I get a snack, wash a few dishes, or just generally zone out from watching TV.
The broadcast TV model gets a bad rap as being antiquated, but it keeps going. In my area, there are 80 or so OTA channels accessible just using an antenna and a TV. For myself, 35+ of those channels have programs of interest to me. I think that some of the most successful streaming platforms (in terms of making, not losing, money) are the ones that copied that model. Pluto TV and Tubi are making money by being free to watch with minimal equipment, no account or subscription required, and being ad supported. By being streamed broadcast TV.
Where I think a lot of streaming studios are missing the point is with the situation of putting most of their new shows only on their streaming platforms. Hoping for, or manufacturing and paying for, that Internet buzz. Thing is, I think a lot of the new shows are no better than those that used to be premiered on broadcast TV. Some may have higher production costs, and have more gore, violence, or nudity than allowed on broadcast TV. But, they aren't always better. I question why more streamed shows aren't eventually available on Broadcast TV and Free ad-supported streaming television (FAST). Poorly thought out, ongoing contracts, maybe?
I've been re-watching DSC, and thought about what it would take to, one day, have DSC on broadcast TV. All I came up with is editing out some profanity and a brief Klingon on human sex scene. Yet, a lot of streaming platforms do not put their shows on broadcast TV; get more eyes on and interest in their shows. And, get that ad money. I've learned during the WGA/SAG-AFTRA strike that not wanting to pay the creative team (actors, writers, more) is probably part of the reason. But, if a show stays as streaming only, and fewer people watch it, is there still a profit to be made?
I read a NY Times article on the Shari Redstone and Les Moonves situation. I know that's just a brief take on what happened, but wow. I felt like I was reading a synopsis of a 1980s primetime soap. I'm with you on not being a cheerleader of incredibly wealthy families. Still, I found myself muttering, "you go, girl" while reading the article. Subjectively, I have the impression that a company greatly beholden to the whims of a group of investors has a too, "nose buried in the accounting books," approach to making decisions. So busy selling off this and disappearing that for a fast numbers bump on the quarterly report, and a pat on the head from Wall Street. Without considering the long term effects of those actions with consumers. Consumers who, if alienated, will take enough of their money elsewhere, to an extent that cannot be offset by "looks good in the moment" bookkeeping.
The article I read about the Redstones is linked below. NY Times allows the viewing of one of their articles per day for free. I spent my freebie reading the article linked below.
" ‘She Won’t Be Manageable’ They Said. Now She’s in Charge."
" ... and that the traditional TV business model was “broken.”
Disney populates the ABC broadcast station's prime time programming with "reality" and game shows. I'm guessing that I'm not alone in not being interested in watching such a lineup. Yet, Mr. Iger then, unironically, says the above. As though Disney gave it their all, and ABC having a lower viewership than CBS, NBC, and FOX was beyond Disney/ABC's control.
I get the impression that the various studios decided to have their own streaming platforms using an, "if we build it, they will come ... and give us lots of money," business plan, with no further thought given than that. I think that streaming is a boon, and a great option. I don't think everyone uses streaming as their primary viewing source, despite statements to that effect.
Disney is following Netflix' path in planning to crack down on password sharing. Disney is also raising the cost of no ads subscription, while leaving ad supported sub cost alone. For now. I don't get the impression that streaming platforms know how far they can go, price increase wise, before too many people decide the cost isn't worth it. So much of it seems like they're just winging it.
Associated Press,
"Disney to boost prices for ad-free Disney+ and Hulu services and vows crackdown on password sharing"
ScreenRant,
"Disney Plus & Hulu Next Streamers To Crack Down On Password Sharing"
The Hollywood Reporter, posted May 25, 2023 2022 - 23 TV Season Ratings
"CBS finished the September-to-May season, which officially wrapped Wednesday night, with a primetime average of 5.96 million viewers. NBC finished second, about 700,000 viewers off the lead, with 5.27 million, followed by Fox (4.45 million) and ABC (4.14 million). Univision came in at 1.28 million viewers, Telemundo at 937,000, and The CW at 548,000."
The context link is working again. Thank you!
I'm surprised by how similar your convention perception is with mine, as the last time I attended a science fiction convention was in the early 1990s. The conventions I went to were always a mix of all the scifi out by that time. I've never been to a Star Trek only convention. I always had a grand time with other convention goers. We were all there for a shared love of science fiction. It was like being with a huge group of friends, where you could start a conversation with anyone. The cosplay was varied and wonderful. It was a chance to shop with non-local vendors. Some selling unusual, hard to find pre-Internet, scifi themed mass produced items, and some artists selling their own creations.
I did have chances to meet some Star Trek stars. In 1970-something -- before TMP was released, I met George Takei when I was heading towards a hall for a panel, and noticed someone sitting at table in the large hallway outside. It was Mr. Takei! I was so shocked, I babbled. He was so nice and charming, and he didn't call security on me, lol. I met Nichelle Nichols at another convention. The line to meet her was crazy long. The event coordinators said that she was leaving at a set time, no matter how many were still waiting to meet her. Ms. Nichols said that she wasn't leaving until everyone who was waiting in line met her. That fans helped her get to where she was, and she was going to meet those fans. Kind to everyone, and took photos. Absolutely a class act. I had a chance to briefly meet DeForest Kelley not long before he passed. He was obviously ill, but still was there for the Star Trek fans, talking and telling anecdotes about TOS. A wonderful person who is still missed.
I saw Sir Patrick Stewart, Mirina Sirtis, and Micheal Dorn at a convention not long after TNG was first out. I actually met Micheal Dorn by being in line for an autograph. I didn't want an autograph, I just wanted to meet Micheal Dorn. Based on the crowd's reaction and comments when Mr. Dorn spoke early that day, I wasn't the only one who was surprised by just how good looking that man is under the Worf makeup. Sir Patrick and Mr. Dorn seemed shocked by the size and enthusiasm level of the crowd. Ms. Sirtis was just amazing and loving it. Funny, charming, and delightfully loquacious.
When "pay for a picture or autograph" became the norm was when I stopped going to conventions. I'm not big on autographs, and I wasn't interested in paying for photos. The fans at the convention were still great to be with. I do miss that part of attending conventions, the being with other fans.
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As a child, TOS' space exploration and the Federation's society engaged me.
I like Chris Pine's Kirk, but I can imagine Mr. Olyphant as Kirk in the Kelvin films and doing a great job at it. I get that the Kelvin films Kirk was set when he was closer to Mr. Pine's age. Still, I can't help but wonder what a Timothy Olyphant Kirk might have been like.
Mr. Olyphant was great as Cobb Vanth in The Mandalorian. Vanth standing in the entrance to the bar in the Mandalorian armor is such an amazing moment. It's burned in my brain.
What a great first peek. I love seeing the Doctor. I'm happy to see this clip's release, but I'm staying with cautiously optimistic about the where and when of Prodigy's future home and seasons, and the availability for viewing of season 2. Leaning towards optimistic because someone had to give permission to release the clip. Paramount+ maybe? Until Prodigy has a new home, I'm guessing that Paramount+ owns the rights to Prodigy.
I don't doubt that there are parties interested in carrying the show. They would gain a show with a preexisting, supportive fan base and become a part of the Star Trek realm.
All in all, an impressive response by Star Trek fans to Prodigy and the creative team's poor treatment by Paramount+. Go team Star Trek fans!
"Make it so" works so well, in so many situations. I hear what you're saying about not using it in that situation, though.
I tend to hum TOS' fight music when doing chores around the house. This one:
That comment by Worf when Nog doesn't know what to do when he can't find a runner who didn't touch base always gets me laughing. Peak Klingon.
Nog: What's wrong?
O'Brien: He didn't touch home, Nog!
Nog: Is that true? What do I do?
Worf: Find him and kill him!
DS9 "Take Me Out to the Holosuite" s7e4. Awesome episode.
@teft@startrek.website @Basilisk@mtgzone.com
Thanks knowledgeable Klingon language folks!
It's from the film Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986).
Nice! That reminds me of, "resistance is futile." I am seldom in a situation to use it, though. Which is probably a good thing. Last time I regularly used it was when my cats were kittens and I needed to clean their faces. Now that they are grown, yeah, their resistance isn't futile when it comes to cleaning their faces.
Gowron does have a wonderfully intense delivery when speaking.
Kudos on not getting stabby! Self-restraint is a good life skill.
Hey, someone's got to be there for the Star Trek fans when the situation needs a non-Star Trek response. IDIC. Thank you for expanding the definition of "what is a Star Trek fan." 🖖
I'm thinking of Boimler practicing saying "qapla'" which is awesome.