lurkers-guide/ftp/CompuServe/cs97-08

JMS CompuServe messages for August 1997.  Collected by John Hardin
<jhardin@wolfenet.com>.


Date: 01 Aug 1997 01:56:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: wolf 359

{original post had no questions}

"I would like to express my appreciation for the way that you and all
the members of the cast at Blackpool gave no hint of the turmoil going
on over that weekend."

      Thanks.  You are kinder than honesty would warrant.  We were all
more than a bit upset as we watched things unravel in front of our
eyes; Bruce was about as upset as I've ever seen him, although he
buttoned it up beautifully when the fans came around, because they
deserved only the best.  I did my best there, but there were lapses...I
was sharper tempered than I should have been with a couple of stewards,
because I was more at the direct center of the whole situation, and
immensely frustrated and bugged at the whole thing. I guess that's why
I'm a writer and not an actor.  But it's been nagging at me ever since
I left, frankly, because they had no way of knowing what was going on,
or why I was in that state, and they certainly didn't do anything to
merit that.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 01 Aug 1997 01:56:12 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com>
Subject: The Casting Process

 Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com> asks:
> Since the you are undoubtedly being besieged by "you should cast
> <insert name of choice> for your new character," could you shed
> light on the casting process, whether it be for a regular or a
> guest shot? You've said that you (as execprod) wait for someone to
> come in and knock you socks off (or something to that effect),
> but is there a sort of cabal of casting directors (now there's a
> term of venery for you <g>) who get together from time to time
> and trade promising people ("Whoziwhatsis wasn't right for the
> show we're casting, but he/she might be dynamite for your
> show...")? Do casting directors actively seek out actors they've
> seen do guest shots on other shows, or do they wait for the more
> savvy actors' agents to do their thing?

      Our casting director, Fern Champion (and I can't tell you the
amount of humor we have with that name), like all casting directors,
makes the rounds of theaters and movies and TV shows to see who's hot. 
So she has her own list. On top of that, once a role comes out in a
script, it goes out to actor's agents in what's called a "breakdown," a
two- or three-paragraph description of the character: age, sex,
attitude, the part itself, guest or recur or regular...all that.  The
various agents then send the info on to their clients who seem to fit
the bill.  Then if the actor is interested, the agents sends "sides,"
meaning pages from the script in which the character appears.

      If the actor likes the sides, and the character, the agent then
contacts the casting director and tries to get their client into the
audition.  There's some prescreening...if we see the resume ahead of
time, and actor X doesn't have the training or experience, we move
on...but in the end, we get anywhere from 5-9 people in for an
audition.  If we like one of those, we cast that person.  If we're
caught on two, we do a callback with those two and decide. (We = the
CD, me, John, Doug and the director.)

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 01 Aug 1997 01:56:15 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: ->402

{original post unavailable}

      I could write all of S5, but at this point there is no *need* to
do so, so why do it?  Just for the record?  No...I'm just as happy to
bring in a few outside scripts.  Not many, only about 5, just to break
it up a little.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 01 Aug 1997 16:35:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: ->402

 (blocked) asks:
> Any chance of another Peter David Script???

      Yes, Peter David and Bill Mumy will jointly be writing at least
one script.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 03 Aug 1997 01:51:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: The Casting Process

 Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com> asks:
> So <g> ...any ideas so far concerning who may stand to replace
> Claudia?

      No, we're totally open to whoever walks in the door for the
part.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 03 Aug 1997 01:51:05 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com>
Subject: The Casting Process

{original post had no questions}

      Actually, our casting director at the time (not the same as
Fern) apparently didn't feel Wayne had enough credits for our show, and
it took John Copeland (who'd seen his work) finally pulling rank to get
him in the door to where I could see him.  Once in...that was that.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 03 Aug 1997 01:51:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Outside proj/scripts?

{original post unavailable}

      The problem over there isn't the material, it's the restraints
put *on* the material by Paramount.  Jeri Taylor is one of the best
writers and best show runners in town; give her room to flex her
muscles, and she can flatten any show around and blow the doors off SF
TV.  Unfortunately, due to the Paramount heavy-handedness and
restrictions on all their writers, you have a situation with a Ferrari
sitting in a garage and never allowed to go more than 20 miles around
the block.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 03 Aug 1997 02:10:16 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: SysOp Dupa T Parrot <70040.104@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5FC Merchandise

{original post had no questions}

"A three week turn-around time for mail order isn't too shabby but I'm
getting spoiled by online merchandise vendors. I'd like to see the B5FC
offer merchandise online using current technologies.:"

      Already in process; we just changed providers at thestation.com
in search of a really stable and safe charge system, and should have an
online credit charge system up and running very shortly.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 03 Aug 1997 02:10:19 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B5FC Merchandise

{original post had no questions}

"We haven't ordered anything from the B5 Fan Club website because we
can't get into it without Netscape..."

      This is one of the things we're now correcting, with the change
in providers.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 03 Aug 1997 14:10:32 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B5FC Merchandise

 (blocked) asks:
> Meanwhile, on the subject of merchandise, I assume the
> collectible card game I just plunked down pre-order money on is
> legit? comments than "What's that?"

      Thanks, and yes, the collectible card game is legit.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 03 Aug 1997 14:10:37 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: ->402

{original post unavailable}

      I'm keeping DC and David in my hip pocket for the moment; there
are an awful lot of writers who've wanted desperately to write for the
show in the last few years, who couldn't because I did two seasons
alone.  I have kind of a moral obligation to give those folks a shot,
and since there are only about 5 open assignments, I have to be very
selective.  If I can in good conscience give one to David or DC, I will
definitely consider doing so.  But the new guys deserve a shot.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 04 Aug 1997 21:04:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael Nelson <70403.1270@compuserve.com>
Subject: Last Four of Season 4

 Michael Nelson <70403.1270@compuserve.com> asks:
> Do the PTEN stations have an obligation to show the remaining
> episodes of Season 4? I have not called the station yet, but if
> they (and other stations) have decided to not show any more
> episodes, will the debut on TNT in January take care of this
> problem? Would TNT begin with the last four episodes of Season 4
> and then go immediately into Season 5?

      No, the final four contractually belong to the local stations;
they may not be showing it *now*, but should be showing it in October.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 04 Aug 1997 21:04:16 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com>
Subject: ->402

 Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com> asks:
> One thing that has me curious -- when another writer does a B5
> ep, and you feel the need to ask for revisions, does it tend to
> be because they don't have the characters' "voices" quite right,
> or do they throw in elements that skew your arc? In other words,
> is it character or plot that more frequently needs adjusting
> before going to film?

      It's never any one thing...it always varies from writer to
writer.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 05 Aug 1997 16:28:21 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Jonathan Kass <74130.443@compuserve.com>
Subject: Shadow Within> <COS

 Jonathan Kass <74130.443@compuserve.com> asks:
> could you comment on what isn't?
> I'm pretty sure I get what that means, can you comment on whether
> that figures in to the remainder of the TV series?

      "Going beyond" was left deliberately vague...we may see
something of this in time.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 06 Aug 1997 23:02:36 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael Nelson <70403.1270@compuserve.com>
Subject: Bureau 13 Question

 Michael Nelson <70403.1270@compuserve.com> asks:
> Do you have any plans for Bureau 13?
> Has it been mentioned in any episodes after its introduction?

      No, Bureau 13 was subsumed into the larger organizations.  After
we did the episode, we learned of a rpg called bureau 13, and decided
not to use it again just to avoid confusion.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 07 Aug 1997 13:50:58 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Ed Brandt <100274.2672@compuserve.com>
Subject: The Casting Process

 Ed Brandt <100274.2672@compuserve.com> asks:
> mission, sheep farm and/ or afterlife)?

       It's a different character, not a recast...Ivanova's away on
another assignment.

                       jms (who still remembers the new Darrin)


------------------------------



Date: 08 Aug 1997 12:51:15 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Neville White <100335.2721@compuserve.com>
Subject: the Summoning - doink!

 Neville White <100335.2721@compuserve.com> asks:
> Was this what they meant when they said 'we are not ready yet'?
> Where they waiting to get this monster grown/finished/whatever?
> Don't believe in half measures, do they?

       Thanks...we do try.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 08 Aug 1997 12:51:16 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Laurence Moroney <100546.50@compuserve.com>
Subject: Third TNT film???

 Laurence Moroney <100546.50@compuserve.com> asks:
> Any details available?

       Lemme get S5 off the ground, then I'll deal with this.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 08 Aug 1997 13:07:56 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Jonathan Kass <74130.443@compuserve.com>
Subject: <NSNR> <EVP>

{original post had no questions}

       Thanks...the key is to always stay true to what the *character*
thinks is true...whether that came genuinely, or he convinced himself
of a certain position, you have to advance that position honestly.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 08 Aug 1997 23:02:29 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: The Casting Process

 Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com> asks:
> Joe, Will we be hearing about her from time to time throughout
> the season?

      No, there are no plans for Ivanova to appear in S5.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 08 Aug 1997 23:02:31 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: S5 Episode Titles

{original post unavailable}

      No, just that since I ain't doing that story, the title became
available, and it was most apt for this episode.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 08 Aug 1997 23:02:33 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Summoning: Translation

{original post unavailable}

      Hatrack would, of course, be a loose interpretation of the bony
crest at the top of a Minbari's head.

      (long pause to see if he buys it or not)

      Okay, okay...bear in mind that if you misuse the language you
can create words that don't actually exist.  In German, for instance,
they create new words by adding suffixes and prefixes to previous words
(as Mark Twain said, they eventually acquire a perspective, like a
train receding into the distance).  The fact that Ivanova came up with
that word -- taking English in her head and trying to find Minbari
equivilants -- doesn't mean that it *is* a word to the Minbari.  I can
say, "uberfleidermaus," which would mean "the supervising bat," but
that ain't a word the Germans would recognize, even though it is in
German.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 08 Aug 1997 23:02:36 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: ->402

{original post unavailable}

      Harlan is working on something now, and suggested something that
I then based an episode on, so we share story credit on "A View from
the Gallery."

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 08 Aug 1997 23:12:44 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: The Casting Process

 Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com> asks:
> Joe, Will we be hearing about her from time to time throughout
> the season?

      She'll be mentioned here and there.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 08 Aug 1997 23:12:45 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: The Big Picture

{original post unavailable}

      There will be closure provided to that relationship.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 10 Aug 1997 22:24:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Shane S. Shellenbarger <104305.3404@compuserve.com>
Subject: ->402

 Shane S. Shellenbarger <104305.3404@compuserve.com> asks:
> Trent or totally unrelated?

      It's an unrelated story.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 10 Aug 1997 23:39:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: DS9 = Babylon 5

{original post unavailable}

      B5 was created in 1987; the pilot was shot actually before the
DS9 pilot was shot, but they rushed their version out before B5 could
air.  There were only a few weeks between the airing of the two pilots.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 10 Aug 1997 23:39:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com>
Subject: Son of B5 Benchmark

{original post had no questions}

      Yeah, a number of shows are now adapting the B5 storytelling
model, with an overarching arc and shows that keep it going.  The new
Roddenberry series has a five year arc of its own, apparently.  More
will follow, now that we've broken the ice.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 11 Aug 1997 21:25:47 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Son of B5 Benchmark

{original post unavailable}

      I honestly don't know how important the web has been because
frankly, if you added up all the web-users out there, it wouldn't be a
blip on the ratings charts.  That said, our audience has definitely
increased over the last 4 years, one of the few syndicated shows that
has grown while nearly all the rest have fallen.  Xena has grown, and I
think one or two others, but that's it.

      It just takes any show a while to find its audience, or in this
case, for our audience to find *us*, given scheduling.  We've begun
doing that, and are nearly at critical mass.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 13 Aug 1997 11:58:39 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Son of B5 Benchmark

{original post unavailable}

       There's a follow-up story in the works...we'll see....

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 13 Aug 1997 11:58:40 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: New Cast Member

{original post had no questions}

       No, we're still in the process of casting.  We have some
interesting prospects, but nothing's been finalized yet.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 13 Aug 1997 18:11:36 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carol Naylor <100645.2613@compuserve.com>
Subject: Son of B5 Benchmark

 Carol Naylor <100645.2613@compuserve.com> asks:
> Ever since I realised that you'd been on-line long before B5 got
> off the ground, I've wondered whether your on-line participation
> as the show's producer was something you'd conciously decided to
> do or whether it was something that, like Topsey, just 'growed'?

       No, it was just a natural extension of already being online. 
The only deliberate decision involved was, "Do I *change* my life and
what I do for pleasure just because I'm more well known now than
before?"  I'm still the same person, so the answer was no.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 14 Aug 1997 03:49:55 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Story Arc challeges

{original post unavailable}

      One of the first things I had to do, in plotting out the
storyline, was to set aside trap doors for *every single character*,
because you never know when or how the real world is going to impinge
upon you.  An actor can quit, or get hit by a car, or slammed by a
meteor...there's no way to control the characters the way you do in a
novel.  That's a given.  But you can't bring X-million viewers along to
a certain point, then say, "Well, all the stuff we were going to do we
can't because X isn't here."

      So in a way, the structure of the story is kind of like a
computer game tree...pull out a piece along the way, and it goes down a
different path, but ends up at exactly the same point at the end.  It's
the difference between different *results* and different ways of
*getting* there.

      You can do a story about a platoon in WW II, for instance, and
some of the platoon may live, die, be injured, whatever...but the story
of WWII is the story of WWII.

      Beyond that, a challenge is just that: a call to see just how
good you *really* are, kid.  If you've ever seen GLORY, there's the
scene in which one of the Massachusetts 54th is being taught to shoot. 
He does just fine, hits the target, reloads fine...when nobody's
shooting at him.  At which point the colonel starts firing a revolver
right next to his head, teling him to try and do it NOW, and do it
FAST, with ten thousand guns firing at him.

      That's when the art comes in, that's when the skill comes
in...in dealing with what you *don't* expect.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 14 Aug 1997 03:49:58 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Summoning: Translation

{original post unavailable}

      Danke.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 14 Aug 1997 17:40:05 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Roseann M. Caputo <103510.1542@compuserve.com>
Subject: Scripts

 Roseann M. Caputo <103510.1542@compuserve.com> asks:
> Are these legal?
> Are they being sold legally?
> Would appreciate any info you might have and if you or one of the
> cast is presented with one of these, would it get signed or would
> I get a smack in the head?

       No, these scripts are *not* legitimate or legal.  I know they
say they buy from "script dealers," but that translates out to "people
who stole scripts from studios."  WB is aware of this one, and
preparing to go after them.  The actual ownership of the physical
*script* itself is shared and/or alternated by the studio and the
writer, and it *cannot* be sold without the permission of the writer.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 14 Aug 1997 21:42:17 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Ron Chusid <74756.3150@compuserve.com>
Subject: Story Arc challeges

 Ron Chusid <74756.3150@compuserve.com> asks:
> Have you considered writing it once you are finished with the
> series (assuming your time doesn't get monopolized by the next
> show)?

"It would be interesting to read an outline of the original arc, and
the various changes which you have had to make along the way. I'm sure
there is quite enough inside information for a book. Have you
considered writing it once you are finished with the series (assuming
your time doesn't get monopolized by the next show)?"

      One heart attack at a time.

"You might consider a writing a more general book rather than one
directed towards aspiring scriptwriters. You'd have a lot more
competition, but a considerably bigger potential audience."

      See above.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 15 Aug 1997 14:09:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Stephen Burrow <70640.40@compuserve.com>
Subject: Bruce on Pol. Incorrect

 Stephen Burrow <70640.40@compuserve.com> asks:
> What happened, and was it any big deal?
> Have you ever been invited on PI?
> Would you even be interested?

       Yes, the union came in on season 3, on a Wednesday, if I
recall, and by the end of the week it was resolved, and that was the
extent of it.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 15 Aug 1997 14:09:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Roseann M. Caputo <103510.1542@compuserve.com>
Subject: Scripts

 Roseann M. Caputo <103510.1542@compuserve.com> asks:
> When you do the marketing thing, will you be making any of the
> scripts available, or is that one of those things that you
> haven't really been able to give a lot of time/attention to?

       Selling B5 scripts is something I'd like to do, with the
difference that the writers involved -- David, Larry, Peter, everybody
 -- would get a percentage, just as with a book publication.  That's the
way it *should* be done.  These guys who sell scripts through stores
and mail order don't give a penny to the creators or writers whose work
they are selling.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 15 Aug 1997 14:09:15 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: All 
Subject: Bruce on Claudia

       For those who've wanted to hear another point of view on the CC
thing, check out http://www.tvguide.com/tv/circuits/0815A.htm for Bruce
Boxleitner's comments, since Bruce was there when it all went down, and
saw everything firsthand.  His comments are as straightforward and
uncensored as ever.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 15 Aug 1997 21:20:17 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Jimmy K <110435.632@compuserve.com>
Subject: New B5 Novels

 Jimmy K <110435.632@compuserve.com> asks:
> Have you decided what the new B5 novels from Dell will be about?
> Will they be more canon, like Book #9 was?

      There's something very exciting in the works for the next batch
of B5 novels, but I can't or shouldn't say anything until the
announcements come at WorldCon.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 15 Aug 1997 21:20:19 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Tom Knudsen <72347.1626@compuserve.com>
Subject: Bruce on Claudia

{original post had no questions}

"I went over to the site with the address you gave and got a file not
found on server error.  I ended up just using
www.tvguide.com/tv/circuits and then clicking on the Bruce B. story
from there.  I looked at the url at that point and saw
"www.tvguide.com/tv/circuits/0815a.htm".  The only difference I see is 
that small "a" after the 0815, where you had a capital.  I don't know
if that's what the problem was or not."

      Yeah, apparently that makes all the difference...so anyone
looking on, make the a lower case not upper case, or just go to the TV
Guide main menu.

"From what I've seen of Bruce B. on shows like PI and the like, he
must be one of the most unpretentious TV stars I've seen.  I wonder how
much this has to do with him working with James Arness."

      I don't know if it's specifically that, but yeah, Bruce does
have a kind of outspokenness and frankness and "ah, hell," attitude
that comes from his long association with westerns.  He's absolutely a
straight shooter.

"I can't imagine what B5 would have been like without Bruce.  Bruce
has brought a LOT to the show.  You, and the fans, really lucked out by
Bruce getting on board."

      Bruce has done a great job.  He loves the role, he *is* the
Captain, and around the stage he's the show's cheerleader, team
captain, and resident bright spirit.  Peter also does a lot of that, as
does Rick, but Bruce is just an amazing team player.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 15 Aug 1997 21:20:22 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Ron Chusid <74756.3150@compuserve.com>
Subject: Bruce on Claudia

{original post had no questions}

      Huh...I totally missed that one...thanks.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 16 Aug 1997 15:52:30 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Scripts

{original post unavailable}

"Am I out of touch, but doesn't the Basic Agreement with the Guild
give the writer the exclusive to sell the physical copies of the work? 
Or is that something that died with the Strike of '61?"

      Yes and no.  For instance...my script for "The Coming of
Shadows" is being published in the UK by Boxtree, and subsequently in
the US.  There is no ancillary payment for this other than the general
licensing fee that goes against the overall merchandising revenue
stream.  (Showbiz talk, folks, pay no attention.)  So I don't get any
kind of royalty on the script book per se at all.  I called the WGA,
and this is entirely within their purview.  Also, Fox is selling
X-Files scripts by their writers, and I believe the arrangement is the
same, or close to it.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 16 Aug 1997 15:52:33 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Claudia's replacement

{original post unavailable}

      No; we're still in the process of casting, and no offer has been
put forth yet.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 16 Aug 1997 23:54:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Son of B5 Benchmark

 (blocked) asks:
> Sound like anybody we know??

      I haven't seen much of Buffy, due to work schedules, but what
I've seen, I've liked.  I also commend Tales from a Parallel Universe
on the Movie Channel to you...great stuff.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 17 Aug 1997 00:02:59 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com>
Subject: Bruce on Claudia

{original post had no questions}

      Yes, Bruce is definitely a history buff, from the civil war
period up through WWII and beyond.  That's one thing he and John
Copeland share, a real interest in WWII history and the like.  Bruce,
being something of a cowboy in real life, also has a substantial
interest in, and familiarity with, the old west and native american
histories.  He also reads and enjoys SF.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 17 Aug 1997 16:06:58 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael Beemer <71551.1670@compuserve.com>
Subject: Claudia's replacement

 Michael Beemer <71551.1670@compuserve.com> asks:
> So, you've written the first 4-5 scripts, but don't have the role
> cast? How much slack do you have to cast and begin shooting?
> Or, can you write the character out of 501 if there's a delay in
> casting?

      No, you almost always write the character long before you have
the actor; you just find the actor that fits the character, then slowly
the two begin to merge once the role is cast.  When Bruce came on
board, I think we already had the first 4-5 scripts in hand.

      In the case of Lochley, she isn't in 501 anyway, that's the 422
replacement...she's in 502, and we still have time on that one.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 17 Aug 1997 16:07:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Claudia's replacement

{original post had no questions}

"One of the magazines have said that Bill Mumy and Stephen Furst will
NOT appear in front of the camera for season five....Say it aint so
Joe..."

      Ain't so.  They're both in 503, and will appear thereafter as
well. Also in the main credits as usual.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 17 Aug 1997 16:07:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B5, TNT, and Censorship

 (blocked) asks:
> Will TNT silence out words unacceptable to their bizarre
> standards from the original episodes of B5 (pilot and seasons one
> through four) and from the new fifth season and it's
> "made-for-cable" movies?

      Dunno...nobody's said boo to us about this one yet.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 17 Aug 1997 20:42:26 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: No Word on Fifth Season

{original post unavailable}

      PTEN is more or less defunct as of this year.  The syndicated
stations that normally carried B5 were not available.  TNT rode to the
rescue.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 17 Aug 1997 22:08:58 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Scripts

{original post unavailable}

      Oh...got it.  Yes, the places that are under discussion, like
scriptshop.com, which sell scripts without the permission of the
writer, who does control the physical script, are ripping the writers
off.  Yes, they are definitely in violation of the basic
agreement...but then, they aren't signatories, either.  They're just
crooks.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 17 Aug 1997 22:09:00 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Don Crossman <75147.175@compuserve.com>
Subject: B'more Sun Article

{original post had no questions}

         Thanks, I didn't know it was out, will check it asap.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 18 Aug 1997 00:18:50 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Jimmy K <110435.632@compuserve.com>
Subject: The future of Draal

 Jimmy K <110435.632@compuserve.com> asks:
> Is the actor that plays him available for the show or has he
> permanently left to do other things?

      The actor is on Broadway playing in Hello, Dolly, which makes
his appearance in Hello, Draaly improbable for the moment.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 18 Aug 1997 15:45:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Bruce on Pol. Incorrect

{original post unavailable}

       Like virtually all syndicated shows, we were non-union below
the line (meaning not counting actors, directors, and writers).  There
actually wasn't a syndicated TV contract in existence...which is why
most shows shoot out of LA, because they were afraid to work something
out with the union. So we then negotiated the first syndicated TV
contract that I'm aware of for shooting here in LA, and which is now
being used to bring other shows back to LA that had left previously.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 18 Aug 1997 15:45:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Bruce on Claudia

{original post unavailable}

       Certainly a number of cast members are very upset with her, so
we'll have to see where that goes.  We're finalizing the casting now on
the part of Lochley.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 18 Aug 1997 15:45:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Scripts

{original post unavailable}

       Because we're siccing Warner Bros. on 'em instead...and letting
the other studios know about it.  Let the big boys go in there and slug
it out with 'em.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 18 Aug 1997 15:45:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Stathis in Cinescape!!!

 (blocked) asks:
> Guess who turned up in Cinescape magazine's letters column?
> Is this guy for real?
> Has he paid any attention to the actual practice of TeeVee?

       He's a bitter, mean-spirited person who feels he has to tear
down the show.  It's his obsession.  Trying to explain it rationally is
like trying to play golf without those tiny holes in the ground, you've
got no basis for the conversation to take place.

       As for his prediction...back when B5 was first getting going,
and I was at a convention in San Francisco that actually booed me when
I said that this show might eventually give Star Trek a run for its
money, one woman in the audience -- two Presidential elections ago --
yelled out, "Yeah, right, and Clinton will be President."

       'nuff said.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 19 Aug 1997 00:19:28 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Bruce on Claudia

{original post unavailable}

      Either a) it's been replaced, it's a daily column, or b) try a
lower-case a in the address, not a capital A.  Either way, if you do a
search on the names involved, the article will show up in the archives.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 19 Aug 1997 15:11:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Kristen Cloke on B5 ;>)

{original post unavailable}

       I think it would be the wrong choice because she played a very
similar role over on SAAB.  I'd rather go for someone who hadn't been
that closely identified with another military space series.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 19 Aug 1997 21:23:17 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: Kristen Cloke on B5 ;>)

 Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com> asks:
> Wouldn't she be too young for the part anyway?

      You're quite correct, she's definitely too young to be
realistic. Which is why all the actors we're seeing are in their late
30s to early 40s range.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 19 Aug 1997 21:23:19 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Richard P. Manny <70762.141@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 Action Figures

 Richard P. Manny <70762.141@compuserve.com> asks:
> Is this correct?

      Yep, they'll be out soonish.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 20 Aug 1997 12:09:49 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: August 29th 1997

{original post unavailable}

       Re: Judgement Day....

       Oh...is *that* what that sound was...?

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 20 Aug 1997 15:40:27 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Jonathan Kass <74130.443@compuserve.com>
Subject: UT vs. Shadow Within

 Jonathan Kass <74130.443@compuserve.com> asks:
> Could you shed some light on which way this really works?

       Nuts...I missed that when I went over the text.  I guess I got
so used to seeing him in relation to the Aggy that I just went past it.
No, the mining incident took place when he was first officer on the
Lexington, under Captain Sterns.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 20 Aug 1997 15:40:32 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: JOEL ARAUJO <76016.122@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 sims

{original post had no questions}

       No, it's WB's position that sims constitute copyright
infringement.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 21 Aug 1997 11:39:29 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: JOEL ARAUJO <76016.122@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 sims

{original post had no questions}

       Since the copyright rules are made by Congress, no, I'd imagine
not.

       "Whenever a copyright law is to be made or changed, the idiots
assemble."

       "One thing is impossible for god: to make sense of any
copyright rule in any country in the world"

                                       (both from Mark Twain)

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 21 Aug 1997 11:39:30 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Neville White <100335.2721@compuserve.com>
Subject: TLN - Minbari phrase

 Neville White <100335.2721@compuserve.com> asks:
> Could you tell me what the minbari phrase was that Ericsson used
> at the end of the conversation, and again just before he died?

       The Minbari phrase was the standard way for Rangers to end a
conversation, with a salute to the Entil-zha, the head of the Rangers,
which is Delenn in this case.

       And thanks....

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 21 Aug 1997 22:58:37 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: The Big Picture

{original post had no questions}

"I expect that new fans who are introduced to the show by 522
sequential episodes - daily - are going to be in dire need of
industrial strength tranquilizers."

      Cool....

                                  jm(getting kickbacks from the AMA)s

------------------------------

Date: 21 Aug 1997 22:58:39 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: T.P. Chai <104674.3064@compuserve.com>
Subject: The Gathering done?

 T.P. Chai <104674.3064@compuserve.com> asks:
> I assume the re-editing and re-scoring is complete and you have
> delivered it to TNT?

      No, TNT still hasn't commissioned the re-edit and re-mix of the
pilot.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 21 Aug 1997 22:58:42 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Roseann M. Caputo <103510.1542@compuserve.com>
Subject: Angela

 Roseann M. Caputo <103510.1542@compuserve.com> asks:
> What was it like working with Angela Landsbury?
> Had you heard that too?
> Would you work with her again?
> Any chance she could do B5 or Crusade?

      The improvements were instituted when David Moessinger was
brought on as Executive Producer.  He did a year of the show and then
left when Angela was named exec.  The improvements were already in
place by then.

      Re: Angela...I have to say I enjoyed working with her.  She
struck me as a woman of tremendous integrity and honesty, not to
mention skill.  As an example...when she took over as exec, there was
one episode being directed by her son, who had been doing them here and
there for about a year.  As I watched the dailies, I found he had
gotten the episode *completely* wrong and was, in my view, undercutting
the whole episode.

      I went out, very upset and angry, and confronted him in front of
the whole crew.  Suffice to say it's bad form (I was angry, it was
stupid, I make no excuses) to do after a director in front of his crew
in *any* event, even if you are a writer/producer but to go after the
*son* of the *star and executive producer*?

      I got back to the offices and everybody was just
dead-white...they said, "You're going to be fired the second she hears
about this."  About an hour or two later, the phone rang, and she
wanted to see me.  I went to her office, and she asked, "What happened,
and why did you do what you did?"

      I explained the situation, why I was upset, and explained how
the episode was being killed in the directing because he didn't
understand a large part of it.  She considered it for a moment...and
finally nodded.  "You did the right thing," she said, and that was the
end of it.

      That took a lot of guts and integrity on her part.  She knew me
well enough to know that I leave my ego at the door, and all that
concerns me is doing what's best for the show, and the story. 
Sometimes, on some shows, that ain't enough.  With her, it was.  'nuff
said.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 21 Aug 1997 22:58:46 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: 'Science Fiction Age'Mag

{original post had no questions}

      It was a very flattering editorial, and they are very kind over
at SFA. As are your comments.

      Re: shooting...yes, it started on Monday the 18th and is
proceeding apace.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 22 Aug 1997 15:09:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B5 TV Guide

 (blocked) asks:
> How the heck did he know that I was going to get water stains on
> my first copy?

       Actually, the B5 cover has become an instant collector's item,
selling for anywhere from $20-50 in some places, and more overseas, so
those who bought multiple copies now have a good little investment on
their hands.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 22 Aug 1997 15:19:40 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: JOEL ARAUJO <76016.122@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 sims

 JOEL ARAUJO <76016.122@compuserve.com> asks:
> It is not a against copyrights to post everything and anything
> about the series on any given website but it is totally agaisnt
> copyrights to host a sim? WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?

       Because posting material already existant about a show is one
thing (and WB requires that the proper copyright be appended to all
such web sites in any event).  A different situation is a sim, which
*uses* copyrighted characters and situations, creating a *game* which
is not licensed, which also results in *story material* that also
infringes on the copyright and could create further complications.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 22 Aug 1997 15:19:41 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com>
Subject: To Kill a Cow?

 Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com> asks:
> Since the machine obviously works on alien life, why wouldn't it
> work on, say, cattle? Why couldn't some sort of animal raised for
> food (such as cattle) be used on the "killing" end to save (or at
> least help) a dying patient? I mean, the animal would be killed
> anyway for its meat, so why not? And, BTW, how's Captain
> Freakdaddy doing now that filming has started again?

       I think that one could argue that the life force of a sentient
creature is considerably different from that of a cow or dog...unless
one wanted one's loved one to start moo'ing....

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 22 Aug 1997 17:29:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Kevin P. Kenney <104102.352@compuserve.com>
Subject: The Gathering done?

 Kevin P. Kenney <104102.352@compuserve.com> asks:
> But has it been rescored, as it has been re-edited, in
> preparation of a late commissioning? If not, might it be?
> BTW, is the price tag still around the previously mentioned
> $150K?

       No, the re-editing has not been completed; the editors jumped
in and did some of it, based on my notes, in their spare time, because
they want to see it done, but the actual
sitting-with-the-editors-and-slogging-through-it that John and I do is
yet to be done, and that's where the main part of the work happens.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 23 Aug 1997 03:15:47 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Tom Knudsen <72347.1626@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 sims

 Tom Knudsen <72347.1626@compuserve.com> asks:
> What about hosting an RPG using a website AND using the properly
> licensed RPG The Babylon Project? Wouldn't that be seen as a
> proper use of the game? Or, does the fact that it's on the Web
> mean you're publishing a new story?

"What about hosting an RPG using a website AND using the properly
licensed RPG The Babylon Project?  Wouldn't that be seen as a proper
use of the game?"

      My guess is that yes, that would be kosher...but then, I ain't a
lawyer and am basically pulling that answer out of my butt....

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 23 Aug 1997 22:42:18 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B5 TV Guide

 (blocked) asks:
> You *are* joking, right?

      Nope, quite true.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 24 Aug 1997 00:47:34 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com>
Subject: Enigmatic Credits

 Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com> asks:
> How does one sort out the creators from the funders in this
> salad?

      One really can't tell these things from the credits...it's kind
of an industry-wide concern, actually.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 24 Aug 1997 00:47:37 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B5 TV Guide

 (blocked) asks:
> Are you starting to catch up with season five?
> How's the stress?

      Racing as fast as I can to keep up...got hit with a flu bug for
a few days, which put me behind, but working now to catch up.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 24 Aug 1997 02:03:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: DS9 = Babylon 5

{original post unavailable}

"Originally, the creators of B5 went to the ST folks with the concept.
They thought it would be easier to launch the B5 concept in the ST
Universe. However, after much talk, the Trek folks turned it down. 
Soon after, DS9 was launched."

      This has been repeated elsewhere and needs to be corrected.

      1) B5 was *never* at any time submitted to anyone at Star Trek.

      2) B5 was *never* considered by me, or anyone involved with B5,
or discussed with anyone, as taking place in the ST universe.  This
story could flatly and simply not take place within the confines of the
ST universe as set up and maintained.

      3) B5 was *never* turned down by the ST folks for reasons 1 and
2 above.

      4) B5 *was* submitted (treatment, artwork, series bible, pilot
screenplay) to Paramount Television, which did review the material for
some time before deciding to try other avenues.

      Just to clarify....

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 24 Aug 1997 17:51:41 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: DS9 = Babylon 5

{original post unavailable}

      Actually, the concept for DS9 was not put forth to Paramount
until about 2 months after the announcement was made in the trades
about B5 going into production as a pilot.  The B5 material was in
Paramount's hands in 1989. Just trying to keep the timeline straight.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 24 Aug 1997 17:56:51 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: !intense Garibaldi News

{original post unavailable}

      The only thing that is intense about this news is that it's
massively untrue.

      Jerry is *in* the fifth season...he just finished shooting his
stuff for 501, and has a major personal arc throughout the first part
of this season, another toward the end of the season, and is on board
for all 22 episodes.

      He didn't make it into the movies because of agent stuff, but
that's only the two movies, and we have every intention of having him
in the third one.

      This is one of the problems with the internet...someone mishears
something, posts it, and because it came from "an authoritative
source" in this case Peter, it gets picked up as real.  And then I have
to spend days correcting and "contradicting the cast, so who's telling
the truth?"  You misheard.  He's *in*.  Has been from day one.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 25 Aug 1997 00:11:58 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: All 
Subject: B5 Fanclub Merchandise

I have the information a lot of folks have been asking for on the
merchandise being put out by the B5 fan club.  Orders can be sent to
the Babylon 5 Fan Club, P.O. Box 856, North Hollywood, CA 91603.

T-SHIRTS - B5 club logo on front, saying on back, shirt color
indicated:

FCS-01 "We have always been here."  Black on white.
FCS-02 "We stand between the Darkness and the Light." (black on grey)
FCS-03 "No Boom Today, Boom Tomorrow.  There's Always a Boom
Tomorrow." White on black.

Cost: (blocked)
members, $18.95 non-members

FAN CLUB POSTER

Sent rolled $8.00 members, $10 non-members

SOUNDTRACKS

Original sountrack, and "Messages from Earth" available.  Each selling
for $14.95 members, $16.95 non-members.

EPISODE SOUNDTRACKS

Chris is now releasing soundtracks for each individual episode on its
own special CD: "A Late Delivery from Avalon," "Z'ha'dum," "Shadow
Dancing," "Severed Dreams" and "Walkabout."  $11.95 members, $13.95
non-members.

AGAMEMNON CAPS

Worn by Sheridan in "Knives."  Has the silhouette of the Agamemnon
embroidered on the front, on a grey cap, with the ID# of the Aggy
beneath (OCG-05, standing for Omega Construction Group, Hull 5) and the
name above the silhouette.  $16 members, $18 non-members.

Members should include membership number on all orders.  The Fan Club
can do Visa and Mastercard as well as check, but be sure to include the
expiration date, total amount to be billed, and daytime phone number.

Shipping and handling: (blocked)
$35.01-50        $8.50 $50.01-75        $10.50 $75.01-100      $12.95
Over $100       $15.50

For 2nd day air add $10, for Next Day Air add $15.

We will have prices and info on international shipping soon.

jms


------------------------------



Date: 25 Aug 1997 12:39:22 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B5 Fanclub Merchandise

 (blocked) asks:
> Aren't these being put together in a single compilation?
> Or is this our only chance to get them?

       Selected bits of music from these have ended up in the first
two main soundtracks, but these contain *all* the music, sequentially,
from the episodes named.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 25 Aug 1997 12:39:23 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Ed Brandt <100274.2672@compuserve.com>
Subject: CC

 Ed Brandt <100274.2672@compuserve.com> asks:
> Will Ivanova be in "Sleeping in Light"?

       We already shot her in SiL, so yes.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 25 Aug 1997 12:39:24 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: DS9 = Babylon 5

{original post unavailable}

       I believe that some development execs at Paramount may have
guided the development process along parallel lines, without those at
ST knowing what was going on.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 26 Aug 1997 13:34:20 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B5 Fanclub Merchandise

 (blocked) asks:
> No, I mean, aren't all 5 going to be released in a collection?

       No, the Cult soundtrack is from a variety of TV series, using
only a piece of each, and not the original music from Chris in this
case.  It's another party just re-recording the music (and not as
well).

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 26 Aug 1997 13:34:23 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 Fanclub Merchandise

 Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com> asks:
> Do you have any info as to when they will actually be available?

       They can be ordered now via the fanclub.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 26 Aug 1997 13:34:27 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: !intense Garibaldi News

{original post unavailable}

       I understand, and that's fine, but then you should have posted
the message as an inquiry, not an annoucement of "news."  Because too
many people take what they read on the nets uncritically.  The way I
first found out about your message was through a number of *extremely*
angry, offensive and insulting emails I got on another account saying
how dare I "get rid of" both Ivanova and Garibaldi in the same season,
accusing me of trying to sneak the "firing of Garibaldi" under the
radar while everyone was off looking at the Claudia situation...so I
spent a great deal of time calming people down, then backtracking it to
the original source (which would've been faster if I'd just done a
tapcis sweep here, but the notes all came to me from the internet,
from those with shared CIS accounts, or who knew someone who had a CIS
account). The root for all of them was your note, or someone who'd seen
your note and went ballistic.

       People need to understand that when they post unverified
information as "news," and it's wrong...and it's wrong about 9 times
out of ten... ultimately, I'm the one who pays the price for it.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 26 Aug 1997 13:34:29 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Ep 502

 (blocked) asks:
> How did her first day go ???

       Her first day is today.  She's working out swimmingly. 
Everyone is finding her a real joy to work with.  She took home about
30 tapes of prior shows to watch over the weekend, has buried herself
in homework studying scripts and articles about the show, and has
basically impressed the hell out of the cast and crew.

       And no, I can't tell you yet.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 26 Aug 1997 13:41:49 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B5 Fanclub Merchandise

 (blocked) asks:
> No, I mean, aren't all 5 going to be released in a collection?

       Oops, confused Chris's the Cult with the CultTV
soundtrack...never mind.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 26 Aug 1997 22:13:32 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: T.P. Chai <104674.3064@compuserve.com>
Subject: Into the Fire

 T.P. Chai <104674.3064@compuserve.com> asks:
> JMS, when Emperor Turhan asked Kosh "How will it all end?"
> Is that why the episode where the Vorlons left called "Into the
> Fire" or was it just a coincidence?

      One of the reasons, yeah.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 26 Aug 1997 22:13:34 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: !intense Garibaldi News

{original post unavailable}

      No, he wasn't named after a fish, rather he was named after a
famous Italian war hero.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 26 Aug 1997 22:17:26 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: what next?

{original post unavailable}

      No, Judith...the TNT only rule applies only to the US.  WB
International will be selling the show to broadcast stations in Canada
and all other countries.  This ONLY affects the U.S.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 27 Aug 1997 16:54:50 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: DS9 = Babylon 5

{original post unavailable}

       Actually, this is not "a stupid rumor," in that Paramount did
have the material dating back well before DS9 was conceived.  It's a
rumor if it comes from somebody outside.  It's my show, I was there.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 27 Aug 1997 22:25:22 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: SysOp Dupa T Parrot <70040.104@compuserve.com>
Subject: WorldCon and B5

 SysOp Dupa T Parrot <70040.104@compuserve.com> asks:
> Or maybe not?

      We'll have to see...should be interesting.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 27 Aug 1997 22:25:24 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Ep 502

{original post had no questions}

      The news should be out in the next 24 hours or so.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 27 Aug 1997 22:25:26 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Wrong Spoiler apology

{original post unavailable}

      Over and done with.  We move on.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 28 Aug 1997 02:44:56 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: Creative Screenwriting

{original post had no questions}

      No, I didn't know the review was there...can you pass along the
comments, if they were brief?  (If long, I'll go out and try to find a
copy.)

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 28 Aug 1997 02:44:57 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Simon Grierson <100407.2075@compuserve.com>
Subject: Get outta my GALAXY!

 Simon Grierson <100407.2075@compuserve.com> asks:
> So no more Shadows?
> No more Vorlons?
> No more First Ones?

      Thanks...it's an amusing little entertainment....

      Now (well, after a few episodes designed to provide a bit of a
break) it gets serious.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 28 Aug 1997 13:24:26 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: The Future

{original post unavailable}

       No, no plans to put B5 into book form; it was designed to be
told for TV, and that's where it should stay...and the sequel is still
being negotiated.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 28 Aug 1997 13:24:26 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: SysOp Lee Whiteside <76711.2660@compuserve.com>
Subject: Ep 502

 SysOp Lee Whiteside <76711.2660@compuserve.com> asks:
> I'm assuming the info there is correct?

       Yep, the info is correct.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 28 Aug 1997 17:47:53 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Vir on a diet?

{original post unavailable}

       No, he's worked hard to lose weight.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 28 Aug 1997 22:34:55 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Free Polazzo <72653.47@compuserve.com>
Subject: Creative Screenwriting

{original post had no questions}

      Thanks (thanks three times, actually).  Good luck to all of you.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 29 Aug 1997 15:18:46 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Ruth Spradlin <73477.3155@compuserve.com>
Subject: Indigo Slam

 Ruth Spradlin <73477.3155@compuserve.com> asks:
> Are you a mystery fan?

      That's funny, I hadn't known Bob had done that.  (Bob Crais is a
friend.)  Gotta remember to thank him next time....

                                                                  jms


------------------------------