JohnPeterZinger · @deLIBERnATION
22nd Apr 2011 from Twitlonger
Dearest #AMC #OLTL #GH fans, since my statement release a few things have crystallized here at Casa SoapVille. So here goes...
There's no doubt in my warped mind that the fan base has power especially if we unite. And like Bill Clinton said, "It's the economy, stupid." So here's my take. What Hoover did was a wonderful springboard for a concentrated effort aimed at advertisers. Hoover made our case, so let's take it to the next level. Rather than abandon advertising on ABC Soaps, it's time to send a clear message to the Disney Board of Directors. This was a systematic, deliberate plan by Frons & Co. to get out of soap opera. And with 2 P&G directors sitting on the board at Disney, there's certainly compelling circumstantial evidence to show that Disney followed the P&G play book for dismantling soaps.
This is all about respect between business & the consumer. For years soap viewers have been the convenient target for advertisers but have been marginalized. Soap fans are far more astute than Disney could ever dream possible. The Disney brand created by Walt Disney of a family oriented corporation which enhanced every day family life has become a brand synonymous with obscene profits and substandard programing which is in complete defiance of the Walt Disney message.
Advertisers need to take a look back at Walt Disney and his vision. As a strong, united community I fully support a fan movement which challenges advertisers to stand with us on the side of doing what's right instead of what they think is profitable. By standing with fans, any advertiser who makes a conscious decision NOT to advertise on any Disney program other than the three soaps, they will get so much free publicity it will be worth their while. "Family values" has been such a divisive phrase in our national political dialog. So let's switch gears!
Let's challenge advertisers to call out the Disney Board of Directors for forgetting Walt Disney's family values. Let's try to convince companies like Hoover to take a stand for QUALITY scripted programming which reflects the standards Disney set forth so many years ago. And when push comes to shove, let's make these advertisers realize that the lovable little mouse who has brought so much joy to millions has morphed into a rabid, corrupt rat at the hands of those who are in charge at Disney.
On another front, fans need to unite under a banner which backs the casts of these shows. We have to call Frons out on the alleged "gag order" in place. If Brian Frons is telling the truth, then we must challenge him. Let the cast members loose, Mr. Frons. Let them speak to the press and to the fans about how they feel. Let them be honest without any fear of reprisals. The emotional blackmail stops today on this Good Friday. It's time to take the cheese away from the rat and let the actors feel like they have some thread of dignity left.
So there are three movements I would wrap my arms around:
1) a concentrated effort to discourage advertising on any Disney program other than the three soaps.
2) Issue a call to ABC Daytime to release the cast from this rumored gag order and LET THEM SPEAK. And, for every day we hear nothing from them, we ramp up the pressure. We will not tolerate the actors being held like political prisoners in a Tehran hotel.
And, last but not least:
3) The JUST SAY NO campaign where fans across America write and challenge their cable providers on which Disney channels to carry. Let's ask cable providers to JUST SAY NO to Disney Junior as Soap Net's replacement. AND, ask cable providers to bring on another cable soap network. If enough cable customers make the plea, there will be a company to come forward with a soap cable channel.
So those are my thoughts. What do you think? These are the first three programs I would like to see our new union take on at the beginning of business next week. Do we do a surge which targets any and all Disney shows other than the three on Daytime? I know, Dancing With The Stars might suffer. Or maybe Goofy will just march into the board room and bitch slap the rats in charge. In any case, united fans working together can move Magic Mountain!