This file contains messages posted by J. Michael Straczynski on GEnie from Jan 1 - Jan 15th, 1995. Postings are copyright 1995 by J. Michael Straczynski with compilation copyright by GEnie. ************ Topic 1 Mon Oct 26, 1992 SF-MARSHALL [Dave ] at 18:50 EST Sub: Babylon 5 - The Series (Non-Spoiler) Welcome to the Babylon 5 General category. This is the main topic for the hit SF series. We discuss all general information on the series in this topic. Topic 2 is for SPOILERS! DO NOT POST STORY IDEAS! 543 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 261 Sun Jan 01, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 19:17 EST Re: on-air stuff...honest to Kosh, folks, I'm not saying that to be convinced otherwise, not trolling for rebuttals, my job here is to talk straight with you. Radio, I'm okay on; typing online, ditto. But put me on TeeVee, and it all goes straight to hell. I'm convinced that every time I go on, millions of little old lady fans of America's Most Wanted suddenly point at the screen and start screaming, "THAT'S HIM! THAT'S THE ONE!" These things should be left to professionals. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 270 Sun Jan 01, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:59 EST Re: the Tom Skerrit TZ episode of mine...ehhh...that was done when I was on freelancer basis, and had no control to what happened to it after it was turned in. I'd written it with a moral point to the story -- that the father was doing to the son what was done to *him* when he was a kid, being too possessive, closing off the kid's world -- so that he would come to understand that. This, to me, was the Twilight Zone. Only after I turned it in, I learned that Phil DeGuere (the exec producer) didn't *want* to do morality tales because it was too Twilight Zone. (Go ahead, explain *that* one to me.) So they yanked out the whole *point* of the damned story, which left the rest toothless and without point, just an excercise in wish fulfillment for the characters. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 289 Mon Jan 02, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:59 EST Which "incomplete images?" Haven't noticed any so far. The TV camera is different than a live audience; the camera either loves you, or hates you. Cameras generally despise me, but they *love* Harlan. Go figure. BTW, Bruce Boxleitner married Melissa Gilbert on New Year's Day. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 303 Tue Jan 03, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:44 EST The shows done on my watch are generally referred to as TZ3, yes, and Christy's is among them. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 321 Wed Jan 04, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:09 EST Actually, when I saw the CNN spot, it mentioned among his credits "are Scarecrow & Mrs. King, and Babylon 5." We don't generally get ratings reports broken down by competing shows, since it varies from town to town. I was story editor on TZ3, and wrote about 11 of the episodes. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 332 Wed Jan 04, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 18:45 EST BTW, and just for the heck of it...the line about paying off karma at an accellerated rate is something Kathryn has been muttering for ages; I popped it into the script for fun. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 348 Thu Jan 05, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:35 EST Messages 345 and 346 above are both correct answers to the queries posted here. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 386 Sat Jan 07, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:00 EST So far, nobody's said boo to us from any agency that means a damn. A couple of watchdog organizations last year put us into the "most violent shows on TV" top-ten, along with (get this) DS9 and Brisco County, but that's it. I would deep-six the show or walk off it if any pressure group tried to change what we are, with official backing. You cannot make with timidity a show about courage. I have no idea if it'll ever happen or not; I would hope not. On one level, if it does, it'll elevate our visibility and our ratings. So hey, let 'em come. And if the horse should be shot out from under us, be assured that we will go down fighting tooth and nail. There are only a very few things in life that genuinely frighten me, and looking for a new job isn't one of them. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 406 Sat Jan 07, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 21:00 EST I do seem to recall that at some point there were discussions between Harlan and the ST team about a City sequel, and an arc for DS9. What Harlan pitched had scope, and sweep, and action, and would probably have caused quite a stir. And the response from B&P was to go *hmmm* and to go *hrrmmm* a lot, and wonder if this or that part could be toned down a bit, and finally the idea just sank beneath the waves. Harlan once described for me, in detail, the opening teaser of what he planned for a TNG episode...and it would've caused the hairs on the back of your neck to stand up. A *really* good Picard story. Re: winning/losing battles...on the Harry Chapin collection double CD set, there are some interview snippets with Harry. In one of them, he tells this story (which I'm going to try and replicate from memory as well as I can). "My father always used to tell me, Harry, there's good days, and there's bad days. A bad day can be a day when you *won*...but you fought other people's battles, lived other people's agendas, and at the end of the day, there was really very little of *you* in there, and when you hit the hay, you toss and turn, you don't settle easy. "A *good* day, ironically enough, can be a day when you *lost*. But you don't even have to say it, because you know you lived your life, fought your battles, dreamed your dreams. And when you hit the hay at night, you can sleep the sleep of the just and say 'Take me away.'" jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 418 Sun Jan 08, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:43 EST What's funny is that a number of Trek fans who put down B5 did so on the basis that we used CGI, which Trek would NEVER do (and B&P reinforced this notion in their statements). Except of course now they ARE going to CGI...which in some ways levels the playing field. (Saw this on Internet a few minutes ago...don't hurt me, I'm just the messenger, thought it was funny..."What's the difference between a Trekkie and a Trekker? Trekkers like B5.") Seen on a local BBS echo: "B5 IN 95!" jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 443 Sun Jan 08, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:38 EST Yeah, Newt Gingrich, a man who as soon as he made it big dumped his wife, even though she had cancer...that's really somebody I want teaching me about family values.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 463 Tue Jan 10, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:25 EST The thing to do when you see a shirt with "Today's Score: Deep Space 9, Babylon 5," is to respond with, "Oh, I see you're a golf fan too." jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 467 Tue Jan 10, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:12 EST I'm told it's hitting the stands this week. Some places have already got it. Well, turned in the first formal draft today of "In the Shadow of Z'ha'dum," which means there are now only five scripts remaining to be written. These will pretty much all be jms scripts, since the continuity on the last five-six episodes is going to be *very* tight. There's an awful lot of terrain to cover in those episodes, and we really have to start cranking things. It's weird to be able to look down just a ways and already be able to see the end of the second season when we haven't even aired episode seven yet. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 485 Tue Jan 10, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:23 EST Well, actually, there are various forms of "turning in a script." First I turn in a First Draft, which is only circulated amongst the upper tier production staff (me, Doug, John, usually Larry, Warners, and if it has lots of EFX, prosthetics or wardrobe, the head of whichever department is gonna get whapped). Out of 17 scripts to date, we have only gotten notes from Warners on 3, all in the very first batch of episodes, mainly in terms of urging clarity for new viewers. Nothing since. Nonetheless, it's pro forma to send it along at that early stage just in case. Shortly thereafter, I turn in my Final Draft (the second draft in sequence). Usually, there's little or no difference between the First and the Final Draft (at least on this show)...the only real distinction is that this is the one that gets circulated to all cast, crew, support and production staff, and casting. "Z'ha'dum" has only been seen by a few people at this early stage, but folks like it. The big one, though, is really "And Now for a Word," which has gotten more responses from crew, cast and others than any other script to date. From top to bottom, everyone is absolutely excited about it. It's going to be a very challenging shoot, but the result, I think, will be worth it. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 512 Fri Jan 13, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:05 EST Richard Biggs will be at a convention this weekend in South Bend, though only on Sunday (it's a creation con, I believe). Meanwhile, it looks like there's going to be a big convention in Chicago come June with Michael O'Hare, Mira Furlan, Bill Mumy and me in addition to the aforementioned Richard Biggs. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 522 Fri Jan 13, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 21:03 EST It's June 24th/25th, the Science Fiction Expo. More than that I don't yet know at this time. jms ------------ ************ Topic 2 Wed Nov 20, 1991 STARR [Arne] at 19:41 EST Sub: Babylon 5 -- The Series!! >>SPOILERS<< Babylon 5 is moving into a second season of 22 episodes. This series can be seen at 8 Pm on Wednesdays, in most areas. This topic is for SPOILERS only. Just remember our NO STORY IDEAS rule and we'll let you live. 406 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 337 Sun Jan 08, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:49 EST Re: G'Kar...the politial assessment is more or less correct. The Narn idea of an ambassador isn't just someone who SPEAKS for his people, he REPRESENTS his people on every level. (So the strain and pressure is quite great.) As such, he is the highest-ranking representative on B5; he is responsible for taking care of the ceremonies of G'Quon, was appointed by the Kha'Ri, and can only be removed by the Kha'Ri, or by direct physical challenge. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 352 Mon Jan 09, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 05:00 EST Boy oh boy oh boy are YOU guys gonna love the next few new episodes (given the last ten messags or so). Decisions by G'Kar are only binding on Narns living at or visiting B5. And yes, please continue to remember Franklin's little downbelow clinic for a while.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 388 Fri Jan 13, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:02 EST So, Bill, are you saying the coffee is not what it seems? Next you'll be dragging those damned owls into this.... jms ------------ ************ Topic 4 Tue Nov 03, 1992 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:12 EST Sub: Babylon 5 - Cast & Characters For discussion of the actors who will be bringing BABYLON 5 to life with their performances...for information before, and discussion after the airing of "The Gathering" pilot. 296 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 4 Message 266 Sat Jan 07, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:02 EST We've spoken to Mark, and he even came by the studio to visit. (We actually had a 3-way interpersonal crossover when Walter Koenig stopped by at the same time; we had Star Trek, Star Wars and Babylon 5 main guys in the same room at the same time.) It's something we'd like to do one of these days. jms ------------ ************ Topic 10 Thu Nov 12, 1992 SANDMAN [Henry] at 19:25 EST Sub: Sex in Babylon 5 Can't do without this one!! 437 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 10 Message 435 Thu Jan 12, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:22 EST Fair Use is also determined by volume of quote or re-use vs. volume of original material. Quoting 30 lines from a novel or reference book may not be a problem; quoting 30 lines of a song *is* a problem, since that's probably the entire song. jms ------------ ************ Topic 11 Sat Nov 14, 1992 J.SHEEN1 [Leviathan] at 18:09 EST Sub: B5 Adrift! BABYLON 5 Topic Drift If you feel like talking about it, but it doesn't fit anywhere else... If its only connection to B-5 is that you thought of it in this CAT... This is where to come and get it out. 403 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 11 Message 368 Thu Jan 05, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:56 EST The 5 was specifically designed by John Iacovelli; the purpose, though we've rarely ever used it, was to create a moving number with the two parts interlocking...the round o part of the 5 swings around, and stops when the L shaped top of the 5 drops into position, locking it into place. jms ------------ ************ Topic 12 Wed Nov 18, 1992 B.WIST [Brad] at 18:12 EST Sub: Babylon 5 Sightings Post here when you've spotted Babylon 5, whether it be on Television, Magazine, or somewhere else. Let us know where we can find it/see it, too. 220 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 12 Message 219 Tue Jan 03, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:27 EST The Washington Post TV insert will have a piece on Bruce and B5 either this week (just having come out), or next week. jms ------------ ************ Topic 13 Mon Nov 23, 1992 T.ORTH [Mr. Rico] at 21:00 EST Sub: Babylon 5 - Science & Technology Jump gates, nanotech, high-tech weapons, starship drives, sound in space, and other subjects of science and technology in Babylon 5. 398 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 344 Tue Jan 03, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:25 EST I know I'm going to regret asking this, because I know I'm not going to understand the question, and I'm just going to get confused and fall down, but...what's the difference between a Unified Field Theory and a Complete Unified Field Theory? jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 370 Sun Jan 08, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:52 EST What kind of BB? Wanted a BB gun once, but my family said I'd put my eye out. But they also said that when I wanted a cat. "Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care?" jm(head go thunk)s ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 376 Sun Jan 08, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:42 EST ...never an anvil around when you really need one.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 384 Mon Jan 09, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 16:53 EST Mostly, yeah; fortunately, most of them were fairly common CDs, and easy to replace. (Oddly a lot of them were Beatles disks.) The more rare ones were deep down in the pile and thus protected. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 388 Tue Jan 10, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:16 EST I hate it when you do that.... jms ------------ ************ Topic 17 Tue Jan 19, 1993 C.STOBBE [Colin] at 21:02 EST Sub: Babylon 5 - Merchandising A place to discuss all the neat Babylon 5 merchandising coming out (hopefully) soon 342 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 17 Message 329 Wed Jan 11, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:44 EST Absolute misinformation. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 17 Message 332 Fri Jan 13, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 05:25 EST We're close to closing a deal for a B5 screensaver package, with wallpaper, slide shows, wav and video files. Will advise. jms ------------ ************ Topic 31 Sat Jul 09, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:23 EDT Sub: Really Stupid Questions from JMS Every so often, I need Information. (You won't get it!) Technical stuff, research or reference stuff...and given the brain trust here, I figured this could be a useful resource from time to time. With appreciation. 206 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 31 Message 180 Sun Jan 01, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 19:20 EST How does one change the DMA address of a sound card? jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 31 Message 189 Mon Jan 02, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:03 EST The card, as I recall, is a Pro Audio Spectrum. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 31 Message 196 Mon Jan 02, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 21:04 EST Leningrad Cowboys on January 7th? That's the one! Folks...listen to me...I *know* it's gonna weird you out, but you gotta check out this movie. jms ------------ ************ Topic 36 Wed Nov 02, 1994 BOB-WALKER [P12+] at 22:13 EST Sub: Babylon 5 Trivia Questions Help contribute questions to a B5 trivia game. Our goal is to get 300 questions for each season. We need easy, medium, hard and killer questions in both True/False and Multiple Guess formats. 63 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 36 Message 45 Thu Jan 05, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:08 EST But on the other hand, I know many jews who are very upset when a member of their family becomes an atheist; they say you can't be a jew and an atheist, and that no matter what their belief system, they remain jews. I think there is a mix here; on the one hand, anyone can convert to Judaism, from any ethnic background. But certainly in the various judao-christian scriptures there are the tribes of Israel, and rules that were set aside for the jewish people to follow, that even Moses made the distinction between his people and the Egyptians. Perhaps the problem is in the use of the word itself; is one a jew, or is one an Israelite? One can be an Arab, or a Palistinian, defined by location; on one level, the notion of being jewish is without borders; so maybe Isrealite is the more technically correct term to use in distinguishing between ethnic background and religious belief. Ethnic language gets misused a lot. One of the things that makes me nuts is when I see newsmagazines like TIME talking about "anglo" as a term for caucasians, meaning white. I'm sorry, but I'm not an anglo; that refers to a very specific part of the world, as in anglo-saxon; my people come from eastern europe. To call all caucasians "anglo" is, to me, as offensive as calling all hispanic people puerto ricans. Anglo first popped up as a derogatory term, and became legitimized. I think one can say caucasian (though that tends to have more european resonance, because of the mountainous region to which it refers), white, Eastern European, or come up with some new term. But anglo just doesn't cut it. jms ------------ ************ Topic 37 Sat Nov 12, 1994 DUNEWALKER at 00:25 EST Sub: Questions, answers and/or speculations General questions, and answers or speculations concerning plots and sub-plots of Babylon 5. 22 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 37 Message 19 Sun Jan 08, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:43 EST I don't believe the wire-frame is B5; I think it's an analysis of a ship docking at that moment. jms ------------ ************ Topic 38 Mon Dec 05, 1994 K.BURNFIELD [KB] at 18:05 EST Sub: Babylon 5 - The Comic Book Starting in Dec. 1994, DC comics will present its comic book based in the universe of J. Michael Straczynski's television series. 20 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 38 Message 19 Sat Jan 14, 1995 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:51 EST Between "Revelations" and "Geometry." jms ------------