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[Michel]

I am new to this site, so forgive me if this has already been suggested. I was thinking that, if in fact there may be "wiggle room", maybe if we all write to HBO via their Rome section, and beg them to continue, maybe it would tilt the scales a bit in our favour. I already did. I realize it probably was in vain, but.....I'm devastated!!!! You know what? You never know until you try and make yourself heard, right?
P.S. Thanks for this great website!! 

[JaxiB]

Eirene has a great idea, I think Ray would be especially well suited to that type of role, and I must say I'd be up for begging HBO to continue with Rome - nothing like people pester power!! 

[Halloweenqueen]

Here is the link to contact HBO concerning Rome....

http://www.hbo.com/apps/submitinfo/contactus/submit.do?title=Rome&questiontype=rome

[Michel]

Oh I'm so excited we may be starting a WWW protest  HalloweenQueen, thanks so much for posting the link. Sometimes people don't bother to do things unless it's made really easy for them. So, hopefully more people will do it now. Also, great name  I should go to the Rome community on the HBO site and see if I can rally up some support for this there too! Not to mention if anyone else in the cast has fansites....oooo, the possibilities are endless  Boy, will this ever piss off HBO! It will give me something to do when I have insomnia too! 

[Lotis]

Welcome Michel! 

I don't know how much "wiggle room" is left, there hasn't been any more news lately. Still, if fans are going to make some effort, now is a good time to do it so that there's some impact in time for the second season.

Just some random thoughts ...

1. If people are going to write to HBO, it would be a good idea to write to the BBC and RAI as well. HBO has cited the BBC and RAI having only committing $$ for 2 seasons as (prime) reason for ending the series.

If people are going to write, it doesn't really help "the cause" to write a nasty letter. Honey vs. vinegar as the saying goes. High emotions and/or threats ("I'm cancelling my subscription!!!") are most likely to get tossed. Letters that point out not only the merits of the series, but more importantly (from a company POV) how it's prompted you to spend money stand a better chance of being read (e.g., you upgraded to HBO because of Rome, you kept it because of Rome which prompted you to check out their other programming, you convinced ## people to subscribe to HBO because of Rome, you've bought/will buy the DVD set, you have/will buy DVD sets as gifts, etc.).

2. The DVDs have just been released. Encourage people to buy them and not just rely on copies taped off the TV. If you have the cash flow, consider buying extra copies for birthday gifts and the like. Buy yourself an extra copy and let co-workers, friends, and family borrow a disc -- if they want to see the rest of the series, they'll have to buy their own copy or at least go rent the set - either way boosts sales. The more copies that are bought, the better to demonstrate that Rome could build an increasingly profitable viewership.

3. "Buy" imaginary shares of Rome at the Hollywood Stock Exchange. It's *free* to play and is a buzz meter for the industry. HSX syndicates the data it collects as market research to entertainment, consumer product and financial institutions and as original content to radio, television and print media. If Rome's "stock" goes up ....

These are just a few things off the top of my head. If Rome fans were a more proactive lot it would be a bit easier to produce some noticeable results. Still, anyone who's inclined to demonstrate their support of the series should do so. Who knows? ...

If any fan effort is to be made, now would be a good time to jump start it since the Season 2 premiere is a mere *5 months away*. Work on building a buzz now, if it pays off in a boost in viewership for 2, we just might get that third season (or Rome tv movies before they strike the sets for good).

[Michel]

Thanks Lotis!  I actually haven't written any nasty emails, more of the begging sort Although you are absolutely right about taking the "$" angle with them. Everyone knows that money talks! I will email the BBC as well & also buy 'stock' in Rome. I think that is hysterical! I never heard of that website before! It sounds like fun! We should all buy Rome stock there. That would definitely make a statement. I also think you are right about doing all of this now. Hopefully they didn't release the actors from their contracts yet 

[Lotis]

I actually haven't written any nasty emails, more of the begging sort

I was just posting some general thoughts, I didn't mean you'd sent a nasty email, rather that it's not uncommon for some fans to react by shooting off an angry letter. So I put that out there, hopefully to redirect anyone's righteous indignation to more productive use. 

I never heard of that website before! It sounds like fun! We should all buy Rome stock there. That would definitely make a statement. I also think you are right about doing all of this now. Hopefully they didn't release the actors from their contracts yet

Hey, if the money's there and a new gig isn't, they'll be back! 

I should post the Hollywood Stock Exchange link:  http://www.hsx.com/

[RiActs]

I already sent my email to HBO. I have seen where fans of other shows have saved them from the chopping block. Unfortunately the cost of making Rome might be the real reason for canceling it. Thanks for the suggestions Lotis. I am sure there are enough of us here to keep their inbox full. What will we ever do without our Ray fix. 

[Lotis]

It's been a long while since I'd been on hsx.com, so I thought I should revisit it since I brought it up. 

People trade stock in actors and movies. So, there's no Rome stock but it would be feasible to buy stock in Rome actors. Currently, only Ciaran Hinds and James Purefoy are in the market! No Ray, no Kevin! 

Fortunately, people can request specific actors be added, so that sounds like a first course of action. 

I have seen where fans of other shows have saved them from the chopping block. Unfortunately the cost of making Rome might be the real reason for canceling it.

It's a "David & Goliath" sort of thing, but occasionally fans have had their victories. But to be honest I don't know how proactive Rome fans are, seemingly not very. Fan websites are often a good indicator of what sort of fandom & motivation exists for a show and there aren't any real Rome fansites (there are/were a couple of fan-run message boards). Ray, James and Ciaran are the only cast members with fansites (Max too if you count the couple of teen pages stemming from Master & Commander). But no Kevin, no Polly, Lindsay -- don't seem right. 

[JaxiB]

I'm definetely going to contact HBO  :lijstje: and the BBC regarding continuing with Rome, you never know, the scales could topple in our favour - but agree that it is probably too expensive to be a feasible possibility.  I love the idea of the stock market  however, I can't believe there's no Ray  Stock!!!  Can we make it so?

[Michel]

Look at the great reply I got from the BBC below:  More evidence of "wiggle room"! Everyone please write BBC/HBO!

Dear Michel

Thank you for your e-mail regarding 'Rome'.

I was pleased to read how much you enjoy this programme.  However, I understand you are concerned this will end after the second series.

Although thus far the BBC and HBO have only decided to work on a second series, I am unaware of any decision having been made regarding a third series.

Nevertheless, please be assured your comments have been fully registered on our daily audience log.  The daily log is an internal document which is made available to the 'Rome' production team and senior BBC management.

As a fan you may wish to visit the programme's websites.  They can be accessed at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/rome/

http://www.hbo.com/rome

Please note that the BBC is not responsible for the content found on any external sites

May I thank you once again for taking the time to contact the BBC.

Regards

John Maguire
BBC Information
______________________________________
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ - World Wide Wonderland

-----Original Message-----

>{Date:}             14/08/2006
>{Feedback Type:}   
>
>{Country:}          N. America
>{About:}            TV
>{Network:}          Other BBC
>
>
>
>
>
>{Programme Name:}   Rome Series
>{Transmission Date:}14 - 08 - 06
>
>{Comments:}
>I heard the terrible news that Rome is only to have a second season. PLEASE, on behalf of not only me, but so many other fans, you must continue this series! It is by far the best thing on Television. It is a piece of art; the acting, the filming, the costumes, the set, the story. It is unlike anything else and deserves more than just 2 seasons! PLEASE, we BEG you!
>Thank you for your consideration

[arieldan1]

Excellent work, Michel!!!

Maybe we could lobby them for a less-expensive, but Ray-intensive Rome spin off series called "Pullo"???? 

[Halloweenqueen]

Excellent work, Michel!!!

Maybe we could lobby them for a less-expensive, but Ray-intensive Rome spin off series called "Pullo"???? 

You have my vote!!! 

[Michel]

Excellent work, Michel!!!

Maybe we could lobby them for a less-expensive, but Ray-intensive Rome spin off series called "Pullo"???? 

Thanks Ariel! I would be all for a less-expensive "Pullo" spin off! I might never leave my TIVO though! Hopefully everyone here and some from the Rome community website will write emails as well. If nothing else, they may offer Ray or Kevin some other vehicle based on our input, as you suggested 

[Lotis]

Look at the great reply I got from the BBC below:  More evidence of "wiggle room"! Everyone please write BBC/HBO!

Excellent news, Michel!