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« Reflections- Artificial Sweetener | Main | Schism »
August 28, 2002
I see another hurdle approaching
Yesterday, I wrote about the scary nature of facing the world outside of what I guess we'll call "your safety bubble."
At least that's what I was trying to write about. YMMV.
I also promised to talk about why Creation cut me from their 15th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation convention, and why I think it's a good thing.
To understand the events leading up to the cut, it's important to understand the realities of the Star Trek Convention (and all SF conventions, really): There was a time, long ago, when these cons existed by and for fans. They were places where fans could get together, safely dress up in costumes, debate the minutae of scripts, and generally geek out amongst friends without fear of The Jocks showing up.
Some folks realized that they could turn this phenomenon into a working business, and for better or worse, Creation was born.
For years, I had a great relationship with Creation. When I was a kid, I attended the Fangoria Weekend of Horrors shows at the Ambassador hotel. When I was on TNG, I appeared as a speaker at countless Creation conventions.
Then I had a not-so-great relationship with them for awhile. I felt that they had become the 800 pound gorilla in the convention world. They were the only kid on the block who had that cool football that all the other kids wanted to play with, and without any real competition, they charged too much, and I felt that the fans were increasingly getting the shaft.
Not the cool Richard Roundtree Shaft, either, so you can just shut your mouth right now.
In retrospect, there were many factors contributing to what I would describe as the decline and fall of the convention experience, and I think the guests need to be at the top of that list.
I never made very large speaking fees, even when I was A Big Deal™, but there were plenty of actors who did. It didn’t bother me too much at the time, because I felt that the fans were mostly showing up to see these headlining actors, and that meant Creation would earn a lot of money.
I always felt that the actors should share in that profit, until I became aware of the escalating costs to the fans, and the declining quality of the convention experience.
It was like I’d stepped out of the Ivory Tower for the first time, and I’d seen the suffering in the streets. I didn’t want any part of that world, and I didn’t want to do any more conventions. However, I was heavily pressured by my agents and publicists, so I continued to go.
I felt obligated, and I hated it.
I withdrew when I was onstage, I didn't give it my all, and I even stopped signing autographs in person. I guess I was 16 or 17 at the time. What I really wanted to be doing was playing GURPS and goofing off on this new computer network called GEnie where I could talk to people all across the country in real time!
After a few shows in this frame of mind, I quit entirely. I only did one convention that I can recall, when I was about 20, in Kansas City. It was horrible. There were about 50 people there, all crammed into the back of this auditorium because they didn’t want to pay for the “VIP” seats, so I was left talking to 50 people in a room intended for about 700, across 30 or so empty rows of seats.
I’m amazed that I didn’t climb to the balcony and jump off right then and there.
It was really hitting “Star Trek Bottom” for me, and I swore that I’d never do another convention again.
The convention world went on without me. My fellow cast members continued to regularly attend shows all over the world. I did one or two, including one in England, mostly because I love England and it was an opportunity to get over there on someone else’s dime. But in my heart, and in my ever-blackening soul, I hated it. So the cons were few and very, very far between, until I gradually stopped entirely.
Years passed, and I grew up. Like a battered wife, I began to forget the bad things and only remember how exciting it was to see OJ run for 500 yards in a game, how he would smile at me from the end zone, how sharp he looked in those Bruno Magli shoes.
I agreed to attend a convention in Pasadena, where I did the interviews that are in “Trekkies.” I don’t remember much beyond feeling like a complete loser for even being there, and embarrassed that my girlfriend, who eventually became my wife, was seeing me like this.
The world turned, and I eventually saw “Galaxy Quest.”
Seeing that movie reminded me about all the nice dinners I’d had with The Juice, how he always felt bad after he’d hit me, the fun trips we’d taken together, and how nicely tailored his gloves were.
I made a call to Adam Malin at Creation. I told him that I’d seen “Galaxy Quest,” and that it reminded me how fun Conventions could be. This was an entirely true statement. I told him that I’d be interested in doing some shows, if he’d have me. We had a very nice chat, and he invited me in for a meeting.
I went and saw him the following week, and we talked about what I was doing now, and how the convention world had changed. It was strange for me to be sitting in his corner office, on the top floor of a building in Glendale, looking out at the mountains where I used to live, telling him how grateful I was for the opportunity to talk with him about shows.
We agreed that I’d do some for him, and they’d be in touch.
What I didn’t tell him was that I hadn’t worked on anything meaningful in years, and I was really struggling as an actor. Anne and I had just gotten married, and we were under a mountain of debt.
I walked to my car, feeling dirty.
A month went by without any phone calls, and I thought that I’d been involved in yet another meaningless meeting featuring yet another string of empty promises. I began to feel depressed.
While I waited for the call to come, I spoke with Dave Scott, who owns a company called Slanted Fedora Entertainment. Dave had been doing lots of conventions, and had a good reputation amongst the fans, and more importantly, amongst my Star Trek actor friends. I told Dave that I hadn’t done a convention in a long time, and I was wondering if he would be interested in having me do one of his shows. He seemed interested, and said he’d get back to me.
Again, months passed. I did a few shitty, embarrassing, forgettable movies and I began to wonder if maybe it was time to get into some other line of work.
Something that involved exotic language like “Soup du jour.”
Before I could begin learning the art of up-selling wine, however, Dave called, and invited me to a convention in Waterbury, Connecticut, in March of 2001. In addition to me, Brent Spiner, Gates McFadden, and Denise Crosby would be attending. I was ecstatic. We agreed on a speaker’s fee, and I went to the show.
As an example of how long I’d been removed from Trek, I offer the following scene:
At the airport, I see Brent and Gates, standing by the gate, waiting to board our plane.
My heart leaps, and I walk towards them, beaming, with open arms.
They both looked up at me, like I am Hannibal Lechter, and begin to retreat.
They don’t recognize me, at all, until I tell them who I am.
Yeah, I’d been out of the game for awhile.
We did the convention, and it was really great. I had a wonderful time, and I thought that everyone there enjoyed my talk. I didn’t realize just how much they enjoyed it, until I read this review, though.
A few months after I got home, the call from Creation came. I was invited, not as a speaker, but as an autograph-signer, to the upcoming Grand Slam Convention in Pasadena.
Not as a speaker, like the rest of the cast, but as an autograph-signer, like that guy who played Transporter Chief #7 in episode 34.
This was a serious blow to my ego, especially after the success of the Slanted Fedora show, but I had swallowed my pride before, doing what I had to do in order to support my family.
Each time I’d done it, it had paid off in ways I didn’t expect: when I went to ComicCon in 1999, I met Ben, who introduced me to loren, without whom there would be no WWDN.
I can’t imagine where I’d be right now without WWDN.
I’d also gone to the Hollywood Collector’s Show, which is often referred to as “The Hollywood Has-beens Show,” where I realized that, no matter what anyone said, I really wasn’t a has-been. I was just a guy who was really struggling, having had too much success too young.
Hey, at least I wasn’t one of the Coreys, right? Yeah, that's what I'd try to tell myself.
However, at each of these events, as frustrated as I was, as much as it wounded my pride and bruised my ego, I knew that it was a much better alternative to, “Would you like to me to check your oil, sir?” I knew that I was very lucky, and I was grateful, if ashamed, for the opportunity to support my family.
So I accepted the offer to be a signer, rather than a speaker. I didn’t get a speaking fee. I got what I could by charging a fee to sign pictures, posters, trading cards…sadly, no boobies.
Although, at one point during the day, a very pretty girl came over to me, and I am not afraid to tell you, she was seriously putting the vibe onto your Uncle Willie. I mean, she was vibing me hard. She walks up to me, hips swinging, lips pouting, eyes leering, and says, “Do you have a girlfriend?”
“No,” I tell her…expecting a replay of the hooters incident, “I have a wife!”
BOOYAH BABY! I await her chastened response.
“Oh,” she says, coyly, putting a finger in the corner of her mouth, and drawing her tongue seductively across the tip. “That’s too bad.”
And she walks away, hips swinging.
Swinging, man. The room falls silent as she walks out. A guy in a Red Dwarf T-shirt drops a box of unopened Magic cards.
I picked my jaw up off the floor.
Shortly after this convention, I was looking for posts about the con on UseNet, and I saw that some dude had taken a picture of this girl, who was like a piece of steak in a piranha tank around all of us geeks.
The message said something like, “Look at this hot girl who was at the Star Trek Convention!”
There was a reply, which said something like, “Look! Here’s another picture of her!” It was that same girl, alright, but she sure wasn't wearing the same Charlie's Angels T-shirt that she was wearing at the con...matter of fact, she wasn't wearing anything at all.
That’s right, the full-on porn model totally hit on me, right there in front of everyone. Not that I would have hit it, being married and all that, but it sure did make my inner geek happy.
That convention ended up being really great. I was able to promote my ACME show, and climb a little bit further out of debt. I did end up giving about a 20 minute talk in a very small room, which was intended to hold about a hundred people, but was packed to standing with about 150 or so. The talk went fabulously well, and Adam Malin sought me out himself to tell me that he was sorry for not putting me up on stage in The Big Room. He said that he didn’t know how much the fans liked me, or how good I was on stage. He promised to have me speak at the Grand Slam Show in 2002.
At that show, I saw Dave Scott, and he invited me to the Vegas convention that is chronicled in the as-yet-incomplete Saga of SpongeBobVegasPants.
I was back in the game, baby, and I was loving it. Cons were fun again. I’d been on the other side of the table, standing shoulder to shoulder with the fans, for a few years. I’d grown up. I’d spent time on stage in sketch comedy shows and improv shows. I understood what audiences wanted, and I was learning how to connect with the Trekkies, how to identify with them. I felt like I was able to make up, in some small way, for the years I’d spent being an ass, and I really liked it.
Then came 9/11. Then my Great Aunt died. Then the economy fell apart.
I had to cancel some cons, because of work and family commitments, and cons had to be cancelled because there simply weren’t enough people willing to buy tickets.
The promised invite to Grand Slam 2002 never materialized, but I did attend again as an autograph-signer, this time without any damage to the ego. I saw it as an opportunity to promote the WWDN, and get closer to that magic Zero on the Home Equity Balance Sheet. I did speak in that same little theatre, this time to about 14 people, because I was programmed opposite Ricardo Montalban, who was occupying The Big Stage.
The only cons I was able to attend were the Galaxy Ball, chronicled here, and the CruiseTrek trip to Alaska, which is in the as yet unwritten “Untitled CruiseTrek Project,” which is coming soon, I promise.
I was also invited to attend the Creation Celebration of 15 Years of Next Generation, and a Slanted Fedora convention in Las Vegas in early September.
Why do I do cons? There are several reasons. It’s a good way to support my family, first and foremost. It would be disingenuous to say otherwise. I also enjoy the attention. It’s nice to tell my stupid stories, and make my stupid jokes for an audience that wants to like me. But the reason that I’ve become aware of since that Waterbury show, the thing that I’ve really gotten in touch with, is the tremendous satisfaction I derive from giving something back to the fans.
Look, the way I see it, I'm getting paid a speaker's fee for these shows, and that fee is coming out of the fan's pockets, so I owe the fans a memorable experience. I work my ass off at these shows, because it is my responsibility to ensure that they get their money's worth. If someone wants to ask me a question I’ve been asked a hundred times, I’m glad to answer it, because it means I won’t have be answering a question that I’ve been asked a thousand times…but seriously, folks, try the fish.
Wait. If someone wants to ask me a question I’ve been asked a hundred times before, I’m going to listen, and answer it like it’s the first time I’ve ever been asked. I’m going to do everything that I can to let the people who are there know that I value their time, and their appreciation of what we do. I’m going to really make sure that people feel that it was worth it to come to the damn convention. I’m going to give something back to the fans, however small.
One of the things I've been doing, to make conventions memorable for the fans, is performing with my sketch comedy group. We do a show that is geared for a smart, sci-fi-oriented audience, and each time we do it, the fans go nuts.
When Creation asked me if I would attend the 15th Anniversary Celebration show, they also asked if I would bring my sketch comedy group to perform a show. They told me that they’d heard from people who saw it in Las Vegas, or on CruiseTrek, that it was great, and would I consider doing a show?
I told them I’d love to do that, and they asked me about fees. I did some math in my head, figured out what it would cost for my group, reduced my personal speaking fee (bad economy, people losing jobs and 401(k)’s and all that) and gave them a figure. They said it sounded good, and they’d be in touch.
They called back in early August, with a very different number. A low number. An insultingly low number.
I asked why the number was so low. I put my fees into perspective, alongside the fees commanded by some of the other Trek actors.
The terse answer came very quickly: “Well, we just don’t think of you as a very big part of the Trek family.”
Ouch.
They had a point, I guess. TNG ran for seven seasons. I did four as a regular and a few episodes in the fifth year. There have been five TNG movies, and was almost in one of them.
Yeah, I guess I wasn’t as big a part of the Trek family, from their point of view.
But I was an original cast member on TNG. This was a “Celebration of 15 years of TNG” convention. They’d just made several million dollars at a show in Las Vegas. Surely they could come up a bit, negotiate a little.
Not a chance. Take it or leave it, Wheaton.
I considered their offer, and did some math. I thought about what it would cost for my comedy group. There are eleven of us, and putting together a show is expensive. The people in my group are all professional writers and actors, and I have to pay them for their time. We have to pay for rehearsal space, costumes and programs. I did the math, and when it was all done, if I paid my comedy group what they deserve, I would earn a few hundred dollars. I was unwilling to make them work for less than they deserve. I told this to Creation.
They’d just made several million dollars at a show in Las Vegas. Surely they could negotiate a little.
I offered to do the show for the fee they were offering, but I wouldn’t be able to provide the comedy group. In place of the comedy group, I’d bring some selections from my website: The Trade, The Wesley Dialogues, Spare Us The Cutter, and I’d read them on stage. It would fill the hour, and it would give something really cool and unique to the fans. I read some things on CruiseTrek, and they loved it.
No dice, Wheaton. The offer is for your group. Not for you alone. Take it or leave it. You’re not part of the family.
This put me in a very tough position. I wanted to be part of this show. I wanted to see the cast again. The fans, I thought, would really enjoy seeing me. The fans, I told them, have been reading my website in huge numbers. The fans, I told them, and I have really made a connection in the last year. I think it’s going to suck if I’m not there. They’d just made several million dollars at a show in Las Vegas. Surely they could reconsider.
We’ve made our position clear, Wheaton. You’re wasting our time. Take it, or leave it.
Well, I had to leave it. I think that there is a certain value attached to having me at a convention, especially one which purports to celebrate 15 years of The Next Generation, and while I was willing to adjust that value greatly, They’d just made several million dollars at a show in Las Vegas, and I wasn’t about to undervalue myself.
It sucks, I think, that I won’t be there.
It sucks for me, and I think it sucks for the fans.
Sure, there are fans that will be as angry at me as I am at baseball players right now, and I can’t fault them for that.
But I hope that there are fans who understand why I had to make the decision I made. They’d just made several million dollars at a show in Las Vegas. I tried to negotiate with them, but they had decided that I wasn’t a member of the Trek family, and it is their business. I respect that, though I may disagree with it.
When I hung up the phone with them, I felt awful.
I walked Ferris, which I often do when I'm upset, or stuck, or need to gain some perspective on things.
During that walk, I realized that in the long run this will be a good thing.
Yesterday, I wrote about the scary nature of facing the world outside of what I guess we'll call "your safety bubble."
Star Trek has always been my safety bubble, and getting cut from this convention, along with getting cut from the movie, has pretty much burst that bubble.
As that bubble collapses and pools around me, I step out of its false sense of security.
I take another step into a brave new world, conquering myself until I see another hurdle approaching.
Woo hoo!! First post!!!
Sorry, I just had to do it....
I wanted to say the otherday that I think it's pretty cool that Wil seems to be moving into another chapter of his life- maybe he'll be a best-selling author someday? Seriously!
>^..^
Posted by: Toonces at August 28, 2002 05:25 PMDamn, this entry is really, really long.
If I was smart, I'd have split it up across a few days.
Damn.
Posted by: wil at August 28, 2002 05:32 PMWil, sweetie, I'm so proud of you! The convention will be crap without you there, but you definitely did the right thing. Well done. :)
Posted by: Helen at August 28, 2002 05:34 PMThat's all right - you evidently have a torrent of thoughts that are all manifesting themselves as you continue to redefine yourself. Keep it up.
Posted by: LeatheJ1 at August 28, 2002 05:35 PMWil, you did the right thing, the only thing, by leaving their offer. Not a big part of the Star Trek Family? I guess they are entitled to their opinion but those of us who love the show and respect you as an actor, in all your endeavors, know better! Keep your integrity, love your family, and never forget your fans know better than those Creation airheads!
Posted by: Terry at August 28, 2002 05:35 PMI only commented because I thought you deserved something for writing so much! ;)
Posted by: Helen at August 28, 2002 05:35 PMTough Choices indeed. I'm glad to see you stick to your guns. A lesser man would have folded.
You're the Man now, Wheaton!
Posted by: Yo!Philly at August 28, 2002 05:35 PMDa-yum, Wil, I was thinking the same thing. This certainly made up for the lack of posts for the summer. Keep writing, buddy! It's therapuetic.
Posted by: Courtney at August 28, 2002 05:37 PMSorry about the busted bubble. You have a new security now, it's called FAMILY. But alas, I can sympathize, different situation different worlds, but that sucks just the same. Sorry.
Posted by: Melissa at August 28, 2002 05:38 PMhow many times can you say "They’d just made several million dollars at a show in Las Vegas." in one post :)
I'm glad you made the long post wil, splitting it up over a few days would've just carried it on. Plus then you'd have more of a chance to edit it.
This way we get the 'raw emotional feelings wil'. maybe. you're a writer now so maybe you already sat down and edited it to death. oh well. it's still a good post. The situation sucks tho...
Posted by: Dave B at August 28, 2002 05:41 PMWhoa, scratch that wil, you shoulda split it.
That is one huge post. I didn't realize how big it was till I scrolled back up.
Posted by: Dave B at August 28, 2002 05:43 PMWil, life is about taking one step, and then another. Just keep taking one step at a time.
Posted by: Patrick at August 28, 2002 05:44 PMWil,
You amaze me with your bravery.
You will never not be attached to Star Trek in my book. But that's just a small part of who you are to me.
When you write that book, save a few copies for me. ;-)
I'm going to enjoy reading you on paper.
Best of luck!!!
*MuaFishyKiss!!*
I think you're part of the family. Wouldn't have been TNG without you!
Posted by: chica at August 28, 2002 05:47 PMWe all gotta do what we gotta do, Wil. I'm happy that you've found your sense of peace with it. It's amazing how comfortabe we can get with something, perhaps even dependant on it for safety or security. Sometimes, we can even fear it. For myself, for so many years, I was so afraid of death and of failing that when my bubble finally burst, I discovered it wasn't death I was afraid of, but life. Does that make any sense at all?
Posted by: jeffroDOH at August 28, 2002 05:49 PMWow Wil, I really wish I can see your comedy group one day, can you guys come and do a show in DC or Richmond? haha any how.
I definately admire your courage in sharing this with us.
I have to say that, to me you;re a BIG part of the trek family. as a little 12 year old kids I saw this guy who wasent all that much older than me (I started watching in 1992 and was seeign reruns on the local independent channel) who was on this show and living anf working with all these grown ups who among them riker who was bad ass. so tme wesley was the shit. He still is to me, it;s funny watching TNG now I see Wes and imediately I am yelling out "IT'S UNCLE WILLIE!"
It seems that WWDN has been really therepudic for you. not only that WWDN has made you a sort of super celbrity not only are you a tv celeb you;re almos one of the biggest personalities on the web. I think to us Wil you're a big part of the trek "family"
I;ve never been to a convention but when I do finnal;y get to one I hope you;re there.
"I LOVE YOUR SITE WIL!!!!! IT"S ME PIKACHUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"
Posted by: Pikachu at August 28, 2002 05:50 PMGreat story (as always) but fix the links!
Posted by: 003 at August 28, 2002 05:50 PMSorry it didn't work out like it should have, Wil; they're fools for not being good to you. Your post yesterday was touching, too. Show biz is a damn tough business. Too bad the good guys don't get extra breaks because you'd be in clover.
Posted by: Topeka Lee at August 28, 2002 05:52 PMyou're right, it does suck that you won't be there, but i at least won't be angry with you. hopefully, if those insensitive few that are read this website, they'll also understand where you're comming from.
good job getting hit on by the porn star ;)
and good luck in the future. you deserve it, may your hurdles be low.
peace wil.
Posted by: alden at August 28, 2002 05:56 PMGood job, Wil! And as one baseball fan to another, the difference between you and the baseball players is that you aren't sitting on hundred-million-dollar contracts and a steady job.
It takes a lot more guts to walk away from a measly fee when "a paying job is a good job" than it does to walk away from a million-dollar job when you've got millions more in the bank like the ballplayers you compare yourself to.
Keep the faith, my man.
Posted by: Derek at August 28, 2002 05:56 PMwow
and when i started reading the post, there was only one comment.
oh well. good for you wheaton
Posted by: kristin at August 28, 2002 05:57 PMThere is life beyond Star Trek.
I don't know what it is but I have been told that. HA!
You have done well and will continue to do well.
Rip off your rearview mirror and floor it!
Posted by: Keith in Montana at August 28, 2002 05:59 PMThis, I suppose, has come out of both your most recent entries, but I didn’t get inspired to write until now. I think one of the hardest things in the world is to give up something that has become your comfort zone... the place where you always feel liked, where you know you will meet people who value you and what you have to say. For me that place was the theater, musical theater to be exact. The musical theater community in New York is certainly small potatoes compared to the television and film world, and probably even the convention world, and maybe that smallness is what makes it so very cozy as well. Those who have survived long enough and made it far enough all know each other, and it gets pretty freakin’ comfortable after awhile. When I was working on a show, or even just hanging out at the Actor’s Equity building I felt damn important. I was well liked, my talent was respected and I was a veritable font of musical knowledge and funny backstage stories featuring big-time theater stars (keep in mind that big-time theater stars are pretty much only stars in the world where they live and most people have never heard of any of them, let alone me). So there I was, comfy as can be, and yet finding year after year that I liked the job less, liked the crowd less. One fateful year, as I returned home from a big-time theater tour (starring an bona fide movie star, actually... that’s the way to get people in the rest of the country to actually go to a play), I realized I didn’t want to do it anymore. Not really. So I quit. I stopped going to auditions. When casting directors called, I said i was not available. Eventually I got brave enough to say that I would never be available again. Most of them were really confused (how many young actors will actually refuse an audition for a Broadway show?), but eventually they stopped calling, and I could breathe a sigh of relief. Finally. Because the hardest thing all that time was to say no... to let it all go on without me... to give up that world where I felt sooooo comfortable and flounder out into the “real” workforce where I had never been at the seemingly ripe old age of 28... to be a novice all over again... to be nobody. I’ll tell you though, it’s worth it. In the end, that comfort zone is just holding you back from finding out who you really are... what you can accomplish on your own... how there is actually something out there more satisfying than being a cog in someone else’s machine... fulfilling someone else’s vision.
It’s pretty cool. I think you’ll like it.
Okay. This is now only the SECOND time I have ever posted on here.
I just want to say - That is lame as hell that they treated you that way. And saying that you are not a part of the "family" as it were? What the hell is up with that!?
I'll be honest with you - Sometimes, I read your site and I think, "Sheesh. Wil is a really cool guy, but he is WAY too insecure about this fucking Wesley Crusher thing. He should just get over it and move on!"
Then I read entries like this and I think, "Damn. Poor guy. No WONDER he's not over the Wesley Crusher thing." The way people treat Wesley is like... like... It would be like losing your virginity at 14 and having everyone CONSTANTLY remind you, even when you are 30, that the girl was really ugly and no one liked her.
That would piss off anyone.
So, if it's any consolation, Wil, I thought "the girl was hot" (i.e. Wesley was a great character that allowed young fans of the show to finally have someone to identify with - plain and simple - and you portrayed him with a great wit, charm and dignity.)
Posted by: Eric Muss-Barnes at August 28, 2002 06:05 PMHey Wil, Thanks for the insight into the politics of SF conventions...it doesn't surprise me, however. It was a pleasure as a kid to attend the very first Star Trek conventions in LA...Equicon '72 and '73, put on by fans, for fans...back when the cast party out-takes were something many parents wouldn't want their kids to see. Actually, by the second year the out-takes had been cleaned up and polished...oh, well. At this point, the blue prints of the Enterprise had been hand drawn by a fan, later to be professionally done. Except for Shatner and Nimoy, the cast was there and doing their best among the fans. It was a little geeky for me at that point, but harmless fun...and after all, the goal was to bring about a Trek movie, so we more than won.
But money ends up ruling and everything turns into Big Dog Little Dog. Reading your post, I can't help but feel and say how far above all that you are at this point. To those who matter, you will always be part of the cast and so much more to everyone as a husband, father, actor, writer and whatever else you attempt.
Star Trek may have been your security bubble in the past, but you're on much more solid ground now. Sharing that process has meant a lot to all of us. Best, Rob
Posted by: Rob at August 28, 2002 06:10 PMThese Creation people are soul sucking, sabre toothed, masturbating Jackals. Having said that, I'm sure they are not all bad. (ok...I am sure they are)
Worry not! You have exciting (scary? oh sure.) options, and I am sure that you will not only continue to excel at writing and comedy, but your world will open up in better and better ways just because you've decided to go with your gut.
Good for you!
You made the right decision Wil.You know what your people are worth, and though they might have done it for you anyway, you didn't ask them. You chose to maintain your integrity and standing with the people you work with.(ugh! Grammar!)Regardless of what those silly bastards at creation think,TNG would have been half the show without you(5 seasons max)and I really think they should have done more with you and the traveller.(I loved your last episode!)
Stick to your guns, Time will prove you right!
Mark
Okay, now that I've read the *whole* entry, I gotta say the convention people don't know what they're losing. "Not part of the family??" What a load of crap!!! They need to get the sticks out of their butts or something..... >:(
Posted by: Toonces at August 28, 2002 06:17 PMHey Wil !
Considering the time it is over here in Germany right now (3:30 at night...) I'm proud to say that I just read the WHOLE article...and even though I'm almost falling asleep (NOT because of the article, though...), I had to post something here, that is really important for me: I have mentioned in an earlier post to your "Spare us the cutter" article, that the most important thing is, that you are proud of what you do and how you did it; a big part of that is to know how much you are worth (not only financially...but it's part of it also...).
So there you go... do I have to say more ? You are on the right way...on the way to yourself... and you pretty much crossed the goal line with this decision you just wrote about here.
Take care, man, and all the best to you and your family ! ! !
Posted by: Sires at August 28, 2002 06:31 PMWil,
I saw you at a number of conventions as a teenager even one here in Hogtown. I actually was uncomfortable with them alot of the time. I found ppl either stared alot or were just blatantly rude. I guess they got it in their heads that a teenage girl didn;t actually "belong" in that crowd and I spent a great deal of time defending my reasons for being at the convention. I knew a hell of alot about Star Trek but my number one reason for being there was to see you. I admit it loudly and proudly. Even now some ten years later that would still be my number one reason to go. Whether you were considered a "big deal" or not.
I learned a long time ago the opinions of ppl who don;t know me matter very little. In fact I still face that stigma of "not belonging" only this time its at the hockey arena. You wear a certain players shirt and every one has you pegged as his Saturday night special:P
Anyway I just wanted you to know your appearances were always appreciated. Creation can go screw themselves, they lost one of their best assets. Come on, do you really see the likes of Shatner being able to attract pornstars?
Posted by: Toronto at August 28, 2002 06:31 PMI'm forever impressed at the folks that see you as more than human or more than any other person on the face of the earth with very similar motivations.
That said, I still like you anyway, you big goon.
BTW, we're having a big ol' ST:TNG "Not Gonna Watch It" fest in Chicago. See you there.
Posted by: Roughy at August 28, 2002 06:35 PMYou did the right thing in turning them down. If they don't know the value of you and your group, then you just told them what it is (or at least what it isn't).
Taking their offer would have made you their bitch =P
Keep up the good fight. Something good HAS to be right around the corner...for your sanity and for the sanity of those of us who choose to spend some time with you here.
Posted by: Zeno at August 28, 2002 06:40 PMUnca Willie,
At conventions, it is easy to see that it really does matter to you that We The Fans get our moneys worth and are treated with respect. The best thing I came away from Vega$ with last year was the fact that Wil Wheaton is a cool person. Not that Wil is a great actor. Or that Wil is a good speaker. Or even that Wil is Funny As All Hell. But that Wil Wheaton is a really cool *person*. Those bags of Stuff That Will Gather Dust that I brought home do not compare.
I thank you for that.
It's too bad that the convention promoters do not see just how very loyal We The Fans really are.
Oh, and methinks you've been listening to Echo and the Bunnymen an awful lot lately!
Aloha,
Missy
"They both looked up at me, like I am Hannibal Lechter, and begin to retreat."
*laughs*
Posted by: moraelin at August 28, 2002 06:41 PMBoy, this hearkens back to '74, when I worked the convention at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto with the Pearse family. Prior I had done comic conventions (no-one would remember ORB magazine), so I was pretty up on the mentality that existed at the time. Having people like David Gerrold, the incredibly talented Harlan Ellison, comic artists Bill Payne, Bill Hsu, people like Captain George Henderson, even Jim Whaley, Gus Funnell and the usual gang of idiots made the experience memorable.
George Takei came up and stayed with his relatives somewhere near Spadina Avenue, Grace Lee Whitney graced the stage. She even kissed me! Gosh! We had a complete "working" bridge (provided by somebody's company in Mississauga). Crazy people in crazy costumes, the infamous blooper reel, showings of "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and others, all of these events came together and made it memorable.
Then, EGOS started rearing their horrible heads. People's self-importance grew as Cons grew larger and larger. Cloth-covered tables became aluminum stands became chrome and glass...
It became something else, less of a gathering of nuts, more a gathering of people looking to make bucks. Big bucks.
Geez, they took all the fun out of it.
I'd love to be able to hop into my time machine and take a look back, but I'm fresh out of plutonium, and I need some spare parts for my Interociter.
PS... if anyone can find out what point I'm trying to make here, please let me know.
Posted by: Dave at August 28, 2002 06:50 PMIf you care, I also think that you did the right thing. That was insanely unfair of them to do that to you. And, it's another step, (like you said) cutting the strings of star trek. From what
it sounded like a couple of months ago, you were
done with TNG. For all anyone knows, this could be a really good thing for you in the long run.
Like I said before though, I am not the greatest with words.
Wil,
Star Trek is your past man. We all have one, that's why we're here.
I miss high school sometimes and I never had the chance to tell anybody how cool it was (or was not, as the case may be).
Time to move on. That's not advice by the way, just a reflection of what I think you've already acknowledged.
Cheer up. There are a whole lot of shitty things you've never done.
Posted by: Retardacus at August 28, 2002 06:53 PMWil,
I just wanna say that I completely agree with you rejecting the offer for your group to do the con for such a small fee (i figured out about how much it is if you all got the same pay and it was only a few hundred each). Sometimes you have to look at these companies and ask yourself why they can get away with what they get away with. I've even heard of a few companies being able to claim losses on the quarter when they didn't reach their "Earned Sales" amount. What's up with THAT? It would seem that big businesses have typified the old axiom of being the "Corporate Monster". Anyways, good for you. WWDN kicks ass and so do you!
Ryan
Posted by: Ryan_W at August 28, 2002 06:55 PMWil,
I think you perhaps should think something up other than the usual sketch show you do and make them a counteroffer. For instance, you could hold a startrek improv workshop at the Con, and people could pay extra for tickets to participate in it, etc. I would love it if Wil showed me how to die, fire a phaser, and fly the ship. Heh. Star Trek Improv workshop/class - I'm elling you Wil, it could be awesome.
Posted by: Dale S. at August 28, 2002 07:00 PMI think that was a very brave stance you took, Wil, and a tough decision. Obviously, these people must have been in a vegetative state during your 4 years on ST: TNG. I 'came of age' while you were on the show and, I'm not afraid to admit I had a -huge- crush on Wesley. Having said that... Where can I send pseudo-hate mail to those "soul sucking, sabre toothed, masturbating Jakals" ?(thank you adrienne!)
Time after time I read WWDN and an amazed at how great of a person you are. (for example) Ask a celebrity about the DCMA and see their response... Wil's one of the good ones.
Posted by: bcass at August 28, 2002 07:04 PMTwo things Wil, I was wondering if these guys have ever read your site. You are a fantastic writer and I'm sure that you could put together a great show. If they had taken the time to check you site out they would have found a load of fans willing to see you. I have always bashed the Wesley charater because I was an adult and I didn't like the idea of Star Trek catering to kids like that, but you are still part of the family of ST. Sorry you had to go through that.
Secondly, why didn't you post an url to the woman that came on to you at the convention? Could you post it in BAC?
Good Luck Wil
Paul
Well, if I'd made millions of dollars at a show in Las Vegas, I would have reconsidered my offer.
The greed--it makes me sick.
You were an integral part of TNG. If Creation can't see that? Screw 'em.
Posted by: Sally at August 28, 2002 07:09 PMwhen one company controls the big conventions...it's my their way, or the highway...they tell you when to come, where to stand...and control the costs by squeezin' the non-mega-stars...in the business i'm in (radio), i can feel the end is near...as far as being able to being able to make any meaningful money...a very small number of companies control most USA commercial radio...and with syndication, satellite and automation, your local dj may soon be a thing of the past in all but the largest markets...so my bubble may soon burst on me...it's kinda of scary...but it's exciting too...i've been doing radio since i was 14...and never have had a chance to find out what it would be like to do something else...well maybe now i can find my true destiny...here comes the future...ready or not!
Posted by: d. burr at August 28, 2002 07:13 PMThe moment they said that you weren't a big part of the Trek family, they revealed themselves for the weasels they are. You made the right call.
Posted by: Chuck DeBus at August 28, 2002 07:15 PMWil - If, under the circumstances, you feel that not being at the con is a good thing, then I am happy for you as an individual that it worked out that way.
But, as a fan, it does make me angry to read that the people at Creation have so little regard for your contribution and importance in Trek history.
So I am happy for you, but I think they suck. And while I wish the other actors all the best, those convention people can bite me.
Miranda
Posted by: Miranda at August 28, 2002 07:16 PMHey Wil. Sorry to see that you will not be at the Creation con, but after reading your story, I say good for you. Too often all of us are bullied about by people/companies/bosses who are a little bigger than us and think they can have us do their bidding. We all need to stand up for what is right and tell these people to fart off. You can stand proudly, buddy, knowing that your fans respect what you do and that the convention is less without you there. (And if not being part of the Trek family means you have a successful life outside of the 24th century, than so be it!)
Posted by: Michael Alcoser at August 28, 2002 07:18 PMWil,
Conventions are becoming to comercial any way. I liked them when they were about the stars who were there to talk and sign autographs. Now they are way to much about selling everything we can sell from the "Sci-Fi World" and make the almighty buck. I would rather hand you ten dollars in person and hear you speak then have some business take the money and only give you ten percent. Maybe you should think about setting up a WWDN Convention and travel with it. That would be great! Also, always remember no matter what anyone says..you are part of Trek. I know you brought many viewers to the show who would not of watched it if you were not in it. The turned in when they saw Gordy LaChance on T.V. and stayed when they grew to love Wesley. Now we are all getting to know Wil and you know what...he is better than any character out there!
Posted by: ostheimerd at August 28, 2002 07:46 PMNaw, this works best not split up. I got sucked in, it flows so well. FWIW, I'm glad you have the right perspective on it; 11 years older than you and I don't think I'd be as mature...
(whispers "Write the book, Wheaton...")
Posted by: Thumper at August 28, 2002 07:49 PMHowdy. This was a very good post. I just recently found your website (thanks to the Joy of Tech webcomic) and I have truly enjoyed everything I've seen you write Wil. While I'm a ST:TNG fan and a general geek, I've never been to a real con, but if I were going to this one, I wouldn't be mad at you for not being there. I'm glad you stuck up for yourself and I hope that the new branch of your life you seem to be exploring makes you wildly happy. :)
Posted by: Daniel Einspanjer at August 28, 2002 07:53 PMHey Wil,
Trek might have been your "safty bubble", but you can think of you 10,000 monkeys as your "styrofom packing peanuts". You'll be just fine.
LK
Hey wil,
I think that you made the right decision, family first! i think it is awsome that you turn really pretty girls down that a lot of guys would be all over because you love your wife so much!! She is lucky to have a guy like you, there are very few guys in this world that would do that!!! Well anyway, keep up the good work, dont let those assholes rip you off!!!
Welcome to the real world Neo :-)
Posted by: Reg Barkley at August 28, 2002 08:13 PMWhat the hell else were you supposed to do? You knew it was an unfair deal, and you stuck to your guns. Good on you! I wouldn't have been able to see you there anyway - but other fans [and members of the posse] would've loved to see you.
I guess that's the way the cookie crumbles. Never mind, you made the right decision.
Posted by: Tiana at August 28, 2002 08:25 PMHeart. Soul. Inner strength. The ability to cut through bullshit and other minutia.... no worries. And as for that crap about not being a 'big' part of the Star Trek Family...
what.EV.er... who the hell cares.
Keep being funny and insightful.
Posted by: Rach at August 28, 2002 08:27 PMAs the Good Book says, " shake the dust off your feet as you leave. "
One thing that I have learned in life is when your season is over, it's over. And to stay in a season that is over will get old and moldy very quickly and so will you. I'm glad to see you putting both feet in your new season. It only gets better from here.
Posted by: Vikki at August 28, 2002 08:38 PMWil,
Kudos to you. You are still part of the TREK family no matter what Creation says. I like the way you think of the fans and try to give something back to them, so consider what you are doing this time as giving back to this fan. I enjoy WWDN and it is helping me through a rough time right now. Keep up the good work and I look forward to your long stories. ;-)
Dodge
Posted by: Dodge at August 28, 2002 08:46 PMWell, I think it's a shame that Creation doesn't consider you a part of the TNG family. My mom was fleeced by Columbia House for a good, long time to get the whole series on VHS (btw, it's killing her that the whole first season is now out on DVD), and it and Fraggle Rock sustained us through five years in Germany. I was in middle school and, understandably, identified with Wesley more than the rest of the crew.
I hate to think that Creation would scare you off all cons forever. Yeah, they're commercial, but, by all accounts, they're awfully fun for fans and celebrities alike. What never ceases to amaze me is that, no matter how much they hike up the price, PEOPLE PAY IT! It's astounding.
Good luck!
Posted by: Kat at August 28, 2002 08:59 PMThe Kid is getting hot.
After yesterday's 2 for 5, 1 double, 1 rs, he follows up today with a 3 hit game. 2 rs, 2 rbi's, 1 steal, 1 walk, and a diving shoestring catch in shallow rf.
Man that sucks, I was all excited- since I live in Vegas! Ah well, you are a good man Charlie Brown. Way to go- I like what someone above said..."Your family is your bubble now" thats a nice bubble to have.
Posted by: samalee at August 28, 2002 09:14 PMHey.
You know what?
Fuck the cons and motherfuck the cons.
I mean fuck 'em.
Fuck 'em two tines.
Fuck 'em, fuck 'em, fuck 'em.
Fuck the cons.
Motherfuck the cons.
And mother-FUCK the cons.
Two tines.
TWO times two tines.
The cons are like the RIAA. Their time will come. Continue to use this fucking website to connect directly to your fans. Your old fans and your new fans. Your fans who are prosthetic ear-wearing shut-ins and your trendy new cyber-friends like Spudnuts who is comfortable around women and who likes to wear fancy shoes and who would never be caught dead at a con.
Fucking con.
Fuck that.
If someone was going to ante up $10 for your autograph at the con (I have no idea what the going rate of such things is), then you offer that autograph for $5 and pocket 100% of the take.
You can't make appearances as Wesley Crusher, but you can kick the living shit out of Barney as Wil Wheaton.
Find some of the other Trek guys who are being dissed by the cons and organize... like... a big fucking camping trip where your fans get to spoon with you in your sleeping bag for $75. Give 'em say... 15 minutes for $75. So, if you spoon all night at that rate, you're going to clear like...
More than $100!
Or $1000.
But a lot.
This website is your ticket out.
And it is the key to your power.
That con asshole who low-balled you was once on the ground floor. Now the tables have turned. But the tables will turn again. They will. And that piece of shit will one day beseech you for a bowl of gruel.
That's when you spit in his open mouth and order your fourteen body guards to fucking beat him to death with a genuine prison pillow from the motion picture Star Trek V.
The balance of power is always changing, TVsWW.
Bide your time.
Posted by: Spudnuts at August 28, 2002 09:15 PMDon't worry about those a$$holes who don't consider you part of the trek family. To say that is to pretty much nullify the enjoyment/enthusiasm that kids had while watching your character and identifying with it (I was one of them ;p). I consider you very much a part of the "family" that is trek. I wasn't very surprised when I read how you had to negotiate to maintain your dignity, even after the company made many millions on their last event. Companies like this are obviously only concerned with the profit and not the fans.
Best of luck in your future endevors (sounds like a year book autograph doesn't it) and I'm sure the experiences you had while you were younger will give you more than enough advantage to succeed.
- lemonkey
Posted by: lemonk at August 28, 2002 09:15 PMAnd don't these comic book/sci fi geeks kind of like the dark horse or the outsider anyway? Why not organize an independent con which DELIBERATELY selects only the most marginal of sci fi/comic personalities and unapologetically eshcews the "heavy hitters."
I mean that's where these mainstream cons started in the first place. A bunch of hardcore fans meeting at the Continental Room of the local Red Lion.
So beat the cocksuckers at their own game.
Posted by: Spudnuts at August 28, 2002 09:21 PM Wil u have quite a story to tell.
Sorry to hear that things havent been goin too well lately.Though still keeping up with the best of em. Hope things go in a better lane for u soon.
I know this may seem like an extreme idea.But what if u worked on being a anime or game voice actor? Just another idea.
I spelled eschew wrong.
Fuck it.
Jesus Christ, I wish I had a milkshake right now.
Posted by: Spudnuts at August 28, 2002 09:24 PMI'm sorry to hear about how things with down with Creation, but kudos to you for sticking to your guns.
You have a gift for writing, and I hope that you find much happiness and success in it.
Posted by: kendoka at August 28, 2002 09:27 PMWil,
Conventions used to be run by the fans... why don't we do that again? You've got a few THOUSAND people here who would love to see you, and who would pay to see you. How about this: write your novel (autobiography, fiction, what have you), and then get the publisher to sponsor a Wil Wheaton tour around the country. You will obviously publicize it on WWDN. And you will be a huge success. Why? Because everybody loves Wil.
I have been reading your site since early 2002 -- and perusing the archives before that -- and I can honestly say that, while you don't know me, I know you better than some of my real-life friends. Nothing would be cooler than just sitting down to dinner with you and chatting about life, the universe and everything. And the thing is: I'm just one of thousands who feel exactly the same way. You have built up a real fan base here, Wil. And it's not just a FAN base, but a friend base. A family base.
Screw the "Star Trek family." You've got your own family right here -- and we love you.
Matt
Posted by: Matt at August 28, 2002 09:37 PMI truly believe that the key to your success is being in things with catchy songs.
Stand By Me: Yes
TNG: Yes (you should hear the lyrics I wrote)
New ST movie: No.
Cons: No.
There you go. Next time you get an offer, say "But first, a song." Fold your hands and wait.
Posted by: synchronicity at August 28, 2002 09:40 PMSplit this long thing into several days?
NO WAY!
Its great to have the whole story out now.
Besides; How long would we have to wait until we received the final installment?
Posted by: Keith in Montana at August 28, 2002 09:40 PMJust keep writing, Wil. Not just about Star Trek, but anything. You are a highly entertaining person -- and wherever your career leads you -- you are always going to be in the public eye. And I'm thankful for that!
Posted by: Eva at August 28, 2002 09:48 PMYou've definitely got your shit together and your priorities straight, Wil. Keep being true to yourself. Continue to not compromise your principles or do anything you're not comfortable with. You don't have to be "TV's Wil Wheaton" forever. At the end of the day the only person you have to answer to is facing you in the mirror (very close in line are the people you live with). Congrats on having strength and conviction. You're an inspiration.
You're a great actor, but you're great at a lot of things. Being multi-talented is one of the things that makes you a lucky and well-rounded, likable guy.
Wil,
That's the kind of attitude that has turned alot of fans away from the Trek universe. I can understand that Trek is a business, it's there to make money. But in that regard, it's a pity that Creation can't see that yes, Wes Crusher was only there for half of TNG, but Wil Wheaton is a continuing presence on the net and has brought alot of us back to TNG that had left Trek altogether long ago. Don't they realize that the same demographic that embraces Trek embraces your website and your comedy and the presence you've become? It's a stupid business decision, and while I doubt they'll ever figure out how stupid, I wish deep down that they would.
TK, pouting.
Posted by: TsuKata at August 28, 2002 10:11 PMDamn, I don't check the site for 2 days and look what happens.
I go to cons. Have for a long time. I went to Creation when it was the only game in town. I go to Dave Scott's cons when he's nearby. I go to fan run cons too, of course they're the best. Why to I continue to go to the commercial ones, when a lot of my friends shun them and put me down for attending and giving the promoters money? Because I hope that some tiny bit of my entrance fee (and sometimes it gets quite expensive) trickles down to the actors I came to support. I like the actors as people. The creative process of telling a story fascinates me, maybe because I tell a lousy story myself.
Sure, I first found these folks because they were on a genre show and were invited to a con because someone saw buck to be made. But I've enjoy hearing their stories. It's live. Some of the actors I've gotten to know better than others. The best guests are honest, working folks who just happen to have a job where they are seen by millions. I made a family of fellow fans, too. Cons are family reunions.
Those autograph only guests. You usually get to talk to these guests one on one instead of the cattle call autograph sessions of the speaking guests. Sometimes you can have real conversations. When I pay for my autograph to these guests, I hand over my money directly to the guest. I know he received it. Really, how many autographs do I need? It's just my way of saying thanks for all the entertainment you have given me, payment for a job well done. As a fan, the autograph only guests are a much better deal. There's a real person there, not just a sharpie pen.
I saw you at those last two Creation cons in Pasedena. Wil, I was happy to see you again. You were one of my favorite characters on TNG, such potential for growth. You signed my cruise photo, you were the last one that hadn't signed. When I heard you had left acting, I thought you'd never come back to a con again and I would have this empty spot on my photo. So thanks for that. You talked to me a bit, and did me a little favor and you were really cool about it. OK, so I got something out of our encounter. But I was glad just to see you. You brought back fond memories.
I'm torn. If I don't go to a con, some actor is out my bucks. If I do go, I'm supporting a system that includes jerks who say Wil Wheaton is not worth paying for. “Well, we just don’t think of you as a very big part of the Trek family.” What rubbish! You were Doctor Crusher's son. Your character was actually part of a family!
Thanks for the insight on what happens behind the scenes at a con. Thanks for taking a stand.
So, maybe I won't be seeing you on the big screen or the TV. So maybe I'll never get to see you at a con again and tell you in person what a great writer I think you are, especially when you write about your family. What a cool person you turned out to be. I still love a good story. And you tell good ones, Wil. I'll still be seeing you around. You're part of my family.
(Oh, wow, this is kinda long. I'm sorry about that).
Posted by: loretta652 at August 28, 2002 10:19 PMWil wrote:
"What I really wanted to be doing was playing GURPS and goofing off on this new computer network called GEnie where I could talk to people all across the country in real time!"
LOL! Did you see that poll at slashdot? Only about half the /. population even knew what GEnie was.
Hmm.... I don't know whether that should make me feel old, or make me realize that half the readers at slashdot are 14.
I wonder if half the readers at WWDN are 14.
I doubt it. The conversation here is more intelligent. Sometimes, at least -- when it's not saturated with profanity.
Posted by: Da Schmiz at August 28, 2002 10:31 PMI don't usually post that often, because I just like to enjoy what you say, and sometimes I take something from it and sometimes I don't. Wil, I enjoy TNG till this day, and you are part of that family. I respect you 100% for sticking to your values and priorities. Saying no to Creation was a good move if not based on principle alone. I used to work tables at Trek conventions and I know what you mean about the terrible costs. You have grown so much over the last few years, as have all of us hitting thirty like myself in a few months. The bubble may have bursted, but that doesn't mean your world has collapsed, tomorrow is a new day and there are plenty of bubbles to go around. "Two roads diverged in a road, I... I took the one less travelled, and it has made all the difference," Frost. Hurdles are good they keep your on track, and ready for what comes next. Mr. Wheaton I met you in my younger years when you were as you say an asshole, but even then I shrugged it off, and took no offense. I look forward to meeting the new Wil someday.
Sincerest Regards, Marie W.
Posted by: Marie at August 28, 2002 10:31 PMThat's awesome man. You've taken another step towards your true dreams, and that's better than most people.
Posted by: BrendoMan at August 28, 2002 10:33 PMOh, and about the "you're not part of the family thing" -- isn't it in "Journey's End" that Picard calls Wesley "part of the family" or "one of the family" or something like that?
Posted by: Da Schmiz at August 28, 2002 10:37 PMWil,
I have not read so much at once, since I ran into the T2 script on one of the movie sites, last year. Unlike that site, you tricked me into a good read. I did not know your entries seem to be growing up in front of all of us. Business and art just do not seem to mix but you always seem to try. You might want to try a book or a script oneday. With a little effort, you seem to
have a style of your own. I have already written way to much for one comment. Until next time,
F.G.
for those that might not know..... FARK.com posted the hacked web page of the RIAA today and was mentioned in a few news articles about the hack.... rumor has it now, from HZK Drew Curtis' business partner, the FBI has taken Drew for some questioning and FARK.com has been shut down until further notice. goto FARK's chat for updates!
sorry to barge in Wil, but ya'll might want to know!
Wil.
Hey man, the funny thing is, that con is gonna SUCK without you there.. sure there gonna see and listen to bs from all those other people from ST.. but you seem to have more intelligent things to say then them. Id rather go to a con with just YOU as a speaker, then one with the entire cast of TNG, but without you.
Keep up the good posts, and remember, you have a posse behind ya.
Peace.
Posted by: Rob S. at August 28, 2002 10:56 PMHaha, I think Drew curtis from fark.com is in jail.
Posted by: Rob S. at August 28, 2002 11:07 PMWil,
I went to a con in Philly in the early 80's for my 14th b-day. It was one of those VERY cool combo Trek/Dr Who cons too. I just can't believe it's come to this, although I shouldn't be surprised. How sad, because you are part of the family. Far more important than a red-shirt. Keep writing and I know I'll buy your books(s.)
By the way, I went for the autograph signing. I can't even recall who the speaker was for Trek, but the signing was Kirk's son. Woohoo!
Oh yes...some of the links don't work. :o)
Posted by: Helen~the other one at August 28, 2002 11:08 PMWil!
England loves you too! Come and visit us all and maybe I'll be nice and stop stalking you (OK two emails in 6 months isn't quite stalking, but I've been busy. No, really.)
Honestly though, the world is full of sucky people and the majority of sucky people wear suits. From now on, put your faith in those who wear lumberjack shirts.
Um, byeeeee
Posted by: PenguinJim at August 28, 2002 11:48 PMYikes! I just noticed the date, and have to correct my post: 2 emails in TEN months. Phew! Close one... I nearly looked obsessed...
Posted by: PenguinJim at August 28, 2002 11:50 PM"Swinging, man. The room falls silent as she walks out. A guy in a Red Dwarf T-shirt drops a box of unopened Magic cards."
----------------------------
Man...that made me howl. That's right up there with Raymond Chandler's "It was a blonde...a blonde to make a bishop kick a hole in a stained glass window."
As someone who used to run "cons" - that wonderfully appropriate slang for conventions - I can say categorically that money, especially big money, poisons everything.
When it's fun and cheap and money in = money out, everyone has a good time and talks about it all year until the next one.
Then you become popular, and you have to put the fees up to get a better venue or pay for more insurance, and it's still almost as good, but you're doing more work which is less fun, for you at least.
But then, at some point something happens. You do the math at the very end and find you're up $1000. Who gets it? You're honest, and so you tell the team, and you split it. But by then it's too late. Someone who did more work begrudges someone who only sold hot drinks that one time, and attended a few meetings.
But because money is now in the equation, next time people _expect_ a little profit and a split and you plan for it....
And suddenly you turn around and it isn't fun for anyone. Not for the organisers, not for the guests, and not for the fans.
But you're making pots of money, and so you carry on....
Ah the memories. If only they were better. So then, the team members who were in it for love drop away one by one, and the people who remain are the kind of people who really, truly, would just about do anything for money.
Great post, Wil, hadn't realised how strong these memories were until you called them back. Even though the feelings are negative, I'm glad I've faced them again. They explain a few little outbursts recently. Hmmm.
Thanks. No, really! :)
Posted by: Shannon at August 29, 2002 12:04 AMHi Wil,
My very first con was the TNG 5th Anniversary Con in L.A., way back in 1991. Everyone from TNG was there, except for Denise Crosby. Yes, even you were there (do you remember? Those were the days of free autographs). It was such a blast seeing all of you up on-stage together! I'll never forget that experience for as long as I live.
When I heard about the TNG 15th Anniversary Con in Pasadena taking place next month, I became so excited. I thought, "Gee, wouldn't it be awesome to see the cast up on-stage, together again. Just like my first convention. Woo-hoo!"
So, I proceeded to check out Creation's site. When I first found out you were scheduled to be there, I thought, "This'll be so cool! I've been visiting Wil's site for a couple of months now, and it'll be awesome to see him in person.". Then I saw that, no, it wouldn't be like my first con. No one would be up on-stage together. Everyone would be there at separate times on separate days.
"But Wil is gonna be there, so it's still worth seeing! Yeah!"
Uh. No.
I checked Creation's site again to see their updates on ticket prices. I was disappointed to find your name & image replaced with Patrick Stewart's.
Here's what I'm getting at: When I realized that A) the TNG cast was not going to be on-stage together, and B) you weren't going to be there, it wouldn't be worth the time & money to attend such a boring event.
Anyway, thank you for taking the time out to explain what really happened with Creation. Those bastards make enough money raping our (the fans) wallets. Conventions used to be such fun events to attend, but now it's all about the bucks. What a fuckin' turn-off.
Oh yeah. One more thing.
"At the airport, I see Brent and Gates, standing by the gate, waiting to board our plane. My heart leaps, and I walk towards them, beaming, with open arms. They both looked up at me, like I am Hannibal Lechter, and begin to retreat. They don’t recognize me, at all, until I tell them who I am."
When I read this, my jaw just dropped. I realize that they hadn't seen you in awhile, but Jesus Christ! You couldn't have changed THAT much!
Cold. Just cold.
I'll stop rambling here. Peace.
Wil,
Those Creation bastards don't know what they are missing.
You should buy yourself a ticket and make your own little side-show.
Better yet, hold a WWDN convention sometime. =)
All the best!
Posted by: Jim at August 29, 2002 12:06 AMWil, when you write that book, I'll be snaggin' the hardcopy. And I know a lot of other people will, too. Keep writing. You're good at it, because you speak your mind and your heart clearly and without affectation. Not much on the Web really knocks my socks of these days, but you do, with alarming regularity. You've got talent and tenacity. Don't *ever* let the bastards grind you down!
Posted by: Erik at August 29, 2002 12:16 AMWil, not part of the family ???
these people must have balls.
gene wanted you to play wesly.. a part that, from what I have heard was something to do with gene
and his wanting such a life
I started watching STNG because of that character
which turned out to be. Mr. Wil Wheaton....
Data was cool, Troy was hot.. Dr. Crusher
looked like my Aunt... Cap Pikard...boaring..
and #1, was more like #2
I remember a line from the movie;
"A Lion in Winter" Kathrine Hepburn, talking to herself says; "what family doesn't have there
problems." (or something like that..)
at least your working at something you seem to enjoy or why else do it?? what else can Wil do?
porn? I THINK NOT!
how about radio? I'd give up Dave, Shelly & the
Chainsaw any time to listen to your morning show..
(KGB 101.5 SAN DIEGO)
or.. how about working as a graveyard night manager! wow.. think of all the sketch comedy
you could write about doing that.. like just tonight, I helped a guest from Japan, learn
some english.. supplies! :)
and as for the mountain of debt Wil,
I've been there, done that... if you need any help
just ask. I'll help with whatever I can..
goodnight....
Posted by: wade art at August 29, 2002 12:40 AMWil,
It's been several years since I've been to a convention, but I used to go a lot and got an education the hard way on the business end of them. I traveled to Los Angeles to see a huge Creation bash after TNG's first year, and while I had a blast and am very glad I went (it was the only time I ever saw Gene R in person and I learned that Jonathan Frakes is hilarious), I was quite disgusted with the Creation people. Among other things, I felt they were guilty of false advertising by omitting from their promotional materials that some speakers required an extra admission fee. Here my girlfriend and I had driven 500 miles for this event and oh, surprise, you'll have to pony up an extra $50 (or whatever it was) to see the whole thing, so sorry we didn't tell you earlier. I tracked down Adam Malin and complained to him personally and he gave me the brushoff. I was appalled by the casual way he seemed to be saying that it was perfectly OK to screw the fans so long as they pay.
And yet, as you say, sometimes you forget the beatings and go back for more. I went to a couple more Creation shows (including one in Tucson in '89 when I had the good fortune to meet young Wil Wheaton, and you were good enough to enthusiastically sign a Wesley sketch -- http://www.starshiptim.com/archives/Wil.html -- I'd thrown together; thanks for that, BTW), and each time found myself aghast at the way the Creation staff was treating their customers. By then I'd been to a couple of Starland-run operations and realized the simple truth that Creation sucks ass. I had more "conversations" with Adam Malin, who was smooth enough to remember my name each time and keep a tone of voice that suggested understanding while he essentially told me to go fuck myself because he had my money now.
So it isn't just you that they don't have respect for. It's they paying public as well. I suggest you keep doing conventions—for all the reasons you cited—so long as they're run by someone else. When you get rave reviews from appearances at Slanted Fedora or StarFest or Cruise Trek and Adam Malin starts asking you to do his shows, you can have the satisfaction of telling him that, frankly, you don't feel his organization is a very significant part of the Star Trek fan family.
Wil, somehow you went from being my most "un-favorite character" on TNG, to the guy whose weblog I read faithfully everyday. That's called talent. I'm not a Wesley fan. I'm a Wil Wheaton fan. Why? Because he seems more real than anything I've seen on Star Trek.
They say that Star Trek is primarily about the human condition. That it's a show about the Star Trek universe and also about the lives of people everywhere. Well, I guess that makes your website an episode of Star Trek. It's at times about the Star Trek experience, but it's also about your triumphs, tragedies, hope and fears. I can relate to your stories better than any episode of "Enterprise."
F--- those bums at Creation. You keep doing what you're doing on this site, and you'll have tons of fans clamoring for you. Who cares about Wesley Crusher? You're so much more than Star Trek.
Posted by: Brandon at August 29, 2002 01:12 AMI think it takes balls to stand up for what you believe in, and I respect that. Keep standing in that puddle of glue :)
Posted by: missy at August 29, 2002 01:24 AMFirst time post here. Why? Because it took a lot of guts for you to tell those Creation folks no. It said to me you wouldn't let just anyone use you. Something also tells me you would have been more mad if you would have said okay to them. Makes me wish I would tell more folks no instead of just taking the money... I wouldn't have worked on as many hokey websites as I have. Good for you, Wil!
Posted by: SvenWeb at August 29, 2002 01:47 AM'Something that involved exotic language like “Soup du jour.”'
Hahahahahahaha.
Come visit us in England some day, when you've written The Book. Bring autographed copies. :)
Not having everyone there at the special anniversary thing is crap. Why not run your own rival "Come meet Wil" convention...?
Posted by: NickW at August 29, 2002 01:48 AMNext time, tell 'em you'll be there, take the chump change, and send Spudnuts in your place.
Posted by: Jato at August 29, 2002 01:55 AMYOU ARE A PART OF THE FAMILY!!!! Like your one friend Gabe, I grew up with Star Trek:NG being my only friend. And when I think of ST:NG I definately have you on my viewscreen. You were "the Kid" on that show that I loved and could identify with. I might have committed suicide without ST:NG because my life during that time was very very sad. Your Wesley character was loved and supported by the other characters and I envyed that because in my world smart yet awkward kids were more likely to be tormented than appreciated. Not that I was made to feel smart by my jock supporting school system. I was ignored by the adults and made to feel like an outsider by everyone else. I am in my mid to late twenties now and happily married and have some great friends...I am doing fine. I went to University, and it was there that I did a lot of self examinations and evaluations and began to like the better me. Though I revealed some personal things about myself here ....I hope that it helps you in some way and that you don't think ill of me. I am glad that you didn't sell out on what you believe. Hollywood can be so fake and insulting to people's intelligance it is good to see that you are not like that. I will definately still be a fan of yours no matter what you do...famious or not. I think it is better to be a fan of decent intelligant humanity.
Posted by: Artisticspirit at August 29, 2002 01:55 AMMe you and spudz should crash the convention.
Bring some booze, some hookers (for me and spudz) and some ganja.
We could pan handle for you around the convention and you could wear a sign saying "I'm not part of the family take, it or leave it"
We could get all shitty and start picking fights with the dressed klingon hoes and maybe get a klingon gangbang going.
Seriously that sux bro you need tog et some revenge. You were the buiggest part of why some of us kids started watching star trek in the 80s. Its fucked up of them to do this and you need to get some retribution.
Fight the power that beats bro.
DOWN WITH CREATION.
Posted by: hops at August 29, 2002 01:58 AMWil.
Tell Creation this. Its the fans who decides if Wheaton is in the family. It is the fans and the actors who makes it all possible, not Creation! F**k Creation. Im sorry bad taste cost you money and suffering. Now im mad, I'll have to go out and beat up something. (Something not alive)
Posted by: Robert at August 29, 2002 02:13 AMIt is the fans and ctors that make up star trek not Creation so they can just get f**k*d you did the right thing:)
Posted by: Phil at August 29, 2002 02:18 AMI'm one of those that hated TNG (and all things Trekkie since WFS hung up his girdle, wig and built up boots). I came to this site by accident, and got hooked. Not hooked on celebrity, not hooked on someone I fancy, or someone who brings back memories of films and shows I loved. I'm hooked on a fascinating journal by a talented, amusing and interesting writer, who leads a real life, and is happy to share it with us however crap/great/moving/irritating/scary/funny/silly it may be.
The point being - TNG is dead to Wil, and the acting career is on hold. However, Wil lives on. He has everything that is important in life, and will continue to entertain and amuse in whatever field he chooses to focus on. Change isn't failure, change is progression. Long live Wil.
Posted by: Jay at August 29, 2002 02:21 AMThat is a heck of a post Wil! It makes up for all the waiting we had to do while you actaully got on with living your own life. *grin*
Seriously it sounded like a sucky situation and I think you did the right thing.
Now what i want to know is when is the first WWDN convention?
Can we have Spudnuts as a guest speaker? Please? Pretty please?
Wil, you are and always will be a part of the Star Trek TNG Family.
The money grubbing, moronic Creation people obviously can't see past their wallets to understand that reality.
It's their loss.
Maybe you should talk to the big men - Patrick Stewart (TM) and Jonathon Frakes (TM) and tell them your story. Perhaps they can pull a little bit of weight.
In all honesty, you should be there, right alongside Denise Crosby and Dwight Shultz. To the fans it doesn't matter how many seasons you did, what matters is that while you were in the show we loved you, and we still love you afterwards.
Don't give Creation the power to burst your bubble, Wil. Take it back. That's what being in control of your life is all about. You may not get into Creation, but at least they won't have shat all over you and shat all over what Star Trek means to you.
Australia loves you, Mr Wheaton, contact Multiverse and come do a convention down under.
Business is business is business...
Too true.
It's still not cool, Wil. :\
I've only been to one sci/fi con. Mostly Star Trek oriented, though. Met a lot of cool people. Specifically, Jerremy Bullock (Boba Fett) and a lady who appeared in "the hippy episode" of Star Trek that was sporting a huge banner above her table reading, "I jammed with Spock". The accompanying picture showed her with some weird-looking harp, and Spock playing his Vulcan... harp... thingie. :P
The two major attractions for this show didn't even make it on the day that I went, ironically enough. Shatner and Montalbon.
My brother went back the next day with a friend to get an autograph from Shatner, and surprisingly enough (can you feel the sarcasm?), Shatner turned out to be a complete ass when he wasn't on stage, and only doing signings.
After reading this, I really wish you could've been there, Dude. It, honestly, would have been really cool to have met you.
If you're ever in the Boston area, make sure you announce it. I'll pay whatever fee to get out there. And, I'm draggin' my wife with me. ;)
Seeya!
Adam "Pegasus316" Fullerton
Posted by: Pegasus316 at August 29, 2002 02:40 AMTo Wil and everone else at WWDN,
Before I ever visited this site I was a typical anti-Wesley Star Trek fan. Now I am pro-Wil and anti-Star Trek. I never imagined that the guy who played Wesley could actually have feelings... I mean, Wesley was HATED, who CARES?
Until I visited WWDN I didn't realise how judgemental I had been. I didn't realise that Wil had a mortgage that he had to pay off, and was struggling to do it. I didn't realise that Wil had brains and the ability to write as well.
I hope Wil gets a good gig. I hope some Star Trek loving Quentin Tarantino equivalent will get Wil a solid part in a critically acclaimed movie that will make him millions and force him to spend less time at this Website.
Neil
There can come a point in any business negotiation where, if your basic needs are not met, you have to just fold your hand and walk away. You were intelligent enough to do this even though your emotions were pushing you in the other direction. This was a good career decision for the long term even if you have a cash flow problem in the short term.
(It even has STAR TREK precedent, witness Gene Roddenberry's withdrawal from active producing during the third season of the original series.)
As for whether or not you're a large enough part of the Trek "family", never have a doubt of it. Remember that Wesley was created to be, to an extent, Gene's youthful alter ego -- how much more part of the family can that be?
Let Adam Malin go on with his quest to turn himself into Montgomery Burns. As he does, he's the one who will fall down the wayside of life, not you. You're a mensch, and your sons and wife love you. That's what's important.
Best wishes from my family to yours.
You are funny as hell.
Write the book, Wil...
We want the book!
Posted by: Bill Bekkenhuis at August 29, 2002 03:21 AMgod, i cant believe i just read all those posts! Seriously though, wil mate, you need to do a WWDN con! Might startof slowly with people comign to see wes, but once people realise you are funny and intelligent for being YOU, more people will come. Jesus i sound like that film.. "If you build it, they 'wil' come". Have faith in yourself, don't be insecure, we're all telling you we luv ya! We wanna read your books, we wanna see you make us laugh. We want to see YOU. I couldn't give a flying f*** about meeting WFS, and as good lookin as pat stewart is, i couldn't care less about meeting him either. We wanna see and meet you because you actually took the time out to talk to us geeks/babes (;) and share your thoughts and feelings with us. A person who does this with someone is usually called a FRIEND. You have the most friends on the planet!
Come to UK! I'll bring my FRIENDS x
Posted by: s'becks at August 29, 2002 03:50 AMScrew 'em. Your family and friends love you. Your dog loves you. Your monkeys love you. Well actually, I love your writing, having never actually met you. But you get the point. In the end, you'd regret not going on a family vacation, missing a birthday, or missing a recital for far longer than not going on an audition or to some rip-off convention. I went to one crappy convention in Des Moines, Iowa and the highlight was a possibly not quite sober Jimmy Doohan being a jerk to a room full of people and the bastards at Creation charging what was for me at the time a few days' wages.
Folks, buy/rent Trekkies. It's a far better entertainment value than any convention. Or Kingdom of the Spiders (click my link) if you need a William Farking Shatner fix.
Feeling low? Look at your dog. Look at your wife. Look at your boys. Or if you are looking for a barometer outside of your house, look at your Walk-a-thon page. Holy smokes! How many struggling actors do you know that could get that much money from total strangers even for a very good cause?
Oh, Wil... you aren't the first Trek star to burn a little dimmer on an infomercial. Ricardo Montalban sold electric grills. (Of course he also did Fantasy Island and lived to tell about it.) And Robin Curtis (replacement Savik) sold some other kitchen wonder. Both of them are working actors.
So what if some think you "sold out" by selling computer doo-dads. But you fed for family for six months. GOOD FOR YOU!
Hiya Wil,
What can I say, but this sucks, for and for all your fans and fan of TNG. How dare they dictate who was or wasn't apart of the ST family. It's a bit like saying Denise Crosby, isn't part of the familiy because she was only in it for a a season and a half. Or John Delance, because he was only a guest in a dozen episodes. Yet all the fans know that they are part and parcel of the ST family, and they would never question it. So WHY do these So called Organisers of the conventions, dare and i mean DARE to tell us the fans who we can and can't see because they want to make even more money. It's sick!!!!
I may not of been able to see you anyway as i live in England, but i still think it's unfair1 Enough of my mad ramblings, your one cool person uncle willie
Kordith
Posted by: Kordith at August 29, 2002 04:25 AMBoth kree yay shun and Slanted Fedora have done numerous shows in the Philly area (where I live) and there are many reasons why Will is better off without doing business with both of them. I'm a 56-yr-old Trekkie, a member of a Starfleet chapter in Philly and one of a small group that helped drive kree out of Philly (they only do Xena cons, here, and they're usually in a NJ location) because we realized it had become about only how much money kree made and nothing else. Scott Slanted is also too money hungry and can't seem to rise above the "New American View" of what quality service means (i. e. " the lower, the better").
Will's writing style makes me very proud. After all, he is a product of, among other things, the Star Trek Universe. Will, keep up the good work and find some other reason to come to Philly - I know a lot of people who would love to see you.
LLAP,
Vince
wil: you've got your own greek chorus here at WWDN repeating the same thing over and over...go for it!
Posted by: d. burr at August 29, 2002 04:40 AMWil,
I was lucky enough to catch you at a convention in London (at the Royal Albert Hall - I have pictures!) - if that was you not enjoying yourself, I REALLY want to se you at an event where you ARE enjoying yourself! I don't know if you realise this, but you were the talk of the convention - everyone I spoke to was genuinely impressed with your stage appearences - having previously fallen prey to the "Wesley Crusher? Ugh! Who'd want to see HIM?" tendency.
Conventions here in the UK are going the same way, it seems - one or two big organisers producing expensive shows with tons of restrictions - when I first started going to cons they were small, relatively inexpensive and you actually got the meet the guests in person! Now, I've stopped going because I simply can't afford it.
You made the right decision, and the guys who treated you so badly will (eventually) reap what they have sowed. If they try to cut costs on guests and hike the entrance fees, and make arbitary decisions on who is or isn't an important part of Star Trek, eventually they will get no guests worth seeing and no attendees with enough money to spend. IT is not up to Creation, or even Paramount to decide who is an important part of the franchise - it is down to the FAns and (originally) to the GBOTG - after all, he picked you for the role he created - he must have thought your character was 'an important part of Star Trek'!
WFS 'wrote' a book called "Get A Life". Well, Wil, you've already GOT one - congratulations! Now go out there and enjoy it!
Au Res.,
Paul
I remember meeting Adam Malin in 1984 or so up in Houston, TX.
I was attending a fan-run convention (an endangered species if there ever was one!) and he was approaching James Doohan (Scotty) about trying his new convention scheme. I was in the restaurant bar just hanging with Mr. Doohan as I had completed an interview with him for a fan video project and was buying him a drink -- such "closeness" was available back then at the fan-run cons.
Anyway... here's Malin telling him how he'll run these quick in/out conventions, they sound horrid. My experience (as a long-time ST/SF fan) has been fan-run cons, long affairs where the stars are well treated and get involved with the fans and hang with them.
Malin is explaining, "you just come in and do your Q&A and then sign autographs, we can have you on the plane out of town that night" -- basically the genesis of the "slam bam thank yew ma'am" Creation cons we see today.
I've been to only two creation cons, and they were both sterile and ugly experiences to me. Why? For those who've not been and wonder about us ST geeks here ya go:
1) High ticket prices, and tiered tickets... like having to pay $50 for two days so you can be right by the stage
2) All the dealers are Malin's buddies or his own employees, therefore the merchandise is over-priced (like one con I went to in my home town and the toys were at the Toys R Us for $10 less)
3) Created merchandise by Creation so they can continue their $$$ efforts
4) No real chance to hang with the stars...unless they get a small turnout and things change (ala Wil's experience with a few fans)
5) No content or panels... all Creation does is put the stars on the stage, out to autograph and puts on some videos; if they really go all out they might have a costume call or a trivia contest
I still support fan-run conventions, like AggieCon in Texas which has a long regional history, wuns for *FOUR* days and usually only costs a fan about $25 for a ticket... there is content, chances to see friends, filking, gaming, movies, videos, contests, lectures, readings, and speakers and autographing.
Anyway, I remember with fondness "real" conventions and I detest what Malin has done to them with his "quickie/screw the fans" cons.
Wil, I know you will rise above this... and we at WWDN support you.... it is too bad that he didn't keep you on the bill in a proper way, but all Malin has EVER cared about his bottom line and making the highest profit possible.
HUGS!
***THE BEEJ***
Posted by: ***THE BEEJ*** at August 29, 2002 04:55 AMQuick question ... do you have any idea how much they made at the show in Las Vegas?
Posted by: tj at August 29, 2002 05:04 AMJust another vote in the you-did-the-right-thing camp, Wil. You should be damn proud of yourself.
Posted by: Josh at August 29, 2002 05:09 AMI can't believe they told you that you weren't a part of the Trek Family! They are idiots.
I saw you at a Trek convention back when you were still on the show. This was long before Creaton got to be the greedy bastards that they are now. We were sitting in the front row waiting for you to come on. About 15 minutes before you were scheduled to come out, you just walked into the room and sat down on the floor in the front with the rest of the fans, and just watched what was going on on stage. Very few people seemed to notice, but we did. It was hard to miss your bright tye-dye shirt. I just thought it was cool that you seemed to be a real person.
You gave a good talk. The only thing I really remember is talking about how you were dealing with the "kill Westly" sentiment that many had. I still have a picture of you signing an autograph for me.
I think that this DEFINATLY makes you a valid member of the Trek family!
BTW, you should autograph some of the Next Gen DVD box sets and auction them on ebay. I'd buy one!
Posted by: Chuck at August 29, 2002 05:33 AMwhat the people running these cons never seem to understand is they wouldnt have all their million dollars without the fans. you are someone the fans want to see, give the fans what they want. the good thing is youre doing new cool things, this website is very well run and interesting to read. being that there are millions of sites out there, being an interesting one is hard to do these days! :D
Posted by: kat at August 29, 2002 05:41 AMI've noticed lately that pretty much anything Wil says on this site about Trek gets reported all over the place, I see it on Scifi.com and all kinds of other places. So, who knows, maybe this latest thing will get some coverage and it will guilt the Creation people into including Wil in the con. I've dealt with Creation through my dayjob, and they are really a very fussy and disorganized bunch. It kinda doesn't surprise me they're dissing our dear Uncle Willie, just because they're so jerky in general.
Posted by: Ursula Hitler at August 29, 2002 05:43 AMY'know what. I've heard it said before, that Creation suck, and I've always reiterated that their a business, and they have a profit margin, whether we like it or not. And, in my humble opinion, that's true.
They still suck though.
Posted by: Nick C at August 29, 2002 05:46 AMI've said it before, and I'll say it again:
Hey Wil, fuck 'em.
If they want to treat you like the night janitor, they and their stupid convention and cram it up their coal chute.
When you are accepting your Oscar for best screenplay or when your novel hits #1 on the NY Times Best Seller list, you can gently remind them of the time they blew you off.
youknowwhatimean?
Posted by: michael at August 29, 2002 06:05 AMWil, I think the book idea is great. I know that if you were coming through Florida, I would drive to see you! When something for the fans turns into a major money maker for the organizer, it isn't for the fans anymore. I know it would be hard to leave Arena and head out, so maybe that isn't the way. But keep the blogging up, we'll keep reading.
Posted by: heiskell at August 29, 2002 06:07 AMWil,
i think its fairly clear that the whole Star Trek franchise and everything about it has been totally fucked since the end of TNG, and possibly even earlier(around the time Rodenberry died). You did the right thing by not taking the convention - if they dont wanna pay you what your worth then its their loss!
Praetor - Melbourne,Australia
Posted by: praetor at August 29, 2002 06:09 AMYou got hosed Wil, you got hosed.
Posted by: Popey at August 29, 2002 06:33 AMTwo points:
Creation is evil. You hit it on the head Wil, they treat the fans like shit while taking the money out of their wallets. I've never workedwith such a condescending group of assholes as Creation staff.
Major League Baseball players are not evil. I do think they have a point on principal. And compared to the money the owners are making, what they want seems fair in perspective. However, it does not seem fair in the real world, out here where I'm supporting a family of five on $20K a year. I'm thinking I should give Savekaryn a run for her money and post my PayPal link...
Posted by: Gette at August 29, 2002 06:34 AMhow big a part do they think you'd have to be?
177 episodes in total. you were in seasons 1-4(100 epi's) and several in the 5th year.
these con people must not be very good at math(except when it's dealing w/ money in their pockets)
aaah who cares. WWDN and Arena are the best things you've ever done(with the exception of Stand by me, that's a fine piece of work as well)
drew
Whats so funny about this post, is that Wil is making himself even more of the Star Trek legend than he ever was before. If there ever was a place where the Star Trek family lives, its the internet, and right now, Wil, you OWN cyberspace. You are the one online daily, in touch with the fans, and showing your very human side. This is how things start- at the grassroots level. Someday, after your tell-all WWDN book comes out, these fools at Creation will be begging to get you- my hope for you is that you refrain from ever working with them- even when the spotlight is directly on you.
Another thought- why don't you and some of the other Star Trek cast members create your own Convention company, work out a deal with Paramount (or not), and then be the only source of Star trek Conventions for the Genuine Cast Member Family™, and effectively cut out Creation? If you get the right people together, and create the perfect fan based experience, I think you would be incredibly successful at it.
If you build it, they will come...
Whats so funny about this post, is that Wil is making himself even more of the Star Trek legend than he ever was before. If there ever was a place where the Star Trek family lives, its the internet, and right now, Wil, you OWN cyberspace. You are the one online daily, in touch with the fans, and showing your very human side. This is how things start- at the grassroots level. Someday, after your tell-all WWDN book comes out, these fools at Creation will be begging to get you- my hope for you is that you refrain from ever working with them- even when the spotlight is directly on you.
Another thought- why don't you and some of the other Star Trek cast members create your own Convention company, work out a deal with Paramount (or not), and then be the only source of Star trek Conventions for the Genuine Cast Member Family™, and effectively cut out Creation? If you get the right people together, and create the perfect fan based experience, I think you would be incredibly successful at it.
If you build it, they will come...
It sounds to me like Trek, and show biz in general, is a really crappy "security blanket," no matter how snug it may sometimes feel. Wil, you are too talented and too capable to be treated the way that industry has occassionally treated you. Your writing here has always impressed me. You go guy!
Posted by: Paul at August 29, 2002 06:53 AMFirst of all I have to say, "You Rock".
There is no other website (celebrity or not) that receives as many comments or hits then yours.
I don't know if you read your comments or not, but after reading abt 20 or so, my brain goes numb, so If you read this, great!
Wil, write a book. I'd buy it, and that's saying something because I'm a cheap ass and hardly buy any book new. You may ask why to write a book, cause there are a lot of people like us that will buy one and lots more that aren't computer savy enough to get to your site that will too.
You have many interesting things to say. Each day I eagerly await your next exciting post.
And you never know, you could be a best seller, and maybe pay off the rest of your bills...
One other thing...fix your links...
Posted by: Inkeeper2097 at August 29, 2002 06:55 AMI have never been to a convention, but if I were to go, it would be because YOU would be there. I find it hard to understand why in the world they wouldn't consider you as pa