GODZILLA IN CYBERSPACE!
Since rising from the ocean's depths in 1954, Godzilla has had adventures
in many different places. He has stomped his Japanese homeland many times,
resided on tropical islands and even visited Planet X. Now he is on the
Internet and is discussed and debated in web pages, message forums, news
groups and electronic mail. GODZILLA
NEWS keeps us abreast of the latest kaiju affairs, thanks to Aaron
Smith. From three web sites just a few years ago, Godzilla now has enough
new pages being created to keep the definitive Kaiju-DIRECT!
WEBSITE DIRECTORY in need of frequent updates.
And then there are the conventions: G-CON '98 (Chicago) and the first-ever
EURO
G-CON, held in Amsterdam, Holland May 22-4. Saiko Genso, creator of
the wondrous GOJI-WORLD
and THE G PROJECT, organized
the European meeting as well as cultivated the idea of taking
the convention online and interactive over the World Wide Web.
G-CONhas
become the definitive convention for Godzilla and Japanese science fiction
fans. Since 1994, when some 30 fans first met in Chicago, Illinois to celebrate
this genre, there have been yearly get-togethers involving over 1,500 visitors,
Japanese stars of the films and merchandise you never imagined could be
available in the United States.
What follows is a collection of computerized correspondence between
fans and posts to Godzilla fandom at large. As you can tell from the dates
on the posts, it was still 1997 when the anticipation and preparations
began for the convention. The messages have been "threaded" to provide
continuity so you may find yourself jumping ahead in the timeline before
going on to another topic.
So get online and punch up this great rendition of the Blue
Oyster Cult anthem GODZILLA and check out G-CON '98 on the World
Wide Web. There is quite a bit of material divided among several topics:
Godzilla on the Web
From: Christopher Date: 12/24/1997 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster
Hello, everyone. Just wanted to let people know that Daikaiju Enterprises
& Productions is now on the World Wide Web. The address is http://kaijufan.com/.
On this site, John Rocco Roberto will post all KAIJU-FAN information as
well as all G-CON '98 information. Right now, it is still under construction
but from this site you can get the G-CON '98 info as well as the convention
registration form. You can also get a KAIJU-FAN subscription. More to come
soon.
Have a great holiday and one heck of a New Year! Take care.
Christopher http://home.earthlink.net/~fcastle
A.M.M. Dinner at G-CON
From: TwoZbar Date: 04/29/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster
The way to make sure that a CON does do *something* for a.m.m. subscribers
is to get involved and do something yourself. People seem to miss this
point about the conventions (and I'm talking about *all* the conventions).
Don't ask -- just do it. Contribute. You'll find that everyone will be
glad that you did. That's what the conventions are all about.
- Jim C.
From: Jim Cleveland Date: 04/29/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster
I was just trying to compare G-CON to G-FEST;
the relative merits, pluses, minuses,etc. So I wondered if anyone knew
if G-FEST currently planned anything "special" for A.M.M. subscribers as
G-CON does? Sorry if I wasn't clear.
As I would only go to one convention next year, I was trying to make an
educated decision as to which to attend. Probably G-CON because of the
ties to A.M.M. But I have the luxury of remaining undecided for some time
as it is next year.
As to getting involved myself; let me know what I can do next year. As
opposed to (ha-ha), where I can go.
Cleve
From: TwoZbar Date: 05/11/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster
Sorry that I didn't post this sooner but I've been way too busy to be
on the Internet these past few weeks. We're tentatively scheduling the
alt.movies.monster dinner at G-CON for Saturday night around 6:30-7:00.
It will take place at an area restaurant which I will arrange for after
I arrive in Chicago. The convention's special guests will be in attendence.
This dinner is open to any regular contributor to alt.movies.monster. Please
e-mail me before Monday, May 18 if you would like to attend. I will need
your screen name AND your full real name (in this case, Anonymous bozos
need not apply). I will send confirmation upon receiving your e-mail. Complete
information regarding the dinner will be available at the convention. Each
person attending will be responsible for paying for his or her own dinner.
In this regard, I will attempt to make reservations in a restaurant that
has a reasonably-priced menu. The convention will pay for the guests.
***Please note that it is important for you to e-mail me. My regular
AOL account receives so much mail and spam that there is always the possibility
that I could miss your e-mail if you send it there. Also, it is important
that anyone interested in attending let me know before the show because
I doubt that we will be able to accommodate anyone who waits until the
convention to ask. (We tried the advance e-mail method for the New York
show last year and the dinner came off without a hitch).
Lastly, this dinner is for the people here on a.m.m. to get to know
each other and have a little extra time with the guests. It is understandable,
however, if you will have spouses or children who will be attending G-CON
that you can't leave them stranded during dinner. Please let me know how
many people you will have in your party and we will do our best to accommodate
everyone.
Thanks,
- Jim C.
The KAIJU-FAN & G-CON '98 Web Page
From: Christopher Date: 05/11/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster
Sorry for the intrusion. The Sci-Fi
Channel was going to put a link here but instead decided to go to another
site. I don't want anyone to think that the other site is the official
G-CON '98 site. This site gives you all the information you will need in
a fun and entertaining manner. It is the official G-CON '98 site.
Thank you.
-- Christopher ;)
http://home.earthlink.net/~fcastle/index.html.
From: TwoZbar Date: 05/13/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster
Just to clear things up for anyone who was confused by this posting:
The Daikaiju Enterprises and Productions website, which includes the official
pages of KAIJU-FAN and G-CON is at: http://kaijufan.com/
G-CON '98 ONLINE!, which will be the official online website linked to
the convention during May 23-24 is at http://www.inteleco.com/gproject/gcon98/index.html
There was simply a misunderstanding when the Sci-Fi Channel linked to the
G-CON '98 ONLINE! site; the DE&P website maintainer didn't know about
the new site and thought they had linked to a website that hadn't been
created in cooperation with the convention.
- Jim C.
GODZILLA NEWS & G-CON '98 ONLINE!
From: Aaron Smith Date: 05/14/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster
Yesterday sometime, Flash.Net's servers
had a major screwup while upgrading. When it will be back up is unknown
:-( Of course, this happens right before the movie opens and when people
want info fast. Anyway, keep trying the addresses for GODZILLA NEWS ( http://fandom.com/godzilla
) and for G-CON '98 ONLINE! ( http://www.inteleco.com/gproject/gcon98/index.html
). If you can't get on and want to be entered in to the
online drawings for prizes during the convention, please e-mail your
name, email address, and home address to me. Everyone is welcome to enter.
Aaron Smith
From: Russell Joyner Date: 05/14/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster
Thanks for the update, Aaron. I just visited GODZILLA NEWS without any
problems. Unfortunately, there was no new G news after May 12th. Hope to
read some new G news soon and as usual, keep up the good work.
Russ J.
U of PA
Posted by Aaron Smith on 15 May 1998
Hey, everybody! Just want to remind you that G-CON '98 ONLINE! is the official
website for the Chicago G-CON this year. We're going to have live chats,
photos, and more! So stop by http://www.inteleco.com/gproject/gcon98/index.html
and be sure to sign up for the online contest. We're giving away some really
cool stuff!
GODZILLA NEWS is back up. I guess
a lot of people missed it or just found out Godzilla is coming because
I got nearly 20,000 hits tonight!
Aaron
From: Steve Harris Date: 05/16/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster
You know, Aaron, you (and Barry) are going to get bombarded over the
next week as major papers and national magazines talk about Godzilla and
how you guys were on the forefront of unmasking GODZILLA early on...That's
probably where all those extra hits are coming from...Congrats!
Posted by Gertrude Smith on 18 May 1998 (in response to Re: G-CON '98
ONLINE! posted by Manda on 18 May 1998)
> So where are the hours of the convention (general and dealer's area)
posted? I see the dates but no times. I want to know when to get there
Friday!
The schedule
is now up at G-CON '98 ONLINE! http://www.inteleco.com/gproject/gcon98/index.html
.
From: The Japanese Monster Movie List May 21, 1998
NOTE FROM THE LIST OWNER: This is the last announcement that the Sci-Fi
Channel is having a web
chat with Ken Satsuma and Haruo Nakajima (The Men Who Played Godzilla)
tonight at 8:00PM CST/9:00PM EST. Links and info can be found at the G-CON
'98 ONLINE! website at http://www.inteleco.com/gproject/gcon98/index.html
And the deadline for the contest is Friday night at midnight CST. Pics
and info are at G-CON '98 ONLINE!. Also, photos of Satsuma & Nakajima
will be online tonight from Chicago. A report on their
reaction to the new Godzilla film will be posted tomorrow night!
Lastly, I thank everybody for their Godzilla reviews, along with the other
items of interest on Gamera 3, etc.
Aaron
P.S. I'm not posting another list until next week so as to let some
of the frenzy die down. Please continue to send your contributions. Everything
is appreciated. Here is a list of all TV shows on Godzilla until May 31,
1998
GODZILLA TV SHOWS
On 21 May 98, Ken Smotrilla wrote:
> Aaron, with all the hype about the Godzilla movie, TV stations are
getting in on the action. Here is a list of all the Godzilla movies and
shows concerning Godzilla from now until May 31. All times are EST. Check
local listings for times and channels at your location, blah, blah. Of
special interest to me is "Godzilla vs. Hedora". I haven't seen this movie
in over 15 years and am looking forward to it.
Making of `Godzilla' 09:30pm Thu, May 21 SHOW
Late Night with Conan O'Brien 12:35am Fri, May 22 NBC
Godzilla vs. Monster Zero 01:00am Fri, May 22 TNT
Today 07:00am Fri, May 22 CBS
This Morning 08:00am Fri, May 22 CBS
Sci-Fi Entertainment 08:00am Fri, May 22 SCIFI
Sci-Fi Entertainment 06:30pm Fri, May 22 SCIFI
Making of `Godzilla' 09:30pm Fri, May 22 SHOW
Godzilla vs. Monster Zero 11:30pm Fri, May 22 TNT
Late Show with David Letterman 11:35pm Fri, May 22 CBS
Godzilla's Revenge 01:15am Sat, May 23 TNT
Terror of Mechagodzilla 02:45am Sat, May 23 TNT
Godzilla vs. Mothra 03:00am Sat, May 23 WGN
Godzilla's Revenge 03:00am Sat, May 23 TNT
Godzilla 01:00pm Sat, May 23 WGN
Making of `Godzilla' 05:30pm Sat, May 23 SHOW
Godzilla, King of the Monsters 12:00am Sun, May 24 TNT
Godzilla vs. Mothra 02:05am Sun, May 24 TNT
Godzilla vs. Monster Zero 04:00am Sun, May 24 WGN
Sci-Fi Entertainment 09:00am Sun, May 24 SCIFI
MTV's Ultra Sound 11:00am Sun, May 24 MTV
Godzilla's Revenge 05:30pm Sun, May 24 WGN
Making of `Godzilla' 09:40pm Sun, May 24 SHOW
Making of `Godzilla' 07:30pm Mon, May 25 SHOW
Godzilla vs. Hedora 09:00pm Tue, May 26 SCIFI
Godzilla vs. Megalon 09:00pm Wed, May 27 SCIFI
Godzilla vs. Megalon 01:00am Thu, May 28 SCIFI
Godzilla on Monster Island 09:00pm Thu, May 28 SCIFI
Making of `Godzilla' 12:00am Fri, May 29 SHOW
Godzilla on Monster Island 01:00am Fri, May 29 SCIFI
Godzilla vs. the Cosmic Monster 09:00pm Fri, May 29 SCIFI
Making of `Godzilla' 09:35pm Fri, May 29 SHOW
Making of `Godzilla' 09:35pm Fri, May 29 SHOW
Godzilla vs. the Cosmic Monster 01:00am Sat, May 30 SCIFI
In Concert 01:35am Sat, May 30
King Kong vs. Godzilla 03:00pm Sun, May 31 SCIFI
Making of `Godzilla' 05:10pm Sun, May 31 SHOW
Aaron Smith
MODERATOR: Japanese Monster Movie List
WEBSITE: Godzilla News http://fandom.com/godzilla
G PROJECT: The Alternative Godzilla Forum http://www.gojiworld.org/gproject/
G-CON Panel/Presentation
From: Gertrude Smith Date: 17 May 1998 To: UNGCC
Mark: Jim C. said you mentioned doing an alt.movies.monster
panel discussion at G-CON. He has a 45-min. slot on Sunday and is thinking
of a talk about the various Japanese sci-fi resources on the Internet like
news, retailers, official sites, fan sites, etc. He also suggested a flyer
to hand out during the presentation which will list most of the major online
resources that are referenced. John Lipartito will also be available, as
well as Todd Torres, Jim C. and other webmasters we might can draw in.
Think we can help out? G-CON
'98 ONLINE! is going to be up and running so examples will be right
at hand also. Imagine! All the a.m.m. crew in one place! Scary! :)
Gertrude Smith
Accuracy and Integrity
Posted by Gertrude Smith on 18 May 1998 (in response to Re: Toho review
comments, anyone? posted by Aaron Smith on 18 May 1998)
> Whatever, the report was legit. It was from Club
Daikaiju and the reviewer seemed to think the creature ran on all fours,
a matter of perspective as the thing hunches over when running. But don't
call it fake if you don't know the details...
> Aaron
Please notice that this item was posted on GODZILLA
NEWS by Aaron Smith. As one of the most respected fan news sites on
the Net, you can be assured that articles are handled with care and integrity.
Many of us have our names prominently displayed on our sites and stand
behind our postings. What we do in this medium is out there for all the
world to see and we don't take our responsibilities lightly. We will be
under even wider scrutiny with G-CON
'98 ONLINE! as we become the news for the print, radio and television
media. Godzilla is attracting a lot of attention and we will also. Be assured
that our news will be news and opinions and observations will be labelled
as such. We are both published writers and are well aware of popular misconceptions
about the creditability of SOME practitioners of our craft. That is their
problem, not ours. We appreciate your support of our efforts and hope to
continue providing good service to the fans of Godzilla and all kaiju.
--Gertrude Smith
G-CON '98 ONLINE! http://www.inteleco.com/gproject/gcon98/index.html
(May 22-5, 1998)
Win Cool Stuff!
Posted by Saiko Genso on 18 May 1998
Win cool Godzilla stuff! Go to http://www.inteleco.com/gproject/gcon98/index.html
and check out the contest! Deadline is this Friday, 22 May so hurry!
G PROJECT is helping with
G-CON
'98 ONLINE! so make sure to read all about the live, interactive activities
related to the big convention in Chicago this week.
CU online.
Saiko
CHAT: The men who played Godzilla
From: The Dominion Feedback Date: 05/19/1998 Newsgroups: rec.arts.sf.movies
*************************************** CHAT
WITH THE "MEN WHO PLAYED GODZILLA" Thursday, May 21 @ 9pm ET/6pm PT/2am
UK ***************************************
Before Godzilla was a giant CGI-generated lizard, he was portrayed by unsung
actors clad in heavy rubber suits. It is the work of these men that gave
Godzilla his personality and character and made him a household name the
world over.
We are proud to present online chats with two men who have portrayed the
King of All Monsters, thanks to G-CON '98, the giant Godzilla convention
taking place in Chicago May 23-4.
Haruo Nakajima played Godzilla in twelve films from the original "Godzilla"
(1954) through "Godzilla vs. Gigan" (1972) and had supporting roles in
such Toho sci-fi classics as "Destroy All Monsters" (1968). Kenpachiro
Satsuma took over the mantle of the King of the Monsters in 1984 and played
Godzilla in seven films from "Godzilla" (1984) through "Godzilla vs. Destroyah"
(1995) and in other films portrayed fan-favorite monsters like Hedorah
and Gigan.
Much of Nakajima's and Satsuma's fine work can
be seen this month during Stompfest '98 theme week and Godzilla Double
Feature on our US feed.
Visit our US events page for schedule information: http://www.scifi.com/usfeed/events.html
To participate in the chat, go to http://www.scifi.com/chat/chatnow.html
and join #auditorium.
For information on other Dominion chat events, visit http://www.scifi.com/chat/
THE SCI-FI CHANNEL - WELCOME TO THE EDGE
Hey, Aaron: Any reviews from Japan?
Posted by Jim C. on 22 May 1998 (in response to Hey, Aaron: Any reviews
from Japan? posted by Rodan on 21 May 1998)
Aaron will have the exclusive comments
and reviews of Japanese G-fans and G-pros after the G-CON screening
on May 22. This will be attended by special guests Haruo Nakajima, Ken
Satsuma and Yoshio Tsuchiya. Mr.
Tsuchiya, in particular, is going to take a break from sight-seeing
in Chicago. He is very interested in seeing the new film so he wishes to
rest up before Friday evening. Also attending the show will be several
fans and magazine writers from Japan who are covering the convention. We
will get their reactions and comments following the movie and Aaron will
post them to the G-CON ONLINE! website at http://www.inteleco.com/gproject/gcon98/index.html
.
- Jim C. (posting
from G-CON '98: Chicago!)
G-CON '98 and the New Film
Posted by Aaron Smith on Sat, 23 May 1998
Heard from G-CON that many of the Japanese guests, including Japanese
magazine & newspaper people, were upset with the new film. In fact,
Ken
Satsuma (Godzilla from '84-'95) walked out. I should have a full report
on
GODZILLA NEWS tomorrow sometime.
Aaron
Posted by Steve Harris on Sun, 24 May 1998 (in response to G-CON '98
and the new film posted by Aaron Smith on Sat, 23 May 1998)
Thanks for the update, Aaron...I can't wait to see what the REAL
Godzilla aficionados have to say...
EURO/G-CON
Update
From: Saiko Genso Date: Sat, 23 May 1998
Hi, everyone.
We got off to a pretty good start. Lots of talk about the new film, of
course. We got started right on time, around one in the afternoon here.
We saw the transcript of the Sci-Fi
chat. Very interesting. We know why this Godzilla has a frog body:
It has to do with his 'French Connection'.
This evening we had dinner at a Japanese restaurant. It was the first time
with hashi (chop sticks) for some. Visited a local fan's large collection
of classic movie posters and many well-painted model kits.
It's 2:30 am now and most of us have gone to bed.
I'll send a couple of photos tomorrow morning (my time) and maybe a bit
more of an update.
Looking forward to reading about the big screening, which should be happening
very soon now (your time).
Later,
Saiko and the gang at EURO/G-CON.
G-KIDS G-CON Chat!
Reply-to: gkidsDate: 23 May 1998
Hello, G-KIDS.
The first Chat at the G-CON is in a little while. Today at 12:00-12:45
Central Standard Time!
G-KIDS / G-CON Kids Chat session #1
Go to: http://www.gojiworld.org/gojiworld/kids/chat/index.html
or you can go to Goji-World
Kids Kaiju Korner !
Remember to sign in with your G-KIDS nickname, not your real name.
Be there and talk to other G-KIDS!
C U There!
Dr. Yamane
From: Saiko Genso To: GCON98 Date: Mon, 25 May 1998
> We are having trouble connencting to the chat!
Hi, Gertrude.
I guess you worked it out! We just finished. I asked one of the kids
who was helping. He said, "Just some lady who works here but she's gone
now!" Ha! Just some "lady"!
Well, thanks for all you got done. I'm waiting to hear all about what
went on and what went wrong this weekend! I'm going to bed now. Still only
slept 9 hours over the last 59 hours!
'Til next week.
Signing off,
Saiko
EURO/G-CON Wants to Know:
From: Saiko Genso To: GCON98 Date: Sun, 24 May 1998
Hi, Gert.
Here are a few questions the guests here came up with for the Japanese
guests in Chicago:
Questions for Haruo
Nakajima and Kenpachiro
Satsuma:
1. Do you have children? If so, what do they think about you acting the
part of Godzilla and wearing the Godzilla suit?
2. Do people notice you on the street? Are you recognised?
3. Which was your favourite Godzilla suit?
4. What would you have done if you had been offered to help play the role
of the Tri-Star Godzilla?
5. Do you collect Godzilla toys or other Godzilla items?
6. Other than kaiju related films, what are your favourite movies? (Any
movies, from any country. Not necessarily ones you have been involved in).
Questions
for Yoshio Tsuchiya:
1. Do you have children? If so, what do they think about you acting in
kaiju films?
2. Do people notice you on the street? Are you recognised?
3. If you had the chance, would you have been interested in playing the
role of Godzilla?
4. Other than kaiju related films, what are your favourite movies? (Any
movies, from any country. Not necessarily ones you have been involved in).
Maybe you could get them to answer these and send us an e-mail.
Thanks,
Saiko
G-BOARD - R.I.P.
Posted by Steve Harris on 25 May 1998 (in response to The "G-Board"
posted by Korel on 25 May 1998)
Actually, it doesn't look like they've removed any posts (at least none
of mine). I can't say I have exactly been flaming the movie on that board
(whatever that means) but there are plenty of negatives and a lot of positive
views of the movie over there...
The thing I found interesting on the G-Board was that Dean Devlin hasn't
made a recent appearance in any of the areas I've been reading. He used
to make his presence known frequently. He also never returns my e-mails
any more :( ... Oh well. I guess he's busy thinking up the next great movie
to rip-, er, I mean remak, oops, well no, I mean 'pay homage' to <G>...
Posted by Gertrude Smith on 28 May 1998 (in response to Re: The
"G-Board" posted by Steve Harris on 25 May 1998)
> Actually, it doesn't look like they've removed any posts (at least
none of mine).
I assure you posts have been removed in the past. I haven't had a chance
to properly review the board since it came back up last week but do check
this message I received earlier this year and take it for what it's worth:
Subject: sequel thoughts Date: 25 Feb 1998 12:13:52 -0800 From: Godzilla
Mail
To: "'gsraptor@arkansas.net'"
Thank you for your interest in the G-board and the movie. Unfortunately,
for legal reasons, the studio has asked us to remove your posting. The
BBS is not to have any script or sequel ideas; not even suggestions about
other monsters, profanity or unofficial pictures. Sorry to remove your
posting. We know that it is harmless but we must comply with the studios
on legal issues. Please visit the site again. We are adding new sections
this week. The new phase will include Trailers, G-pegs and updated Chat
areas. Check out EON, our new online entertainment magazine at http://www.mothership.com/main/default.asp
. Come see the future of entertainment.
Thanks for understanding.
Godzilla Keeper
> I can't say I have exactly been flaming the movie on that board
(whatever that means)...
I believe I am quite restrained (and respectful) in my comments on the
Internet and found it odd a speculative post was removed, yet MORE MONSTERS
& SCI-FI, RUMORS, GOSSIP, ETC..., SUGGESTIONS & COMMENTS and G-MISC.
invite these type of posts. It has been most interesting to be part of
the American "Godzilla" movie experience but I wonder how this compares
to when Toho introduces a new kaiju film in Japan. Please note that Tri-Star's
absence at G-CON (the premier American convention celebrating Japanese
kaiju) was quite conspicuous.
Posted by Steve Harris on 30 May 1998 (in response to Re: The "G-Board"
posted by Gertrude Smith on 28 May 1998)
Well, I can relate to why they wouldn't want a bunch of discussion about
sequels on their site, considering they seemed mighty intent on making
a follow-up prior to the release of this one. They don't want someone throwing
a sequel idea on their site that has bits and pieces of what they were
going to do in it and then getting sued. It's the same reason most producers
won't take unsolicited scripts.
Anyway, I do find it interesting that they are removing sequel posts when
they have been adamant in saying that they're not committed to one. Also,
after this weekend, I don't think the idea of a sequel will be in the forefront
of anyone's mind (the movie came in second behind HOPE FLOATS yesterday).
From: Mark Tannacore Date: 7 Jun 1998 To: Gertrude Smith
I got this from Manda:
> I was lucky enough to spot this message from Josh Gordon just before
the G-Board was officially shut down:
" You have no idea how sorry I am to have to tell you this. We are closing
the G-Board. This board has served as a means of communication between
Godzilla fans from all over the United States and the world. It was a way
for G-fans to communicate with each other and with Centropolis Entertainment.
As has been stated by many of you who've been here since the beginning,
this board has been my home on the Internet. It's how I start and end my
day. I've laughed, yelled, smiled and been touched reading the tens of
thousands of posts that all of you have been writing since the G-boards'
inception back in July of '97
I believe that this board has fulfilled a promise of the Internet by helping
to bridge the gap between artist and audience. I'm very proud of that.
You must realize that when Dean posted his messages here, he wasn't posting
as a "big time Hollywood" producer. He posted as just a regular guy, which
he is. I've always respected his candor and off-the-cuff demeanor on this
board.
Writing this is so strange. The hope of all of us here at Centropolis Entertainment/Interactive
was to keep this board up forever. Well, change, they say, is the only
constant...there are so many of you that have been such an integral part
of this board: G-Day, Conster, Barry, Helmut, BASPRAG, Crow T. Robot,
Battra,
Manda, Wolf, eab97,
KingDeath, RJS, ctynes, and many, many more.
All I'll say about why the board is coming down is that this board is starting
to be used by others against us. By that, I don't mean the postings. I
can't say any more than that and I don't want to dwell on the negative...
This post will only be up for a very short time...I hope all of you Gboarders
get a chance to read it before it comes down.
It has been my pleasure and honour to be the Keeper of the G-board. I want
to thank you for the wonderful experience I've had over the last year.
I truly will never forget it.
This is not cause for sorrow...The job is now up to you!! Create your own
G-Boards! Let us know where they are and ya never know, you might see us
pop in from time to time :-)
Thanks again, so much...
Sincerely,
Josh Gordon
Centropolis Interactive "
> Depressing, isn't it? I'd like you to forward this message to
everyone you know from the G-Board, if you will. Please. I'm extremely
lucky to have caught it and I'd like everyone involved to see it.
> Don't let it get you down, though! You heard (read) what Josh said! I'm
now posting periodically at G
PROJECT's message board!
> Well, until we meet again in Godzilla heaven (or at another message
board!), this is Manda, the King of the Chinese Dragons, signing off!
> Manda, KOTCD
> "There before the grace of Godzilla go I"
G-CON '98
From: Gertrude Smith Date: 06/18/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster, alt.fan.godzilla,
alt.tv.sentai
If anyone has video, audio tape, newspaper or magazine coverage of the
Chicago G-CON '98, please let me know by email. We would like to have as
complete coverage of this event as possible. Thanx!
Gertrude Smith gsraptor@arkansas.net
Godzilla - On the Air!
From: Saiko Genso Date: 1 Jun 1998 To: Jim Walsh, TwoZbar, Aaron Smith
, JR, Gertrude Smith
Hello, G PROJECT and G-CON ONLINE! people.
First of all, I'd like to say I enjoyed working together to try to pull
off the world's first International Godzilla Convention. I think it would
be a good idea for us involved in G-CON ONLINE! to review how it went.
I think we need to look at both the good points and also at what went wrong
so that we can do it even better next time. I don't have time this evening
to type out my comments and I need to get up extra early tomorrow.
But before I go, I will tell you a bit about what I've been up to the last
week. EURO/G-CON
ended Sunday evening, not early Sunday afternoon as I had planned. Actually,
I planned for Sunday afternoon because I knew people wouldn't leave on
time! Monday I went to work and I was, how can I say, VERY TIRED! Monday
night I did very little and went to bed early. Tuesday was a little better.
I was able to start to pack away some of my Godzilla collection and answer
some of the many e-mails stacking up. Wednesday, I continued to pack my
things away, get my house back to normal and then the telephone rang. It
was about 9 pm. The call was from someone putting together a television
program about Godzilla. She had heard about the EURO/G-CON and thought
it would be great to interview me and film my Godzilla collection. She
had lots of questions about Godzilla. We talked. After an hour she asked
if the producer could call me, to which I agreed. When he called, he asked
if they could come to my home on Monday (June 1st was a holiday here) around
noon time. I said O.K., as long as it was to be serious. I didn't want
to be made to look like a Godzilla crazy fool.
Well, Thursday evenings I am always busy. Friday was my last day at my
old job and we had my going away party starting at 5 pm. I got home at
2 am. Saturday morning, feeling a bit weak, I got ready to go camping for
the weekend as I had planned a couple of months ago. I got home Sunday
night, tired again, and started to get things ready for the filming. I
didn't get too far and went to bed at 11 pm. Got up at 7 feeling rested
(a bit) and started to turn my house into a Godzilla museum. Hours later,
when the TV crew of 8 arrived, I had only pulled out and spread around
the house about 30 percent of my stuff. But they were impressed!
The whole thing took almost 5 hours. First, a simple interview about how
and why I was interested in Godzilla. What I thought about the old and
new Godzilla. The EURO/G-CON. And then, on to collecting. Even though I
had stuff all over the place, they only wanted to shoot a few shots. But
still, it was fun. They really liked the Tokyo Marui R/C '54 Godzilla so
we set up a little scene with my TV as rear projection! I have no idea
what that's going to look like but the crew seemed pleased. Anyway, the
show will be broadcast in July, in a weekday prime-time slot. I'll let
you all know about it after I see it.
I think it will take me half this month before I get my house and life
back on track but it's been a fun couple of weeks.
Talk to you all again soon.
Saiko
The four corners of Goji-World are full of Godzilla fun and information.
Visit Goji-World at http://www.gojiworld.org/gojiworld/
Sysop on the G PROJECT - The Alternative Godzilla Forum http://www.gojiworld.org/gproject/
G BOARD AWARDS!!
Posted by Jim Walsh on 8 June 1998 (in response to MY G BOARD AWARDS!!
(PLEASE EVERYONE! READ THIS POST!! posted by EMZILLA
on
8 June 1998)
> Hello, everyone, and welcome to the First Annual G Board Awards ceremony!
I'm your host, Emzilla. I will have Megumi Odaka here to present the awards!
Now here they are....
Hey, was this Awards thing rigged??!!!
Seriously, though, Emzilla has helped me a lot in trouble-shooting my
website and it would probably have a lot of dead links and such if
it wasn't for him. And he always comes up with some interesting question
or topic to keep things from getting too dull around here.
And Emzilla, you should have mentioned the other sysops: Saiko and JR also
- they keep a low profile but Saiko is the creator of G
PROJECT (and he also pays for the web account so if anyone wants to
help out, use our
link to amazon.com in the Goods
Section and buy some G books!) and JR and Gertrude were
at G-CON and oversaw the online project (and probably missed half the
CON because of that!)
So let's bring out those three - Saiko, JR and Gertrude - for a bow!
Casualties
Posted by Steve Harris on 9 Jun 1998
There will be a story in today's INSIDER but for now, here is the article
that appeared in the Wall Street Journal:
[[[After "Godzilla" was released on May 19, the film's producer and co-writer,
Dean Devlin, jetted off to relax in Mexico. But who can unwind with all
that Internet sniping to keep him wound up?
With "Godzilla" sinking more quickly than expected at the box office, the
bulletin board on the official "Godzilla"
Web site -- operated by Centropolis
Entertainment, the production company run by Mr. Devlin and "Godzilla"
director Roland Emmerich -- has been hijacked by naysayers. Some of the
boo birds are longtime "Godzilla" fans who feel the film is a flop and
a betrayal of the Japanese beast's legacy.
The nasty blasts lured Mr. Devlin back to his computer. Though some of
the responses Mr. Devlin posted had a calm tone, others were tart comebacks
that left little doubt the critics had made a direct hit on Mr. Devlin
's pride.
To one
especially tough-minded fan he wrote: "Our movie did what it was supposed
to do. We're all happy about it. If you don't like that, to hell with you."
To another who called the movie a flop: "Please tell me how you figure
that a movie that will make the studio over a hundred million dollars in
profit is a flop? Where'd you learn your math?" To the
editor of a science-fiction magazine who had chided him, Mr. Devlin
wrote: "And as for my 'royalty' check you refer to, since it's larger than
all of my other royalty checks on all my other films combined, I'm more
than happy with it, thank you."
The cyber-howlings of a well-paid Hollywood producer didn't find a sympathetic
audience. "My God! It sickens me to hear a man go on like that!" one fan
wrote. "You've got to get over the fact that a
lot of people, for whatever reason, just don't like the film." In an
interview, Mr. Devlin conceded that it was "just stupid" to take the critics'
bait.
Mr. Devlin had successfully used the
G-board to stoke interest in the movie for months before its release
and wanted to let people have their say once it opened. But he drew the
line when people started calling "Godzilla" a bomb on his own bulletin
board.
In making his on-line remarks, Mr. Devlin says he got caught "thinking
that it's just like being in a bar with a few people talking." But knowing
his postings were about to be reprinted here, he said, "Knowing that anything
we send up there gets reprinted, it takes all the fun out of it."
On Friday, the bulletin board on the "Godzilla" site was no longer operable.]]]
I think this explains why it was taken down (the 'legal reasons'
explanation appears to be incorrect - at least according to this article).
Devlin wanted to say what he thought without there being any repercussions
and when his comments were picked up by mainstream media types, he turned
it off...At least that's how it looks from my perspective after reading
this article.
Anyone have other opinons?
SH
Devlin Hit By Remarks
The Wall Street Journal (6/8/98) interviewed Godzilla scribe/producer
Dean Devlin regarding the hurtful statements he made on his company's website
promoting the failing monster movie. After Devlin returned from a vacation
in Mexico and read the dissent on the now-defunct G-Board (a forum on the
official Godzilla movie website), he opened up on his detractors (including
Cinescape publisher Steve Harris). Devlin tells the Journal that it was
"just stupid" to respond to his critics and the paper concludes that he
"drew the line" when response to Godzilla went negative on the G-Board.
"[I got caught] thinking that it's just like being in a bar with a few
people talking," Devlin said. "Knowing that anything we send up [on the
G-Board] gets reprinted, it takes all the fun out of it."
Who Did Godzilla Hurt?
Dean Devlin definitely does not want to read the scathing article in
today's New York Post that attempts to assemble a list of persons and companies
who lost the most on Godzilla. Among the list of what the Post calls "Losers"
are:
Devlin and Emmerich: After spending all that money and getting back
so little so far (in comparison), "Hollywood probably won't slam any doors
on the wonder duo; on the other hand, it won't roll out the red carpet
again for a while."
Taco Bell: Spent $100 million for the right to push the movie minus
the monster for the most part. The dog was still cool, though.
Matthew Broderick: He just didn't connect with audiences and seemed
to be sorely miscast.
Maria Pitillo: If you've seen the movie, you already know.
Trendmasters and nearly 230 other license holders: There's a whole lot
of Godzilla stuff sitting in stores gathering dust right now. How on earth
could they license Godzilla 2 after all this?
Exhibitors: It's almost hard to believe that Sony was demanding 75-80%
of the first few weeks' take. The article suggests that theater owners
can't wait to fill those 7,363 theater screens.
Only Jean Reno and Toho Studios came out ahead, according to the Post.
Reno escaped relatively unscathed because the guy was still cool regardless
of the silliness. Toho, on the other hand, makes money up front anyway...
not to mention that once their deal with Sony lapses, they can start making
their own Godzilla films again. (CINESCAPE ONLINE)
Posted by THEWomprat on 9 Jun 1998 (in response to Re: Wall Street Journal
posted by Steve Harris on 9 Jun 1998)
That warms the stomach like a deliciously wicked cup of cocoa. When Devlin
realized reputable media had stumbled across his rants, he may have done
the first smart thing in a while by shutting down the forum. Prior to the
film's opening, I'm sure the G-Board was a smooth running ship and all
was right with the world. Then America saw the film.
As I've said before, when a film maker posts an official site where the
public may enter and voice their opinions, they should expect that fans
as well as critics will find their way in. Devlin must have considered
the G-Board a free haven where his comments would not leave the room, as
it were. If we know anything about the media, we are aware that they are
beginning to scour the internet looking for a bite.
When Devlin was informed that "the outside world" had stumbled across that
bastion of negativity (Devlin included), I agree that THAT is what led
to the Board's shutdown. Think about it. I don't have the figures in front
of me regarding the Wall Street Journal's circulation but there're going
to be a lot of shocked and outraged Americans who probably wouldn't have
known about his outbursts. Once they read his reactions, I'll bet many
would have flocked to his site demanding an explanation for that behavior;
especially coming from a highly paid "professional" film maker. Then the
circle would grow with other papers and entertainment shows dropping in
to the site and doing stories about the virulent backlash the film has
created.
Bottom line: I doubt there was any legal problem involved in this decision.
It was a career move pure and simple. Devlin is going to try and cover
his @ss on this one because he knows he and Emmerich are causing some studios
(Fox, for starters) to turn away from them. Steve, I believe you said their
next stop was Universal to produce "The Mark" with Will Smith. I'll be
curious to see how this story affects their future in the industry.
Posted by Jim Cleveland on 9 Jun 1998
It's a war. A war against Godzilla. Against the very worst of '90's
Hollywood. Against the banal, pre-pubescent schlock purveyed by the King
of Hacks (stealing the title away from Michael Crichton), Dean Devlin.
Posted by Cory on 9 Jun 1998 (in response to Greetings posted by Jim
Cleveland on 9 Jun 1998)
LOL. That's funny. It is only fitting that Crichton, whose big thing
was always man screwing up with technology because of his arrogance, should
be replaced by someone who not only "borrowed" a lot of stuff from the
most successful movie based on Crichton's work, but someone who has displayed
an attitude similar to the arrogance that Crichton always seems to warn
about.
Posted by jamesE on 9 Jun 1998 (in response to Re: Wall Street
Journal posted by Steve Harris on 9 Jun 1998)
I posted about Mr Devlin's "to hell" comment that it was an emotional outburst.
Professional or not, he is human and has feelings just like the rest of
us. I don't know all the facts about the
message he gave that comment to. I also have seen four letter words
describe his movie and other extremes such as a painted over G98
poster with "Sh-tzilla" and someone wearing a
t-shirt saying "I hate Dean".
If you want to go after the guy over the film, fine, but I quite frankly
see no good it does. And this
forum is nothing but a bash on the film. Sure, I can shine it up and
call it an opinion but it's nothing more than a BASH. Not constructive
at all.
Well, this is my take on it. I don't wish to get into a debate.
Thank you and good day.
Posted by Steve Harris on 10 Jun 1998 (in response to Re: Wall Street
Journal posted by jamesE on 9 Jun 1998)
Thanks for your opinion, James, and yes, I agree that the forum should
be more than a bash session. I stated my feelings on the movie and have
moved on...my personal feelings regarding Dean Devlin have more to do with
HIS actions when HE went online and started trashing me and questioning
my integrity. There was no reason for him to do THAT (and to continue doing
it - I have multiple messages saved that go on and on about how untrustworthy
either I or my magazine are). What's worse is that a lot of people bought
his line and really got nasty towards me - saying that all of our info
was wrong, our pictures were wrong, etc., etc. When it turns out, at the
end of the day, that we were RIGHT, I think a lot of people were left scratching
their heads and wondering what Devlin was thinking about. There were a
lot more important issues to Godzilla fans like the whole radioactive breath
thing that also left people feeling misled.
I also think a lot of people see Devlin as a hypocrite - deriding Stargate
SG-1 before it was even released and then feeling slighted when the media
(who at least KNEW what Godzilla was all about) question Godzilla.
Finally, I think his posts constituted news or else they wouldn't have
been published. He said there would still be a sequel (news), that this
movie would make $100 million profit (news to me) and that his role in
making the movie was to make money...period...end of story.
That's my perspective on why Devlin is now being targeted by fans. Despite
the spin, there is no way this movie is living up to anyone's expectations
but hopefully we'll see another Godzilla by another creative team that
will be a better movie as well as a better Godzilla movie.
SH
Posted by Gertrude Smith on 10 Jun 1998 (in response to Re: Greetings
posted by James Cleveland on 9 Jun 1998)
>> Its a war. A war against Godzilla.
It was a great idea that Centropolis used the Internet in an attempt
to promote this movie based on the original from the '50s. Things got off
to a great start with the whiz-bang web
site and all was well in the land of bytes and bits. Too bad the very
nature of this beast is one of communication and extension of boundaries.
From Kentucky to Hollywood (and even Japan), subscribers reeled in bits
of information on the secrets the Dynamic Do-alls would sooner keep to
themselves and their partners in crime.
The first view of the elusive creature was discovered on underwear (of
all things!) and the great engine fueled by hype began to miss. Like the
creature caught in the bridge cables, GODZILLA was trapped in the Web as
sites hosted revealing poses and posts. Returning to the G-BOARD, inquiring
minds wanted answers, not flip-offs. The first time was before the film
was available for viewing. A lot of folks laughed at the famous "screw
you" response by Mr. Devlin and went on with their lives.
Now that the much-hyped movie has been reviewed by millions (and ignored
by many more), we find the creative force behind it defending it like a
treed coon. Mr. Devlin put himself up that tree and it ain't a pretty sight
by Hollywood standards. What creditability he had after destroying the
world in INDEPENDENCE DAY has evaporated like so much fog on the Hudson
River. Madison Square Garden may have been destroyed but there are other
sharp-clawed beasties awaiting his descent from the lofty heights.
Gojira has won another battle, thanks to his online,
realtime fans. This 44 year-old icon remains intact, despite everyone's
best (and worst) efforts to dethrone the King of the Monsters. The term
"man in a suit" has been used in derogatory and snobbish remarks by the
latest producers to claim THEIR beast is better, more realistic and believable,
etc. Kenpachiro Satsuma, one of the men who played Godzilla, says "BE GOJIRA!"
to get it right. Maybe Mr. Devlin should recall another classic character
called Pogo. This wise little possum said, "We have met the enemy and he
is us." Think about it.
More G-CON Goodies!
From: Gertrude Smith Date: 21 Jun 1998 Organization: Kaiju-DIRECT!
To: Aaron Smith
Do you want the making of the MechaG
costume to add to the G-CON
site? I should be able to compose it tomorrow.
G.
From: Gertrude Smith Date: Mon, 22 Jun 1998 Organization: Kaiju-DIRECT!
To:Aaron Smith
> You can if you want. I haven't even touched the site since May.
I noticed! ;-D The Q & As for Nakajima,
Satsuma
and Tsuchiya
are in html and white on black background so they should be ready to upload
and link from the Schedule
(which is still impossible to see [visited links] in my Netscape browser).
> I've been doing HENSHIN,
etc.
Sounds great! I still can't get over the wonderful Kaiju
Conversations material and the MONSTERS
ARE ATTACKING TOKYO book. And you are probably having just as much
fun getting the HENSHIN site together so enjoy! Oh. You might want to check
my transcripts for spelling, esp. Hesai(?) period of G-films. I couldn't
find that word written anywhere! Someone needs to do a KAIJU DICTIONARY
one of these days!
Later!
G.
G-CON is a registered trademark of Daikaiju Enterprises and Productions.
KAIJU-FAN and EURO G-CON are trademarks of Daikaiju Publishing. All rights
reserved.
