A Convo with Gugggenheim After…That Tweet

I messaged Marc on twitter. Stated my disappointment. Asked him about it. I know some might not believe he responded but he did. I was surprised too. He was perfectly cordial. He was human.

Edited to clarify since it was asked: I follow Marc and at some point he followed me. Don’t know when that happened but I think that is how we were able to converse via Twitter.

Marc: “I have nothing but respect for our fans. But I’m tired of when some of them think they have influence over the ratings when they really don’t. Also tired of a lot of the entitled snark they send my way.”

(I get that…everyone is making demands. No one seems happy. The negative is far outweighing the positive right now even though we are trying. I told him as much and that it feels like the positive ones are targeted or feeling inadvertently targeted in that tweet.)

Marc: “That’s unfortunate.”

(I told him I agree. That statement plus confusing PR and wanting the best story for the characters is pushing the good realms of this fandom close to walking away. I told him it’s sad to see the positive side if this fandom stating this.)

Marc: “I get that. I have zero control over PR. And we’re just trying to tell the best possible stories.”

(I told him we love that they are trying to tell a good story, most of us realize he doesn’t control PR but some of the interviews are baffling…but we also know the interviews are meant to keep us hooked. The blanket statement was just upsetting to see.)

Marc: “I think the fans who claim credit for the ratings are a very small and specific group.”

(INTERESTING. That may or may not be true. I think we many have taken this wrong. He may have also been referring to LL and Lauriver fans who still claim some responsibility. If this is the case, we misinterpreted and he could have chosen his words better. I told him that may be but it sounded like supporters of the show don’t matter. I know that’s not true but it’s how the words translated for many. I loved his next response.)

Marc: “That’s unfortunate. I’ve heard anecdotally that fans were upset about casting news for some reason. Sounds like they’re in a sensitive place. But I haven’t been reading my notifications for many months now.”

(The man is only human. He’s avoided notifications because the negativity was getting to him. Side effect of that which we should remember when responding? He’s unaware of the pile of things many are attempting to deal with and figure out in relation to the show. I enlightened him… PR, casting, polarizing storylines this season and last, interviews, possible flashpoint impacts, etc.)

Marc: I just get bummed that can people can get so angry about a tv show given all that is going on in the world.

(Hence some of the snark I guess. He makes a good point. I did mention that tv can be an escape and comfort for many so when it’s unrecognizable or confusing, it pushes people’s emotions further.)

Marc: “I understand. It’s hard. I believe all shows should evolve and change. Particularly in their 5th season.”

(I agree. Told him many were so polarized with things end of s4 that s5 started somewhat polarizing for them.)

Marc: It’s a very controversial show for sure. Not always by design.

(He’s not wrong… They shoot the first few episodes without fan response. We know this… response is negative…they hear it. Maybe sometimes in the worst way. Then they work to build on that response going forward. Perhaps some of the frustration in that post came from this. Writing/filming for 5.05 was down way before this. Hearing constant negativity when you can’t do something now and it’s out of your control at this point? That would bug many of us too.)

Waiting for further response. Will post as able. I hope this gives people some insight and clarity with tonight.

Long story short…I think Marc is tired. Emotions got the best of him and the negative side of the fandom has been louder than the positive. Think about it. Lots at the end of S4 didn’t go over well. Hiatus wasn’t that great. Many aren’t thrilled with the start of s5 which I’ll remind you-they write and film without fan reaction and have to accept having no control over it though they might wish that were possible. Imagine almost 9 months of your work being scorned and though positivity is there, it is drowned out.

I love MG. I expected better and was pleasantly surprised he responded to me. While I think the statement was an error on his part, it also shows he’s human. Words get to him too. Negative can drag you down. Here’s hoping for something better.

Tagging some who I know were upset. Please feel free to tag, reblog, etc. I think it’s important for the fandom to see his thoughts considering how fragile the fandom seems right now. Thank you.