Focusing our efforts: Week of 5/20

[sknight]

I believe much of this might be based on the upcoming announcement we'll hear, but that aside, we may need to focus our efforts into a few areas.

While I believe fanning out into various targets works well, we should also augment our individual efforts into a precise target ALL of us hit. This would allow us to make headway into different outlets, while at the same time making our voices undeniably loud or annoying.

Anyone care to volunteer some targets we can all jump on?

[lunachick]

The silence in the middle of that call was giving me douche chills. Well done.:clap:

[lilherojimmy]

Anyone care to volunteer some targets we can all jump on?


Hugh Panero's asshole?:icon_ques

[sknight]

Huh?

[CTDennis85]

the Merger....


every single one of us that visits this site.... should take a stance to stop the merger.....


I say we even make a seperate site... if there isn't one already...

[MidwayMonster]

From patbattlefield's sticky post


Tell the FCC that you think this merger is unfair to you as a consumer and that you think they should prohibit the merger of XM and Sirius. Be sure to include terms like monopoly and consumer choice.

Here is all the info you will need:

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html

Electronically: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html

Mail: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/FORM475.PDF

also contact the Department of Justice to file an anti trust complaint. Info here:

http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/contact/newcase.htm


E-mail:
antitrust.complaints@usdoj.gov

Mail:
Citizen Complaint Center
Antitrust Division
950 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Room 3322
Washington, DC 20530

Phone:
1-888-647-3258 (toll free in the U.S. and Canada) or 202-307-2040



Senator contact info:

http://www.senate.gov/general/contac...nators_cfm.cfm

Congressperson contact info:

http://www.house.gov/

top left corner put in your zip to find your representative.

[The Dreamer]

New site, eh?

XMmerger.com?
Saynotosattelite.com?
sattelitemonopoly.com?


good idea, tho.

[CTDennis85]

http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20070329/174833.shtml


Maybe we should try to team up with the national association of broadcasters somehow..

[styckx]

Maybe we should try to team up with the national association of broadcasters somehow..


This is about the most amazing suggestion I've ever heard since the suspension.

holy shit, why did no one even think of this?

[sknight]

agreed.

[MidwayMonster]

The Consumer Coalition for Competition in Satellite Radio

http://www.c3sr.org/index.asp

[jfragons]

A myspace page dedicated to opposing the merger would be great..

[24hrs-left]

New site, eh?

XMmerger.com?
Saynotosattelite.com?
sattelitemonopoly.com?


good idea, tho.

nobody will find the site if you mispell satellite
:icon_bigg

[The Dreamer]

nobody will find the site if you mispell satellite
:icon_bigg

i've been drinking, sorry :(

[styckx]

Guys I can host it

[styckx]

I have a 1 year Premium Hosting account on go daddy just sitting there with a board already setup that I did just out of boredem


www.myruca.com


Simple domain registration and someone who feels like doing CSS or whatever

[CTDennis85]

The Consumer Coalition for Competition in Satellite Radio

http://www.c3sr.org/index.asp



Good show.


Now we create our own grass roots movement to stop the merger and get everyone on here signed up. Then we reach out to join up with their phony group and it makes the opposition to the satellite radio merger look that much bigger.

[abudabit]

Anti-merger stuff, telling O&A fans who aren't on the message boards about the mass cancels, and if you are in the DC / Virginia / MD area attending the investors meeting or investors meeting protest on the 25th.

[MidwayMonster]

Good show.


Now we create our own grass roots movement to stop the merger and get everyone on here signed up. Then we reach out to join up with their phony group and it makes the opposition to the satellite radio merger look that much bigger.

I dislike the NAB but why not use things they have already started

[CTDennis85]

Of course i'm just suggesting we possibly create another group to "join" their group. The more names of groups there are opposing, the more vast the opposition seems?? Plus there could be an announcement or something made about it to release to the blogs/media outlets.

[MidwayMonster]

absolutely, I am with that 100% It is just kinda funny when you go to the NAB's website and search for XM. They seem to fight every move either company makes.

edit: I have already signed up with them

[CTDennis85]

they have some interesting reading material.

if you need idea's for why it's bad for the consumers just look through here.

http://www.c3sr.org/news/c3sr/Press%20Release%2003-01.pdf


I particularly love this gem from the NAB.


When confronted with important consumer concerns by members of the Committee, Mr.
Karmazin was less than direct in assuaging subscriber concerns.
“Mr. Karmazin’s assurances that subscribers will benefit from the merger ring hollow given that
such consumers will be at the mercy of a monopoly with the ability to raise prices, cut unique
programs and make subscribers change equipment,” said Reale. “While Mr. Karmazin offered to
make temporary concessions, including price controls, such promises do not sufficiently protect
consumers. In the long run, such concessions don’t work and only will increase the incentives
for a satellite radio monopoly to add commercials and reduce programming costs. The loss of a
commercial-free format and unique niche programming are valid concerns of consumers, and if
this merger is completed these things will be relics of the past.”

[Captdicard]

absolutely, I am with that 100% It is just kinda funny when you go to the NAB's website and search for XM. They seem to fight every move either company makes.

edit: I have already signed up with them

just signed up, nice find MidwayMonster:clap: :clap:

[TeenBungle]

I dislike the NAB but why not use things they have already started
the enemy of my enemy...is what folks? MY FRIEND! say it with some passion...MY FRIEND!!

[MidwayMonster]

the enemy of my enemy...is what folks? MY FRIEND! say it with some passion...MY FRIEND!!



We may be a little bit off in our philosophy but you know what they say. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

[CTDennis85]

Indeed.


Fuck making our own group.. scratch that idea lol.


Just everybody sign up to that front grassroots group that the NAB has which Midway posted.


We'll make it a real movement soon enough lol.


Maybe should get this it's own main topic or something just to grab more people, because we definitely want as many people that cancelled their units to join this group and send out an email or letter opposing the merger.


Viva La Revolution!

[TeenBungle]

We may be a little bit off in our philosophy but you know what they say. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
damnit...can't think of another cliched saying.

[Captdicard]

the enemy of my enemy...is what folks? MY FRIEND! say it with some passion...MY FRIEND!!

And with that, the worst that can happen, O&A get fired from XM....get full gig with CBS, still allowing the interactiveness of the show, and with pal talk, uncensored version. XM Sirius merger fails....XM goes down the crapper and Sirius tries to figure out another way of paying Who Who his 500 mil contract with junk stocks.

[leinad]

How about setting a time line for our efforts? Like getting everyone together to do the same action at the exact same time. Such as everyone call the XM care center line at exactly 1:45 am EST on Monday night (or Tuesday morning). Since the call center closes at 2am EST it would force XM to handle thousands of calls and probably cost them money in overtime wages at the same time. Every one send a complaint email to a selected advertiser at the exact same time. etc...

[sknight]

damnit...can't think of another cliched saying.
a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

[CTDennis85]

Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer.

[styckx]

a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush


What the fuck does that even mean anyway?

[MidwayMonster]

a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

When the going gets tough....the tough get going.

I can't make a thread but I would love to see one started for the site

[Captdicard]

http://peopleagainstcensorship.org/index.php


Thank HTG for it

its down right now, but I figure it should be up in the morning.

[CTDennis85]

When the going gets tough....the tough get going.

I can't make a thread but I would love to see one started for the site



Got you on that...



http://www.wackbag.com/showthread.php?t=68229

[Captdicard]

What the fuck does that even mean anyway?

Well, I believe it could mean that having one, is better then possibly not having any.:icon_idea

MidwayMonster Quote:
Originally Posted by sknight
a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush


When the going gets tough....the tough get going.

I can't make a thread but I would love to see one started for the site
Today 10:36 PM


I hope you can :haha7:


I

[Captdicard]

Got you on that...



http://www.wackbag.com/showthread.php?t=68229

Thanx
:clap:

[Captdicard]

How about setting a time line for our efforts? Like getting everyone together to do the same action at the exact same time. Such as everyone call the XM care center line at exactly 1:45 am EST on Monday night (or Tuesday morning). Since the call center closes at 2am EST it would force XM to handle thousands of calls and probably cost them money in overtime wages at the same time. Every one send a complaint email to a selected advertiser at the exact same time. etc...



So, do we want to do any of this?

[MidwayMonster]

Got you on that...



http://www.wackbag.com/showthread.php?t=68229


thx

[7cent]

Press will jump on the possibility that a scandal is occuring. IMO, that's the story. PAC should request a meeting with XM officials. The topic is to discuss false advertising, canceled subscriptions, suspended accounts instead of cancelation, etc/. When XM declines or ignores the request, issue a press release announcing the refusal to meet and XM hiding the cancelations. As soon as the story shifts to XM hiding info, the press should be interested. Why are they hiding the cancelation numbers??

[FAZ8218]

I think another thing we should focus on is showing our side of the story to the media. There are many of us who were lied to by XM and had to cancel more than once, the media needs to know about this stuff.

[Captdicard]

Press will jump on the possibility that a scandal is occuring. IMO, that's the story. PAC should request a meeting with XM officials. The topic is to discuss false advertising, canceled subscriptions, suspended accounts instead of cancelation, etc/. When XM declines or ignores the request, issue a press release announcing the refusal to meet and XM hiding the cancelations. As soon as the story shifts to XM hiding info, the press should be interested. Why are they hiding the cancelation numbers??


you should email HTG and PAC that idea....see if they can get the press to bite. :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[MidwayMonster]

http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=379023

This is an interesting article on a resolution passed in the Alabama House. I am going to ask my rep. to do one for my state.

[bucfaninatl]

another strategy to hurt XM pocket book is to actually go out and purchase some XM radios.

With each purchase XM loses about $60, with this being the 2nd most important retail season for XM, what they call "GRADS and DADS season". So disrupting the XM inventory, by buying up all the radios say at one retailer, and then returning them right after Father's Day would put a dent in their Cash Flow.

During the time we had these radios the retailer would have to either order more radios(hurting XM cashflow) or decide not to replenish the inventory. Either way would hurt XM as they wouldn't have a real purchase(so no subscriptions from these radios).

I don't know if we have enough loyal and active people to pull this off. I'd be willing to purchase about $2000 in radios and return then with in the 30 day return policy.

Just a thought.

[sknight]

I hope you guys read the announcement.

Keep with it.

[sknight]

Let's start hitting Drudge with submissions. There is a submission box on the right, towards the bottom. Insert the link to the Daily News story first and submit.

Add any other links you may think would get some heat, such as the internet articles.

[Burger]

During my lunch break I am going to the local mall to put fliers on every car with an XM antennae urging them to cancel.

Already contacted my Senators and Congressman asking them to oppose the merger and sent a snail mail to all XM execs telling them so.

[Pat Battler]

BILLBOARDS:

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e394/hinkes007/BILLBOARD3.jpg

[sknight]

Do you have the file or a screenshot of this flyer you're passing around?

[Burger]

Do you have the file or a screenshot of this flyer you're passing around?

This is a draft; I haven't done it yet, let me know if you think any changes need to be made:

--------------

I URGE YOU TO CANCEL YOUR XM SUBSCRIPTION!!!!


(SIDE NOTE - I inserted the "support free speech boycott XM" logo from anther thread right here, but the image would not copy and paste)


On May 15th, 2007, XM Radio suspended the “shock jock” Opie and Anthony show for 30 days. In question is the duo’s insincere apology regarding a bit done on the radio show by a homeless person. XM said “Comments made by Opie and Anthony on yesterday's broadcast put into question whether they appreciate the seriousness of the matter. The management of XM Radio decided to suspend Opie and Anthony to make clear that our on-air talent must take seriously the responsibility that creative freedom requires of them.”

In essence, Opie and Anthony were suspended because they did not take seriously the apology forced upon them due to the content of their show. XM is a service customers pay for, similar to HBO or Showtime. I doubt HBO executives are telling the producers of the Sopranos that they must apologize for all of the violence and profanity on their show, nor will they suspend the series if the producers issue an insincere apology.

I urge you to cancel your XM subscription. By editing the content of their shows, the company clearly does not support freedom of speech. The channel on which this show was previously heard had many warnings that it contained explicit content, channel blocking was available, and XM itself promoted the show as “raunchy” and “uncensored.” XM has gone back on its word of delivering a “raunchy” and “uncensored” show. Management decided to stop providing the content I signed up to listen to; it could do the same to your favorite XM channel or program tomorrow.

Please call 1-800-XMRADIO (967-2346), cancel your subscription, and tell them it is because of the Opie and Anthony suspension.

Please visit www.peopleagainstcensorship.com for more information. That group is NOT responsible for the content of this flier. It was produced by one individual, a former XM subscriber, and the content of this flier is not endorsed by People Against Censorship.

[sknight]

Burger,

Good work. We have to play it like advertisers and marketers. I find little to nothing wrong in the text, but I would format it slightly different to not only make it less tedious to get the point through with a minimum of reading, but to maximize visual impact.

On the first line, add "Satellite Radio" after XM. Believe it or not, most of the world is stupid. The ones that have the receivers will connect stronger when the subject is made clearer. You don't want them to think for themselves. You want them to know and feel what we're thinking. Also, don't use "I". Simply say "Cancel" or "If you believe in free speech, CANCEL YOUR XM SATELLITE RADIO SUBSCRIPTION" It can roll into two lines, with the second bold and capitalized, with larger font.

Bold and increase the font for the section about the number to contact XM.

Remove the section about why they were cancelled. Revise it to mention more clearly that "XM is a premium service where the subscriber decides the content they want to receive...XM has now reduced this pay service to that of FREE terrestrial radio, but continues to collect our hard-earned dollars"

[Earth2murf]

this week i canceled the paper,cable and water to my house!!!!

[sknight]

Tasks for this week (http://wackbag.com/showthread.php?t=68277)

This is the mission for this week:


CANCEL YOUR XM, and LET OTHER PEOPLE KNOW THEY SHOULD CANCEL AS WELL!!!
Write the FCC expressing your feelings on the XM/SIRI merger
Write the FTC expressing your feelings on the XM/SIRI merger (monopoly)
Write your congressperson expressing your feelings on the merger


This is VERY important - keep Daddy-Mel away from XM!!

[loki2486]

destroy the merger!!

Contact Byron Dorgan, US senator from north dakoda who opposes the merger:

U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, issued the following statement Tuesday, announcing his opposition to the proposed merger of the XM and Sirius Satellite radio systems.

http://dorgan.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=272480

http://dorgan.senate.gov/

[Burger]

destroy the merger!!

Contact Byron Dorgan, US senator from north dakoda who opposes the merger:

U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, issued the following statement Tuesday, announcing his opposition to the proposed merger of the XM and Sirius Satellite radio systems.

http://dorgan.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=272480

http://dorgan.senate.gov/


If you're not from ND, he doesn't give a shit what you think. Contact the Senators from YOUR state.

[loki2486]

If you're not from ND, he doesn't give a shit what you think. Contact the Senators from YOUR state.

True...regarding state issues, but he is also a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee which oversee national issues.

No harm to throw him an email saying that we support his opposition of the merger.