Once Upon a Time... Is Now/Issues 055-056
| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Once Upon a Time... Is Now (Out-In, Out/In, Out...In) |
| Publisher: | |
| Editor(s): | Jeanne Cloud and Joyce DeBoard (issues #1-#27), Jeanne Cloud, Loreen Vanderkrats, and Linda Lakin (issues #27-#33 -- tho perhaps as far as #45), Jeanne Cloud and Loreen Vanderkrats (issues #46-#60 -- tho perhaps as early as #34) |
| Type: | letterzine |
| Date(s): | 1988 to 1996 |
| Frequency: | sometimes monthly, sometimes bi-monthly, at the end much more infrequent |
| Medium: | |
| Size: | digest-sized |
| Fandom: | Beauty and the Beast (TV) |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Once Upon a Time... Is Now (Out-In, Out/In, Out...In) is a Beauty and the Beast letterzine. It is digest-sized.
See List of Letterzines for similar fanworks.
Contents
The zine is a collection of letters from fans (titled "From the Helpers") of the show discussing aspects of the show including the actors, characters, stories, and fanfiction. This zine also contains photos (both xeroxed and original), some original artwork, con reports, open letters, and sometimes clippings and interviews.
Some regular features were: "OK Good...OK Fine" (the editorial), "From the Library" (zine listings), and "On the Pipes" (fan clubs).
There were 60 issues published between 1988 to 1996.
Issue 55
Once Upon a Time... Is Now 55 was published in Winter 1994 and contains 24 pages.
It includes a signed holiday card from the celebrities to fans.
From the editors:
We promised you an answer to the dilemma we were in regarding the continuance of this publication. There is good news and bad news. The bad news first...our number didn't come in. We have had about 30% drop which is 20% over what we said we could have and survive. The good news is that we have decided not to fold...YET! Because so many of you have tried so hard to help us keep this publication alive, we are going to try to keep printing until Issue #60 which will be our last.
[...]
While we're on the subject of LOC's, we have received another letter from a non-subscriber who is obviously keeping up with current issues by borrowing from someone else. This practice is partly to blame for the demise of this publication. If these fans would subscribe and support the publications that they so obviously enjoy, perhaps the publications would be around longer. What surprises us is that this fan has had publications of her own and should know better. And to add insult to injury, she is writing a letter for publication in a newsletter that she is not even supporting. We will eventually publish her letter when we have no other letters from subscribers and space permits because the purpose of this letterzine is for fans to stay in touch. We do, however, give preference to our subscribers.
Issue 55: Excerpts from the Letters
Wasn't TC3 great?! My only complaint is that they still can't seen to create more hours in a day so that you can do everything! I was only able to go to the last five ninutes of one panel discussion. I suppose if I didn't sleep, eat or gather with ny friends I might be able to do more things!
This particular paragraph is going to come right out of the blue, but I have wanted to address the question of inviting third season guests to conventions. Unfortunately, many people have already said all of the things that I have felt. I just want to add that I would love to see anybody that was involved with our show. I guess I an one of those strange people that loved the third season. Yes, it was totally different from the first two seasons, but I absolutely loved the character of "Diana". I was able to relate and find much more in common with her than I could with "Catherine". Once you meet some of the actors that played on the show, you get to realise that they are ordinary people with extraordinary talents. It becomes much easier for you to separate them from the characters that they play. So I say, invite all of the people you can, and I will definitely be there to see them!!
The entire con was wonderful; I cried during the banquet — I couldn’t help it. I was excited during the art auction, yet, even with all those delightful feelings going through me, I knew there was still something missing.
I think I’ve finally figured out what it was: I miss Beauty and the Beast so much that it hurts. I gave myself — heart and soul — to that show... and to several others since it was taken from us. I feel pangs inside for Quantum Leap; I loved that show, so I knew it couldn't last. I mourn heavily for Star Trek: The Next Generation, and can't wait until November 18 when their movie opens. And, because I love Highlander so much, I know it's doomed.
My good memories: Every panel I attended; the talent/costume show; breakfast with Edward; the dealers' room; the art show; the celebrity auction; "Be Our Guest"; Vincent in a loin cloth; David Greenlee, David Schwartz, Edward Albert, Myhr; the autograph session; the celebrity auction, and all the Beasties. I really did have a good time, the convention was well-planned, well-run. But it could have been better, believe me, 1have learned from my mistakes... next year I'm staying in the convention hotel and I'm going with another Beastie!
Regarding next year's convention and the controversy over having third season guests, I have the utmost faith in the convention committee that the scheduling of guests will be handled intelligently and delicately, so as not to upset anyone. They seem very organized, and I'm sure they are doing their best to make everything run as smoothly as possible, which is no small task. However, Ihope the fans will treat all of the guests with respect, should they run into a celebrity they don't wish to see. There may be a number of guests from all three seasons attending the banquet. I hope the fans will conduct themselves with dignity. I am a classic fan who found third season very painful to watch; however, I can't envision anything more embarrassing than people fleeing the banquet hall if a third season guest takes the podium. I'm able to keep things in perspective. These people are actors who were hired to play these roles, and they have to pay the mortgage like everyone else.
Well, enough about that. Just one more thought before I end this long, boring letter. I would like to express my hope that the fans will learn to tolerate each other better. Our feelings are strong and personal, but our strength is in our numbers, and we shouldn't alienate or belittle each other because of differing viewpoints. The important thing is that we found something in the show that touched us deeply - for whatever reason - and we should be grateful for the changes B&B has brought about in our lives. The more fans there are, the greater the chance of getting a movie.
Speaking of THE MOVIE, there's been absolutely no news for the longest time. Wasn't it three years ago that Ron Koslow said he had an outline? Maybe it's time to start writing letters again to Koslow, Blockbuster, Spelling, etc.
Here is another sensitive subject I want to talk about. Have all of you heard the news about Beth Blighton bowing out of the fandom? I must say that I was a little bit shocked. 1 have gotten to know her a little bit more over the past couple of years and I just love her fun-spirited personality. I didn’t want to call her and bug her about the announcement, but I just want to let her know that she will be sadly missed. And I just don’t mean her artistic talents. I will personally miss her laughter. Oh well, I wish her the best of everything in life, and I hope to hear from her soon.
Hey guys, I wanted to let you all know how grateful I was for your kind words, compliments and encouragement. It meant a lot to me. I sold out of my last zine at the con, and when I mentioned to someone that I suddenly felt as though my youngest child had left home, she replied in no uncertain terms that I would simply have to start writing again. Well, folks, I never did stop, I have been writing in the Star Trek: The Next Generation Fan Universe for a while — a couple of short pieces were published in sines put out by my group, here in Chicago, Windy City Press. The artist who did all illustrations for the zine wan the Fan-Q award for best artists, multi-media, at Media West Con this year. I have thought about returning to the tunnels, in fact, I really want to...but it's not that easy. Ask any writer in fandom — they'll tell you. Sometimes you get an idea, then the words come faster than your fingers can type them out. But sometimes, even with an idea, the words won’t come at all — no matter what you do or how hard you try. This is what has been happening to me for the past year. While I was in the Dealer's Room, a couple of fans asked when my next zine would be out. I had to shrug my shoulders, and this made me feel awful — but not as awful as I already felt. I wasn't really feeling too well the entire few days I was at the con. I tried not to let any of it get me down — but I know there were times that I was less than myself. My roommates were pretty terrific to me while I was sick, and finally, all the personal stuff started fading away. I had a good time despite it all.
Let me assure all of you that asked that yes, I still love writing about Vincent and Catherine... I see them in my dreams all the time. They are together and they are happy. This fandom has made me so happy, and given me so much... I want to keep giving back to all of you and, more than that, I want to go exploring through some more of those tunnels and chambers.
Regarding Jeanne's suggestion for a report on Carousels and Caverns' TC III meeting about their '95 L.A. con, "A Distant Shore": I attended, and would not call it "quite heated". To me, it was a spirited and lengthy discussion with passion on both sides, and final acceptance of "whatever each fan prefers" by the majority. Mike Maloney invited everyone to come because this would be a con for everyone. A fervent declaration about "bursting into tears" should the speaker run into Stephen McHattie at the con was made by an earnest and intelligent fan, and was politely listened to by the group. A few others spoke in agreement with her. After lengthy give-and-take from all wishing to speak their opinions, the majority agreed that McHattie would be an interesting guest (I concur) and those who do not want to see him or any other 3rd season guest should avoid what would be upsetting and spend time on what makes than happy. I think the meeting showed we are maturing as fans. We ended the meeting excited about next year.
Although Carousels and Caverns quoted a $59 room rate, the Doubletree informed me the price is $65 plus 14% tax. That totals- $74.10. So, everyone, start saving right now.
The C. and C. video invitation to their 95' con was shown at our August meeting, and was worth the $30 donation. It convinced at least two who had not planned to go to change their minds. (I registered for it at TC III.) These "B&B" cons are my one treat each year — my "B&B" fix. Would that everyone in the world be hooked on something as wondrous!
I just don't get it! What is all this flake about classical and third season. My very dear friend, [Laura P] is a true-blue classical fan; she will I0T read ANYTHING in which Catherine is dead. Me? I'm AC/DC . . . alive Catherine/dead Catherine . . . I LOVE it all and read it all. My point is that Laura and I have no problems. We can talk for hours about Beauty and the Beast; she'll even listen when I carry on about a Vincent/Diana zine. . . . she won't read it, but she'll listen.
In fact, I haven't yet met another Beastie (I like that word also) that has shown any animosity toward me because I can go from SND zines right into one with a Vincent/Diana relationship. Perhaps I've just been lucky, but I think the greater truth is that the majority of us believe... I'M OKAY - YOU'RE OKAY.
You'd think if anyone was going to be a third-season fan, it would be me. The first B&B show I ever saw was "Walk Slowly", and from there I watched the whole third season, absolutely riveted despite having no clue as to who this creature was or what was really going an. Then I connected with a local fan who loaned me her tapes from the first two seasons. As overwhelmed as I was with the first experience, the second was exponentially beyond that. It took over my life in the way we're all familiar with.
So, you'd think I'd certainly be an all-season fan, if not a strong third-season fan. But I'm not. It didn't work out that way, and the only explanation I have is the New-Age adage: "Feelings are not right or wrong; they just are." At the end of the series as a whole, my heart was still with Vincent and Catherine in a world where they were alive and together. I gave the third season a further exploration through several excel lent zines, and have even written a story that includes Diana, but it didn't change the fact that I am, to the core, a Classic fan.
My feelings about the L.A. Con run the same way. I'll be paying money to attend something that celebrates the Classic dream, not something that represents the end of the dream, or its conversion into something different. Seeing Stephen McHattie's or Jo Anderson's face would remind me of Catherine's death and Vincent's strange, distant loneliness. What question could they answer, what humorous detail could they add to The Dream?
No, I wouldn't be puking in the comer, I would feel deeply saddened, and reminded of something I want to forget. I would feel unrespected by the Con Committee. My basic and unchangeable feeling is that I don't want to see third-season guests. If they do come to the Con, I think it could be a simple matter of separate scheduling (preferably separations of days rather than hours), to keep everyone happy. Feelings don't change, but they certainly can be hurt. My feelings have already suffered some damage at TC III, where Classic fans were once again put down for carrying emotional baggage or being unable to separate the actor from the character. Then in the August issue of "0UT...IH", despite the editors' assurance that name-calling would not be allowed, we were labeled "not open-minded" and (inventively) "synthetic". Hey, I could get creative with names for third-season fans too, but it would just cause more harm and close more doors. Let's communicate more sensitively.
So, to summarize, I've given third season a good try, and just didn't like it. I don't mind third season guests at the Con, so long as I don't have to see them or listen to them. I would like to come to A Distant Shore knowing that it will be a comfortable and respectful situation for every person. It would be nice to see some "open- mindedness" applied to Classic fans, as well as the other way around. Any takers?
- (Editor's note: We still stand by the conviction that this newsletter published without "name-calling" or "fan-bashing" and do our best to assure you, our subscribers, that we will uphold this decision to not print any LOC containing such communication. However, it would be an insurmountable task to try and go over every LOC with a fine-tooth comb and try to interpret what may or may not be construed as a "name-calling" term. So every now and then, one may get past us. For example, we didn't consider "not open-minded" to be a direct name-calling slam at anyone in particular so we let it slide. If this has offended anyone, please accept our apology.)
[My letter] concerns those of us who are frantically trying to put together fanzines and, for one reason or another, can't seem to finish the stories we have or are looking to get submissions from others in fandom. At Tunnel Con III, Roseann and I left over 200 flyers on the table by the door to the dealers room asking for submissions to complete our next fanzine 'A Prince Among Men'. By the end of the con, I noticed that all the flyers were gone. I safely assumed that unless they were used as toilet paper or as kindling, people were picking them up and bringing them home.
How for my question. WHERE HAVE ALL THE WRITERS GOME??? We received only ONE submission and frankly, friends, I'm a bit perturbed by this. Has everyone given up writing?
There was a time, three years ago, when Roseann and I had to actually turn down submissions because we had too many of them. low, we haven't gotten more than a nibble from either new writers who want to have their stories in print, or some experienced writer who's submitted or written stories in the past.
Previously, you couldn't write an LOC asking for submissions because "OUT...Ilf” had a classified section and you had to pay for any advertising. Since they've stopped doing that, I hope the ladies won't mind this pleading letter from two women who are desperately hoping to complete a sine by next year to sell at 'A Distant Shore'. I know from the previous sales involving our first sine, 'A Love for All Seasons', that there are tons of you who've bought and read it. We originally printed 200 and that went back and printed another 150 because of the demand and now have about a half dozen left! That's why I guess I'm doubly confused and disheartened to have only received erne submission since the convention in July. lfow maybe I was being overly optimistic, but I thought we would be inundated with offers by now. Pam Tuck graciously asked to supply artwork for the xine (and you know what a wonderful artist she is) and we did get on submission from a woman that we are definitely accepting but, for the most part, we are a bit baffled with the outcome of our request. I only ask that if you are thinking of writing a story and you would like an outline, please send your request to me at the above address or submit your story directly to me. I promise Roseann and I will get back to you ASAP! By the way, we don't care if it's classic or third season, just as long as it concerns Vincent and those around him. It can be romantic or sexy or just a story involving Jamie and Vincent or House and Vincent. You see, 'A Prince Among Men' is about our mane man and any story involving him is all right. If I can just impart with you something someone said to me as an explanation to why we weren't getting any submissions, (I won't mention her name), she stated that perhaps the reason is because the line isn't a classic xine. She seemed to think people didn't want to read anything from Third Season!! I wanted to tell her to sit down next to Rhonda Collins or Han Dibble in the dealers room and watch their stuff go like hotcakes. I just can't believe that's the reason. There are more and more people in this fandom who agree that wherever the show went, however it progressed, they'd still be watching it if it were an the air today.
Hell, folks, if the show were on now, Jo Anderson probably wouldn't be in it. And I'm sorry to say this, but Linda Hamilton would be a fading memory. Ask any one who watches the soaps. They see their favorite characters change face and hair color as often as the day is long.
I used to watch 'Dynasty'. Didn't miss when Pamela Sue Martin was replaced by Emma Samms for more than an episode. But who knows?
Regarding next year's convention and the controversy over having third season guests, I have the utmost faith in the convention committee that the scheduling of guests will be handled intelligently and delicately, so as not to upset anyone. They seen very organized, and I'm sure they are doing their best to make everything run as smoothly as possible, which is no small task. However, I hope the fans will treat all of the guests with respect, should they run into a celebrity they don't wish to see. There may be a number of guests from all three seasons attending the banquet. I hope the fans will conduct themselves with dignity. I am a classic fan who found third season very painful to watch; however, I can't envision anything more embarrassing than people fleeing the banquet ball if a third season guest takes the podium. I'm able to keep things in perspective. These people are actors who were hired to play these roles, and they have to pay the mortgage like everyone else.
Well, enough about that. Just one more thought before I aid this long, boring letter. I would like to express my hope that the fans will learn to tolerate each other better. Our feelings are strong and personal, but our strength is in our numbers, and we shouldn't alienate or belittle each other because of differing viewpoints. The important thing is that we found something in the show that touched us deeply - for whatever reason - and we should be grateful for the changes B&B has brought about in our lives. The more fans there are, the greater the chance of getting a movie.
Speaking of THE MOVIE, there's been absolutely no news for the longest time. Wasn't it three years ago that Ron Koslow said he had an outline? Maybe it's time to start writing letters again to Koslow, Blockbuster, Spelling, etc. Short letters expressing interest in a movie and how much we miss the show might best serve our cause. If we write long letters about what we want in the movie, what we don't, who we want to see in it, and who we don't, it might get them so annoyed that they'll scrap the project altogether. Ron Perlman definitely needs the work and deserves a role worthy of his talents. (Have you seen the dogs he's been in lately? What a waste!) Sometimes I think the fans and the actors are the only ones who care, and the writers, producers et al are off doing other projects and have lost interest in doing a movie. What is Ron Koslow doing these days anyway?
I have to thank ST:TNG indirectly for getting me interested in B&B, because after seeing the preview on the Sci-Fi channel I decided to watch B&B's debut. This second chance to watch the series was truly a revelation. IT WAS MAGIC! The best way to describe my experience is like welcoming an old dear friend that you hadn't seen in a while and discovering things about this friend that you never knew existed. I didn't merely watch the series as I did the first time on CBS, I felt it! It captured my heart and I was hooked. How blind I was when I originally viewed the show, for any series to contain romance (tragic and touching), Shakespeare and classical music, contains some of my favorite things. And after hearing "that voice", I wouldn't have cared if Vincent resembled a frog. But better yet to have features of the regal lion for I found him not beastly at all, but beautiful outside as well as from within. So now I'm a true fan of the show and can't get enough of "Beauty and the Beast". I watch the show everyday much to the bewilderment of my hubby, who just scratches his head and doesn't understand what I see in it. Poor boy, doesn't have a clue and like some other men I know truly doesn't understand the concept that love and sex are not the same thing. However, 1 don't think I helped matters any when I asked him to growl and roar for me. That really had him stumped. Ok good, ok fine.
In Issues #53 & #54, there Here some comments (which were not too kind, I might add) regarding the actor Stephen McHattie and some concern about him appearing at a B&B con. Now I know people are entitled to their opinions and I respect that. That's why I'm voicing mine when I say some of those comments bothered me. As a person who has attended ST cons, there was a sort of deja-vu in that attitude, that disturbs me, because I've heard it before. Despite a person's feelings about the third season of B&B and the horrible nay Catherine was treated by Gabriel, I implore you to bear in mind that Gabriel is a character and Mr. McHattie, the actor who portrayed that character, is a person doing his job with his own personality and feelings. The role is a part they play not who they are as a person. I remember a ST con where a young actor, Wil Wheaton, was booed by some fans. Why was he booed? Mot because of something he did personally but because the character he played on ST:TNG saved the ship too much for the fans' liking. Mow everyone is entitled to their opinion about a character on a show but they are not entitled to be so dreadfully rude to the actor, who is simply doing their job. These fans were treating Wil Wheaton, a human being, like crap just because they got confused thinking that the character he portrayed, Wesley Crusher, and he were one in the same person sharing the stage. I implore those viewing Stephen McHattie (a fine actor) as a sort of an enemy, to re-examine that view and not confuse the character of Gabriel with that of the actor. They are not the same, Mr. McHattie is a real person with emotions all his own and Gabriel is a character of fiction and not real. If you understand the essence of "Beauty and the Beast", you'll understand when I say open your minds and hearts to the possibilities. Open the can doors and welcome Stephen McHattie on stage. If you have to ask the question what could I possibly learn from this actor? A lot! You could miss a delightful person because I'll say this, that once the boo's died down at the ST con, Wil Wheaton, turned out to be most unCrusher-like. He was a charming young actor who told all kinds of fascinating tidbits about the show, the actors and stories from behind the scenes of the show. I don't know about you, but I find that always interesting. If you respect B&B and it's philosophy, you should respect a fellow human being, Stephen McHattie, and welcome him to a B&B con.
Issue 56
Issue 56: Excerpts from the Letters
I think we have grown as a fandom enough to tolerate all season conventions. But PLEASE, let's not have any dead roses or nasty remarks, okay? From ANYBODY. Because this fandom has to pull together and become simply "Beauty and the Beast" fans. One family. As Father tells us, "We are all a part of one another...sometimes we forget that." All families have squabbles, differences of opinion and not everyone likes everyone else. But when the chips are down, they pull together. And now's the time to DAMN IT ALL pull it together. Because now WE are the keepers ofthe light. WE are "Beauty and the Beast". Not the actors, not the networks, not Ron Koslow. It's the characters and US. This show is about LOVE and TOLERANCE. Learning to love someone despite their differences— and sometimes even BECAUSE of them! There is BEAUTY in difference. There is even beauty in tragedy...if there wasn't, why would timeless romances like "Romeo and Juliet" have survived so long?So we are now the carriers of the flame. And how many candles can one candle light? the prospect is limitless. (Remember the lights in the banquet hall at Great Expectations as we listened to Vincent's voice? How many of us can empathize with that sonnet?)
So keep the candles lit...but let it be for ALL of "Beauty and the Beast", for even in the tragedy there is triumph. So we're different. So what? Let us each carry a different light...that way, we reach ALL the dark places!
I thought your idea about "dusting off our tapes" was a wonderful idea. That gets me all fired-up again. Of course, when it comes to B&B that doesn’t take much.
I would love to read everyone's different opinions and views of the episodes. Everything from the steadfast classic, the "way out in left-field", to the utterly absurd and I thoroughly enjoy someone with a sense of humor. I appreciate anyone who can dazzle me with their depth of thought in critiquing the characters, the situations and the "between-the-lines" that might slip by. I am ready to fall in love again and relish the essence of their passion.
I was really upset when I received my last issue of "OUT...IN" stating that you would be stopping publication. This news is disturbing in that there aren’t that many B&B info publications out there anymore.
My original source of B&B info, when I first learned of fandom, was "Pipeline" and it's gone now. When I finally got around to joining an actual fan club, "Lionheart", it folded as well. About my only consistent contact with other members of this marvelous fan community is through the letters you publish in "OUT...IN". I would really hate to see you fold as well.
That's why I was heartened when I received the letter you mailed about watching episodes again and wanting to start discussions the way we all used to do.