A Reply From The Official Star Trek Fan Club Of The UK -------------------------------------------------------- by Colin Gunn and Tim Gaskill ------------------------------- Before we actually thought about running the main article which dealt with the Official Fan Club, we faxed Tim Gaskill to get his views on what we had seen and heard regarding the Club. What entailed was a lenghty and enjoyable telephone converstion between the two of us, and I offered Tim the chance to air his own views in the form of the reply that you will read below. Also I had assured Tim that I would use his comments in the main article as I was making notes as we spoke, so you will see simarlarities between the reply below and the article. 25th November 1993 Ref: STK-0054.DOC Dear Colin Thanks for your comments and taking time to discuss the issues you have raised with regard to the operations of the Fan Club to date. To reiterate several points from our discussion; although we accept that the Fan Club may have had its credibility called into question on its initial launch, we are very confident that the right personnel is now in place and these early mistakes have been rectified. With regard to the Fan Club's commerciality, it is a fact that we have to make money in order to survive. Paramount would not have granted the Fan Club license if this were not the case. As it is much more than a full-time job, myself and the club could not exist without an income. This is true of the U.S. and Canadian Official Fan Clubs as well. I accept the fact that other Star Trek Fan Club's are non-profit making. The fanzines and conventions that are initiated by these clubs are most praiseworthy. We have very good relations with several of these and look to them ALL for a mutually beneficial relationship. After all, it would seem a bit incongruous to preach Star Trek and than alienate others involved just because we/they have slightly different interests or viewpoints. On the subject of exclusive merchandise, we have started with a very limited amount of items for our catalogue, but this looks set to expand with future editions. With regard to our limited membership claim, our license with Paramount is for a certain number. More memberships would result in license re- negotiation. Because we are an office that deals with Star Trek, as well as other areas, our ENTIRE staff is not made up of Trekkers. I however, am and any questions like "When is the Commander Sela figure coming out?" should be addressed to me to avoid confusion. With regard to QVC, please bear in mind several factors. Live TV does not always allow one to correct any errors made. Also, please consider what QVC is - a home shopping channel. They are there to sell merchandise. Any information I can give is general at best. The format does not permit any type of REAL discussion. Another thing to consider is the fact that nothing is rehearsed. It is almost totally improvised! Therefore, when I do speak in general terms, i.e. the different Enterprise, please remember this. There are several key points in your letter that I must pick up on. Warp Speed is a bit tricky and I am not sure how you arrived at Warp 2 being 8 times the speed of light. It should equate, give or take for interstellar conditions, 10 times the speed of light [This was an approximation - Simon]. As for disruption power, both the packaging on the Phaser and the Star Trek Next Generation Technical Manual clearly state the capabilities of disruption fire! In summation, I would like to submit that NO ONE is total omniscience when it comes to Star Trek (although Richard Arnold comes damn close!). I think you will agree, after speaking with me on the telephone, that I do know SOMETHING about Star Trek. Please do not let a forum like QVC cloud your opinions. I accept the fact that being the Editor of The OFFICIAL Star Trek Fan Club of the UK will leave me wide open to criticism. I am willing to face these quite openly. Again, thank you for your comments and I look forward to dealing with you in the future. Best Regards Tim Gaskill Editor So there you have it. The official response from the Official Fan Club. When you read the study and Tim's letter you can get the sense that they are apologetic about the clubs early days, and are in fact making things better between the club and the fans. Tim has assured us that he will do his best to make the magazine an informative and enjoyable read. And I believe that the club will certainly improve and become one to join.