I've finally had enough...
This is coming in response to the ridiculous and unintentionally funny complaining I've seen both here and on the main blog page. I wrote the same thing on the main page, but I have to post this twice, as I think I've finally snapped. Honestly, I've held my tongue long enough on these people that keep coming and whining about every little thing. Here's the thing people, AMC DOES look at everyone's comments. Case in point, the blog writers put out a statement regarding the blog's name change after a rash of more idiotic and pointless complaints about the blog's name change, as if that mattered at all. Because they do look at our comments, they see complaints like this every year, and they do try to accommodate us however they can. Here's the big kicker, when you guys come on here and complain every year no matter how good Monsterfest may or may not be, they are going to try to change things. Monsterfest X was one of the best Monsterfests of all time, they mixed up classic and modern horror after years of playing mostly modern movies, and they expanded it to a 24/7 marathon. Still, after all that, people complained. Here's what could be seen, just like every year...
"There's not enough old-school horror"
"Friday the 13th movies? How lame!"
"I'm tired of Halloween movies"
"I want different Friday the 13th movies"
"I want more variety"
"Here's a list of expensive movies you should blow your year's worth of programming funds for..."
etc. etc.
You can see by this that AMC is pretty much just at a loss as to what to do. Inconsistent viewer requests and endless complaints no matter what movies are shown have left them constantly scrambling to get more variety. Here's the thing though, as I've said over and over... this is NOT A HORROR CHANNEL. AMC gives us Monsterfest every year, despite being a general movie channel. What other channel gives us that? TCM? nope. USA, TNT, TBS, FX, etc. etc.? Nope. They're not going to be able to afford to throw away tons of cash for movies that will satisfy every single person no matter what. They're doing their best to accommodate you guys, but the problem is, you're never happy! I can guarantee if next year they showed nothing but classic horror, there would be tons of posts coming on here screaming about not seeing Jason or Freddy or Michael. If they showed nothing but Halloween, Friday the 13th and Nightmare movies with a few others sprinkled in, you'd all be whining about not seeing enough classic horror. They can't win, so AMC has tried year after year to strike a good balance, and they've done it again this year. The more you people keep complaining, the more it's just going to get ruined. For the fiftieth time, I'm not saying this year's lineup is amazing, but we still get a week of horror movies in late October with some quality movies to watch. You can guarantee that stuff like people complaining about blog name changes and logos is just making them scratch their heads and say "what's the point of this thing, no one's ever happy with it!" I can guarantee the changes with Monsterfest/Fearfest have correlated directly with the increase in incessant complaining on this site. Honestly people, think before you post. Take a deep breath, remember that AMC still provides the best chances to see horror on TV, and enjoy Fearfest for what it is. Otherwise, pull out some DVDs and watch what you want. Of course, you're just going to say "I like to watch it on TV!"... yet another example of pointless attitudes that really make no sense... I've posted my thoughts about this year's FearFest, I won't go over that again. I will say that yes, the small block of Mad Men / Breaking Bad sucks, but otherwise, the schedule isn't too shabby. I think it starts out really strong but doesn't end all that well, they could have balanced it out a little better and it would look really good, but it's still going to be enjoyable. That's all I'll say.
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I'm hoping none of those comments are directed at me, because I for one, do not like the name change. Everything else I can handle. The films are fine and AMC showing Mad Men and Breaking Bad is totally ok with me (gives me a break from the TV).
As for your other comments, they are spot on. People act as if this is the first time horror fans have had to adapt to change. AMC's name change is nowhere near as bad as Hollywood's fumbling of producing anything new or original. And if you do get something worth viewing (Midnight Meat Train) it's put in limited markets.
Horror is big business, but not so much for the true, dedicated fans of horror, because we are a small circle compared to the mainstream market.... where the real money is. Legends, Icons, and Traditions are being torn down for the sake of the old mighty dollar (which isn't worth much anymore). A certain horror magazine ain't what it used to be... ugh, I could go on and on, but that would take forever...
Anyways, Jack, you're right. People just need to chill and give FearFest a chance. Essentially, it's still MonsterFest, just with a new paint job.
No King, they're not directed at you personally. You've been one of the voices of reason on this board and the blog, and although you've stated a distaste for the name change, you haven't blown that distaste out of proportion by claiming that you won't watch Fearfest this year because of it or that Fearfest is in the toilet because of it.
My rant was directed at the collective attitudes of people visiting this site just to rant and rave about how horrible FearFest is and how stupid AMC is because of it. As much as they'd like to think AMC will hear their opinion and everything will be OK, it has to be believed that it's really just having a negative impact on the marathon as the network scrambles to try to make it appealing to all these people that complain, and that it's also creating a negative attitude amongst the AMC higher ups who can say "OK, all anyone does is complain about Monsterfest, what's the point anymore? We have Mad Men and Breaking Bad and Western movies that no one ever complains about, why not just play those?" That's the point I'm trying to make. This complaining is just a drain on Monsterfest/Fearfest itself, and it's completely unwarranted and unnecessary.
Thanks, Jack-O-Sux. You're spot-on here. I admit I've said a couple of disparaging comments--I really hate the name too, but as I said in another post, I will get over it. As you said, we're horror fans; we're used to change. I, for one, am glad that AMC is choosing not to acknowledge the barrage of negativity and just plain whining that has taken over the site in the last few days. There's no reason to. Where are all these people the 11 other months of the year, when Monsterfest/Fearfest is not on? Not here, I'll bet. They're only hear to complain and cause trouble for those of us who are loyal readers of this blog. I'm not completely satisfied with the schedule, but they can't please all of the people all of the time. I'm pleased that they are showing some of the older films; and guess what! I just got a DVR. Yay me! I can see all of them, and now I don't even have to watch the commercials. Would I like to see a longer FearFest? Sure. Would I like AMC to show some of the films I prefer in earlier hours? Sure. Do I understand that I can't always have what I want? YES. I worry that this reduced schedule for FearFest means they may be slowly phasing it out, and seeing all of this continuous bitching and moaning may help them make that decision.
"They're only here", rather. Jeez.
I didn't think you were, Jack, but I just had to ask because you appeared to be in the zone with your comments. You and I, we may not always agree, but I will say that I respect your opinions 100%. Kind of like how I respect Court's undying need to be 100% a perfectionist. Hahaha. No need to correct typos, Court, we knew what you meant.
I've accepted FearFest and the blog name (seriously, was that the only name available though?) and now that AMC has brought back the days of a host during the festival, 2008 looks like it'll be a great year.... as far as October goes that is. Although, I would like to know in what capacity Rob Zombie's hosting duties will be. I can't see him commenting on Constantine or Resident Evil.
Ahh, and I believe you may have commented on this, too, Jack, but what's up with Pumpkinhead playing online and not on TV? Especially since it would make a great DVD_TV episode since they just released the brand new 20th anniversary DVD thats filled with extras. I don't understand that at all. Pinata: Survival Island should be streamed online, not Pumpkinhead.
Thank-You I've suggested that for 2 years now, about do your own monsterfest with DVD's but all i ever got was I dont like having to be putting in dvd's. Its easier if its on tv ,yet they rather be complaining. I don't even think amc even pays attention to it but your right if people keep complaining , it just might end. Then they will really have something to complain about. I think they did a good job this year CONGRATS AMC
Haha, English major/librarian/obsessive compulsive over here; I can't help it. :D
I think the FearFest website looks great. I had no idea they were going to have a host for the on-air stuff, and Rob Zombie at that! I think he's going to be awesome...I bet he has a lot to say on all the films, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's got some hilarious comments about Constantine and Resident Evil.
I agree with you King Malice--I said in the Pumpkinhead post itself that I'm a fan--they ought to switch that one to TV and the crappy Pinata movie to online. I'm glad to see the online movies, though.
I posted in another post about the change in name etc..
I dont see my post as a complaint more so as a praise. No I didnt really want a change, and I find myself "complaining" only because they have done such a AMAZING job the past few years and its sad to see major pieces of it missing this year in my opinion. Also in my post I DO note that I am VERY thankful AMC does this at all, and VERY thankful that they do Fear Fridays. I love that they play Halloween and Exorcist amongst others throughout the year, sort of something to hold us over for the Fest.
Some peoples complaints are over the top and come off more as slamming on AMC and saying this or that sucks. Just be thankful they do it at all, or just move along. Experimentation isnt always what everyone wants but ATLEAST they keep at it and they learn from it, but they dont give up on the horror fans. I wait ALL year for this Fest and yes im very let down without Hellraiser and Exorcist but im sure it will be back next year.
Yeah, KingMalice, I had commented about Pumpkinhead very briefly somewhere around here. I thought it was really weird too that they didn't just throw it into FearFest instead of just having it on demand online... kind of weird. That takes me back to my one comment about during Monsterfest X they had a bunch of cool horror movies like Sleepaway Camp and The Evil Dead on Mediacom on demand (I now have DirecTV), but not on the regular channel itself. It's kind of a weird practice, but hey, at least they offer the movies in some capacity. I agree, though, it would make a perfect DVD_TV showing with the new DVD coming out.
I'm glad you guys agree with me after some rather nonsensical and not so pleasant responses I received on the regular blog page. I will say, I never meant to really be harsh on any particular person with this comment. I really just wanted to make people aware that their complaints are indeed heard (I myself and others in years past have received personal emails from AMC regarding our Monsterfest comments) and that the constant complaining about every single aspect of FearFest, no matter how small or insignificant, weren't accomplishing anything, and in most cases, they were simply unwarranted and pointless. I've realized, like Court mentioned, that most of the posters just show up once a year to whine and make things obnoxious for the more regular posters, so I imagine AMC keeps that in mind, but it is still very frustrating to hear. I hope I didn't insult anyone personally with my rant, but I thought it was something that needed to be said, and judging by further negative comments on Monsterfest, it's a message that hasn't quite sunken in, despite the added efforts of KingMalice and others.
This is a blog, forum however you see it. It's purpose is for people to express opinions, ideas about whatever the subject is, even if it is a cesspool of complaints or praises. People will get over it and go about their lives. AMC can not please everyone but to deny people the right to express their displeasure is ridiculous. As far as the reduced schedule goes, my take on that is it's shortened because Halloween is on a Friday this year and they just didn't want to start it on the Monday the week before to do 12 days of Fearfest.
Very well said, disciple! Good for you!!!
I feel the same way!
"Freedom of Speech!"
Id like to praise AMC, but I cant. AMC has become a brainless machine that plays the same mainstream movies over and over and over. What do the people in charge expect us to say? "Thanks for replaying Halloween 4 and 5, 10 times this week"? Im a film lover, and I expect that the people who run these movie channels know more about movies than Godfather, Dirty Harry and Jaws. The Future of Classic basically means: We will show the Godfather 1000 times. Its also sad when you WORLD PREMIERE films that have been replayed already on TV 1 million times by other channels. WORLD PREMIERE OF THE GODFATHER. (lol). There needs to be a change in today's television programming just like we need a change in government/politics.
AMC is amazing for what it brings us every year. I owe a lot to them for my interests today. I love the way they mix the old and newer horror movies together- it's so original in a world where everything is being remade and the original's value becomes jeopardized. I think the people at AMC are saints for what they bring us every year, so people should think before they straight-up say "this sucks." That isn't constructive. I like what you're saying Jack-O. Very insightful and really reiterates the fact that we should be thanking AMC.