Well, I made it through a 12 hour day at work today which was made worse by the fact that I was totally exhausted. So why was I totally exhausted you ask? Because I stayed up until 1:15 am watching Nightline and then couldn't fall asleep for at least 2 hours because I was so blown away by what I had seen. Was I blown away by the great feat of journalism I had just witnessed? Hardly. I've read all of your comments on the "Alert" thread and it seems that most of you liked it. While I usually make it a point to be respectful and considerate regarding posting my opinions, I feel I need to express what I thought of the Nightline piece. After being led astray for 3 weeks and staying up night after night with disappointment while suffering through pieces about Obama and Clinton, about the Oreo Cookie and the most dangerous road in the world, I was finally going to see what I was waiting for. The world was going to find out why Flower was so special, why we love meerkats and Meerkat Manor so much and who are these Meerkat Manor fans anyway. Were these questions answered in an intelligent and informative segment? Absolutely not. The end result of Nightline's meerkat segmnent was a vapid piece of trashy fluff. We were led to believe that this was going to be a story that was to shed light on "meerkat culture". Why are people head over heels for meerkats and Meerkat Manor? And who is this Flower character anyway? The general public was going to get to know what is driving this meerkat mania, what makes us tick and what is this East Coast Meerkat Society? At least, that is how it was explained to me. And after taking a substantial amount of time out of my busy schedule to sit down and express all of these feelings (along with allowing Nightline to bring a camera into my place of employment - including subjecting one of my clients to being filmed), my time was condensed down to a mere 20-30 seconds. In fact, the one sound byte they gave me was *not* my reaction to Flower's death which they led you to believe but my reaction to the end of the Meerkat Manor episode "When Flower Met Hannibal." Had I known this was going to be the end result of all that work I would never have volunteered to do it. Now before you all jump to the conclusion that I am just bitter because I didn't get my 15 minutes of fame let me assure you this is not the case. If Nightline would have actually talked about the fans in a meaningful way (and I don't mean in the last 3 minutes of the segment) and actually showed us as people of substance and intelligence, that would have been a different story. And let's be honest with ourselves. If you had never seen Meerkat Manor before, would you have left having any idea why Flower was so special and what the fuss is all about? I wouldn't have. Instead I feel we fans were reduced to a bunch of over-emotional meerkat cup-cake eating nuts. The term "get a life" comes to mind. Did you notice my profession was never mentioned? Why? Because that doesn't fit the fluff package. No I'm not bitter. I am just once again terribly disappointed. Terribly disappointed in a media that is only interested in superficial, 10 second sound bytes which devalue every cause, every emotion, everything that is important in life. I could go on about this for hours but I won't bore you. I'm not looking for everyone to respond and say kind things. I think you are all great and special people but I stand by the fact that Nightline missed the boat big time on this one. I cannot thank Jason and Sarah enough for giving me the opportunity to talk a little bit about what Meerkat Manor fans are about and what made Flower so special to us. Unfortunately, the only people who are going to read that interview are people who already know the truth. I'm sorry if this "rant" sounds disjointed because I am completely exhausted but I had to get this off of my chest. Thank you all for listening. I think I feel much better now.
Queenflower,no one is going to think you sound bitter. We still stand by the fact that all things considered you did a great job. We are all proud,look how far we have come. Originally I said I never watch Nightline,now maybe some will know why. =^..^=
Thanks, Mary, for "venting" here. I'm glad you feel comfortable to share your views and feelings with us. I think we all agree that the segment [producers] gave you short shrift ... and thanks for unfortunately confirming that they didn't even mention that you're a vet! I wasn't sure if I missed that or if they failed to mention your professional credentials. I enjoyed your segment and the pieces about the fans--thanks for contributing so much!
Oh Queenflower, you can vent if you need to. After you were asked to give of your time and talent on behalf of all us meerkat fans. And we did appreciate it. You are right that it was a nice piece, but if I had never seen the meerkats and learned how special they are, I would have come away believing that there are too many people with too much time on their hands and too much money. Interestingly, I don't think anyone would question avid fans of the Britneys, Mileys, and the Secreasts of the world. Now, to me that seems strange.
QueenFlower: It's O.K. to express your feels. Know that we all are fans and are here to support each other and meerkats worldwide. After seeing it several times, I can understand your feelings on how they portrayed the fans. If I were not a fan I would think that eating cupcakes, framing a picture of a meerkat, and giving a toast to an animal that I see on T.V. could be kind of strange. Now I regret leaving such a positive comment on Nightline's comment board.
Thanks everyone. Just to clarify, there is *nothing wrong* with eating cupcakes, framing a picture of a meerkat and giving a toast to Flower. I do all of those things. But there is just so much more depth that I thought the segment was going to take and that is where the disappointment lies.
It is typical of the media to do this. I work for a State dept and have been a spokesperson. They do what they want and I have had to call them on it numerous times. The piece was interesting and at least informative. I understand the party in CA had interviews with each participant, telling their stories of why they have gotten involved. None was aired. Does anyone have copies of the tapes that can be put on you tube? Queenflower, you deserved a chance to get your point across. You are a great representative for Meerkat Manor. Peace ZM
It was a great segment on Nightline! I enjoyed watching the Meerkats on a primetime tv station, and enjoyed the Meerkat Sanctuary in CA doing what they do to help Meerkats, and partnering with the show. I think the people that were interviewed did get their point out, just saying anything on a big time program like NightLine is getting the word out.
Queenflower, your frustration is understandable. There was an opportunity there for Nightline to do a story with some substance. You did come through as an intelligent, articulate, compassionate animal lover, though. The piece was obvious fluff, but it did give exposure to Pam and Fellow Earthlings and to Meerkat Manor. Plus, the meerkats are so darned cute that anyone with a heart for animals would understand our love for them. It could have been a much more informative story, but I so enjoyed seeing you and the burrowmates at the party, and Pam, wow, that woman is so full of grace and intelligence. It's a treat to put a face to the screen name and to get a look into the heart of our burrowmates, and you all did us proud!! hugs and hope you get some well deserved rest
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the Nightline segment. I too thought Nightline was going to show a lot more of you than they did. I do think that overall the Nightline piece was a positive because it brought exposure to the series and meerkats in general, but I understand your disappointment.
Anyways, since Nightline missed out on giving you a forum to explain what meerkat fandom is all about - and what Flower truly means to people - I'm doubly glad that Sarah Grace and I were able to give you that forum on our blog. For anyone who missed queenflower's interview, here's the link:
I think that alot of us did not even know all about what you said in your interview. On the blog we read some things but it was not in depth as you stated here. I am so sorry that they did not show what a dedicated professional person you really are and that is a shame.
You represent what a true Meerkat fan is and so much more and we all respect you for it. We are all sorry that Nightline did not give you the credit that you so deserve. Why did they go thru all of this interview at your job and not show anything? Who knows why they chose what they did.
As being the person who had the Meerkat party in honor of Flower, I made those cup cakes and brownies and had all the names of the Meerkats and groups on them. In seeing your post I completely understand why you felt this way about the fluff. Nightline chose to show this part of our film.
Although Nightline only showed the "fluff" it was a party to honor Flower and they did not show any interviews that we had about her. It was not all fluff believe me. We were very emotional in talking about her, but I am not unhappy with what was shown, only that you did not get the interview shown that you deserve. I had many pictures, letters written and so many other things at the party to honor Flower. I really felt that we captured how we felt about her. We spent only about an hour filming and it was not very much compared to what you had been through so I do feel your pain very much. I cannot even begin to understand what you must feel. Probably a little betrayed.
What I have learned and have read about Flower has been so much more than Nightline could show. I think that they just do not get the whole Meerkat thing. I wish I had the interview in my hand, I would show it to the world for you as I feel helpless in that I cannot do a thing.
I am happy that at least Pam was shown and Mick gave a good interview.
I wish you could have been with us at our party,Mary, as it really was a labor of love for Flower and we honored her in the only way we felt that she deserved. She is and always will be The Queen of the Kalahari, Our Desert Rose.
Oh Janelle. Your post made me want to cry. Please don't think that I am mocking your party. I thought it was wonderful and I wish I could have been there. The cupcakes and brownies were great I think it is so wonderful that you had this special gathering in honor of Flower. And I am not griping because I didn't get face time. At this point, I don't even care about that anymore. I just wanted Nightline to focus on who we are, why we love meerkats and the good that has come out of this. They were more focused on the social gatherings of the ECMS than what the ECMS accomplished for the Staten Island Meerkats. They were more interested in your cupcakes and cereal than what you all had to say. That is what bothers me. Again, please know that I did not mean to offend or belittle you or anyone else on this forum. Your party sounded like a wonderful way to honor our Flower and I would have loved to have been a part of it if I was on your coast. Take care Janelle.
QF as I've noted on other threads, you and all the others who participated with this segment did a wonderful job. And I thank each of you for taking time from your schedules and lives to spread the word of the wonder of meerkats to the world.
Nightline did a good job on the professional aspects of MM's appeal. Speaking with Pam at FE and Mick from AP. They were able to clearly show the appeal of meerkats. And they were accorded the respect they deserve for their time and efforts.
I do fault Nightline for their slant and opinion of the fans. The narrators tone hinted at condescension at times when speaking of the fans and our devotion. They seemed to take the tone that to be a devoted fan somehow makes you obsessed, and slightly nutty. They didn't show why fans love the show and kats. And without the why it does make the fan tributes, parties and love seem odd. I just wish they had shown the why.
Well I know why and I'm proud to say I'm a devoted fan of MM and our kats. And even more I'm honored to say I know those who appeared on nightline as they represented the best of us!
I thought you were very good on Nightline and I do share some of your thoughts. The "fluff" factor was definitely there. I feel that they did not mention your profession because it would give too much credibility to "meerkat mania". They didn't want that. They, for some reason, wanted to portray us as silly people who have nothing better to do than cry over a TV show. No mention of Staten Island or any humanitarian efforts at all.
Well, I have news for them. I am also a professional person and I would bet that if we knew what most of us adults did for a living they would find highly educated, intelligent people. And even if we didn't, what difference would it make? Compassion knows no boundaries.
I just felt Nightline tried to portray a "silliness" factor instead of the love and compassion factor that we all feel for the meerkats.
QF, your post is hearbreaking, and I share in your feelings about ABC not using the more important content we provided them for their story. Here's some insight into how the Nightline story evolved. As you know, the ECMS directors provided info to ABC in order to provide helpful background info. This consisted of our dedication to meerkat-related projects, including Staten Island kats and LA Zoo (Chico), and also the ECMS Meerkat Meetups, and more. I think you and I both told ABC about Chico, and yet our current project was never mentioned, neither was anything about the ECMS name or what we stand for. Anyway, I provided them with the history of ECMS Meerkat Meetups (now posted in Welcome To The Burrow). After providing this info, I was asked some follow-up questions. Within one of my replies, I also happened to mention that we were having a screening party that weekend for the Meerkat Manor Movie. ABC asked if we could send them some party footage. I was happy to oblige. Since we knew it would go to ABC, we not only captured the events of the party, but also interviews with each party attendee about what Flower means to us, and also how we all originally came to know each other. What resulted was the general party stuff we saw. No Staten Island, no "ECMS", no Chico.
I would trade-in all our party footage for even just one mention of what you did in Staten Island. That's the real news story. The party was fun with or without it being on the news.
However, even after all of that, I do not regret the Nightline story. I'm actually very pleased with it. I try to keep the big picure in mind, and stay positive by being happy that Nightline even decided to show a segment on meerkats in the first place. That in itself, is huge.
Now we just need Jason to hook us up with a news outlet that will let us share our real story of meerkat fan culture... the one of the vet who along with other dedicated meerkat fans she met on this forum, helped the Staten Island Zoo kats to get a much needed new facility. Thankfully, the blog gave you that opportunity, but what about national news agencies? Surely, there's a news outlet who will tell more of the fan-culture, rather than just look ing at these fans as going overboard. MM's fan story is more than that; It's people who've found each other, here, who share in a common interest, and do new things that had never been invented prior to the 21st century, like come together in grass roots ways to help zoos with their meerkats, and MultiZoo Meetups where simultaneously at zoos across the country, fans meet other fans at the meerkat enclosures of their local zoo, all on the same day. These meetups inspre meerkat related action... not just talk. There's a story worthy of national news attention posted at: http://community.discovery.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/13419...441934179#5441934179
Now we just wait and see if any news agency has the insight to run with it. Jason, this is very much AP's story as well. AP & the MM fans play off each other. AP gave us the forum that originally spawned all of these meerkat fan/zoo concepts.
Queenflower, I completely understand what you are saying. I still think the piece was overall more positive and did add to the general knowledge, I also wish they had used more of your interview. No one thinks you are bitter about this, nor wanting the whole "15 minutes" thing. We know you and your reputation too well for that. Yes, they should have brought up your profession, but more people than just us "over-emotional cupcake eaters" saw the piece, and I think there was enough to inform people that there is more to meerkats than just the AP and MM connection for us.
I too would be totally frustrated if I had devoted so much time and energy to this only to have it cut down to just that particular sound byte. But you did a superlative job representing all of us and I deeply appreciate it you for it.
Take consolation that more serious, like minded people than just us out there now know that Flower was so much more than just an 12 inch tall animal in Africa. And you have worked hard to make sure that it happened, meersister. {{{Hugs, nuzzles, and big ol' smoochies and a few ♥♥♥♥♥}}} to you.
Well that is the media for ya they will tape hours and hours of you then when it airs you only get 10 seconds of what the heck was that. Sorry QF but I thought you did great. The thing I was happy about was that a little bit of Flower's story was told. She sure was a great ladykat and no matter what she will always be remembered and loved by her fans...
Queenflower, I realy understand how you feel, we in the burrow are so grateful for all that you have done for meerkats, and all that you will continue to do. While it was not a long segment, at least Flower and her fans are getting some attention. I agree, they should have brought up your profession. Your burromates are aware of it though, even if it wasn't on tv. It is an honorable one. Keep your head up, you have done some wondeful things and no one can take that away from you sister! Nuzzles
I am just checking in to see how you are doing. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your last post. I would never ever think that you were ever mocking my party. I wish that you could have been here to help me plan Flower's tribute. I cried many times while planning it as I had so many memories of her and the portrait of Flower on the wall, with a pup, was a gift from husband for Christmas last year. It is actually a painting of her. You see it is my husband's fault that I am so hooked on these little precious creatures. And Flower.....She holds a special place in my heart and she will always be right here inside me. I love her and I wanted the best best tribute for her. I think we accomplihed just that.
If you ever want to come out here to Sierra Madre we would love to have you with us to pay another tribute to Flower. I do not think there can be too many. We could also visit Pam at F.E. and then see Chico as he is only 20 minutes away from where I live. I know that many people would be honored to have you here with us and to share in your wonderful experiences both professionally and Meerkat/Flower related. I do think another party could be ordered up.
I've been without phone, TV, or computer for the last couple of days (bad storm) and I see I've missed much. QF, shame on them - especially not mentioning your profession. I think being a vet is one of the most noble professions there is - and, I agree, it would have shown we are intelligent people. Take heart that you've given it your best shot and we more than appreciate you going to bat.
Overall the segment was satisfactory. Toward the end, when dealing with the fans was less so. Omitting mentioning facts, like professions, and the depth of the dedication was inexcusable.
I think it is so wonderful that you had this special gathering in honor of Flower. And I am not griping because I didn't get face time. At this point, I don't even care about that anymore. I just wanted Nightline to focus on who we are, why we love meerkats and the good that has come out of this. They were more focused on the social gatherings of the ECMS than what the ECMS accomplished for the Staten Island Meerkats. They were more interested in your cupcakes and cereal than what you all had to say. That is what bothers me.