The Blackwood Project

The Blackwood Project is a gen War of the Worlds letterzine and newsletter edited by Elyse Dickenson. It ran for 11 issues, each one full of exceptionally meaty and lengthy letters. 
From Southern Enclave #26: "Do your co-workers give you funny looks when you talk about aliens? Are the petals on your prize-winning roses disappearing? Announcing the news/letterzine devoted to War of the Worlds."
All issues contains a variety of letters of comment (LOCs) from interested fans, clippings, articles on WOW and the casts' other works, fanzine listings and reviews, photos and more. The letters, while often complex and very mature, were completely "family-friendly"; there was no profanity, no mention of sexual relationships of any sort.
This letterzine may have won a 1990 Fan Q, but it is not listed on the main Fan Q site.
==The Best of...==
As this letterzine came to an end, the editor proposed a special edition called "The Best of the Blackwood Project." It was intended to be a collection of all the interviews and non-fiction from the previous issues, as well as new material. This collection appears to have never been published. 
Image:bestofblackwood.jpg|submission request for a special edition
==Issue 1==
Issue 1 was published in April 1989 and contains 80 pages. There are nine LoCs. Includes episode guide (#1-8); filmographies and photos on the cast; articles on both Jared Martin and Philip Akin. 
* fans almost universally declare Paul Ironhorse as their favorite character
* a fan is happy: "Hooray for a show that saved me from network program hell"
* a fan has this comment: "A minor complaint is the use of only Biblical titles for the episodes. It might be polite to include sayings from other religions. There may be some viewers who find the Christian bias a bit narrow-minded."
* a fan comments on a potential relationship and why she likes it: 
* a fan has this wish: 
* a fan comments on fandom, this zine, and illustrates the necessity, and power, of the VCR: 
* about disappointment, and the connection among other shows: 
==Issue 2==
Issue 2 was published in July 1989 and contains 89 pages. It has twenty-one LoCs. Episode guide (#9-16); articles on both Lynda Mason Green and Richard Chaves. 
* fans have gotten wind that at least two characters will not be back on the show and this has generated many comments: 
* a fan is fearful about the possibility of the changes in the show: 
* a number of fans describe their various PHONE CALLS to the creators of WOW and various publicists and TPTB to get information about the show's changes -- one example of a reply: "I've come to the conclusion that no one really knows what is going on. The show's publicist assured me that "no one" was being killed off, but then she admitted that she hadn't even finished reading all of the first script. I hung up the telephone not feeling very reassured by her words, even though she promised, "If you liked the show this season, you'll love it next season." Why am I not convinced?"
* many fans explain that the show has propelled them to find out more, read and research topics such as the Vietnam War and American Indian culture
* a fan gives this letterzine kudos: "I just received your zine. It is easily among the best fan-produced pieces I've seen in the past two years and that includes the ones with gorgeous color art for which we pay premium prices. TBP is well designed in a crisp and easy-to-read format. That you do it at what must be something like cost measures among the amazing. Kudos to you for representing fan work with such care." 
* a common theme -- fandom gives opportunity to share interests and not feel isolated: 
* the editor is intending to send a copy of this letterzine, TPB onto TPTB
* some fans comment on the amount of gore in the show; many do not like it -- one fan writes: 
* about the killing off of characters, a British fan writes: 
* a fan notices a pattern: "Norton seems to have been stuck with two handicaps in the show. The token black and the token invalid. It always seems to be the colored person that gets stuck with the handicap (such as LaForge in ST:TNG). I'm glad to see that he doesn't wallow in it and gets on with his life as normal."
* regarding romance in the show's storylines: 
* on the Christian quotes as episode titles: 
* fun at MediaWest: "I made it to MediaWest this year and greatly enjoyed the WOW panel, despite the fact that the main entertainment was trying to find out where it'd be held. Following Our Faithful Leaders from hall to bar to pool to bar rates right up there with watching my friends nod off at their own parties. You takes your laughs where you can get 'em."
* another fan comments on MediaWest: 
* there is MUCH discussion about Ironhorse's, and the actor who played him, ethnicity: 
* every show always seems to have a reconized rival; WOW seems to be up against Star Trek: TNG, at least in this fan's mind: 
* a fan wrote a con report for Worldcon with an emphasis on War of the Worlds
* fiction: "Welcome to the Cottage" by Cindy Rancourt
* this issue has a number of clippings
==Issue 3==
Issue 3 was published in September 1989 and contains 102 pages. Interviews with both Richard Chaves and Jared Martin. Also, transcripts of Jared's Washington DC Creation Con and Richards's TimeCon appearances; conclusion of first season episode guide (#17-24). There are twenty-seven LoCs.
* this issue had a review by Jan Lindner of To Life Immortal #1, see that page
* there are several cartoons by Colleen Winters
* the editor says again that she has given copies of this letterzine to a number of the actors and producers, some in person
* the discussion topic is "Paramount's decision on the second season (no letterbombs, please); Harrison, Suzanne, and Norton -- what do we know about them? What are all those medals on Ironhorse's uniform? Let's identify 'em!" -- however, nobody discussed these topics as the main subject was the news that the second season wouldn't include Ironhorse and Norton (both would be killed off)
Some sample remarks:
** "I hope that Paramount picks up on the fact that they have tossed away a real good thing in its single-minded destruction of WOW."
** "I just wish the network twits had given us another season of source material; we're going to have to construct an alternative universe from stone knives and bearskins"
** " My thoughts on the second season? I try to think of it as little as possible! If I can't throw a letterbomb, I don't what to say. If the show turns into a FUGITIVE type with the good guys on the run all the time, I think it may get old pretty fast. I can't get very excited about the new "hero" since I was quite pleased with the "old" hero and didn't feel a change was necessary. I have never watched WOW for the aliens, and am not looking forward to their characters being developed. To me, the aliens were the catalyst for bringing four very diverse characters together in a controlled situation. For that reason, they are necessary to establish each episode. But I watch the show for the humans' responses to the situation the aliens cause, not to see what the aliens can come up with week after week. And to be quite honest, after watching a show once, when I re-watch it, I fast forward through all the alien parts just to get to the "good stuff." To be perfectly honest, I feel that the collective mentality of the powers-that-be at Paramount ranks right up there with slugs or other creepy little creatures. I'm not too endeared with that company at the present time." 
** "According to the Daily Variety article which you reprinted in TBP #2, Mancuso's rationale for changing the "tech-oriented heroes" of the first season is because he feels they were "unaccessible to viewers." Frankly, that sounds to me as he believes WOW viewers are stupid. Regardless of whether that is his attitude or not, I have seen nothing to indicate that either Mancuso or Paramount is the least bit interested in the opinions of WOW's fans. It is this completely bored, almost contemptuous indifference that infuriates me as much as anything else. They seem to have the attitude that regardless of what they do to the program, no matter how much they may violate the characters of the original concept, the viewers are just going to have to accept it. That may backfire on them. I do not believe the program will last longer than one more season without Ironhorse."
** "What can I say about Norton's and Paul's deaths that can make it any easier for all of us to endure this next season? Nothing, except s—t. When I first heard the rumor that Mancuso the Malevolent was changing everything, I figured the changes wouldn't be too bad and the show would go on from there. Ha! Richard said it best when he said that all the ethnicity would be gone now that the Indian, the black guy, and the disabled person were nowhere to be found. I agree. As much as I like Jared Martin and Lynda Mason Green, the show needs as much diversity as possible to create interesting situations for the main characters to go through. "
** "I've talked to people and received letters, and aside from a bewildered "what's going on' feeling, there's also a distinct impression most will lose interest in the series the moment Ironhorse bites the dust."
** "Yes, I'm annoyed they'll kill off Ironhorse, and I'm stunned they're changing so many other things as well. Talk about disorienting a fandom! I started as a fan of the program! Well, we'll see... At least we have fan fiction."
** "I've just recently left BLAKE'S fandom and it has taught me one thing., your favorite character never dies in fandom. In the last episode of BLAKE, Blake (after an absence of two years) suddenly reappears on the planet Gauda Prime much changed/drastically cynical, a turnabout from his original idealistic mode (much the same as Harrison); at the end it is Avon who kills him (Avon being his second-in-command... it's along story). Avon, point blank, shoots Blake three times and it is quite obvious that Blake is dead. However, as the saying goes, "Blake is dead, long live Blake!" Fandom didn't agree, didn't like what what was done, and went about rectifying the matter in their fiction. There is (and continues to be) a multitude of post-Gauda Prime stories out there. If there is a way to bring Blake back (and not in the shower -- it was all a dream routine either!) then fan writers will find it. I fully expect to see the same thing happen in WOW once the first episode [of the second season] airs. That is, if most of the fans who are into the Ironhorse character are willing to continue with the show."
** "I find it difficult to express my anger and disappointment at the changes scheduled for next season! I simply cannot imagine how Paramount and Frank Mancuso, Jr. could possibly think that removing Richard Chaves and Philip Akin from the cast will improve the show. Mancuso has said that he wants characters that are more accessible to the audience. That's absurd! The characters on WOW were a great deal more interesting than the ones on ST:TNG. The changes in the direction of the show are understandable, but massacring half of the cast is so unnecessary, not to mention a terrible waste of good story potential. I pray they will have the foresight not to kill the characters outright, and to leave the door open for them to return at a later date, but frankly, I'm not holding out much hope. Much as I like the characters of Suzanne and Harrison, I don't know if I can bring myself to watch it any more without Norton and Paul."
** "By now, everyone is aware of the imminent demise of half of WOW's cast. Supposedly such draconian decisions by the new producers will make the show "more realistic" but it seems to me more like a case of cutting [off] one's nose to spite one's face. Given WOW's abysmal ratings we could've assumed some changes would be forthcoming but from my conversations, most people are turned off by the excessively gory effects, not by the cast."
** "One of the things Richard [the actor who portrayed Ironhorse] mentioned at Time-Con that really hit home for me was the fact that they got rid of the ethnicity of the show and the positive aspects that both Ironhorse and Norton have given to the show that made it different and special. The creators, Greg and Sam Strangis, did a wonderful thing by making a show involving a disabled person who functions and is treated as if he's not disabled and an American Indian in a high-ranking position in the United States Army. It was just an amazingly insightful move on their parts, but with the loss of both those models. and subsequent replacement by another "demographically acceptable" white male to please what they think is the public's view of a successful combination for a show, especially an action-adventure show, we have really lost a lot of the charm that gave the show diversity and most importantly, it cements the really irritating way that the "powers that be" decide about these shows."
** "I guess, in light of this, what happened at Paramount was just another part of the job. Personally I think it was dirty, rotten and dastardly -- if not to the actors themselves, then to their loyal fans; those loyal fans who, like myself, could not wait for the next episode of goo, gore and inside jokes. The jokes, the sarcastic little comments; these captivated me, made me wait with baited breath for each new dose. I cannot conceive of WOW without Ironhorse. What will be left to divert attention from the "all too thin" storylines, the lack of continuity in editing ..."
** "Actually, I wonder if Paramount's decision wasn't somewhat politically motivated. Television, and the media in general, seem to feel some overpowering need to be didactic, and teach John Q Public where his political and moral lines should be drawn. Ironhorse does not fit into their nice little "hero" mold. Maybe they wanted us to hate the guy, and were horrified at the opposite response. Whatever their reasons, the elimination of any of the four major characters changes the entire structure of the show. In addition it seems to be an incredibly stupid business move. Pd say a fair comparison would be that of a manufacturer advertising his product as "New, improved, now 50% less effective!" (Did I say 50%? Please excuse me, I forgot that the relationship between these characters was synergistic, try 80%.)"
** "In typical Hollywood fashion, Mancuso has chosen to fix (pardon the grammar) what ain't broke. Change the writers, change the format, but don't axe the one solid redeeming quality that WOW had. This is your last chance, Mancuso. Give us back our Ironhorse."
** " Ironhorse may no longer grace our lives, but he will be an embed in our memories for a long, long time. [The actor] created a "celluloid legend" and yet I feel [he has] done more than that. He and Phil, through their performances, have brought dignity, pride, and understanding to four often maligned minority groups: blacks, Indians, the handicapped, and Vietnam veterans."
** "If indeed Ironhorse is killed off for good then I'll just plug a first season tape in the VCR when WOW comes on because I won't be watching the new ones without him. At least I'll know Ironhorse will live on in publications like TBP and in the numerous zines which are coming out."
** " No matter which way I look at it, I will never understand the logic behind killing off the show's most popular character (Ironhorse). And they're killing off Norton before we even got a chance to know him. It didn't dawn on me until Richard mentioned it at the con that in doing so, all the ethnicity will be gone from the show, and the handicapped character. The second season's going to be pretty bland, sterile and WASPy, or Paramount's idea of "demographically correct." Well, you guys, I guess we're demographically chopped liver, demographically over the hill... whatever. If I hear the word "demographics" again, I'll scream. And since when does an audience of teen boys have the coveted buying power advertisers want?"
** "I am glad that we found out about the changes now -- rather than turning on the TV and staring horrified at the screen as one by one, Norton and Ironhorse are bumped off. Speaking from personal experience, it's better to know that someone is going to die -- i.e., Norton and Ironhorse are "terminal" -- this way, you can get stuff out of your system, you've got time to say goodbye. It can be stressful, but it's not like having someone drop dead on the floor. That's a maior shock and it takes a lot longer to come to terms with it."
==Issue 4==
Issue 4 was published in November 1989 and contains 108 pages. It has Interviews with both Richard Chaves and Jack Crain (creator of Ironhorse's huge knife -- the Battle Baton), and lots of lively discussion on the changes on second season. There are forty-one LoCs.
* a review of Alien Sushi, see that page
* "Goodbye to a Warrior" by Beth Muramoto
* "Why the Death of Paul Ironhorse Was a Mistake" by C,J. Guido
* the editor says she is the elected head of panels for The Ezekiel Project and needs suggestions for topics
* there is a con report con StarCon in Denver
* most of the LoCs address the second season; the first episode has just been shown -- Ironhorse and Norton have both been killed, a number of other changes have been made including a shift in tone and style -- some example of comments:
** "Well, the worst (and I mean the worst!) is over.. I've just seen the first episode of the new series. I'm not even going to call it the second season, because as far as I'm concerned the two are not connected -- the same way the old and new "Airwolf" shows aren't. I've watched it twice, the first time to see if it would be worth continuing, and the second to see if I could figure out what went wrong. I started out with a somewhat open mind about it. Granted I was disappointed that Ironhorse and Norton (have you noticed that everyone is called by their first names except the Colonel?) would be killed off, but I was willing to give it a chance. That ended by the first commercial break."
** "I am vastly disappointed, and I don't know if I will continue to watch the program. I feel sorry for Jared and the others; they deserve better than that. I will continue to write about the old series, and I hope to read others' stories as well. I look forward to your reactions to the new stuff. As far as I'm concerned, WOW lasted for only one season."
** "I guess I was angriest at the death scenes because they were such a blatant case of characterization rape. Philip didn't get the opportunity to be more than a resident computer clown. Where was the courage and resolve of "Among the Philistines"? Richard fared slightly better, managing to convey a little of the warmth he felt towards Harrison in that death scene outside the van and in his farewell line. But the death itself grates on my nerves for so many reasons."
** "As for Norton and Ironhorse's heroic deaths., they did die in performance of their duties, but I couldn't help thinking that this was Mancuso's slap in the face to the fans. These people couldn't just fit -- they had to be obliterated. It was as if Mancuso wanted to say to the fans that there is NO way you can ever bring these people back so just shut up. "
** "With any luck, the writers and producers have alienated WOW and mainstream science fiction fans so completely that this new version will be off the air before Christmas. It would be interesting if they tried to bring the old WOW back by saying the whole Second Wave was "only a dream"! Obviously Harrison must have gotten a bad carrot stick one night, and this was the result! (Heh, heh) In the hearts and minds of the fans and fan writers, the true WOW still exists and the Blackwood Project will continue fighting the Advocacy for months, maybe years to come."
** "I will be watching the second episode but mainly to assure continuity in the transition story that I am writing for fan fiction (though why I should worry about continuity when the show's writers have thrown it to the winds, I'll never know). My story will have Ironhorse alive, continuing to fight the aliens in the old WOW universe, with some unusual allies."
** "There were a lot of interesting twists in the program and a lot of things I liked about it. I'll talk about my likes first. I definitely liked the new title sequence. The music is excellent, I think. I like the destruction of the Revolutionary statue; very symbolic. The opening reminded me more of "Max Headroom" than "Blade Runner", only without the neon lights. I'm going to be blasphemous here, but I'll risk being put down -- I like John Kincaid. I think Kincaid will turn out to be a good character, but definitely not a replacement for our Colonel."
** "What is the matter with the producer? Whose "brilliant" idea was it that Kincaid is somehow a more desirable character to have on the show than either Ironhorse or Norton?! I really tried to be open-minded and look for something I could like in the new ensemble, but frankly, it doesn't appeal to me. When I watched the review of next week's show, I felt no great desire to watch it. I'm going to watch the next few episodes, and try to give it an honest chance, but unless something develops that I can't see right now, I may have to be content with my first season tapes and reading fanzines."
** "The scene [where Ironhorse dies] is too stark, too shocking! There were strong elements of "Tracers" and "Cease Fire" in his portrayal. The pain almost seemed to blaze out of Richard despite that horrible make-up. The death scene itself brought to mind "The Deer Hunter" and I hate that image because it makes Ironhorse seem like a loser! I know it was supposed to make Ironhorse seem like a self-sacrifice for Debi's sake, which would be in character, but Ironhorse is not a quitter! He wouldn't have surrendered that easily! I know this is probably over-emotional, but I still have a "hangover" from watching the episode. I've run through the tape twice now and each time the other characters lose more interest and impact but Richard's scenes take on a devastating power and vulnerability."
** "As far as I'm concerned, no character, even a Redshirt, should be killed with a good reason, dramatic or otherwise. One good reason can be that the actors who portrays the character wants to leave the show, e.g. Tasha Yar. But this mess... No. Not when Frank Jr. comes out in the 11/89 Starlog interview explaining that he never bothered to do his homework on the show or its characters, making it clear that he never bothered to do his homework on the show or its characters, making it clear that he never had the insight to see Ironhorse's gradual looscn-ing-up — Ironhorse written into a box? Only to someone with tunnel vision. He had more options, more avenues for development, than any of the others. And it makes me truly furious to hear that Junior felt Norton had to die because the wheelchair was too much trouble to work with. We are supposed to accept this as "creativity?" Like hell."
** "I don't have anything else to add except that they took a good show, and instead of making a few changes here and there to improve it, they've given us something very different that in no way measures up to the original. Thank god for our VCR."
** "I prefer just to believe the second season never happened. It's a lot more pleasant (and how it truly pains me to say this) just to believe that WOW was cancelled after the first season than to think that this ugly joke of a second season is in any way connected to what has been, and will always be a bright spot in my imagination. Good-bye "War of the Worlds." I'll see you in the reruns and in the fanzines...""
** "As to Mr. Mancuso, well, he has a lot to learn. A friend said of the changes that it sounded as if he'd just graduated from the how-to-make-a-TV-show school. In other words, he's all demographics and no heart. You know, drop the black guy in the wheelchair and the army guy. Get another white male in, keep the woman for some T&A, and hang on to the kid for the young crowd. Except, he would've flunked the school that I attended because he didn't learn that demographics don't always work. You can analyze and poll until the day after forever and never get a hit, while something 'un-demographi-cal' is a winner. First, you need a good show. That's kind of important. Then you listen to the fans. No, they do not run shows, but they can often tell you things about a show that no one else can. Mr. Mancuso's attitude -- fans are the crazed scum of the earth. Who needs them? I won't listen to them — has done nothing but slit his own throat."
** "Still cynically, looking at how Frank Jr. chose to write Ironhorse out makes me wonder ii he didn't do it as nastily as possible simply because we made so much fuss, kind of an "I'll Show The Fans Who's Boss.""
==Issue 5==
Issue 5 was published in January 1990 and contains 78 pages. It has an interview with Philip Akin; more discussion on the second season. There are twenty-eight LoCs.
* this issue contains a review of Need to Know, see that page
* this issue contains a review of The Forrester Papers, see that page
* the editors of the proposed zine, "Tales from the Cottage," write a lengthy description of the zine
* a fan writes: "despite the changes in WOTW, many of which I do not like at all, I'll continue watching the series and doing the zine. Both seasons offer opportunities." 
* another fan writes about the second season: "I kind of hate to say it, but I really like the character of Kincaid. He's as devoted as our dear departed Ironhorse, but there is something definitely different about him. And I really like the fact that they are exploring the character of Debi a lot more."
* another fan is angry: "Not only is it now a horror show, but it is a horrible show. I would be delighted to see it go down the tubes. If it does go down, the Paramount executives may say publicly that it wasn't the show itself, but science fiction as a genre that failed. But they will know the truth and maybe the next time a Frank Mancuso-type will not be allowed to butcher a series in the name of demographics."
* a fan comments on an earlier letter: 
* a fan writes: "Paramount clearly is more interested in the possibility of attracting teenage boys to the series in spite of the fact that, judging by fandom, it is mostly adult women who like(d) the program. Frankly, I do not believe it was a dislike of ethnic diversity that caused Paramount to change WOTW; I am inclined to think that sexism was more of a factor. Anything that appeals to women cannot be good, right? -- So obviously it must be changed!"
* fan has this to say about demographics:
* a fan rationalizes: "About the second season... I hate to say it, but I like it about as much as the first. I think this might be because I am able to think of it as an entirely different series. Except for the first two shows, no mention of Paul or Norton is made, so the separation of the first and second season was kind of easy for me. Some of the shows I've actually enjoyed, although I'm not really sure why."
* another opinion: "Regarding the decision to remove Ironhorse and Norton from the series -- it makes me too angry to be coherent. I saw enough of them and have learned, through fanfic and LOCs, to appreciate the fine men they were."
* this fan has a rallying call: "To all those fans out there who hate the second season changes: these developments aren't divine writ. You don't have to accept them or try to rationalize them. You can ignore them. Granted, this means ignoring the second season as well. Greg Strangis created the series and as far as I'm concerned, Greg Strangis is the only one with the right to kill off any characters or change directions."
* another writes: "To those fans who are "reluctantly" watching the second season: Don't surrender so easily. That's exactly what Paramount wants and expects you to do. As long as you continue to watch, they don't care how much you complain."
* a fan writes: 
* a fan comments: "Pat, you said you wondered what was going to happen to WOTW's fandom once Chaves left. Good question. We can but hope it will follow the pattern of other fandoras and continue on its (our) merry way, blithely oblivious to anything we don't want to know. You're a "Blakion" yourself; you know how B7'dom is still Trek'ing" on (sorry!). Ten years after the characters got blasted off Gauda Prime. Look at "Shadow Chasers." Most people have seen only 9 out of the 13 episodes made, and that fandom lasted years. It's still got zines coming out! Let's hope we're as fortunate with WOTW."
* a fan remembers another show: "Oh, blast! Do you realize that, after goodness knows how many years in "Blake's 7" fandom, here I am trying to deal with more dead people? My one steadfast rule of life was no more dead people!"
* the editor of Dee-Pice writes: 
* a fan writes: "The only thing that I can say is that the show needs help. Perhaps the effort would be futile, but I think that we are the only chance that the show now has. Mancuso (how I've come to hate the name) certainly doesn't know what he's doing. I don't know if anything would sway the minds of the powers-that-be at Paramount, but they have surely seen the fall in ratings and the disgust of the fans. I would be willing to help out in a letter writing campaign and/or a crusade to bring back Ironhorse (I have already submitted a plausible storyline for his return). It's just too bad that the second season isn't some horrible nightmare. They may as well take WOTW off the air now if they refuse to fix it."
 
==Issue 6==
Issue 6 was published in March 1990 and contains 124 pages. Second season episode guide (#25-35); reproduction of the first season Writer's Bible; and more. There are thirty-seven LoCs, most addressing the second season changes. Many fans also wrote of the division between fans who wanted to write and read about the second season and those who did not.
* there is an announcement that the show has been cancelled; some LoCs reflect this knowledge, others don't as news traveled much slower in 1990
* the editor of The Forrester Papers says she doubts she will be doing the planned issue for the second season
* there is a review of Dee-Pice #1, see that page
* there is a review of Cell-Phase Matching #1, see that page
* a fan has re-read her LoC and cringes: "Not surprisingly, I turned to my own LOC and found myself wondering who this overbearing wench was. Just shows what can happen when you put these things off until the last minute and don't bother to read through them before you send them out. If I offended anyone, I'm sorry."
* a fan writes of the concern about the show's cancelation and its effect on fandom: 
* speaking of zines, this fan is unhappy with the tone and content of some of the reviews in previous issues: 
* a fan writes about artist freedom: 
* another fan is not inspired: 
* about dividing up the fiction: 
* more on the second season and also about the choices one makes in reading fanfiction: 
* some thoughts on fiction division:
* about zine fiction: 
* a fan feels that killing Ironhorse was bad enough but that it was done so clumsily: 
* a fan writes: "After many weeks of watching in dismay, I am forced to offer my opinions on the second season of WOW. I am not opposed to change but the changes should make some sense. The new producers have taken what was a pretty good, entertaining show and ruined it. Changing direction is one thing but dispensing with continuity is deadly."
* about that "certain producer": "for this issue I'd like to talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly -- the good being Richard, the bad -- the second season of WOW, and the ugly --my feelings right now towards a certain executive producer. I've been watching television for a number of years and never have I seen a series so effectively destroyed. I was told last year by a person directly connected with WOW that as far as Mancuso is concerned, the first season does not exist."
* a fan shakes a finger at another: "I've said it before and I'll say it again. As long as you continue to watch the travesty that Mancuso has made of WOW, Paramount has every right to treat your opinion as if it doesn't count. Because, for them, it doesn't. You're still watching -- that's all they care about."
* more on the second season: 
* And: 
* And: "As many of you have already noted, Mancuso the Malicious should be slimed at ten paces (or worse) for making the disastrous decision to not renew Richard and Phil's contracts! D--m the demographics! Roddenberry didn't worry about demographics in the 1960s and look how long "Star Trek" has survived."
* And: "Well, Mancuso, I hope you're happy -- you took "War of the Worlds' and made it like everything else on television.... The National Education Association encourages people to read more. With producers like Mancuso around, they'll get their wish!"
* more anger, and a respite: 
* a comment on the appeal of Norton: 
* a fan comments on one "success" of the fan campaign: "The letter campaign to save Ironhorse and Norton started in 4/89; its only apparent effect was to persuade Murder Inc. to give them on-screen deaths (Lord knows what their original intention was -- maybe to blow up the Cottage and say, "Gee, Norton and the Colonel were in there. Shucks!" Paramount clearly doesn't give an unprintable expletive about what fans think; Junior's daddy is a studio bigwig. You got it right, though -- second season is a horrible nightmare."
* a fan writes a rare (at least so far) letter in support of her right to enjoy the second season: "One thing I particularly want to bring up is the simple but -- for some reason, lately — overlooked fact that everyone is entitled to his/ her own opinion about Year 2 (TSI). I was amazed by the belligerence of some of the letters in the last issue. I'm certainly not happy with TSI myself, but that doesn't mean that anyone who likes it is an idiot! I thought we were a pretty intelligent group of people and these personal attacks are carrying things a bit too far, don't you think?"
* one fan is angry about the amount of work fans are expected to do: 
* a rare fan says he loves the second season: 
==Issue 7==
Issue 7 was published May 1990 and contains 78 pages. Second season episode guide (#36-40). Articles on both Jared and Richard. There are twenty-four LoCs.
* the editor writes that issue #11 will be the last issue of this letterzine
* this issue has a review of To Life Immortal #2, see that page
* this issue has a review of The Triangular Whatsis #1, see that page
* a fan comments on the quality of television, and fans' respite: 
* many, many fans are still expressing their anger over the changes in the second season: 
* a fan comments on the second season, citing disrespect: 
* a number of fans felt that Star Trek: TNG was a rival, both in audience and in support from Paramount: 
* a zine ed is coming to the rescue: 
* letterzines were often a place where fans communicated how they felt about zine reviews, and "The Blackwood Project" is no different: 
* the downside to a small fandom is lack of options: "The drawbacks of a small fandom, I fear, zines may reach a point where there aren't enough of any one theme to fill an entire zine."
* regarding to an ongoing discussion about zines and fans' desire/requirements regarding first and second season content: "Something else to remember, too, is that, according to longstanding fan tradition, when a person puts out a zine, they're given the choice of accepting what thev want to read. It's called "Editor's Choice," and no hard feelings. But then, if someone else wants to read another type of story, there's nothing to stop ihejn from doing one of their own, right? None of us are required to do anything in fandom except to be as fair as we can and stand up front on everything. Don't screw me over mid-stride and I'm fine."
* there is some discussion of Mary Sues: 
* another fan writes:
* a fan takes a positive view: 
* at least one fan doesn't appreciate some of the LoCs he's been reading: 
* a fan looks to fanzines, and the future, in a common comment: 
* the conflict between fans who were "loyal" to the first season/didn't mind/liked the second season continues: 
* a zine ed weighs in on the idea of separating fiction by season in zines: 
==Issue 8==
Issue 8 was published in July 1990 and contains 90 pages. It contains interviews -- Philip Akin, Rachel Blanchard, Julian Richings and an end of the second season episode guide. There are twenty-nine LoCs.
* a reader congratulates the editor of the letterzine for winning a FanQ
* this issue has a review of Base Three, see that page
* this issue has two reviews of Bring 'Em Back Alive, see that page
* this issue has a review of Cell-Phase Matching #2, see that page
* this issue has a review of Code 47, Level 3, Authorization 10, see that page
* there is a flyer for a zine by Anne Elizabeth Zeek and Deborah June Laymon, complete with story titles and summaries that was to premiere at The Ezekiel Project that month; the zine seems to have never have been published
* the second season has ended; some fans still can't stand this season, but many fans write that the second half of the season actually wasn't too bad
* a number of fans comment on the cancelation of Alien Nation and bemoan the lack of good science fiction on television
* a fan writes: 
* another fan writes: 
* more second season opinion: 
* fans tended to enjoy the last episode, especially the happy ending, but others did not: 
* a complaint about a fanfic trend: "I've read all the fan fiction that I can get my hands on and genuinely enjoy just about all of it. However, I've noticed a rather disturbing trend to brand all Army officers rather than Paul Ironhorse, cowardly, sexist, incompetent bigots, if not downright psychotics."
* a number of fans are relying on zines: " I'm so glad the 'zines are proli ferating. Besides fuzzy, worn, well-memorized videotapes, it's all we have left now."
* and finally: "I miss War of the Worlds. I even miss second season. Good God, what am I saying?"
==Issue 9==
Issue 9 was published in September 1990 and contains 110 pages. It has another interview with Philip Akin; coverage and transcript of Phil's Ezekial project convention; editor's survey (a fantastic aid for submitting WOW fan fiction to zines); and more. There are twenty-four LoCs.
* in this issue, things start to wind down; there are no new episodes to discuss, some fans start to get a little snappish with each other over the subject of being a fan of the first season, the second season or both, many fans talk of the fine time they had at The Ezekiel Project, no one mentions RooCon which makes one wonder if it ended up taking place, and of course, just about everyone bad mouths the producer, Frank M. Jr.
* this issue contains a review of Heretic Flotsam, see that page
* this issue contains a review of Wasting Aliens, see that page
* this issue contains a review of The Celestial Toybox #6, see that page
* this issue contains a review of Forgive Us Our Trespasses, see that page
* about the lengthy Editor Survey: 
* a fan admits to some shifting attention: "I can't help feeling that, at least as far as TV goes, that the series is yesterday's news. I still enjoy the LOCs, fan-fic, and zines about WOW, but I can't bring myself to watch the episodes any more. Probably in a year or so, I'll drag out my WOW tapes and enjoy them, as I do now."
* a fan addresses the question of a fandom after the canceled show: 
* a fan speculates: 
* about fanfiction and its future: 
* a fan is upset at the tone and direction of many previous letters: 
* another fan speculates on future WOW fandom: 
* and more: 
* and more: 
* and more on the future of WOW fandom: 
* a fan is unhappy about the lack of science fiction shows on television: 
==Issue 10==
Issue 10 was published in December 1990 and contains 118 pages. It has an interview with Greg and Vinnie, two of WOW's set dressers (read about the "squid" incident) and a report of Richard Chaves' appearance at the Satellite One convention. There are twenty-one LoCs.
* there are several con reports for Satellite One, see that page
* fans continue to discuss the viability of the WOW fandom after the show's cancelation: 
* another fan writes: 
* fans also continue to debate the appeal of the second season as opposed to the first: 
* more on the debate over the tone and cast of the two seasons: 
* while there has been MANY complaints about the change in seasons, with the new producer almost uniformly vilified, some fans are stepping back from this attitude: 
* more backlash on the backlash: 
* more opinion on the second show and fans' reactions: 
* this fan suggests taking it all to the zines: 
* a fan and zine ed brings up the topic of fiction in zines that is published in parts: 
* another fan addresses the subject of fiction that is printed in parts: 
* a fan wonders if, overall, fans are very powerful when it comes to affecting decisions by TPTB: 
* a fan comments on fandom: 
* there is a review of Alien Sushi #3 and #4, see that page
* there is a review of Dee-Pice #2, see that page
* there is a review of Let the Children Come, see that page
* there is a review of To Life Immortal #3, see that page
==Issue 11==
Issue 11 was published in February 1991 and contains 114 pages. It was the last issue. A suggested topic was "How has War of the Worlds changed/affected your life?" and many people wrote in, including some of the cast members. There are 51 LoCs, several of them by WOW actors
* this issue has no zine reviews
* the editor says she is hoping to continue The Blackwood Project as a newsletter, one that reports on what the actors are currently up to; she planned to retain the name, publish the first issue of this newsletter in May, and continue with the numbering, making it "Issue 12." There is mention of another WOW letterzine that amy be starting up, called "The Advocacy" to be published by Monica van Ness neither the continued newsletter or "The Advocacy" appears to have been published 
* the editor compiles many anonymous, lengthy excerpts from the letterzines Jundland Wastes, Jundland, Too, and Alderaan about the place and role of zine reviews; she says the purpose of printing these quotes was that many WOW fans were new to fandom itself and weren't aware of the long, complicated, and already-discussed topic of fanzine reviews 
* the editor writes of this letterzine: 
* a fan responds to the question of how has WOW fandom affected your life: 
* a fan writes of what she has gotten from WOW fandom: 
* a fan ruminates on WOW fandom: 
* more on fandom: "I've sat here for some time thinking about what I should write, then about what I could write. I feel, somehow, as if I've pretty much said it all; that even though the series has been cancelled, the FANDOM hasn't been cancelled, and no one can take away the things all of us have gained from being part of this nifty collection of people. I'll stand by that."
* on fandom and longevity: 
* another fan writes: "As long as everyone keeps the fanfic going and we keep running into each other at cons, there will be a WOW fandom. This might be the last TBP but life goes on and TV shows come and go. So until the next really good show..."
* and: "How has WOW changed my life? Met some people, had some fun, [and] bitter disappointment and has added a stronger streak of cynicism as well as a reluctance 10 become attached to another show. The last time was STAR TREK, when I was 11. Maybe in another 20 years...."
* a fan wonders if WOW fandom will survive: 
* the division between fans of the first season and that of the second is still strong: 
* about loyalties and free speech: 
* more on blame and favorites: 
* a fan wants to know why continuity in shows is so hard: 
* a fan writes of cons, and permission: 
* a fan is saddened, and apologizes: 
* War of the Worlds bumps up, in time, to a real war, one in the Middle East: 
* another way to keep in touch? -- this fan has an idea: 
* while this letterzine was most filled with very exceedingly polite letters, at least in the ones too each other, this fan took another to task: 
* on the end: 
 
== References ==
Category:War of the Worlds Zines
Category:Newsletters & Letterzines
Category:1989 Zines
Category:1990s Zines