Recent Twitterings

[Jeb]

I don't think it's a question of shame. Just being aware of how we all contribute to the climate of invasion. If I go to a gossip site, even if I choose to ignore some items posted, my 'click' empowers it. If I click on a paps pictures, even if I refuse to look at those I consider too invasive, I empower him to continue taking his pics, ones I 'approve' and the ones I don't.

I'm not sure how Twitter works, whether following somebody empowers them to become more invasive. That's the part of it I struggle with. How much does my appetite for information empower those who behave badly and without restraint? I can vote Gerry to the top of a poll, why shouldn't I?, but it also means that the negative press will focus more on him because they know there is a market out there interested in what he does and where he is.

In the old days (yes, I am 112 years old), you'd get a few more puff pieces in a movie magazine. Now, with internet and, as Moira mentioned, everybody having a camera or a videocam that you can plug directly into your computer and upload to Youtube or call TMZ (their number is on their site), there is no place to go to get away. And people wilfully and/or ignorantly misinterpret what they do see. Everybody has a blog and everybody posts as an expert - well, it feels that way sometimes.

It has nothing to do with the reasonable parameters fansites set, what is or isn't permitted here, for example. It's just the way things are nowadays. And I'm a part of it cause I DO want to see and know even with love in my heart.

Which also confirms for me, (long way around the barn), that Gerry leads a rather prosaic and normal private life. With all this surveillance, all we get are ocassional baseless rumors, no pics of public cavorting (for the most part), only the spliced together, taken at different times, split screen photos that are pointless and the fantasy inventions of the gossips mills' "a source" who never has gotten anything right yet.

jane

Edited December 11, 2009 by Jeb

[phoenixgirl]

You're right, Jane. I guess there's a part of me that in my own little world I feel like I'm not as bad as those who want the bad stuff because I don't go looking for it. Like TMZ never gets a hit from me. Ever. They should drop dead!

On Twitter, however, someone can't see when someone just lurks on their Tweets. It's only when someone comments do you know that someone is actually paying attention. I believe that's right.

I guess we all have to justify our behavior, good or bad, and this is my way of justifying my seeing that picture on Twitter.

Good discussion, though.

Lisa

[DNice09]

Congrats on being clean for 22 years!

D

Thanks, but not the point of my post.

I'm pretty good at reading comprehension. I got the point of your post. I just thought that was a significant accomplishment. If you like I can just give you a hard time for ever getting started on narcotics in the first place!

Learn to take an honest compliment.

D

Edited December 11, 2009 by DNice09

[phoenixgirl]

Congrats on being clean for 22 years!

D

Thanks, but not the point of my post.

I'm pretty good at reading comprehension. I got the point of your post. I just thought that was a significant accomplishment. If you like I can just give you a hard time for ever getting started on narcotics in the first place!

Learn to take an honest compliment.

D

Well, you're right. Thank you, D. And no, you don't have to do that.

Compliment taken and appreciated.

[Paisleyscot]

Good discussion ladies!

No clear cut answers to this debate.

I guess I would side with the "take what you want and leave the rest" argument.

The worlds communication venues have expanded far beyond the newspapers of old.

With the print media we now have all the electronic forms of communication.

All forms need to be looked at with the knowledge that everything that is put out there is only as good as the source.

Therefore we all need to be smart consumers of the information we take in.

Cheryl

[Swansong]

I have a question ... is it any different than going/doing something positive and only taking what you want and leaving the rest behind? I am also a sober member of Narcotics Anonymous (22 years) and they tell you when you first get clean to listen to the speakers, take what you need and leave the rest for someone else. That's how I feel about Twitter. I go on, get the information I'm willing to look at, want to know, and leave the garbage there for whoever wants to know it.

If Gerry ever says in an interview that he hopes his fans don't get information on him from Twitter that's when I'll feel bad about it and stop. Until then, I have nothing to feel ashamed of.

If Gerry ever did request that his fans not read tweets about him, I would do it anyway. It's not that I don't respect him and love him, but I do what's right for me. He now knows the power of Twitter in promoting his movies and image, so unfortunately, he will have to accept that while Twitter can be an invaluable tool in that regard, it can also invade his privacy. It's a double edged sword.

Swannie

[phoenixgirl]

If Gerry ever did request that his fans not read tweets about him, I would do it anyway. It's not that I don't respect him and love him, but I do what's right for me. He now knows the power of Twitter in promoting his movies and image, so unfortunately, he will have to accept that while Twitter can be an invaluable tool in that regard, it can also invade his privacy. It's a double edged sword.

Swannie

Twitter promoted LAC more than the media did, and I saw a lot of Tweets from people who wouldn't have seen it otherwise. Like you said, it has its good points and bad points and celebrities today know what they're getting themselves into.

This is one of those conversations that will go around and around. There's no "right" answer because everyone has to do what is right for them. But it's still a good discussion.

[Guest Kyriem]

Am I the only who is bothered by Twitter? The whole thing about not being able to go out for dinner or even go into an elevator at an airport without the whole world knowing about it borders invasion of privacy in my opinion, just in another form. You have people working for you (the acting coach, the DJs at the London birthday party), people you were kind enough to invite them to your birthday party because you like them and consider them your friends twitting and bragging about it! You even get industry people who should be used by now to movie stars and "hot pieces" in Hollywood doing the unthinkable, i.e. having dinner at a restaurant, twitting about it. So Gerard Butler is having dinner at a restaurant, so what, what's newsworthy about it, why do you think the world needs to know?

Theresa

You know Theresa, I posted about it on another site, probably saying same things as you.

All these twitterings at the end disgust me, what's next?? Butler's gardener telling us how many tulips or roses Gerry has in his garden??

It's a total lack of privacy, not only for him but for all celebs. They're human beings after all, they have no right to go to a bathroom or a lift in a airport, without half the planet knowing about it??

Sorry for the ranting, it wasn't only you Theresa, as you can see.

[Guest Kyriem]

There is one thing that is curious I have noted on Twitter - how is it that people are watching the whole movie Law Abiding Citizen at home - I am quite sure it is not out officially on DVD yet even to rent? Maybe pay for view in the US??? Certainly not here in my neck of the Canadian woods. Don't tell me it's posted up at You Tube - that's not good, that's cutting into GB's livelihood, esp. now he is a producer.

It's already clear that pirated versions of Gamer abound.

Older movies, out of print, made for TV movies I think are OK because they just aren't widely available if at all. But brand new movies, tsk tsk.

Unfortunately films become available to download from various sites only a few days after their release in US theatres. Most of the times they are recordings from the screen of the movie theatre so you can imagine how bad the quality of the picture and the sound are. I know a lot people who claim to love cinema and still watch most films that way. I don't get it; apart from being illegal, the quality is so poor you can hardly enjoy it. I always like to either go to the movies or buy the DVD with the nice packaging, the extras etc. If you wait a while they become really really cheap. Or you can rent the DVD which doesn't cost much either.

Theresa

You know, I have to disagree partly on that point.

Sure I like movies more in a theather, but what happens if you don't get to see the movie at all?

I don't wanna be hypocritical here, and I admit that I downloaded many of Gerry's movies.

First because in Italy he doesn't have his real voice (movies are all dubbed!), second because most of them are not distributed at all (LAC and Gamer were never out in Italy).

So, if I wanted to see them, the only way was downloading them from Internet.

And how could I get Lucy Sullivan on dvd?? I found it only in Australia and my dvd player doesn't read region 4!!

In Italy, probably there are 10-11 Gerry's movies in dvd. The rest, without the Internet, I wouldn't ever have seen them.

Edited December 11, 2009 by Kyriem

[GBPhanatic]

I'm still not sure how twitter works. I think sometimes I avoid learning because I'm afraid I'll get "addicted" or something.

As far as tweets about Gerry, I'm not sure I'd always believe them. A wrong sighting (Gerry lookalike) could throw you completely off the Gerry trail. I've only heard here on this site about him going to Dubai for instance but unless he said so himself, how does one know? Someone could fill me in on that information perhaps.

As far as where Gerry is and where he's going, I much more enjoy knowing that information when he's made it available himself or made himself "visible". I feel somewhat of a connection then, that it's OK and that he likes for his fans to know and he's showing his appreciation by allowing them to follow him. Wouldn't it be great if he started tweeting?

"GALS, I'm now at LAX, it's the redeye to Dubai!"

"Wait, now I'm in the lu. Too much coffee!"

"I've just cleared security. TSA girl got her jollies feeling me up! What'd she think I would be carrying in my crotch? Fook!"

Delene

[Guest Kyriem]

I'm still not sure how twitter works. I think sometimes I avoid learning because I'm afraid I'll get "addicted" or something.

As far as tweets about Gerry, I'm not sure I'd always believe them. A wrong sighting (Gerry lookalike) could throw you completely off the Gerry trail. I've only heard here on this site about him going to Dubai for instance but unless he said so himself, how does one know? Someone could fill me in on that information perhaps.

As far as where Gerry is and where he's going, I much more enjoy knowing that information when he's made it available himself or made himself "visible". I feel somewhat of a connection then, that it's OK and that he likes for his fans to know and he's showing his appreciation by allowing them to follow him. Wouldn't it be great if he started tweeting?

"GALS, I'm now at LAX, it's the redeye to Dubai!"

"Wait, now I'm in the lu. Too much coffee!"

"I've just cleared security. TSA girl got her jollies feeling me up! What'd she think I would be carrying in my crotch? Fook!"

Delene

Well, it could be more correct for sure if it was him to tweet... So, if people knows his whereabouts, well.. it's his fault!!

[GBPhanatic]

There is one thing that is curious I have noted on Twitter - how is it that people are watching the whole movie Law Abiding Citizen at home - I am quite sure it is not out officially on DVD yet even to rent? Maybe pay for view in the US??? Certainly not here in my neck of the Canadian woods. Don't tell me it's posted up at You Tube - that's not good, that's cutting into GB's livelihood, esp. now he is a producer.

It's already clear that pirated versions of Gamer abound.

Older movies, out of print, made for TV movies I think are OK because they just aren't widely available if at all. But brand new movies, tsk tsk.

Unfortunately films become available to download from various sites only a few days after their release in US theatres. Most of the times they are recordings from the screen of the movie theatre so you can imagine how bad the quality of the picture and the sound are. I know a lot people who claim to love cinema and still watch most films that way. I don't get it; apart from being illegal, the quality is so poor you can hardly enjoy it. I always like to either go to the movies or buy the DVD with the nice packaging, the extras etc. If you wait a while they become really really cheap. Or you can rent the DVD which doesn't cost much either.

Theresa

You know, I have to disagree partly on that point.

Sure I like movies more in a theather, but what happens if you don't get to see the movie at all?

I don't wanna be hypocritical here, and I admit that I downloaded many of Gerry's movies.

First because in Italy he doesn't have his real voice (movies are all dubbed!), second because most of them are not distributed at all (LAC and Gamer were never out in Italy).

So, if I wanted to see them, the only way was downloading them from Internet.

And how could I get Lucy Sullivan on dvd?? I found it only in Australia and my dvd player doesn't read region 4!!

In Italy, probably there are 10-11 Gerry's movies in dvd. The rest, without the Internet, I wouldn't ever have seen them.

Couldn't you just go to Amazon on the internet and order them or order through this site? I thought that the internet made buying of anything feasable internationally.

Delene

[Guest Kyriem]

Couldn't you just go to Amazon on the internet and order them or order through this site? I thought that the internet made buying of anything feasable internationally.

Delene

Actually, I didn't have a credit card until recently, so I couldn't buy anything online (notice that in Italy, because of the endless frauds, we don't really trust credit card system, and we have one just when forced to).

BTW, I was nearly unemployed for 2 years, my mom would have killed me if I spent 15€ each dvd... while I have ADSL at home (well, I had because I don't live in Italy anymore)

and, sometimes dvd regions are different, so there was that problem too

[phoenixgirl]

First of all, I'm sure most of us can discern the crap from the reality. But when someone is nice enough, like the photographer,to post a pic of Gerry that is said to be taken at Gerry's house, I tend to believe it.

When someone Tweets they saw him having breakfast in LA when we know he's in LA, it's possible. But those things are few and far between and I really don't care about that stuff. Again, I have stopped using my Tweet Deck for that reason. I don't want to know every minute of every second of what he's doing. But if someone does, that's their business and I have nothing bad to say about them. It's just not my choice. I have no right to judge anyone else for what they do or don't do with regard to Twitter. It's simply none of my business.

I just have to worry about myself and keep my own side of the street clean.

That being said, PERSONAL OPINION COMING .... I take great umbrage with those who download movies online. The people who make the movies earn their living that way, and when people illegally download them those people are taking money from someone's family. The rare exception is if perhaps you are going to buy the DVD anyway, or have paid to see the movie in the theater anyway ... but having a movie that's still in the theater is reprehensible in my book. Once it's on DVD and you burn a copy, I'm actually ok with that because at least the DVD has been purchased.

Well, that's way off topic, but it was brought up and I have strong feelings about it (me, nah).

Twitter serves its purpose in this life, and like anything else, it is what you make of it. You can make its salacious and use it that way, or you can use it just to keep in touch, or you can choose to not use it at all.

[AbandonThought]

Couldn't you just go to Amazon on the internet and order them or order through this site? I thought that the internet made buying of anything feasable internationally.

Delene

Actually, I didn't have a credit card until recently, so I couldn't buy anything online (notice that in Italy, because of the endless frauds, we don't really trust credit card system, and we have one just when forced to).

BTW, I was nearly unemployed for 2 years, my mom would have killed me if I spent 15€ each dvd... while I have ADSL at home (well, I had because I don't live in Italy anymore)

and, sometimes dvd regions are different, so there was that problem too

I understand about it being difficult to find/afford Gerry movies, don't get me wrong, but I still don't think that makes it okay to do illegal downloads. I mean, it's one thing for a show that isn't available to purchase in any medium ANYWHERE, but it's hard to justify breaking the law and basically jilting one of your favorite stars because you can't afford it at the moment. We all love Gerry to death, and lots of Gals on this site have to make pretty big sacrifices so that we can see his work. And sometimes we can't afford to when we want to. But ya know, when we finally have the means, it makes it all that much more sweet.

Steph

[GBPhanatic]

Yes, *guest*, I also posted something about auctioning off a personal item or two of his, like sunglasses, jog pants, etc,, for charity. I think I was met with a comment saying something like, "good luck with that."

Delene

[phoenixgirl]

I think I made that comment!!

[GBPhanatic]

Hey, I think your're right!

Delene

[Guest Kyriem]

That being said, PERSONAL OPINION COMING .... I take great umbrage with those who download movies online. The people who make the movies earn their living that way, and when people illegally download them those people are taking money from someone's family. The rare exception is if perhaps you are going to buy the DVD anyway, or have paid to see the movie in the theater anyway ... but having a movie that's still in the theater is reprehensible in my book. Once it's on DVD and you burn a copy, I'm actually ok with that because at least the DVD has been purchased.

Well, that's way off topic, but it was brought up and I have strong feelings about it (me, nah).

Just to be precise, I never downloaded anything recent, because quality and audio are too poor, but saying that I'm taking money from someone's family, well.. it's a bit exaggerated, I mean... really!!

Those people have more money that me, you and our families put together.

You can affirm it's a breach of a copyright, and I agree with you.

But I cannot see it in the same way as you or other Americans, because you get all the movies (they're produced in your country, of course!!!), but for us... theathers are very expensive and most movies don't arrive even in dvd. So, me and many other Gerry Italian fans, we have the chance to see them thanks to Internet. I cannot say it's good, but I don't feel so bad either because when I'm given the chance to see a movie in a theather, I'll be the first in line (as, for example, Avatar next week)

We all love Gerry to death, and lots of Gals on this site have to make pretty big sacrifices so that we can see his work. And sometimes we can't afford to when we want to. But ya know, when we finally have the means, it makes it all that much more sweet

We never had, and probably won't ever have, the means to buy a dozens dvds. Maybe Swannie you didn't get the point. I'm lucky if I have an ADSL connection dear...

If you have to use your money to eat or to pay bills, first money you can save, you're not gonna buy a dvd.

I don't wanna be rude or something, but believe me...it's my and somebody else's way to see a bit of Gerry.

Saying that, I'm not gonna say it's ok (I know it's illegal!!)

Edited December 11, 2009 by Kyriem

[AbandonThought]

Just to be precise, I never downloaded anything recent, because quality and audio are too poor, but saying that I'm taking money from someone's family, well.. it's a bit exaggerated, I mean... really!!

Those people have more money that me, you and our families put together.

You can affirm it's a breach of a copyright, and I agree with you.

But I cannot see it in the same way as you or other Americans, because you get all the movies (they're produced in your country, of course!!!), but for us... theathers are very expensive and most movies don't arrive even in dvd. So, me and many other Gerry Italian fans, we have the chance to see them thanks to Internet. I cannot say it's good, but I don't feel so bad either because when I'm given the chance to see a movie in a theather, I'll be the first in line (as, for example, Avatar next week)

But you see, you're only thinking of the actors and the directors and people like that when you imagine who loses money by piracy. Working your way down, you also have the production companies who don't even turn a profit on some movies, the extras, the stuntmen, people involved in creating the sets, the writers, the companies who supply the raw materials for the movies, and on and on and on... If you've ever read anything about the financing trouble that the film industry is up against right now, then you understand that piracy does more than keep the leading man or woman from putting another Ferrari in their garage.

Steph

[AbandonThought]

Oh, and that was me Kyriem who posted what you quoted above. Just wanted to ensure you weren't blaming someone else for saying something that may have annoyed you!

Steph

[phoenixgirl]

But you see, you're only thinking of the actors and the directors and people like that when you imagine who loses money by piracy. Working your way down, you also have the production companies who don't even turn a profit on some movies, the extras, the stuntmen, people involved in creating the sets, the writers, the companies who supply the raw materials for the movies, and on and on and on... If you've ever read anything about the financing trouble that the film industry is up against right now, then you understand that piracy does more than keep the leading man or woman from putting another Ferrari in their garage.

Steph

I'm glad you pointed that out. If you look at the credits of a movie, there are more than actors, directors, producers, etc. who work on a film. In fact, have you seen Wrath of Gods? That's a really good example of what it takes to make a film and the money involved.

If it makes you feel better, than yes, you are infringing copyrights and that is a Federal offense in the states. However, this isn't, and shouldn't be, and American vs. European thing so let's not make it one.

I'm not saying anyone should take food out of their kids' mouths to buy a DVD; but don't take it out of other people's pockets either. That's all I'm saying.

[Guest Kyriem]

Oh girls, I wasn't taking it bad, everybody is entitled to their opinions.

I only make a difference between downloading a new movie or sharing a dvd on internet using the P2P.

I know they're both illegal, but people involved in the movie have already been paid at that stage,

they don't make any profit from dvds.

I can tell you for sure because I'm a screenwriter.

BTW, no offence taken, I like to have a civil discussion every now and then!!

[Miss S]

There is one thing that is curious I have noted on Twitter - how is it that people are watching the whole movie Law Abiding Citizen at home - I am quite sure it is not out officially on DVD yet even to rent? Maybe pay for view in the US??? Certainly not here in my neck of the Canadian woods. Don't tell me it's posted up at You Tube - that's not good, that's cutting into GB's livelihood, esp. now he is a producer.

It's already clear that pirated versions of Gamer abound.

Older movies, out of print, made for TV movies I think are OK because they just aren't widely available if at all. But brand new movies, tsk tsk.

Unfortunately films become available to download from various sites only a few days after their release in US theatres. Most of the times they are recordings from the screen of the movie theatre so you can imagine how bad the quality of the picture and the sound are. I know a lot people who claim to love cinema and still watch most films that way. I don't get it; apart from being illegal, the quality is so poor you can hardly enjoy it. I always like to either go to the movies or buy the DVD with the nice packaging, the extras etc. If you wait a while they become really really cheap. Or you can rent the DVD which doesn't cost much either.

Theresa

You know, I have to disagree partly on that point.

Sure I like movies more in a theather, but what happens if you don't get to see the movie at all?

I don't wanna be hypocritical here, and I admit that I downloaded many of Gerry's movies.

First because in Italy he doesn't have his real voice (movies are all dubbed!), second because most of them are not distributed at all (LAC and Gamer were never out in Italy).

So, if I wanted to see them, the only way was downloading them from Internet.

And how could I get Lucy Sullivan on dvd?? I found it only in Australia and my dvd player doesn't read region 4!!

In Italy, probably there are 10-11 Gerry's movies in dvd. The rest, without the Internet, I wouldn't ever have seen them.

Theresa, send me a personal message. I have access to a site that MIGHT be able to help you change/flip the region on your DVD player so you can play ANY region of DVD. I'll just need the make & model number of the player.

Ciao!

The Divine Miss S

[Vicki]

Just weighing in with a couple of comments here:

1. I can certainly sympathise with Kyriem and others who aren’t able to see Gerry’s movies when they come to theatres, or buy them on dvd, either because they’re not available in their countries or they don’t have the financial resources. Gamer doesn’t look like it will get a cinema release in Oz, but I’m lucky that I’m in a position where I can order a Region 1 dvd from the US and it will play on my tv and dvd player (not all of Gerry's movies are available in other Region formats, and some dvds are encrypted so they won't play on Region-free players). I’ve also been lucky enough to have been able to buy most of Gerry’s movies etc on dvd. But I know others aren’t so lucky.

2. Yes, downloading movies online is illegal, but isn't copying any portion of a dvd also illegal, and don’t we all have screencaps, avatars, siggies, fanvids etc that originate from said dvds?

Cheers,

Vicki