Definitive Guide to UM - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Allierain · 06-06-2003, 08:34 AM

Hey all-

I have decided to research information and write a book about UM. I am already in touch with a publisher. I have no idea if anyone else has written about the show (I doubt it) but if they have, please let me know. I was unable to find anything. The book I am going to be writing is to be a reference guide with details about the cases, actors, updates, etc. in season order.

I have already gone to Lifetime TV and asked who I should contact to get all the information I need, plus I've written about four or five other emails to various crew, including Shari Adagio (senior producer). If anyone else has any helpful information, please let me know. Whoever is involved gets due credit. I have tried finding contact information for Cosgrove-Meurer Productions, but I keep coming up short.

Ta,

Allie

rerungirl · 06-06-2003, 11:02 AM

Allie,
I think you've come up with a wonderful idea. I don't know of any other UM publications but I do believe there would be a market for something like this. It would appeal not only to fans of Unsolved Mysteries, but also fans of Robert Stack and people who are interested in true crime and paranormal cases. This same type of book (episode guide and behind the scenes information) already exists for shows like Law & Order and Homicide: Life on the Street. UM fans deserve one too. Thanks for getting the ball rolling on this.

Makoto_4 · 06-06-2003, 01:07 PM

I don't know if anybody has written a book on Unsolved Mysteries. But I do remember sometime ago, somebody suggested here that Robert Stack ought to write a book on his experiences of hosting the show. The thread is at this link:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...threadid=60183

Good luck with the book

-Makoto_4

Allierain · 06-06-2003, 01:12 PM

Awesome! Thanks to you both!

I thought I had a contact address for the production company but it wasn't valid. I am still waiting to hear back from Shari Adagio and Lifetime TV. We'll see how it goes.

TJ · 06-06-2003, 01:49 PM

I wish you good luck, but have to tell you this would be an enormous amount of work. They have done in the neighborhood of 1200-1500 segments.

If you are able to get information directly from the Unsolved Mysteries people, then I think it would be easier but if you are doing it all on your own - it would take you hours and hours of work and research.

EyesoftheNile · 06-06-2003, 04:16 PM

Allie- Wow! That is a wonderful idea! You go, girl! He he he.

Seriously, that is an excellent notion, IMO. Good luck to you.

Yours truly,

EyesoftheNile

Silver Dark · 07-16-2003, 02:51 AM

Here's hoping you write the book with the same gusto that many of us have for reading it, Allierain.

Allierain · 07-16-2003, 12:36 PM

Thank you!!

Unfortunately I am still trying to get in touch with someone for episode information...Lifetime won't tell me anything whatsoever, except the PO Box for UM in Burbank. So here's to hoping!

CrushedVelvet · 08-02-2003, 01:56 AM

HI Allie. I totally wish there was a big aft book on all the cases that fans could have as reference. I would esp. love to see some of the old, original cases updated or covered. I wrote to that p.o. box to suggest they play some old episodes but as predicted it did no good. If you want any help doing research just hollar, its fun for me and I want to see a UM book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Allierain · 08-06-2003, 01:11 AM

Hello! Actually, anything anyone who wants to contribute is fine. I welcome any help and credit will be given, no matter what. I have heard NOTHING back from those I have written to. Lifetime wasn't helpful. All they could do was give me the PO Box to UM, which I have had memorized for years. I have been thinking about sending a letter to that PO Box and seeing who can get back to me, because I would like to get started on this. I think in the next day or so I will draft a letter to UM. SOMEONE, somewhere, has to have records/archives of the cases profiled. That's just how business is done.

Mr. Roboto · 08-06-2003, 11:52 AM

Well, personally Allierain, I would love for you to put up every known case that has been featured on UM, divided into each appropriate section (like Unexplained Death, Wanted, Special Alert, etc.). With each case, give a full description, photos and sketches when needed, info that was left out of the UM broadcasts, and little tidbits of information about anything like, for example, well known actors in UM cases and other things. Other ideas:

A timeline chronicling each UM case from the earliest known to the latest one that was featured on the show.

Biography about Robert Stack and the other people who made the show.

UM History, starting from 1986-2003 explaining all events that happened in the production of the show.

A section about the original UM specials (before the show started) including the cases and hosts featured.

This one may be a bit hard, but apparently, Lifetime edits some of the cases if they are too long. Tell which cases have been edited or not.

Finally, a petiton to show UM at a decent time for everyone on a decent channel, if Lametime isn't going to show it.

I'm sure other people have great ideas, but this is what I have came up with and, IMO, that would make a great book.

Oooh, for the front cover, put a lot of scary sketches and stuff to scare us away!

Makoto_4 · 08-06-2003, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mr. Roboto
A section about the original UM specials (before the show started) including the cases and hosts featured.

Great idea

When I saw that suggestion, I thought of another idea similar to that one: cases and show information on the short-lived spinoff "Final Appeal: From the Files of Unsolved Mysteries"

Some info on "Final Appeal" can be found at http://us.imdb.com/Title?0103412

-Makoto_4

Allierain · 08-06-2003, 08:03 PM

Thank you both for the wonderful ideas!

I know some people who produce books like this can take a year or more to author them. I am hoping that isn't the case here. I drafted a letter this morning to the UM PO Box. I'll be sending it out first thing in the morning. I am hoping that someone can provide me with the information I need, even if I have to pay for it. Again, thanks for the suggestions. Anything to make this idea a success is great!

Makoto_4 · 08-07-2003, 12:57 AM

Another idea I have is somewhat no longer possible but it would have been something: an introduction of sorts written by Robert Stack.

The intro can still be included though, possibly with a quote or two from Stack on his experiences of hosting the show or any quote on UM and what impact the show has had since its debut in 1987.

Best of luck

Makoto_4

Starbright726 · 08-08-2003, 09:21 PM

If UM producers, etc. don't want to cooperate with you, have you thought about just writing a book about (some if not all of) the cases themselves? You can make your book into a true crime/paranormal one instead of a television show reference guide. I don't think it'll be too difficult tracking down the cops/victim's families/offenders with the help of a private investigator (if you feel a need to get more information on the cases). It might be more interesting to read about just the segments themselves instead of reading names of the production crew and re-enacment actors and what the producers may say. Not that I'm telling you how you should write your book, I'm an aspiring writer myself and know how irritating that is. This is just an option if the people you've written to won't respond or turn you down. By focusing predominantly on the cases, you could work independently, not having to rely on busy or uppity people. All you would probably need is copyright permissions (if you would still want your book to be about the series overall.)

06-06-2003, 08:34 AM	#1
Allierain Forum Old Fart Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 30, 2002 Location: Somewhere Posts: 509	Definitive Guide to UM Hey all- I have decided to research information and write a book about UM. I am already in touch with a publisher. I have no idea if anyone else has written about the show (I doubt it) but if they have, please let me know. I was unable to find anything. The book I am going to be writing is to be a reference guide with details about the cases, actors, updates, etc. in season order. I have already gone to Lifetime TV and asked who I should contact to get all the information I need, plus I've written about four or five other emails to various crew, including Shari Adagio (senior producer). If anyone else has any helpful information, please let me know. Whoever is involved gets due credit. I have tried finding contact information for Cosgrove-Meurer Productions, but I keep coming up short. Ta, Allie
	__________________ They got circle-stansive evidence.

06-06-2003, 11:02 AM	#2
rerungirl Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Sep 23, 2002 Location: Midwest Posts: 295	UM Book Allie, I think you've come up with a wonderful idea. I don't know of any other UM publications but I do believe there would be a market for something like this. It would appeal not only to fans of Unsolved Mysteries, but also fans of Robert Stack and people who are interested in true crime and paranormal cases. This same type of book (episode guide and behind the scenes information) already exists for shows like Law & Order and Homicide: Life on the Street. UM fans deserve one too. Thanks for getting the ball rolling on this.

06-06-2003, 01:07 PM	#3
Makoto_4 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 02, 2002 Location: California Posts: 117	Great idea! I don't know if anybody has written a book on Unsolved Mysteries. But I do remember sometime ago, somebody suggested here that Robert Stack ought to write a book on his experiences of hosting the show. The thread is at this link: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...threadid=60183 Good luck with the book -Makoto_4

06-06-2003, 04:16 PM	#6
EyesoftheNile Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 10, 2003 Location: Norcross, Georgia Posts: 50	Wow dude! Allie- Wow! That is a wonderful idea! You go, girl! He he he. Seriously, that is an excellent notion, IMO. Good luck to you. Yours truly, EyesoftheNile

07-16-2003, 02:51 AM	#7
Silver Dark Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jul 12, 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 22	Here's hoping you write the book with the same gusto that many of us have for reading it, Allierain.
	__________________ "What you're about to see is not a news broadcast."

06-06-2003, 01:12 PM	#4
Allierain Forum Old Fart Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 30, 2002 Location: Somewhere Posts: 509	Awesome! Thanks to you both! I thought I had a contact address for the production company but it wasn't valid. I am still waiting to hear back from Shari Adagio and Lifetime TV. We'll see how it goes.

06-06-2003, 01:49 PM	#5
TJ Site Owner Administrator Forum Star Join Date: Feb 03, 2000 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 10,693	I wish you good luck, but have to tell you this would be an enormous amount of work. They have done in the neighborhood of 1200-1500 segments. If you are able to get information directly from the Unsolved Mysteries people, then I think it would be easier but if you are doing it all on your own - it would take you hours and hours of work and research.

07-16-2003, 12:36 PM	#8
Allierain Forum Old Fart Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 30, 2002 Location: Somewhere Posts: 509	Thank you!! Unfortunately I am still trying to get in touch with someone for episode information...Lifetime won't tell me anything whatsoever, except the PO Box for UM in Burbank. So here's to hoping!

08-02-2003, 01:56 AM	#9
CrushedVelvet Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 25, 2002 Location: Southern California Posts: 331	HI Allie. I totally wish there was a big aft book on all the cases that fans could have as reference. I would esp. love to see some of the old, original cases updated or covered. I wrote to that p.o. box to suggest they play some old episodes but as predicted it did no good. If you want any help doing research just hollar, its fun for me and I want to see a UM book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
	__________________ CrushedVelvet

08-06-2003, 01:11 AM	#10
Allierain Forum Old Fart Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 30, 2002 Location: Somewhere Posts: 509	Hello! Actually, anything anyone who wants to contribute is fine. I welcome any help and credit will be given, no matter what. I have heard NOTHING back from those I have written to. Lifetime wasn't helpful. All they could do was give me the PO Box to UM, which I have had memorized for years. I have been thinking about sending a letter to that PO Box and seeing who can get back to me, because I would like to get started on this. I think in the next day or so I will draft a letter to UM. SOMEONE, somewhere, has to have records/archives of the cases profiled. That's just how business is done.

08-06-2003, 11:52 AM	#11
Mr. Roboto Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jul 01, 2003 Posts: 61	Well, personally Allierain, I would love for you to put up every known case that has been featured on UM, divided into each appropriate section (like Unexplained Death, Wanted, Special Alert, etc.). With each case, give a full description, photos and sketches when needed, info that was left out of the UM broadcasts, and little tidbits of information about anything like, for example, well known actors in UM cases and other things. Other ideas: A timeline chronicling each UM case from the earliest known to the latest one that was featured on the show. Biography about Robert Stack and the other people who made the show. UM History, starting from 1986-2003 explaining all events that happened in the production of the show. A section about the original UM specials (before the show started) including the cases and hosts featured. This one may be a bit hard, but apparently, Lifetime edits some of the cases if they are too long. Tell which cases have been edited or not. Finally, a petiton to show UM at a decent time for everyone on a decent channel, if Lametime isn't going to show it. I'm sure other people have great ideas, but this is what I have came up with and, IMO, that would make a great book. Oooh, for the front cover, put a lot of scary sketches and stuff to scare us away!

08-06-2003, 08:03 PM	#13
Allierain Forum Old Fart Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 30, 2002 Location: Somewhere Posts: 509	Thank you both for the wonderful ideas! I know some people who produce books like this can take a year or more to author them. I am hoping that isn't the case here. I drafted a letter this morning to the UM PO Box. I'll be sending it out first thing in the morning. I am hoping that someone can provide me with the information I need, even if I have to pay for it. Again, thanks for the suggestions. Anything to make this idea a success is great!

08-07-2003, 12:57 AM	#14
Makoto_4 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 02, 2002 Location: California Posts: 117	Another idea I have is somewhat no longer possible but it would have been something: an introduction of sorts written by Robert Stack. The intro can still be included though, possibly with a quote or two from Stack on his experiences of hosting the show or any quote on UM and what impact the show has had since its debut in 1987. Best of luck Makoto_4

08-08-2003, 09:21 PM	#15
Starbright726 Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 30, 2003 Posts: 50	Congratulations, Allerain If UM producers, etc. don't want to cooperate with you, have you thought about just writing a book about (some if not all of) the cases themselves? You can make your book into a true crime/paranormal one instead of a television show reference guide. I don't think it'll be too difficult tracking down the cops/victim's families/offenders with the help of a private investigator (if you feel a need to get more information on the cases). It might be more interesting to read about just the segments themselves instead of reading names of the production crew and re-enacment actors and what the producers may say. Not that I'm telling you how you should write your book, I'm an aspiring writer myself and know how irritating that is. This is just an option if the people you've written to won't respond or turn you down. By focusing predominantly on the cases, you could work independently, not having to rely on busy or uppity people. All you would probably need is copyright permissions (if you would still want your book to be about the series overall.)
	Last edited by Starbright726; 08-08-2003 at 09:47 PM.