Comments on: Publicity Dilemma

By: Mormon Temples and HBO’s Big Love | Mormon Bloggers

Mormon Temples and HBO’s Big Love | Mormon Bloggers — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:56:43 +0000

[...] Richman, director of Church Publications and Media Project Office had to say about it on his blog, LDS Media Talk. If you would like to learn more, watch the video below that explains why we build [...]

By: John Hilton III

John Hilton III — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:22:23 +0000

There are lots of ways that this could be analyzed; I recall how the “mountain meadows” movie flopped, partially due to a lack of reaction by the church. In some ways it seems like energy directed towards boycotting HBO might be better channeled towards sharing testimony with others.

By: Brian

Brian — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:51:25 +0000

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

By: Give LDS Gifts

Give LDS Gifts — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:13:11 +0000

I tend to agree with Nate on every point he made. I personally sent a message to HBO yesterday, via their website, and asked them to reconsider and cancel the episode. I did forward that request to some friends and family who I know are strong temple-attending members. I feel that this is my way of “standing for truth and righteousness”; I am actively opposing the issue and encouraging others to do the same, but hopefully I am doing it without adding to the controversy in the media that could help increase viewership of the episode.

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:48:00 +0000

I am one that does not believe that all publicity is good publicity. However, LDS members protesting this will likely result in simply being one of the most anticipated and most watched Big Love episodes ever.

A silent protest can often be equally effective.

I hope that members remember this next time they consider going to any film that Tom Hanks has any role in, whether it be acting or directing.

By: Tim Malone

Tim Malone — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 05:19:41 +0000

For me, joining the Facebook group was a small way of reminding my friends there, many of whom are not members of the church, that I am a member. I have always felt that any publicity is good publicity. Yes, the producers of Big Love are stirring things up specifically to increase viewership. But I joined the Facebook group out of a missionary effort to remind people of what I stand for and believe in – that some things are sacred and should be treated that way.

By: Nate

Nate — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:21:50 +0000

For starters, I don’t think that we ought to be drawing so much attention to the link leading to a pic of one of the ‘Big Love’ actresses in temple clothing. This will only increase the number of people who see the pic and come away confused.

But if members want to contact HBO and calmly and respectfully voice their displeasure, I feel that falls within the parameters of the “Christian courage” Elder Hales spoke about.

Most importantly we need to stay calm rather than falling into the trap of succumbing to unbridled rage over an issue which ultimately won’t affect us or the Church one iota. I keep thinking of the Savior’s words, “My sheep hear my voice.” Lovers of truth will hardly be phased by this issue. In fact, this episode of ‘Big Love’ will likely cause some viewers to think that they show’s writers and producers have gone too far and they will abandon it for better information about the Church and its beliefs and practices.

By: Jim Robertson

Jim Robertson — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:10:52 +0000

I remember an example of protests prolonging something that would die if people would just leave it alone. When I was a student at BYU, a “strip club” opened in Provo and it was challenged legally and was constantly in the news. After months and months of continuous coverage, the owner won in court the the right to have the club. Guess what – it closed shortly after the controversy died out because the publicity was driving traffic to the bar and now no one was going anymore.