«FMoF»: The War is over!

 

An open message to all Famous Monsters fans from Ray Ferry, Philip Kim and Connie Bean:

Many of you are aware that, for the past 6 months, we have been involved in legal proceedings related to ownership rights concerning the Famous Monsters of Filmland trademark. These proceedings stemmed from unresolved matters arising from a sale of the property rights to Mr. Kim in October 2007. After a personal meeting among us, we have fully resolved our differences and reached an amicable settlement. Ray and Connie acknowledge Phil Kim as the new owner of the trademark. His website at www.famousmonstersoffilmland.com is to be considered the «official» internet site for the mark.. Connie will retain her www.filmlandclassics.com web store and will continue as the reseller of back issue of Famous Monsters magazine published by Ray until the current inventory is depleted. Ray will continue his work as editor and publisher of his two new magazines Freaky and Shock Theater Classics.

Concerning FM#250:
Pursuant to our agreement, FM #250 will be edited/published by Ray Ferry as originally planned. FM #250 will be the FINAL ISSUE in the SECOND SERIES of the Famous Monsters magazine, which began with issue #200 (May 1993). Filmland Classics customers who have current subscriptions that include FM #250 will receive their copies. Pre-orders for FM #250 are currently being accepted. The issue will ship at the end of May, 2009. Note that there will be only a limited number of copies available for general purchase once the issue is published! There will be no reprints of any more issues and once current inventory is depleted, that's it. Visit www.filmlandclassics.com (or www.famousmonstersoffilmland.com) for pre-ordering information.

The «War of the Words»:
We realize that Famous Monsters is an emotional topic for many fans. There was and still continues to be a lot of anger and misunderstanding among some factions of fandom and the subject has polarized what should be a friendly and enjoyable hobby for all. We three have resolved our differences and we ask that you fans respect our decision and end the war of the words. There is no good that can come from fans continuing to debate, ridicule, threaten or otherwise keep a war going that no longer exists.

Finally:
We each thank all who have shown their support. We ask that all fans bury the proverbial hatchet and let us rebuild to once again make the world of Famous Monsters an enjoyable place to be. Certainly there will be those few (and even people close to Phil, Ray and Connie) who will resist change or settlement and will continue to fan the flames. Ignore them. They don't speak for us and they don't speak for fandom. If Ray, Phil or Connie has something to say, they will say it. If you find our reconciliation to be surprising or even shocking, keep in mind there will be probably be even surprises in store in the coming months?To paraphrase John F. Kennedy: «There are no permanent enemies. Our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal.»

So we say again (in 3-part harmony): «To a new world of gods and monsters!»

Ray Ferry
Phil Kim
Connie Bean

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