----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Hi, On Sat, 26 Nov 1994 18:18:41 -0500, Allan Siegel <[log in to unmask]> was curious about my query about The Professional: > Would it be inappropriate to ask Mr. Martin what exactly are the > purposes of his study? > Given the infusion of <americanized product> by the Hollywood Studios I > would be curious as to the purposes of this study. Hope this is not out > of line. Not at all. I'm doing the 'study' for a number of reasons. A little on my background: (Back before time began, I used to be an actor, but on to present day:) A few years ago I used to have an entertainment magazine which was distributed (among other locations) on the internet (when the concept was still relatively new). As well, I used to be heavily involved in consumer marketing research (contracting for companies like Kraft General Foods, Seagram, Health & Welfare Canada, Neilson, etc.) My life has since changed dramatically, including a move to a new city, and a few career changes in-between as well. I must confess that I still have the fascination with how people think. Especially about entertainment. When I used to run the magazine, there wasn't really a heavy emphasis on input from 'people on the street'. Having been witness, over the last few years, of the generous nature and kind-heartedness of the people (in general) on the Internet, I wanted to see what kind of input I could get if I picked a film in specific. I picked The Professional, as I attended an advance screening of it, and was very impressed. I was curious how many other people shared a similar opinion and would be willing to express it "without compensation" (i.e. without any ulterior motivations). So far, I must admit, that without a "carrot", I have only received a handful of responses about the film. I didn't cross-post to hundreds of lists so I didn't get a lot of coverage, but I wasn't interested in generating flames, only opinions. The responses that I have received, in general, have been thoughtful and insightful, which only excites and encourages me further to see where I can go with this. Hope that helped David Martin [log in to unmask]