…even with the crappy B-Movies aired over the weekend (from sci-fi b-movie “classics” to their original TV-Movies), but at the same time, they have compelling TV Dramas, built up from Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, Battlestar Galactica, and Eureka, plus the highly popular “reality” series Ghost Hunters (I put that in quotes because some of it borders ridiculous-ness because we know a camera crew doesn’t follow them at their regular jobs when they happen to get a phone call on a case). Nonetheless, Sci-Fi Channel is our destination for great enjoyable and entertaining science fiction/supernatural/paranormal programming, rather original programming, or even imported cult hits such as Doctor Who?, and classic shows such as the benevolent X-Files . And through these years, there have been some odd decisions on their part (airing Passions, anyone? And what the frak is with the wrestling. Sure it’s fiction, but that’s the most of it).

Through that, I don’t think even having wrestling can even compare to the latest oddity among the NBC Universal network. They have recently announced that the name ‘Sci-Fi Channel’ is too geeky (despite the increase in typical non-geeky people liking what general geeky people like, if that makes any sense). Therefore, they are going to re-brand their name into….drumroll please……… ….. …. …..SyFy.

Yep, starting this summer, SCI-FI become SyFy, and will come with a new (and very lame) tagline ‘Imagine Greater.’ The whole point? I got nothing. It really doesn’t make any sense to change a channel that has been enjoying what other networks can only dream of: a ratings increase. This includes an increase in female viewership, you know the particular gender of people many people joke that geeks never see. I am reminded that even sci-fi conventions don’t look all too much the same as before, that broader range of people go to them, so if Sci-Fi really a geeky thing? I think not.

Sci-Fi Channel had great shows, from the highly imaginative Eureka, to the cult hits of both Stargate series and Battlestar Galactica. Then there was the very good re-imagination of ‘Wizard of Oz’ called Tin Man. These are series with lame plots like sci-fi of the times before, these are compelling story lines, excellent character development, that you barely see on broadcast networks that enjoy higher ratings (such as the highly predictable programming of CBS, (seriously, how many crime dramas do they have?)). Just because I, who is a female, watched Stargate SG-1, I’m not gonna go around a speak Ancient or something. What is geeky is die-hard fans, you know Trekkies that speak fluent in Klingon (forgive me if I spell it wrong, but you get what I’m saying).

I guess what I’m trying to say is, Sci-Fi is not geeky, geeky is simply those who take way too far. Therefore, changing the name, tagline, and logo is quite possibly a ludicrous decision, especially since, like I mentioned, the network has seen some growth in viewership in the last two years. So why damage that?

SCI-FI Channel to become SyFy – SCI-FI WIRE

BTW, I’ll probably still watch “siffy” (that’s what it looks like…), as long as we still have the new Stargate series, possible future adventures, more Eureka, and watchable mini-series, and if this isn’t just a ruse to add non-sci-fi entertainment, which I will really hate, as do about 504 people who commented on the post on this subject right on the SCI-FI WIRE, linked above (yep, timestamped at 8AM just today, 504 frakkin’ comments, and through the ones I skimmed (first couple) not one positive remark.)

Okay, I’m not really a big Halloween person, but, in the last few years I have developed a routine. Last year, I spent the week watching horror and vampire films and TV shows. This year, though, I didn’t get that time, BUT, did squeeze in some Buffy, not to mention Halloween themed episodes new this week. Luckily I have tomorrow (well, today) off, therefore, I may get a chance to watch two movies that I’ve had for a while, but didn’t get to watch (Feast and Dead Silence).

But, no matter what, as long as they do it, the heart of Halloween programming for me is the now annual Ghost Hunters Live on the SCI-FI CHANNEL. Starting at 7pm ET, the TAPS team will take on Ft. Delaware. And like the previous two years, viewers can go online and watch continuous streaming video (if I remember correctly, it’s one camera at a time, not like choosing one, though that would be cool), and also, chat. They’ll still have the Panic Button (use it wisely folks, sometimes those “orbs” are just dust).

Article with an excerpt from an interview with Jay and Grant (founders of TAPS). Go ahead and register for a profile and Join the Hunt.

Oh, and the event will be hosted by Josh Gates, of fellow SCI-FI program Destination Truth, and will have special guest Amanda Tapping (of Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, and the new series Sanctuary).