Speaking of the Internet, the Olivia/Natalia love affair on GUIDING LIGHT is setting the blogosphere abuzz, and has even generated its own nick name -- "Otalia." I'm a little late to the game here, but the relationship between Oliva (Crystal Chappell) and Na talia (Jessica Leccia) -- who met after Olivia's heart trans plant in April '08 -- is apparently giving GUIDING LIGHT quite a thump as it reaches the end of the line. Its last ep isode airs Sept. 18 after 72 years on radio and TV.
Starr heard from fans who were happy his column and posted about the fan response today.
And speaking of "Out and about," my column item last Friday on GUIDING LIGHT's "Otalia" storyline -- the relationship between Olivia (Crystal Chappell) and Na talia (Jessica Leccia) -- generated an overwhelming response from "GL" fans, in cluding some as far away as Australia and the UK. Looks like "GL" has struck a nerve.
I'm going to let the press in as a little secret, one that you Roger were one of the first to figure out (because, heck, you're smart)...if you write about Guiding Light and Otalia, people will actually read what you write and care to read more...hmm...can we see a new trend of the wider press world starting to figure this stuff out?!
ReplyDeleteYou can't manufacture passion like this, you just need to investigate more fully to find out what all the fuss is about.
There are Otalia fans everywhere. We are a diverse, passionate, articulate group. We love Guiding Light and we want the world to know that it is worth saving!
ReplyDeleteSo cool of you to mention the NY Post's Otalia recognition. If nothing else, it will help send a message to the folks who produce and sponsor daytime television: viewers are not only willing to see stories about same sex love and alternative family models....we're *hungry* for these things, and we're a large and loyal fan base. So many of us are long-time GL, too...not just folks along for this particular ride. Kudos to Roger for recognizing, early on, that Otalia and GL fandom is, in and of itself, a story worth reporting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for mentioning our response to Otalia and Guiding Light, Roger!!
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those Australians you mentioned. That's one of the amazing things about this show, it crosses cultures and boundaries. I, and I'm sure millions of other fans out there will definitely follow Guiding Light and the Otalia storyline whereever it goes and in whatever form it takes. That's how "invested" we are and how much we love this couple and this show.
thanks for sharing the Post mentions Roger!! It's great to see this wonderful story line get the recognition it deserves! As well as the fervent supporters of Otalia for all the great work they have done supporting the show and trying keep it the air! Thanks for everything you do as well Roger to help us out!
ReplyDeletei love seeing the main stream press take note - hopefully more will follow. Daytime is generally so ignored...forget those faux lesbian shots of Gossip Girl on the cover of Rolling Stone, I want to see Otalia there!
ReplyDeleteAs always, thanks for the coverage, Roger!!
ReplyDeleteIt is good to see the Otalia buzz is generating mentions by the mainstream press on the passion and loyalty of the GL fanbase. We love our "little that could" GL. Otalia and GL are indeed worth fighting to save and worth the coverage.
Roger you are the best. We Otalia fans can not be stopped. We are comment crazies! First the Post, and next stop People Magazine. We can do it!!
ReplyDeleteThis is so great that Otalia was mentioned twice on the NY Post...we are a passionate, articulate, and dedicated fanbase who not only love the Otalia storyline, but GL in general. This show is so worth saving right now.
ReplyDeleteLet's keep fighting to save The Light!
As fan of the Otalia storyline, I'm delighted that Michael received such a response. It doesn't surprise me that he did though, as the mere mention of Otalia, and you'll find us loyal fans not far behind. (I'm sure yo have witnessed this first hand, Roger :-)). This storyline is phenomenal and it deserves all the press that it is getting...'and then some' (as Frank Cooper would say :-))I will be keeping my fingers crossed that there will be a huge turnout for the rally on 22nd (I live in Ireland, so can' be there), so that TPTB can see just how many fans this show has.
ReplyDeleteI love Otalia and Guiding Light and I will embrace anyone and everyone who is willing to give this storyline and show the acknowledgment it so richly deserves. I love you Roger, for always being in our corner!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to see the NY Post picking up on the Otalia storyline, and even happier that the story got such a big response. Your coverage of GL and Otalia is appreciated--this show is hitting its stride and deserves all the attention it can get.
ReplyDeleteWrite about Otalia and we will come. WLS figured that out early ;)
ReplyDeleteRoger, you are a doll for bringing Otalia into the light once again. Truly, it is no wonder why people are responding in such mass numbers. Guiding Light has never been better, and the Otalia storyline is special and powerful. People are genuinely invested in such a real way. We, the viewers, are going to be there to support it and represent it with vigor and passion in a most articulate manner! I'm so pleased to know that the excellence in entertainment that we are recieving is being recognized! Kiss to you, Roger!
ReplyDeleteRoger I would say you scooped the NY Post several months ago. You're the best!!! Thank you.
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ReplyDeleteOTALIA WORLD DOMINATION in motion - word getting out there and although he a little late to the game better late than never! Glad to see Otalia getting more recognition!
ReplyDeleteOnly Love can change the work ya know?!
Thanks Roger xox
It's nice to know that word of this historic phenomenon is spreading. Thanks so much, Roger, for recognizing it so early on, and for keeping us updated!
ReplyDeleteJust want to say, thanks Roger for mentioning Otaliafans and the Michael Starr column. Any mention we get for the show and Otalia, is a good thing. The fanbase is worldwide now and getting more and more vocal. Thank you for being an important one that notices that. We love the show and we want it around for many more years. If we can just get more people to watch even one day of it, they would be as invested as we are. So, join us people, Guiding Light and Otalia. Save the Light!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your constant coverage of GL and Otalia. It's great how the Otalia buzz is spreading. World domination is here for Otalia!
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