Almost since the web originated, one of Fox’s most popular shows, The Simpson’s, has been there. Fans used the web as a medium of creative expression--showing their fandom through interactive pages that not only bolstered Fox’s market share but also created a highly dedicated group of fans. The great majority of these sites wanted no money. They simply wanted to offer a way of discussing and exchanging thoughts and ideas about The Simpson’s. Never before had one single television show been so popular with the internet community.

As the love for the show grew so did the number of web sites. At one point, there were over 3,000 different Simpson sites out there, each offering free publicity and increased dedication to one of Fox’s most popular shows. Soon, however, Fox began to try its hand at a rather new breed of dark, science-fiction shows and both X-Files and Millennium were created.
            But then it happened.
On the day of Millennium’s premiere, Gil Trevizo, an excited fan of the show, released his unofficial Millennium site that he spent many hours of unpaid work creating. Fox immediately took action by freezing his college e-mail account and sending him cease-and-desist orders to shut down. Although Fox was bombarded with angry internet citizens, Fox held its position.

But Fox hasn’t stopped there. Almost every day there is a new King of the Hill, X-File, Millennium, or Simpson’s site shut down. Why Fox has decided to aggravate the very fans who have supported and increased the fan base for these shows is a complete mystery. These sites were created as a labor of love by people who simply wanted to show their dedication to these well written shows. And on a deeper, and more frightening level, the site shutdowns are a clear indication of Fox’s intention to control almost every aspect of how their fans can show their support. And at this rate, it will not be too much longer when most of these unofficial sites will cease to exist. No longer will you be able to get that sound bite or picture of your favorite character. No longer will you be able to create that wallpaper for your computer screen. Fox is hurting themselves and hurting their fans.

     It’s time to stand up and raise your fist.