Shatner Criticizes Trek Book Publisher November 29, 2007
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: Books, Shatner , trackbackIn his latest Shatnervision, the Shat critiques the promotion for his latest Trek book “Collision Course
No more Trek audio books?
In the past Simon and Schuster Audio issued audio versions of many of the ‘big’ Trek books, but over the last few years they stopped doing any (except for the Shatner books). It appears that S&S Audio are much more focused now on non-fiction books. The fiction books they have released more recently seem to be New York Times Best sellers like Stephen King. It is likely that the Trek books (including Shatner’s) just don’t fit with their business anymore.
As for Shatner’s critiques of Simon and Schuster’s promotion, it is not clear what he isn’t happy about. Shatner has been booked on TV, radio and print interviews as well as a book signing (held last week at Talk Soup in Los Angeles). Unfortunately Shatner’s appearance on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live never happened due to the writers strike.
Shat on Man O’ War
In another vlog, The Shat discusses the fate of his Mars book “Man o’ War
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Comments»
First is overated anyway. Poor Shat no Star Trek for you!
Well I think that S&S is way off base in their handling of Shatner’s Trek novels. There must be some catch to their motives.
I seem to recall that the publisher was hesitant to publish this book because of it’s potential to conflict with JJ Abram’s version of Kirk/Spock early years. Could be wrong.
Anyone notice the ’sideways glare’ that Mr. Shatner used to end this video? Looked like the look he used ending his last video about not being in the movie.
This could be just his normal ending for videos and does not have the significance that people gave it during posts for his last video.
the only reason that shatner is turning to his right at the end of these segments is because that is where Paul (the producer who asks the questions) was sitting.
He just needs to stop complaining already. It’s getting old.
I am hopefully not the only one who is slightly annoyed by the Shat’s constant b*tching about everything?
I mean, yeah, of course, he means good business ‘n stuff, yadda yadda yadda.
Move on, get a life. (And here I am as a Star Trek fan, finding it more than a bit ironic to say that about the guy who played (ed!) Captain Kirk)
Sheesh. It’s his book. If he doesn’t think the publisher is supporting the product - it’s his right to complain.
Constant Complaining? He is answering questions that were submitted by members of the williamshatner.com message board.
As for S&S/Pocketbooks, like the Trek games division, they have simply stunk up the joint. If Shatner weren’t doing books, would we ever hear about new original Trek material? Hey S&S, why won’t you let Mike Okuda write an update Star Trek Encyclopedia???
I realize that they’re likely concentrating on J.J.’s movie, but again they’ve published next to nothing worthwhile in years.
The book’s gotten bad reviews. The publisher was committed to it and probably regrets it, especially with its conflict with the new Trek movie.
I’m of the thought that Spock and Kirk never crossed paths at the academy. And Kirk never would have called Spock”Stretch.”
CAN I JUST SAY FOR THE RECORD…
…that for a 70-year old dude, Shatner looks absolutely fantastic for his age. Sure, the hair is fake, and he’s probably had a nip, tuck & botox here and there, but damn, it’s been done RIGHT.
He could have easily turned into Burt Reynolds (that poor guy), but Shatner actually seems to be growing YOUNGER! Gotta give the guy some credit in that regard!
CORRECTION:
Just double-checked IMDb… holy crap, he’s 76???????? Bravo, Captain! You’ve got the best plastic surgeon in town!
So who really wrote Man O’ War? I know Ron Goulart really wrote the Tek War series, and he has listed the authors of ‘his’ other books.
Also not sure who wrote Quest for Tomorrow either. Anyone know?.
#6 Heres a little tip to help you. Don’t watch them if you are bored or just want to bitch yourself! duh.
I think Shatner does deserve a pat on a back. He has been a main stay in the Star Trek universe since it started, one could argue his character is the one that created the cult following and he had a lot to do with that. His series of books have been very interesting and he has always shown support for the franchise. I think he would just like to feel some of that support back.
Well, the Shat has “written” another book
He’s ticked cause no one’s giving it a look
He looks good for his age
Get him back on the stage
Put him in Trek XI by hook or by crook!
Shatner is Star Trek. Sure, he complains a lot, but show me one 76 year old who doesn’t :)
If Nimoy had not been cast, I’m sure we would all hear him complaining by now too :)
#15 “He looks good for his age”
These pics from just a few days ago make that an understatement! Yay, Shatner! He looks GREAT. If TPTB don’t use him in the new movie, it’s their loss!
http://trekweb.com/articles/2007/11/26/Photos-of-William-Shatner-at-Star-Trek-Book-Signing-at-Hollywood.shtml
You can’t say the man isn’t honest.
“As for S&S/Pocketbooks, like the Trek games division, they have simply stunk up the joint. If Shatner weren’t doing books, would we ever hear about new original Trek material? Hey S&S, why won’t you let Mike Okuda write an update Star Trek Encyclopedia???
I realize that they’re likely concentrating on J.J.’s movie, but again they’ve published next to nothing worthwhile in years.”
They really wouldn’t be “concentrating” on Trek XI since they’re a book publisher and not a film production company.
And actually, they have several worthy series currently going, including the DS9 Relaunch, Vanguard and Titan.
“Shatner Criticizes…”
Holy crap, this is news? The only thing the man likes is himself and gin.
#17.
He actually looks better than he’s ever looked in his later years. How did he manage that? ^_^
I’m sure he’s unhappy about the lack of attention his new book is getting. For the record, he’s not a very stylistic author, but the plot line was…interesting enough, I’d have to say.
Good to see he’s still active in Star Trek.
#5 “He just needs to stop complaining already. It’s getting old. ”
Only if it bothers you. Kind of like those darn kids walking on the grass. Me, I say, let em play!
Maybe this will persuade Shatner to stop “writing”. I was given Tekwar as a gift when it was first published, and I had to force myself to finish it. It was one of the worst pieces of “literature” I ever read. I ‘ve heard that a lot of his recent works have been much better. I’m sure he has better ghost writers now. I like Shatner, but prefer him as an actor. Leave the books to writers.
wish he’d pipe down and quit whining!!
however… he does look great… there’s got to be a reason for this besides his health… hmmmm
#24 Jay
Them thar Star Trek rebooting folks sure can’t claim he couldn’t still hack it as an ‘older Kirk’ in their Movie…
#24:”wish he’d pipe down and quit whining!!”
Amen.
Looks like a 76 year-old to me - on the heavy side, of course. And he’s had work done, but his face is surprisingly bloated for someone who’s supposedly in great health. Look at his nose.
I dunno, maybe it’s because I actually hang out with more guys in their 60s and 70s than some people but there’s nothing particularly remarkable about his looks.
#26 “he’s had work done”
Really? Which doctor?
“there’s nothing particularly remarkable about his looks.”
I disagree. Bill has looked younger than his age for a long time. In Star Trek V he was almost 60, but looked like a man in his 40’s.
“I actually hang out with more guys in their 60s and 70s than some people”
Now that I believe. ;)
#17.”its their loss.
Consider this, what if the Kirk who left the Nexus with Picard was the ‘echo’ of the original kirk? The Guinan who appeared to Picard was as she described an ‘echo’that was self aware and able to lead Picard to a solution to his dilemma.The ending to Generations would be unchanged.
However the original Kirk had already left the Nexus as he remembered that Spock had tavelled back in time to warn him as a young officer about the Nexus and told him what to do and where to go_______perhaps into Star Trek X1!! Mr.Shatners non involvement will be our loss too!
#24 and #26 “#24:”wish he’d pipe down and quit whining!!”
Amen.
Looks like a 76 year-old to me - on the heavy side, of course. And he’s had work done, but his face is surprisingly bloated for someone who’s supposedly in great health. Look at his nose.
I dunno, maybe it’s because I actually hang out with more guys in their 60s and 70s than some people but there’s nothing particularly remarkable about his looks. ”
Like I said earlier, this obviously bothers some a LOT more than others. as far as I’m converened, there are a million things to worry about in this life, but Shatner “whining” isn’t one of them.
Besides, what are you doing wasting time on this message board when you can be chasing little kids off your lawn?
I have people to do that for me.