Official 'Bad Twin' book thread

[RunLoganRun]

Please read the article linked below - Lost is apparently selling out in a big way. I was particularly peeved about the quote that said we the fans would buy the book just to look for clues - anyone else care to comment ?

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9891788/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9891788/)

[Hodgepodge]

So far I've run across this particular article in 3 different places on the board.

[LostInWilderness]

If you show me a link Hodge, I'll move this.

Personally, I wish they would pay more attention to the details this season than product placement. No wonder the quality is slipping.

[Warthawg1]

SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!

[juanbong]

Besides selling out, count me out on this one topic, sad ABC bast@#ds.

[RunLoganRun]

So far I've run across this particular article in 3 different places on the board.

Well, I just now see that it was also posted in Theories - but, I think the general topic of "selling out" belongs in GD. How long before we see those Apollo candy bars at the store ?

ETA - So, not one opinion about selling-out ? I think that the younger generation has become too accepting of this type of behaviour - which is a dreadful shame IMO.

[jefmoret]

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9891788/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9891788/)

‘Lost’ plane passenger to pen novel

Fictional account from a passenger who perished on the flight


Updated: 9:34 p.m. ET Nov. 1, 2005
LOS ANGELES - The ABC television network and sister publishing label Hyperion Books are taking the concept of product placement into a new direction — by turning an imaginary product into a real one.
Producers of ABC’s mega-hit castaway thriller “Lost” plan to introduce a new storyline centering on the discovery of a fictitious manuscript that will become the basis for a real-life novel that Hyperion will publish this spring.
The book will then be promoted as the work of an author, named Gary Troup, who supposedly delivered the manuscript to Hyperion days before perishing in the show’s stage-setting event, a plane crash that maroons a group of survivors on a spooky island.


Plans for the convoluted cross-promotion, first reported Tuesday by Hollywood trade publication Daily Variety, were confirmed by a spokeswomen for Hyperion and production studio Touchstone Television, which like ABC, are owned by the Walt Disney Co.
Advertisers have increasingly explored novel product-placement schemes in the face of new technologies that allow TV viewers to skip over conventional commercials when watching their favorite shows.


But Variety said the “Lost” book tie-in may be the first to use imaginary TV events and characters as the basis for a real-life marketing campaign.
As part of the plan, Hyperion said it has commissioned a “well-known” mystery writer to anonymously adapt the fictitious manuscript into an actual, printed book it hopes will automatically appeal to the show’s large and loyal following.
“Fans of the show are obsessive. We think a lot of them will be buying the book just to look for clues” to the series, Hyperion President Bob Miller told Variety.
The “Lost” novel, titled “Bad Twin,” is described as a private eye mystery about a wealthy heir’s search for his evil sibling.
“Lost,” one of the several surprise hits that helped ABC bounce back from a lengthy ratings slump last season, currently ranks as the fourth most-watched show on television, averaging more than 20 million viewers a week.



ETA: Edited to add text of article, and merged with Bad Twin thread in Spin-off Forum. (lab)

[Crandyman]

Already being discussed. ABC hit 'Lost' to spin off cross-promotional book (http://p073.ezboard.com/flosttheunofficalforumfortheabcseriesfrm29.showMes sage?topicID=3201.topic)

[LostInWilderness]

You can continue in the link provided or here. Moving.

[shootingstar05]

ETA - So, not one opinion about selling-out ? I think that the younger generation has become too accepting of this type of behaviour - which is a dreadful shame IMO.

Isn't it sad? There is so much money to be made in licensed merchandise, but it really takes away from the integrity of a quality show.

[LoStMyMiNd]

Do I sense a boycott?

[Covus]

If the book is good I'll buy it - why not... I just wait till I see some reviews. It doesn't hurt me if they get money out of providing good entertainment.

[hatchfreak0506]

Has anyone read the new LOST book, Endangered Species? It's told from the perspective of a redshirt, a survivor named Faith, an environmental activist. It closes some minor story gaps, like how Locke got his backgammon set, and Kate's initial reaction to the crash. There are flashbacks every other chapter, and, of course, there's a plot twist at the end.....

[l0stindamnati0n]

I've been reading this during SSR and its really good although I haven't finished it yet!

[ZigbertToshicus]

It closes some minor story gaps, like how Locke got his backgammon set ... so, how did he get it?

[hatchfreak0506]

He gets it when the survivors, including Faith, are sorting through the luggage. He goes, "Hmmm, a backgammon set." I was like, "That's the set from the pilot!!" :)
And that, my friend, is how Locke gets his backgammon board.

[chaos28]

The question is, are these books considered cannon in the Lost universe? Or are they just "gaidens?" Like, do the TV producers consider Faith a real character in the Lostverse?

[DHARMA]

If someone could find out and post whether or not this book is canon, I know I and others would appreciate it.

If it is, I'll read it, if not, I won't.

[04howard]

hi i was just thinking. can you get a lost book :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :yeah:

[Hodgepodge]

04howard, let me welcome you to Losttv-Forum. I'm sure you're going to enjoy the community. Make sure to read the Welcome forum, it's easy to get lost. Now to your post.

Is this the book (http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10203) you're talking about?

And again, welcome.

[drabauer]

The Lost Chronicles (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1401308155/ref=pd_sxp_elt_l1/102-2496559-8376964)

[chaos28]

I agree.

And on a seperate note, how come some people had their post count from the other board transfered, but some didn't? O_o

[Hurley4Prez]

There's no reason for the books to be "canon" from what I understand. They're supposed to be cheesey moneymakers by nobody authors that contain almost zero interaction with the castaways we know and love.
There's also zero insights into the islands mysteries.

There's honestly better fanfic out there, from what I've heard so far.

[jamiept]

And on a seperate note, how come some people had their post count from the other board transfered, but some didn't? O_o

Chaos,

Make sure that you have posted in the Lostaways thread here (http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7881)that you haven't changed your name. This is the only way the mods have of knowing who came over and who didnot. Since it is a manual process, they are only moving those that they know came over...

J

[Shady08]

Yea i read the book. Its not great, i have read much better fan fictions. It would of been cool if the actual writers from the show wrote a book with some actual clues about the island. I have to say though it did help me get through my 3 week break. So dont read it expecting any insite to the island secrets.

[hatchfreak0506]

True, but anything LOST I love to get my hands on.

[Shady08]

Thats the reason that they made it, hoping people will buy it because it has the LOST name on it.

[chaos28]

Thanks jamiept

Back on topic now...

You know, this book makes me want to write my "Lost Gaiden" story I crafted. It's basically I story I created that is an "alternate path" for the Lost series to take. Not fan fiction so much, but a fan-created ending. However, people would hate me. I kill off two very loved characters, and introduce three new characters. :P

[RabidWolfe]

I guess it depends on how close the creators worked on the book.

On Babylon 5, JMS has said all but one of the tie-in books are canon (and even that one "the events occured, just not in the way the book said they did") because he read through them all and approved story ideas (though some small details might not be canon - JMS often would say a given book was "90% canon" or some such).

So, it depends if JJ Abrams and/or other LOST creators had any feedback into the process of if it was a total licensing job with no connection at all to the creators and no access the to "secrets" behind the show.

[LoStMyMiNd]

I saw the book in paperback the other day, looked it over and decided not to buy it because it is not written by the Lost writers or anyone connected with the show. Its just a cheap way for some author to make some money and the story didn't appeal to me either.

[xtremeG83]

Who is the author of this book? Maybe I'll get it from my library.

[LoStMyMiNd]

Who is the author of this book? Maybe I'll get it from my library.

Edit: Here is some reviews on Amazon.com. Written by Cathy Hapka:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-reviews/0786890908/ref=cm_cr_dp_pt/102-5968051-6877723?%5Fencoding=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

[Hurley4Prez]

Who is the author of this book? Maybe I'll get it from my library.
Admittedly, I'd read it if it was available for nothing at the library(besides my annual tax commitment)... But only if.

[paondejour]

Does anyone have more information on this?

"In the spring, Disney-owned Hyperion Books will publish its second "Lost" book, a novel written by the passenger who got sucked into the engine in the pilot. The passenger, Gary Troupe, had e-mailed a manuscript to his publisher, and another copy will be found on the island, Lindelof said. Who actually wrote the book won't be revealed."

"Who actually wrote the book won't be revealed?" What does that mean? I thought they just said that it was written by the guy sucked into the engine. Of course, another copy will be found on the island. GRIN.

Lindelof also talks a little bit about the Web site they are developing to explore the Lost mythology that will never get into the show. This compounds my worry that the show won't be capable of fully explaining itself. :confused:

[Sledgeweb]

"Who actually wrote the book won't be revealed?" What does that mean?

That means the book is set up as if it is written by the guy sucked into the engine. But, that is a fictional character. The REAL author won't be revealed. That is, say Lindelof wrought the book, but writes it through the character of Turbine Man. In that case, it would appear the book was written by Turbine Man, and the real author, Lindelof, would be uncredited.

News of this book has been out for some time. I believe it is called "Bad Twin" or something like that.

[ItzyDaw]

That is really cool. I just want to scream because I don't want to wait another week.

[Bob Sacamano]

Can you say 'The Diary of Laura Palmer.'

This is just a revenue stream and marketing idea. Proceed with caution if you think the Bad Twin story will have any meaningful application on the show.

The show's writers have their hands full working on each episode let alone writing a silly story by an unknown character. This kind of stuff comes out of ABC's marketing department.

The lunch boxes are next.

[Warthawg1]

The lunch boxes are next.

HAHAHAHA... Actually I am surprised they are not already here... just as I am waiting for the Hurley action figure, and hatch refridgerator playset.

[Homer Noodleman]

Too late... I beat them to the Engine Guy's backstory (http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6293) already.

[Magical Trevor]

You could be his biographer Homer

[Bob Sacamano]

HAHAHAHA... Actually I am surprised they are not already here... just as I am waiting for the Hurley action figure, and hatch refridgerator playset. Could the full set of bobbleheads be far away? Available only with proofs of purchase from Apollo bars.

[Warthawg1]

Could the full set of bobbleheads be far away?

Oh man!! If only! I would be so there with LOST bobbleheads.

[igator210]

Oh man!! If only! I would be so there with LOST bobbleheads.


Ya know what would be better?!?!


A bobblebelly of Hurley so he could do the golf dance all the time.

[Aaron's Mum]

Ohh oohh! I would LOVE a lost lunchbox!

[Bob Sacamano]

The bobbleheads would be pretty cool . . .

And speaking of Hurley, where's the "Dancing Hurley' screensaver? That one's a no-brainer.

I'm dating myself, but as a kid growing up in the 70's there were trading cards for all the big shows - Charlie's Angels, Dukes of Hazzard, Mork and Mindy - you name it there was a trading card set. Heck, even for The White Shadow. The Lost cards could come with boar-flavored bubble gum.

[Aaron's Mum]

Are there any lost tshirts out there? I would love a tshirt with a random quote from the show on it that only die-hard losties would understand....

[RunLoganRun]

Yes, we know all about the book - I tried to get some feedback on this topic a few months back - sadly, most people did not seem to care about the selling out factor. Yoda - this site was selling unofficial t-shirts last season, but, I think the Disney/ABC lawyers put a stop to that...


http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6758&highlight=bad+twin

[SpidermanHouston]

The passenger, Gary Troupe, had e-mailed a manuscript to his publisher, and another copy will be found on the island, Lindelof said. Who actually wrote the book won't be revealed."

And if you rearrange the letters on the Gary Troupe name without the e (The LA Times misspelled it, the original announcement had it spelled as Gary Troup), you can spell Purgatory. But yes, all this is old news.

I want my Lost pop-up book and coloring books.

[Warthawg1]

Doesn't it just figure, eh?

Many were and are appalled at the selling out of LOST via merchandising, yet the things we all really want...lunch boxes, and bobbleheads are being ignored by the marketing department.

Dear ABC,
My paypal account awaits the appearance of these items.

- Warty

[Bob Sacamano]

Those items make too much sense. Instead they cook up ideas that explore "the Lost mythology" thinking that fans will buy the loot to gain insight and get hidden clues for the show. Puhlease . . .

Hmmm . . . perhaps we can all chip in for a licensing contract. Selling official Lost collectibles to folks on this site would be like having a Ferrari dealership in Beverly Hills; a license to print money.

Other items:
Nicorette patches with Sawyer's likeness
'Crybaby Jack' doll - he huffs and puffs and cries all the way home
Jin's Island Sushi-making Kit
Charlie Pace 'Mr. Microphone' and guitar tuner
Sayid's Home Torture Set
Locke's Guide to Newborn Swaddling

Anyone??

[Warthawg1]

Charlie Pace 'Mr. Microphone' and guitar tuner

That my friend.... is PRICELESS

[SpidermanHouston]

I'm dating myself, but as a kid growing up in the 70's there were trading cards for all the big shows - Charlie's Angels, Dukes of Hazzard, Mork and Mindy - you name it there was a trading card set. Heck, even for The White Shadow. The Lost cards could come with boar-flavored bubble gum.

They already have Lost trading cards: LOST: Season One Trading Cards (http://www.toymania.com/news/messages/7668.shtml)

How about a Sun Book: "Sun's Home Remedies You Can Find In Your Garden"

[Warthawg1]

They already have Lost trading cards: LOST: Season One Trading Cards

OMG! OMG!

*runs around in a circle in his office wildly waving his arms

[Bob Sacamano]

'Hawg these ideas pale in comparison to the aforementioned tie-ins with a certain processed seafood manufacturer and its bearded, yellow raincoat wearing seafaring spokesman.

Crispy Crunchy Walt Fillets. So good they'll take you away!

[Warthawg1]

Yeah.. I proposed that to a local seafood packaging company, but they said it was bad taste.

[Bekka]

Yes, we know all about the book - I tried to get some feedback on this topic a few months back - sadly, most people did not seem to care about the selling out factor. Yoda - this site was selling unofficial t-shirts last season, but, I think the Disney/ABC lawyers put a stop to that...


http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6758&highlight=bad+twin
Thank you, RunLoganRun!

I came, I saw, I merged.

--Bekka :)

[wayoutinthestix]

This blows a very big hole in my speculation that it was Kelvin who left the hatch to observe the crash and was accidentally sucked into the turbine.

[ItzyDaw]

This blows a very big hole in my speculation that it was Kelvin who left the hatch to observe the crash and was accidentally sucked into the turbine.

That would be bitchin though.

[wickedsweet]

I am American and I must buy, buy, buy. I'll buy this book. I bought the first Lost book and it was horrible but guess what, I ordered the second one from Amazon anyway. Why? Because I might miss something, darn it. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to snuggle up here in my LOST hoodie while drinking tea from my mug with The Numbers on it while I go off in hunt of these Lost trading cards I just learned exsist.

[paondejour]

Sorry about the repetitive post Bekka/other mods. I try to avoid it, really ... :(

The Lost merchandising aspect may be a little annoying -- in fact, the whole point of the LA Times article is that Lost is marketing itself in "new and different" ways or whatever -- but on the other hand, I wonder who amongst us will not ultimately buy this "Bad Twin" book or whatever it's called ...

... although frankly someone got me the Lost companion book and I found it to be fairly ... sucky.

Then again I was in a nightclub in London on New Year's and a guy was wearing the numbers t-shirt and, let me tell you, it is a good way to get girls. Well, certain types of girls.

In a related sidenote, does it make sense to have Web sites that explain Lost mythology, etc. that will never get in the show?

[Bob Sacamano]

In a related sidenote, does it make sense to have Web sites that explain Lost mythology, etc. that will never get in the show?It's as you pointed out paondejour - another "new and different" way of marketing the show. They know that a high % of the fanbase is already online using Lost message boards, downloading caps, etc. The websites are a cost effective way for ABC to promote the show 24/7 and keep people tuning in - especially after yet another long obnoxious hiatus.

Do you think information on these websites is true to the show?

[vodverino007]

i beleive that a twin, who died on the plane will some how re-lease a book!! whats that all about?

is it kate? is that why she burnt her passport?

[vodverino007]

the guy will be gary troup who dies on the plane but he sent the story to a book company the day before he got on the flight.....

is that right?

[dancingpills]

I work at a bookstore and while unpacking our shipment yesterday there were several copies of two new Lost spinoff novels. From what I've read on the back of the books they are about redshirts, and our favorite characters barely factor in (even though Jack is featured on one cover and Kate on the other), further research on Amazon indicates they also have little to do with the island mythology.

My opinion: Weak attempt to cash in on a popular television show.
My question: Does this ruin the integrity of the show? Can TPTB stay focused on keeping the show on course if they are spending energy overseeing this garabage? (assuming the are involved in at least approving these books)

[dreamfall]

I've heard that the one novel (with Kate on the cover) isn't that great, but I haven't read it myself. They really can't use the main characters too often or else their story will clash with the official one. Same reason why they can't explore the island's mysteries in-depth. It's basically glorified fan-fiction.

[dedshak]

I went to www.amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com) and I read the reviews for the one with Kate on the front. All of the reviews said it sucked. Its just another way for Lost to pull in a bunch of money. Ill probally read it. Cause I have no life.:sadwalk:

[Doletrain]

Dedshak .... you had me cracking up. :rotfl:
All of the reviews said it sucked. Ill probally read it. I might read them too just because I'm curious, if you read them first, let me know if you agree with the other reviews?

[vodverino007]

The character based on the book is called Paul Artisan, and body thinking Arts? the guy who blew up?


Paul Artisan, P.I. is a new version of an old breed -- a righter of wrongs, someone driven to get to the bottom of things. Too bad his usual cases are of the boring malpractice and fraud variety. Until now.
His new gig turns on the disappearance of one of a pair of twins, adult scions of a rich but tragedy-prone family. The missing twin -- a charismatic poster-boy for irresponsibility -- has spent his life daring people to hate him, punishing himself endlessly for his screw-ups and misdeeds.

The other twin -- Artisan's client -- is dutiful and resentful in equal measure, bewildered that his "other half" could have turned out so badly, and wracked by guilt at his inability to reform him. He has a more practical reason, as well, for wanting his brother found: their crazy father, in failing health and with guilty secrets of his own, will not divide the family fortune until both siblings are accounted for.

But it isn't just a fortune that's at stake here. Truth itself is up for grabs, as the detective's discoveries seem to challenge everything we think we know about identity, and human nature, and family. As Artisan journeys across the globe to track down the bad twin, he seems to have moved into a mirror-world where friends and enemies have a way of looking very much alike. The P.I. may have his long-awaited chance to put his courage and ideals to the test, but if he doesn't get to the bottom of this case soon, it could very well cost him his life. Troup's long-awaited Bad Twin is a suspenseful novel that touches on many powerful themes, including the consequence of vengeance, the power of redemption, and where to turn when all seems lost.

About the Author
Bad Twin is the highly-anticipated new novel by acclaimed mystery writer Gary Troup. Bad Twin was delivered to Hyperion just days before Troup boarded Oceanic Flight 815, which was lost in flight from Sydney, Australia to Los Angeles in September 2004. He remains missing and is presumed dead.

[depictureboy]

Gary Troup is the author of the book 'Evil Twin'. Paul Artisan is a character in that book that was written before the events of 'LOST'. Gary Troup was a passenger on the plane that went down.

Somewhere this has been discussed before. It's written by some normal author, but its written as Gary Troup....

[PhantomPhase]

I was in Borders today and spotted two novels based on Lost. Each one seemed to tell the story from the viewpoint of a redshirt character. One was about Dexter, and the other was about a female who's name I cannot recall. They are out there if anybodys interested. I wonder if they give any clues to what's going on.

[bellatrix]

i have these books, ive read the one with Dexter and im halfway through then other one.

they are quite good, they just really give a redshirts background and some werd island stuff that happens to them, much like an ep of the show.

[dominic obsesser*]

cool!

[815Desmond]

There's also a third one coming out next month, here's a page with information about all the novels: http://lost.wikicities.com/wiki/Novels

[wickedsweet]

I have both. I read the first one and am part way through the second (the one with Dexter). The first one was terrible and the second, so far, seems only marginally better. The thrid, which comes out in March, is by a different writer than the first two so maybe it'll be better.

Bad Twin is another, yet to be released, book but from what I understand it doesn't have much to do with the series of books being discussed here. It's supposedly written by someone who was on the plane.

[imaguestage]

It sounds like the "Bad Twin" book has absolutely nothing to do with the castaways or the Island, as the character said to have written it died on in the crash and therefore finished it long before they reached the Island. Since it is to be a mystery novel, I have a feeling that its themes and motifs will parallel what is happening on LOST, but won't have anything to do with the actual show. It is just a novelty. Fans will see the manuscript on the show and will want to buy it just because it was on the show. Hello Product Placement!! ABC gets to keep all the money that is generated from it, rather than a lump sum for putting a Pepsi can in the Hatch.

As for the other books, they sound like the same novels that all genre shows sell. I have seen Buffy, Angel, Charmed, all the Star Treks and Alias based novels on the shelves of bookstores. A lot of the time, the writers from the shows pen the books, most times it is authorised authors. I have personally never been interested in these sorts of novels because I never assume they are canon and I have no interest in things that are not canon. If they intended for these stories to really be canon, they would include them in the show, rather than in a book that only a small percentage of fans would read.

As for the selling out factor, well, you have to expect it. For a show like LOST, that has a HUGE budget, the network has to guarantee that they can make money off of it. The more money the network makes from the show, the more they will give back, allowing for better effects, locations and will allow them to wander outside the proverbial "box" when it comes to television production and the network won't put up a fuss. As crappy as it seems that they are selling out, in a world where a show can be produced with no actors, no writers and very little budget, it is better to sell out with merchandise, than to sell out by becoming low brow enetertainment.

[snakey]

the only book I heard about was Bad Twin as it's posted on Val's site (webmaze stuff). I cant believe there are other novels that I never heard of, Guestage you're right about the tie-ins needed to make money for the show and also provide a little publicity. I remember the first time I saw scifi by William Shatner I laffed so hard but he laffed all the way to the bank so there is $ in it.

[ItsAGame]

I was browsing the net for the "Bad Twin" book and found the below article

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-oe-ulin19nov19,1,10677.story
(this adress is now requesting a subscription...they must be getting alot of hits....again...Show me the Money! lol"

here is another article about it
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9891788/

heck the book cover has LOST on it ..says" Watch LOST on ABC"

here is a link to Publisher http://www.hyperionbooks.com/titlepage.asp?ISBN=1401302769

the publication of this book is said to be written by Gary Troup, who, the publisher informs us, was a passenger on "Oceanic Flight 815,

This is a Fictional Book in LOST (written by passenger on Oceanic Flight 815) and is Now Real and Published and available for us to buy and Read!!


LOST is thowing us another twist!!!

[sawyerhasbestlines]

We've had a lot of twin talk on the boards. Bad twins, destiny twins, jinn twins, etc. Nice of them to throw us a bone.

[salem2005]

I was browsing the net for the "Bad Twin" book and found the below article

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-oe-ulin19nov19,1,10677.story

heck the book cover has LOST on it ..says" Watch LOST on ABC"

here is a link to Publisher http://www.hyperionbooks.com/titlepage.asp?ISBN=1401302769

the publication of this book is said to be written by Gary Troup, who, the publisher informs us, was a passenger on "Oceanic Flight 815,

This is a Fictional Book in LOST (written by passenger on Oceanic Flight 815) and is Now Real and Published and available for us to buy and Read!!


LOST is thowing us another twist!!!

I wouldn't get too excited...I believe the LOST writers have already said that what happens in the book really has nothing to do with what happens on the show. This is just their way of selling more books....

[Crandyman]

This was talked about a lot a while ago but it will be fun to look back now that we have been given some evidence in this ep.

Here is a link to our previous discussion on "Bad Twin"

ABC hit 'Lost' to spin off cross-promotional novel (http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7418)

[boonian androphile]

Bad Twin, Goodwin...Just thinking out loud.

For some reason I thought that the manuscript would accidently throw itself into the fire. Or a wind would help it in.

[ItsAGame]

Very Clever Marketing!


Many will buy the book. and there are those who are posting negitive posts about it..... saying this is a cheap tactic to make more money .....saying that they are taken advantage of obsessed LOST fans
well ..I Disagree. sides your negitive posts are still playin in to thier Clever Marketing...you are helping bring attention to the book...and remember "Bad Publicity is Good Publicity" and will still render sales!

Its not being Cheap at all.....Its very Clever!

[Lockesbastardson]

Very Clever Marketing!


Many will buy the book. and there are those who are posting negitive posts about it..... saying this is a cheap tactic to make more money .....saying that they are taken advantage of obsessed LOST fans
well ..I Disagree. sides your negitive posts are still playin in to thier Clever Marketing...you are helping bring attention to the book...and remember "Bad Publicity is Good Publicity" and will still render sales!

Its not being Cheap at all.....Its very Clever!

Agreed. It's not taking advantage of obsessed fans.... it's recognizing that there are obsessed fans who constantly want more..... gotta feed the lions. :D

[king_of_lost_island]

funny thing is hurley mentioned on tonight's episode that he found a book...a mystery novel...nice shameless plug for the book

[mexikorn]

The whole thing smells of rotten bacon to me folks. Don't buy that book, download it, just kidding.:Cheers:

[LostEmissary]

Gary Troup is an anagram for Purgatory.


Likely a reference to, what is in my opinion, the symbolic purgatory the Losties are facing.

Since it's clear Gary Troup is not a real person, it's certainly possible that this is a book or story by one of the members of the writing team.

[TheDLC]

It's to give people something to read while this season stumbles forth.

So when does sweeps start?

[Bekka]

Merged with the "Official" Bad Twin Book Thread in GD.

--B :)

[LandPirate]

... Lost is apparently selling out in a big way. ...
I think you have to first qualify as a selfless devote to some poorly compensated niche art form before you can sellout.

[fenshysa]

Someone pointed me to this link on Amazon.com -

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401302769/sr=1-1/qid=1139462515/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-9405771-1529432?%5Fencoding=UTF8

Check out the "About the Author":


Bad Twin is the highly-anticipated new novel by acclaimed mystery writer Gary Troup. Bad Twin was delivered to Hyperion just days before Troup boarded Oceanic Flight 815, which was lost in flight from Sydney, Australia to Los Angeles in September 2004. He remains missing and is presumed dead.

Are they going to start selling Appollo bars next? :scratchch

[dp2]

While I hate the marketing behind it, it seems to me the book discredits a few theories. For example, clearly the rest of the world hasn't been destroyed. And since the date on an xray has caused some confusion over when the show takes place, we at least know it takes place some time before the book is published in the real world.

[ScrappleKing]

Are they going to start selling Appollo bars next? :scratchch


No, but I would tune in to the Olympics and pay very close attention to any televised appearances by Short Track Speed Skater Apollo Ono.

[LAN]

I am down with almost anything dealing with Lost....but the sounds of this just seem like pure CRAP.

WEll, except for the fact that the authors name is an anagram for purgatory. Nice little Jab by TPTB.

[dixonij]

Here's Hurley's copy:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/dixonij/IMG_0185.jpg

[Jesus_S_Preston]

I found three LOST books at Wal-Mart today...not the LOST Chronicles: Offical Companion Book, but actual, Novel-ish books. One had Kate on the cover, one had Jack, and one had Locke & Michael. I picked up the one with Jack ("Secret Identity") and, looking at all three, they're focused on redshirts. The Jack & Kate ones are by Kathy Hapka...the other one is by some other author. My question: has anyone else seen these, and are they canon to the show?

[BriRedfern]

I think you have to first qualify as a selfless devote to some poorly compensated niche art form before you can sellout.

God, thank you for posting that. People have been going off on this like the original concept was grounded in some high and mighty artform. TV shows are there to make money. Thats what they are made for, and thats why they want you to watch them. To make money.

:DeadHorse:

[rottenralf]

Any word when they're going to release those books on DVD?

[foxxie]

Bump for book discussion and possible relation to the upcoming webmaze

[The_Island]

:bump:

[Penelope]

Okay I am going to get the book today!!!

[foxxie]

Pen it doesn't come out officially until May 2nd. I got it completely by luck at a bookstore last night. I went to order it and the girl said they had it and got me a copy from the back. But you could try the same trick!

[Ratchetman]

awwwwwww man that video on badtwin.com is hilarious, I got tears streaming down I'm laughing so hard!!

[foxxie]

Oh my! That is kitty pr0n! LOL!

[Ratchetman]

Its got a good beat too!

[WayOffCourse]

Since Fozzie had some success in obtaining the book, I thought I'd try my hand. I went to my local Borders and checked the computer, which said it was in the store. I went to a sales associate and asked about it. She and another employee looked around for their 40 copies and finally asked a manager. And then, I was REJECTED!!! And I thought I did the clueless, innocent bibliophile so well :sigh:.

Take home is that the larger chains have an agreement with publishers not to release early, so try local booksellers who are more likely to skirt those restrictions. And they will appreciate the business, too.

[foxxie]

I actually obtained my copy at a Borders, but I know I was just lucky!

[rottenralf]

The big booksellers can't sell early. Their registers are programmed to forbid early sales, the computer will send a "forbidden sale" or "Pre-release date" message to the registers. You need an independent bookseller with young night or weekend help on.

ETA: Fozz how you got a Borders to do it is a stroke of luck.

[foxxie]

Time for a reading update: I have about 100 pages left of 250 and am taking notes as I go. I am going to try to do a word document so I can update it easily as the game starts. PM me if you want the first copy of my book report (if you haven't already) and I will email it to you as an attachment!

[foxxie]

Time for an update: I just finished the read and must say I enjoyed it very much! I am starting my typing now. Will definately be finished with the first draft early this evening and will send it out to those who requested.

[blondiejam]

Since Fozzie had some success in obtaining the book, I thought I'd try my hand. I went to my local Borders and checked the computer, which said it was in the store. I went to a sales associate and asked about it. She and another employee looked around for their 40 copies and finally asked a manager. And then, I was REJECTED!!! And I thought I did the clueless, innocent bibliophile so well :sigh:.




i just did the exact same thing, except that my local borders has 50 copies. i used to work there, and looked around for one of the people i know that still works there, but no luck.

[foxxie]

Update: First draft is finished with mainy facts and info. Let me know if you want it and don't forget to PM me with your email address b/c I have to attach it as it is a word document.

ETA: I haven't added any plot stuff yet, or very little at least, so if someone wants facts and not plot let me know

[ILoveEko]

I'm debating whether or not I want to read about it before I read the book... lol. Do you think it would spoil the book, fozzie, if I read your facts/info?

[foxxie]

I don't know ILE? I don't think so. You might PM Jeannie and ask her or ask her in Bork if she is there. I emailed her a copy.

[rottenralf]

ILE - I don't think the facts/info page will spoil it for you. The synopsis might.

[ILoveEko]

Okay, gonna PM you my email addy, fozzie. :D

[Jeannie]

This is fine, ILE. But I won't read the synopsis until after I get and read the book.

[foxxie]

Update: The facts page and plot summary are both finished and have been emailed to everyone who PM'd me. If anyone else would like them, just let me know!

[goAlvar]

fozzie, could you PM me? Thank you for your great work :)

I know this is possibly found but i just wanted to post the pic, for archival purposes.
http://www.garytroup.net/images/gif/valenzetti.gif
What if a mathematical equation could predict the apocalypse? Using recently-declassified material and hundreds of hours of interviews with former employees of the United Nations and prominent members of the defense and academic establishment, best-selling author Gary Troup turns his finely honed sense of mystery toward one of the most vexing mathematical riddles of our time. It says the book is out of print.
from http://www.garytroup.net/also.php

"declassified material" makes me think of a conspiracy theory, and the "Da Vinci code" stuff.
ETA : one of Asimov's characters, Hari Seldon had found "psychohistory", which could predict the actions of masses using mathematics. Maybe Valenzetti was a scientist like Seldon.

[jocko]

fozzie, thanks so much for this! the facts page really whets your appetite until the book is officially released.

I especially lurv this minor character:
Captain Jocko: sailor (Key West)

sounds like they've turned me into a member of The Village People!
It's fun to stay at the ymca! :o

[foxxie]

You're Welcome goAlvar and Jocko!! I am going to put the facts sheet in the thread after the book comes out and everyone has read it. Jocko! I didn't know you were a captain of the sea!

[foxxie]

Bumpity bump bump, just in case!

[Jeannie]

fozzie, I never got the synopsis. Did you send it?

Not that I'm going to read it until after I read the book, but I just wondered.

[foxxie]

I don't remember jeannie?? I will re send now!

[Jeannie]

Thanks, fozzie!

[ManWhoCan]

cannot wait till the morning, only 6 odd hours and i can trawl through town and grab a copy off this, just hope somewhere has it.

i like to compare my town to silent hill, so won't be surprised if i have to travel to southend to get it, its gonna be a long day

[VeeAyetheCPA]

I think it's going to be a long week, ManWhoCan, between the book coming out and wanting to read it before the craziness starts and the start of the Lost Experience. Not to mention this week's episode here sounds like it will be a good one. I think it will be the weekend before we catch our breath.

[foxxie]

It's worth the wait!

/end gloating :D

[twinkletoesx]

Fozzie thats so nice of you. I have yet to read your report but my thoughts follow on the Bad Twin Hyperion Promo web site that became live this weekend:

The book blurb on the Bad twin sounds a lot like Sawyer. the footsteps in the sand about the book are not walking they're artificially placed. The broken branch twig could mean there's a broken branch in the family tree, or it's for drawing in the sand with, or it means both. The branch also places a shadowy S at the end of Twin to be Twins. Looks like room left on each page for more stuff later.

[ManWhoCan]

lol veeyah, i wanted to read the book before the adverts air in the uk, not sure how realistic a target this is tho:confused:

@fozzie, i read your post last night about how you got it early, the fact that you didn't have to beg/lie/cheat/steal and just casually asked for a copy makes me even greener with envy:D i was so jealous it was not even funny, how long did it take you to read?

[foxxie]

Twinkle (can I call you Twinkle) I just sent you an email! Man I know! I never get that lucky! I had it read, a two-page info sheet, and a plot summary done in one day (Saturday). It's around 250 pages, so it is a quick read! :D

[ManWhoCan]

nice work fozzie, was gonna mail you for the notes but its only a few hours away, i have no self control but think i can find enough just till then

[foxxie]

Thanks! If you break down just PM me with your addy. I'll be on the boards a couple more hours before bedtime!

[rottenralf]

bumpicus

[foxxie]

and a bump to you too!

[twinkletoesx]

So are we gonna discuss what Fozzie found out? or is it tooo hush hush on the QT, spoiler alert red alarm, in too deep and way too advanced. Let me know I am excited I want to discuss some of the possible meanings ... but not spoil it for anyone else.

[rottenralf]

Probably discussing the book would be fine after it is released, which is any hour now.

[ILoveEko]

I think fozzie is gonna wait a couple days before posting (in spoiler tags) the notes she has written up.

[ManWhoCan]

what a nightmare, walked into town, no bad twin

phoned bookshop, never heard of it, told ring when there open:sleepzzz:

am getting very worried about this, must chill now

[foxxie]

I think fozzie is gonna wait a couple days before posting (in spoiler tags) the notes she has written up.

That is the plan for now. Let me know if you want something different. I will post them here and in the All-Bad Twin thread in the webmaze thread.

[ILoveEko]

Sounds good to me, fozzie :D

[twinkletoesx]

That is the plan for now. Let me know if you want something different. I will post them here and in the All-Bad Twin thread in the webmaze thread.
OK Sounds good fozzie I look forward to the public... I have ideas ohh but my mind is having trouble gripping both layers of the fictions within fictions. Can anyone want to venture a good guess to the Cindy cameo?

[Borky]

YAY, I got my copy. :D

[The_Island]

YAY, I got my copy. :D

me too...gonna do some reading tonight

[LPU]

I only have about 50 pages left to go (I'll finish it at lunch) but nothing too terribly Earth-shattering so far. A fairly rote detective story with some neat little Easter Eggs throughout for good measure. Only thing is, in the Losties world this wouldn't read like a fiction story. There are so many "real-life" names, companies, etc that it almost plays like it would be non-fiction. I almost wonder if Gary Troup wasn't onto something (much like the detective in the story) and that he was brought to the island because he was getting too close to something. I don't know, anyone else?

[The_Island]

I only have about 50 pages left to go (I'll finish it at lunch) but nothing too terribly Earth-shattering so far. A fairly rote detective story with some neat little Easter Eggs throughout for good measure. Only thing is, in the Losties world this wouldn't read like a fiction story. There are so many "real-life" names, companies, etc that it almost plays like it would be non-fiction. I almost wonder if Gary Troup wasn't onto something (much like the detective in the story) and that he was brought to the island because he was getting too close to something. I don't know, anyone else?

I'm only half way thru, but yes LPU...i have the same feeling!
I also think...whats not to say Gary Troup survived the crash and is one of the red-shirts in the back ground for now?

[aggiesean]

I only have about 50 pages left to go (I'll finish it at lunch) but nothing too terribly Earth-shattering so far. A fairly rote detective story with some neat little Easter Eggs throughout for good measure. Only thing is, in the Losties world this wouldn't read like a fiction story. There are so many "real-life" names, companies, etc that it almost plays like it would be non-fiction. I almost wonder if Gary Troup wasn't onto something (much like the detective in the story) and that he was brought to the island because he was getting too close to something. I don't know, anyone else?

My thoughts EXACTLY. It reminds me of the furor from Opus Dei and the Catholic Church regarding The Da Vinci Code. Yes, it's a work of fiction, yet these real-life organizations are shown in much less than a favorable light.

We know from the island that, in the world of Oceanic Flight 815, Widmore Corporation, Hanso Foundation, and Paik Industries are real corporations. If I were them, I'd be peeved at Gary Troup.

:Cowdance:

[LPU]

And the fact that the author has written other non-fiction books...I don't know. I simply can't take this as fiction in their world. I'm looking forward to the last 50 or so pages, maybe that will crystalize some of this.

[Lab]

Discussion of the Bad Twin Book is open to continue in this thread.

Discussion of the book, in relation to ABC's LOST EXPERIENCE ARG continues in ALL-BADTWIN Coordination Thread (http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18428).

[lostmarble]

i've come to the conclusion that the overall value of Bad Twin when all is said and done will be minimal. yes, we see hanso & widmore, and yes we see character names pop--Cindy, Shannon, Walt etc. But is there really much more than a marketing ploy here? Anyone really think there's long term value here?

[signnprincess]

yes i wonder (not sure if this has been discussed sometimes a lot of pages to go back thru so if so sorry!) i mean this gary troup has written nonfiction books YET at the begining of the book (bad twin) it says the author himself is FICTIONAL.......so how does a fictional character write real life stuff? im sure you guys have discussed this to death so forgive me (being new) its just something that kinda sets weird with me! :confused:

[aggiesean]

yes i wonder (not sure if this has been discussed sometimes a lot of pages to go back thru so if so sorry!) i mean this gary troup has written nonfiction books YET at the begining of the book (bad twin) it says the author himself is FICTIONAL.......so how does a fictional character write real life stuff? im sure you guys have discussed this to death so forgive me (being new) its just something that kinda sets weird with me! :confused:

For legal (real life) reasons, Hyperion has to put a disclaimer saying that the book is a work of fiction, and that all names that are similar to (real life) names are coincidental. A similar disclaimer is in The Da Vinci Code:

"All of the characters and events in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental."

Only in Bad Twin, Hyperion must take into account any similarities with any (real life) persons named Gary Troup, as his is in fact a character within the show:

"Note to Reader: This is a work of fiction, and all names, characters, and incidents are used fictitiously; the author himself is a fictional character."

Television shows also have similar messages at the end of credits: the so-called "Cover your :censored: clause".

That being said, everything else in the book, including the covers mentioning nonfictional works such as "The Valenzetti Equation", can be treated as if they are fact, as this book is meant to take place within the world of Oceanic Flight 815. It's just the one page above that must remain in our world for legal reasons.

Hope this helps!

:Cowdance:

[signnprincess]

thank you for explaining that it helps a lot it was kinda confusing to me!

[KJmay]

I'm from the UK and have just finished Bad Twin, after reading about it on these forums. One thing that confused me however, which may or may not be an irrelevant comment, is the dates used in the novel. I understand that it's based around the fictional author Gary Troup who was on Flight 815, which as we all know crashed in September 2004. However, in the book it refers to the abolition of the feudal system in Scotland, which it cites as November 28 2004. It then mentions summer drawing to a close so obviously this is at least the following year, meaning 2005. Now perhaps I'm being a bit pedantic here, but I can't see any reason for it being set a year in the future (presumably the latest it could have been written in fictional terms is 2004) so I was wondering if this is meant to hint at something, or is it just me being picky?

[*Saint*]

Check out this thread in the Webmaze/Spin Off Forum. They try to keep all talk there.

Bad Twin (http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18428)

[Hodgepodge]

Moving to the appropriate thread in the Webmaze forum. Please continue the discussion there.

[rottenralf]

I'm from the UK and have just finished Bad Twin, after reading about it on these forums. One thing that confused me however, which may or may not be an irrelevant comment, is the dates used in the novel. I understand that it's based around the fictional author Gary Troup who was on Flight 815, which as we all know crashed in September 2004. However, in the book it refers to the abolition of the feudal system in Scotland, which it cites as November 28 2004. It then mentions summer drawing to a close so obviously this is at least the following year, meaning 2005. Now perhaps I'm being a bit pedantic here, but I can't see any reason for it being set a year in the future (presumably the latest it could have been written in fictional terms is 2004) so I was wondering if this is meant to hint at something, or is it just me being picky?

KJ - the problem is you are merging two seperate "realms" shall we say. It has never been unusual for a writer to place his novel in another time period, past or future. Since the laws abolishing the feudal systems have been on the books for years and everyone knew it was coming it would not be a far stretch for Gary to include that in his book as being in the near past, this way showing some of the repercussions of the laws passage, etc.
If Gary hadn't been on the plane but continued living and just used a known future event in a novel not much would of been said about it.

[Dermo]

i just found out bout this book by accident on lost links is this a good read i like the idea of it but want to know if its a good read i dont care if it doesnt drop lost clues that bit doesnt bother me just want an interesting book that kinda ties in wit lost :)

[aggiesean]

i just found out bout this book by accident on lost links is this a good read i like the idea of it but want to know if its a good read i dont care if it doesnt drop lost clues that bit doesnt bother me just want an interesting book that kinda ties in wit lost :)

From talking to both Lost and non-Lost fans who have read this, I've found that if you like mystery novels, you will like this book. I would definitely recommend it to you, Dermo.

:Cowdance:

[Dermo]

thanks agg... i will order it then since amazon is charging just $12 for it

[mojoutd]

I started Yesterday, cause i bought a copy Cheap, but i wondered if there was a thread on it, by anyone?

Anyway, I'm circling numbers... and i do believe there are direct clues in it, and i will post back when my theories are complete.

Mojoutd

[lacenaire]

Post in the spin-off section for theories based on Bad Twin, please.

http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=71

[island_maverick]

Moving to Spin-Offs.

[Lab]

Welcome mojoutd!

I am merging this with the existing Bad Twin thread in Spin-offs, you may also want to check the ALL-BADTWIN Coordination Thread (http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18428) in the Lost Experience sub-forum. Lots of good info there as well.

Hope that helps.

[finebyfive]

I was actually searching for a completely different thread, but this came up. Reminding me taht I have this book, and I haven't read it yet!!!!!!