The Day of the Diesels "leak"

A few days ago, US cable network PBS Sprout aired Day of the Diesels.  Later, a YouTube user called UnknownThomasFan1 uploaded the special onto the video sharing website.  While a lot of users (including myself if I'm honest) were very happy to see it, a few people were not sharing the same sentiments and informed HIT Entertainment about the leak and it was duly removed earlier today.

While I am glad this whole issue has come to an end, I am not happy that it's shown how grouchy some Thomas fans are.  I agree that leaks are very unfortunate, but this has NOTHING to do with DVD release dates or DVD sales.  If it was, HIT wouldn't release it on TV or cinema in the first place!  It's something called "advertising" and it has worked for them for the past 3 films, all of which breaking HIT's DVD sales records.  And I believe that this year would be no different, DESPITE THE "LEAK"!  Those who got uppity about it should take a chill pill.  The same was said about the new Railway Series book.  It was posted on YouTube multiple times (once by me) and its sales have still been solid!

An for those saying it would have ruined it for others need a reality check.  Just because it's been uploaded online DOESN'T MEAN PEOPLE SHOULD WATCH IT!  People have the CHOICE to watch it, and if watching it ruins the film for them, then they only have themselves to blame for not having any self control!

I HAVE watched it.  I think it's superb and a review will be posted when the DVD and blu-ray are released in the UK.  But the thing is it HASN'T ruined ANYTHING for me.  If anything, it's made me more excited for the British version.

And to those who were involved with informing HIT about it, chillax, OK?  Yes, it's copyrighted material and yes, the film would ruin it for some, but

1. if HIT are so bothered, they should find out about the upload themselves
2. LOADS of copyrighted material's uploaded on YouTube
3. People should have the CHOICE to watch it rather than having it taken away
4. THOMAS AND FRIENDS IS NOT A LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION, so stop acting like it is
5. (and most importantly) STOP BACKSEAT MODERATING FOR HIT!!  You don't work for them, so stop acting as though you do!

Thank you...

HIT Bashers

They are the bain of the Thomas fanbase,  spreading their negativity around 24/7 about HIT Entertainment.  Yes, I'm talking about HIT bashers.  They may seem to be a nightmare, but shockingly they aren't.  They DO bring up SOME good points.

Over the years, the television series HAS changed a heck of a lot, with the introduction of CGI and the new writing style which, frankly, is getting on EVERYONE'S nerves.  Seriously, if you've seen one CGI episode, you've pretty much seen them all.  That's how bad the formulaeic plots have become.  And while these people do have a right to air their grievances, they're doing so in the wrong way.

They are constantly calling them sHIT Entertainment, and someone has called them HITler.  How they can have the nerve to say that when they've had NO CONTACT with HIT's staff is very disappointing.  They are just making themselves look very pathetic and very immature.  There ARE ways to say there are issues with the series, but attacking the company verbally like that won't solve anything.  Besides, HIT Entertainment commision ALL the merchandise, including:

• Hornby
• Bachmann
• Take-n-Play
• Trackmaster
• Books
• DVDs
• Games

And, yes, they commissioned Bachmann Donald, Douglas and Diesel.  So before HIT bashers start with the anti-HIT propaganda, think on...

As for the stories not being based on Railway Series stories (except maybe Tickled Pink), you can't blame THAT on HIT either.  Britt Allcroft was the person who bought the television rights from the Awdrys.  That means that because of what she did, HIT aren't legally required to base their episodes on Railway Series stories, even if we want them to.

The BIGGEST qualm people have is with the CGI change.  Yes, it wasn't the most popular decision, but the simple fact is this: we are no longer living in a world that revolves around what's popular.  We are living in a world based on money, and that's the whole world, not just HIT.  Sadly, Thomas and Friends is no longer a television series based on a seies of books for a young, sick child.  It is a brand, and its main purpose is to make money (hence the new characters, despite their pointlessness).  If the brand doesn't make money, it will be cancelled

So a message to HIT bashers, if you want to send a CLEAR message that you don't like the series, here's a simple solution: don't watch and don't buy their merchandise.  If you don't, HIT will realise that there is a problem and they would want to do anything to sort it out.  That, or just simply email a HIT Entertainment representative airing your issues.  Trust me, they won't shout at you if you have GENUINE concerns, but as I say, just going around calling the company every name under the sun isn't helping anyone, so please stop it.