Why is it all called a "franchise"?

[plynch]

"Franchise" has to do with people getting to vote, going back to some obscure history involving Franks. I KNOW that's not why the whole sh-bang is called the franchise. BUT . . .

Why IS it? And when did it start?

Is using business terminology (as in "McDonald's franchise") just facing facts that for decades Trek shows and movies have been primarily money-generating "products" for a profit-driven corporation?

Or does the term arise elsehow?

 

[ChristopherPike]

Yup. You're right. Hence the word, disenfranchised.

I get the new meaning though and it's parallel to business practice. Keeping a uniform look or layout between branches of whatever well known chainstore you care to mention.

So the Trek similarities are stronger than the differences. Keeping the formula with various changes in approach... mostly nothing a non hardcore fan would pick up on, because to the casual viewer they're all authoritarian, in a faux-uniformed service with Captains and Admirals, and more or less the same mortal enemies who were such in the past, aren't in the future and are again in a sideways reboot.

 

[Neutral Zone]

Is using business terminology (as in "McDonald's franchise") just facing facts that for decades Trek shows and movies have been primarily money-generating "products" for a profit-driven corporation?

Or does the term arise elsehow?

You got in one!Though most of these corporations say that they are doing all they do for benefits is actually to increase their bank accounts. Everything is aimed at making a profit.

But that said and done, if always think that way, you would probably have a boring life, lots more money as you would not buy say Trek items such as DVD's or Cable subscriptions but you have to decided

 

[Hofner]

Maybe a religion? In fact like joining a monastery or being a priest, by becoming a Star Trek fan you're basically making a vow of chastity.

Alright, sorry just couldn't resist. Remember I'm a Star Trek fan too. Doh!

Robert

 

[plynch]

When did people start using the term?

 

[I am not Spock]

Because it's mainly about making money!

I love my Trek, but damn, my DVD collection has got a lot bigger, but my shelf space and wallet have got a lot smaller!

 

[Myasishchev]

The question is on par with "So, when did you stop beating your wife?"

It is business terminology, but does not necessarily indicate that its creators are primarily driven by economic concerns. There are plenty easier ways to make money than by trying to tell stories.

 

[JarodRussell]

Franchise... simply because Paramount is McDonald's, and TOS, TNG, DS9, etc... are the different stores, with Berman, Benett, Abrams being the managers of those.

 

[Temis the Vorta]

Because...what other term would you use to describe the whole thing - all the movies, all the series, all the books, all the calendars, action figures, commemorative plates, etc?

"Franchise" isn't a very accurate analogy - McDonald's doesn't have burger restaurants, plus auto dealerships and toothpaste manufacturing. It's a default term.

 

[plynch]

The question is on par with "So, when did you stop beating your wife?"

It is business terminology, but does not necessarily indicate that its creators are primarily driven by economic concerns. There are plenty easier ways to make money than by trying to tell stories.

And plenty harder. Telling stories for money has kept a number of companies afloat pretty well. The machine named Disney comes to mind.

Because...what other term would you use to describe the whole thing [?]

I don't know. Universe? Complex? Do Star Wars fans talk about "the franchise"? Just wondering. I wonder about things. At the heart of SW there is still a person who found backers to finance his vision (a la GR in '60s).

Be well, all.

 

[Nerys Myk]

The question is on par with "So, when did you stop beating your wife?"

It is business terminology, but does not necessarily indicate that its creators are primarily driven by economic concerns. There are plenty easier ways to make money than by trying to tell stories.

And plenty harder. Telling stories for money has kept a number of companies afloat pretty well. The machine named Disney comes to mind.

Because...what other term would you use to describe the whole thing [?]

I don't know. Universe? Complex? Do Star Wars fans talk about "the franchise"? Just wondering. I wonder about things. At the heart of SW there is still a person who found backers to finance his vision (a la GR in '60s).

Be well, all.

the Star Wars franchise

 

[A beaker full of death]

When did people start using the term?

When it went from being a good show to being the television equivalent of McDonald's.

 

[Sector 7]

Franchise... simply because Paramount is McDonald's, and TOS, TNG, DS9, etc... are the different stores, with Berman, Benett, Abrams being the managers of those.

This the most accurate analogy I have read. Fans tend to forget that it is first and foremost a business, owned by a company. That the company produces entertainment makes it no less a company.