TrekWeb has learned through various reports that a behind-the-scenes look at the production of Star Trek: Insurrection, being written by Michael Piller, has been muzzled from within Paramount. Piller, who spoke of the project in various online chats and interviews, had planned to have the book published as a treat for fans who wanted to get a real insider look at just what goes into the creation of a Star Trek feature, from storyboarding through release.

But now, word is that executives within Paramount's own Motion Picture Group have killed the publication of the book; a surprising move, considering the zeal with which new Trek-related merchandise is usually embraced by Paramount and its parent, Viacom. Although unofficial, reports claim that the studio justifies the action by saying it didn't want the book to provide ravenous fans with ammunition to discredit its decision-making during the creation of Star Trek: Insurrection. The movie, number nine in the franchise, performed below expectations of both the studio and the fans.

Commentary is not usually offered with stories like these, but perhaps it is necessary for some words. Online Star Trek fans, above all else, only wish to see good Star Trek. Regardless of nit-picking, finger-pointing, and online discussion, the fans only hope to - if nothing else - promote the franchise and show the folks at Paramount just how much they love to watch good Star Trek entertainment. With Deep Space Nine ending this year, Voyager finally realizing its potential, and future television projects almost surely on the back-burners, online fans would like to look at this time not as the end of the rope for Star Trek, but rather, the beginning of a new one. It is unfortunate, therefore, when a move such as this is taken - quite possibly - out of fear for online reaction. All fans realize how difficult it is to make a movie and are not out to bad-mouth the studio. Paramount, which released an in-depth com-umentary on Star Trek fandom last week (the 87 minute movie Trekkies, now playing), should know that its fans are one of the greatest assets it could ever have in this mercurial business called Show Business.

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