Bulletin Boards and the Internet
The internet in general and bulletin boards in particular have had an impact on the entertainment industry by providing an open forum for untethered criticism. I offer the following pieces of evidence: "Lost"-direct responses to internet criticism woven into the show, "Snakes on a Plane"-the title was kept and additions made as a result of internet chatter, the rerelease of the 70s version of Star Wars after internet grumbling, "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back"-a sequence in which bulletin board posters are punched in the face for their insulting posts, "American Idol" - responded directly to internet accusations of fraud by various contestants.
This sort of stuff wouldn't have happened 10 years ago. Imagine in "Twin Peaks" if someone randomly said "So, who attacked Dr. Jacoby anyway? We never found out!".
This sort of stuff wouldn't have happened 10 years ago. Imagine in "Twin Peaks" if someone randomly said "So, who attacked Dr. Jacoby anyway? We never found out!".
posted by Justin at 6/16/2006 06:41:00 PM
6 Comments:
What a great blog post!
Oh so meta, no?
It calls for a redefinition of meta.
Also, Justin, I am surprised that y ou did not mention the proliferation of online fangroups such as "Hicks Chicks" and "McFans" that banded together fans of Taylor Hicks and Katherine McPhee, respectively, to sway the tides of the most recent American Idol 'election.' They were always represented in the audience and the cameras consistently focused on them and their banners that identified them as members of the e-cults. I would argue that their evolution from a cybergroup to a visible, physical presence in the audience had an impact on the, albeit meaningless, selection of the new AI. Incidentally, everyone see the newest People Mag? I totally called it; Taylor is their #1 bachelor in the special bachelor-oriented double issue.
Just one question:
Is it on stands now?!
I'd also like to add that interest groups of various kinds have existed throughout history and have succeeded in impacting their cause more often than not.
The major ingredient is communication between its members, be it word of mouth, newspaper, underground communiqué, or, currently, the internet.
Though, one might argue, no group in history has ever done work as powerful, and funny, as those involved with Snakes on a Plane.
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