Post by oweniscool on Aug 10, 2007 15:33:52 GMT -5
Lonelygirl15 debuted with the promise of being "a story that is interactive and constantly evolving with with the audience". A year later, the idea of an "interactive" online series seems to mean different things to different people. Throughout the first season of LG15, the show presented viewers with the opportunity to chat with the characters, post advice to them on the forums and help them with the puzzles they faced.
The interactivity touted by the Creators last Fall was the real deal. Influence what the characters do. Become a character yourself. However, many fans reported dissatisfaction with the depth of said interactivity. But for a couple of notable exceptions, the fans were not incorporated into the storyline. They also couldn't influence a story that was filmed weeks in advance.
The most (in)famous example of LG15 pretending to interact was the time viewers were asked to vote on whether Bree should move in with a "fan" she met online. The decision was filmed in advance of the results of the vote and fans were quick to notice. Sometimes solutions to puzzles and warnings to characters will sit on the forum for weeks before it's time to air the video. Now the show has an S-M-R-T character that will solve the puzzles if fans don't finish quickly enough.
Smashing coined the term "interfaketive" (adj.) at Anchor Cove to describe that which "fakes being interactive by encouraging viewers to give input, then moves forward without taking the input into consideration". Although the insertion of the word "fake" might sound cynical, "interfaketive" is no insult. In fact, describing LG15 as such would place it in the company of such notable children's programming as Dora the Explorer and Blue's Clues.
Blue's Clues in particular bears some striking resemblances to LG15. You--yes, you--the viewer, must help Steve (a Spencer-like goof) figure out a mystery based on clues that Blue (his dog) leaves around the house. Puzzles are plentiful, the music is catchy, and when you see a clue, you are expected to get up from your couch and point it out to Steve, who is usually painfully slow on the uptake. Most importantly, Blue's Clues is a fun show, even if you know that Steve's going to solve that puzzle with or without you.
Perhaps interfaketivity is enough for LG15. Entertainment often comes with the help of illusion, and even real life goes on without us. So the next time Daniel needs help with a puzzle, be a good sport and beat Taylor to it. And if Jonas pans over another picture of that witch Lucy, jump out of your seat and say "A clue! A clue!" If your roommates seem worried, use the opportunity to introduce them to the grown-up, internet version of Blue's Clues.
The interactivity touted by the Creators last Fall was the real deal. Influence what the characters do. Become a character yourself. However, many fans reported dissatisfaction with the depth of said interactivity. But for a couple of notable exceptions, the fans were not incorporated into the storyline. They also couldn't influence a story that was filmed weeks in advance.
The most (in)famous example of LG15 pretending to interact was the time viewers were asked to vote on whether Bree should move in with a "fan" she met online. The decision was filmed in advance of the results of the vote and fans were quick to notice. Sometimes solutions to puzzles and warnings to characters will sit on the forum for weeks before it's time to air the video. Now the show has an S-M-R-T character that will solve the puzzles if fans don't finish quickly enough.
Smashing coined the term "interfaketive" (adj.) at Anchor Cove to describe that which "fakes being interactive by encouraging viewers to give input, then moves forward without taking the input into consideration". Although the insertion of the word "fake" might sound cynical, "interfaketive" is no insult. In fact, describing LG15 as such would place it in the company of such notable children's programming as Dora the Explorer and Blue's Clues.
Blue's Clues in particular bears some striking resemblances to LG15. You--yes, you--the viewer, must help Steve (a Spencer-like goof) figure out a mystery based on clues that Blue (his dog) leaves around the house. Puzzles are plentiful, the music is catchy, and when you see a clue, you are expected to get up from your couch and point it out to Steve, who is usually painfully slow on the uptake. Most importantly, Blue's Clues is a fun show, even if you know that Steve's going to solve that puzzle with or without you.
Perhaps interfaketivity is enough for LG15. Entertainment often comes with the help of illusion, and even real life goes on without us. So the next time Daniel needs help with a puzzle, be a good sport and beat Taylor to it. And if Jonas pans over another picture of that witch Lucy, jump out of your seat and say "A clue! A clue!" If your roommates seem worried, use the opportunity to introduce them to the grown-up, internet version of Blue's Clues.