Does interaction create an emotionally rich story?

[Terryfic]

Below I attempt to briefly outline my belief that the added interaction in LG actually serves to emotionally drain the show rather than elevate it.

First, let’s examine the relationship between the audience and the characters in a traditional show, either on TV or film. In these shows real people (the audience) forge emotional relationships with fictional characters. These relationships are always emotionally shallower than those between two real people, as the audience is always aware in the back of their minds that they are interacting with a fictional character. They never develop the same true bond that two real people can.

LG promises to remove this layer and allow the audience to accept Bree as a real girl. This is attempted by allowing Bree to talk and interact with the audience directly – just as a real person would. The problem is Bree does not know that she is a character. I do. So Bree and I cannot interact with each other. Instead, I have to create a character myself (one that is ignorant of the fact that Bree is a character) and interact with Bree via this avatar.

The character that I create is able to have an emotionally rich relationship with Bree, likely one more complete than that of an audience and a character in a show. The problem is the real me no longer has any relationship with Bree. I must now relate to her through this fictional character. In effect a new layer separating me from having a true relationship with Bree has been added.

I don’t think such a relationship where the audience has to be as fake as the show will ever appeal to those that are not just interested in escapism.

[thiller]

I posted a question in the thread about Miles' response that would have been better placed here. So here it goes.

Terryfic, you make some great points about interaction and how it can drain the viewer's emotional connection to the characters and plot. I would agree. I went to one of those murder-mystery dinner theater shows with my mother-in-law. It was neat for her, and I did my best to seem happy, but on that particular night, it just wasn't for me. I personally enjoy watching a theatrical performance from a seat in the audience. My mother-in-law does enjoy traditional theater, but she was really engaged in the mystery. (I just didn't feel like working my brain that night.) I know that this might be a weak comparison, but it was all I could come up with to preface my question.

It seems reasonable to assume that not every viewer of lg15 wants to be a part of the story. Some people want to stay at arm's length; others crave escaping into the storyline. Some want to watch and move on without involving themselves in discussions, etc. However, I am not clear on what this interaction will look like.

I know it has been mentioned that people will be able to use the phorum more as a site to interact and manage their own spin-offs and side stories if they choose, but I wonder if there is something that I have missed. I am curious: What do you think this interaction will involve specifically?

Furthermore, do you think that there will be a place for the passive viewer to continue watching the story of Bree without having to become involved in spin-offs, ARGs, interaction and the like?

[hookedonmonics]

Here's what I (currently) think the story SHOULD involve. There should be heavy character interaction on the in-character section of the forum. Bree should answer some of our concerns, even if she does so dismissively. They should reference us and our advice occasionally on their vlogs. Like: Bree says "P. Monkey really liked the birthday greeting, CuriousGeorge." Daniel says "Yeah, Jonas is kind of creepy. I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't like him."
I'd even like them to pretend to try taking our advice. Drive (if they hadn't ditched the car) past their houses, and upon seeing that Lucy's car is parked around the corner from Bree's place, say "Sorry guys. That's not safe" They should have a fight about whether or not to ditch, or at least check the fur babies, (it must be hard living on the streets with...3? "kids" in tow) in which bree says "P. Monkey would never betray me, she's my friend!!" and Daniel says "You're friggin nuts, Bree." Cuz, after all- 90% of Phorumites have told them to check the animals. Even if they don't actually do it, awknowledge that we think they should.
No choose you own adventure crap. If they want us to make choices for them, it shouldn't be essential to the plot (I'm actually wondering if they found a way to continue Jonas' plot without him housing Breeniel.)
um, that's what I have for now.

[curiousgeorge]

I think I kinda of touched on this in one of my several rants in the "Jumping of the Shark..." at the phorum. I think we are indeed seeing a fragmentation of the LG audience.

The pholks who love the arcane puzzles, anagrams, ARG, NBR, chats, etc. seem (for the most part) to be very pleased with how the production is going. I don't think they even CARE that the plot and characters have taken a dive... For them the "story" is just a vehicle to launch the other "stuff", for lack of a better term.

Then we have another contingent who may appreciate some, or none, of this "stuff" and are really only concerned with a good story with strongly developed characters. They, of course, will cry foul when the "stuff" is seen as getting in the way of what is perceived as the potential to tell a good story.

I don't mean to be snobbish, but I think that age, education, and previous media exposure (including, heaven forbid READING!!!) may be a demarcation line between the two groups. Of course there is a huge contingent that is somewhere in between these two extremes.

Soooooooo. Can the creators serve both of these audiences? I am beginning to think not and even Miles has acknowledged that they have serious problems. Will the "stuff" suffer if they concentrate more on plot and character development?

And then we have the numerous, just plain, stupid blunders they have made. This is a whole 'nother factor in all of this. The wildcard of quality, as it were.

I guess the greater question is could anyone do this, let's say with the vlog delivery medium? Terry has referenced sophisticated computer games in previous posts. I think that some of these may hit much closer to the mark for quality of a "comprehensive" interactive storytelling experience that will satisfy both types of folks and those in the middle. But, can it be done in the format we are witnessing unfold? It suspect it can, but I have serious doubts if this bunch can pull it off...

I bet there is some pretty good research going on at MIT's Media Lab in this area.

Oh, and as an aside: Thanks hookedonmonics for bringing up the fact that Bree and Daniel supposedly check in at the forums (DB did say this as a plural, hmmmn) for advice. And yet, they ignore all the comments about the furry friends. Case in point on the quality issue...

ETA: I think what the creators have given US is a vehicle to CREATE the RICH EMOTIONAL environment that we have here at The Cove. It is a pleasure to be involved with all of you. For this I am eternally grateful to them!

And no, this Monkey is not drunk. At least not now.

[Smashing]

yeah...what everybody else said. Wow, I'm really contributing.