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August 11, 2008 | By: Dan Salerno
The Multiplatform Genius of Big Brother
Much more than a guilty pleasure, BB is an education
For the better part of this decade the summer television season has meant one thing: BIG BROTHER is back. I used to think of BB as one of my guilty pleasures in life, filling the television void in the aftermath of the May finales as I awaited the return of regular television in the fall. But no more.
The best definition I could find for a guilty pleasure reads “something you enjoy, even though it’s bad for you”. Well, I certainly have enjoyed the show. No problem there. It’s the second part that disqualifies BIG BROTHER as a guilty pleasure in my household. Watching the program hasn’t been bad for me. In fact, it’s offered quite the education over ten seasons. Live feeds. Blogs. Web programs. Message boards. YouTube as marketing. No other series on television has been as aggressive in integrating the entire range of multimedia platforms into the very fabric of the editorial.
It was a small conference in Edinburgh several years ago. The panel debated a European format series that would be coming to America soon. An entire house would be fitted with cameras and sound, filled with houseguests that would be watched 24/7. It was part entertainment, part sociological experiment and part voyeurism. As the documentary purists scoffed, many in the room weren’t aware they were witnessing one of the first forays into a genre that would soon become reality television.
CBS premiered the show in 2000. More important, they offered live internet feeds from the Big Brother House. 24/7. Uncensored. The audience was being invited in to watch all of the raw footage, as it happened, before the network could put it into a neat little package for the air. Watch it for a few minutes and you were captivated. Even if the houseguests were doing absolutely nothing. Watch long enough and you might catch a key strategic conversation, a knock down fight, an emotional breakdown, and, on a few occasions, activities that could only be seen on pay cable. In later years, CBS would join with RealPlayer to charge a fee for access to the live feeds. Generating revenue from raw footage. Brilliant.
The great thing about the live feeds is how they complement the television experience, not replace it. You’re fine if you watch just the program or the feeds. However, watch both and you’ll find it unique to anything on television. That 20 minute argument has been reduced to 45 seconds, with music added for drama. Your favorite houseguest gets a bad edit and comes off as the villain, but you know the whole story. Because you’re special. You’re a part of the program.
As new media platforms were born, BIG BROTHER has jumped right in. A web talk show debates all the details of the game, complete with viewer calls, former contestants, and guest contributors. And for the record, I’m a fan of host Gretchen Massey. Past seasons have included Fantasy games, viewer polling, message board forums, and the like. Last year the producers involved the viewers in the game itself, with Eric serving as America’s Player and voting as the viewers asked. Two years ago CBS partnered with Showtime to run Big Brother After Dark, three hours of the live feeds on one of their multiplex channels. Full episodes are available the next day on the web and on VOD.
The biggest extension doesn’t even come out of CBS. It’s the loyal fan base. YouTube is full of videos from viewers, over 250,000 on my last search. Live feed segments, tribute videos, and everything in between. And of course, tons of websites devoted to the show. Transcriptions and recaps of the live feeds, photo sharing, discussion boards, chat rooms, and everything else under the sun. Hop on JokersUpdates, my favorite site, during an endurance competition and just try to follow the conversation.
Extending the content experience across platforms is no longer an option for networks. It’s a necessity. Some do it well, some could use some help. I can only hope I’ll find more programs with the same range of experiences offered by my summer favorite.
Big Brother as a guilty pleasure? Not even close.
Read past entries by Dan Salerno
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Carton Wheel Assoc. said,
August 11, 2008 @ 8:51 am
Def not a BB fan but I appreciate how it has been pioneering so thanks for sharing — it actually made me think more about how a single television show nowadays can, and probably now, is expected to reach viewers on more levels. Interactivity now is the standard and, to some extent, you could argue producers are under serving their viewers when they don’t recognize, embrace and allow for interaction — or a way for viewers to publicly respond to and discuss their productions.
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Dan said,
August 13, 2008 @ 2:36 pm
Great article, a really nice/different outlook on Big Brother! I am a huge fan and I totally agree with pretty much everything that this article stated. Really, a great read.
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hatejokers said,
August 13, 2008 @ 2:58 pm
Jokersupdates is a crappy website I am sure with all the BB sites out there you could find one much better. Jokerette and her mods/admins are hateful, spiteful people. BB is a great show but unfortunately it brings out the crazies.
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dingo said,
August 13, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
Great article and you really point out well the huge differences between the live feeds and the edited CBS version. One update though: this season Big Brother websites have been asked not to make or upload videos to Youtube or similar sites, so there are a lot fewer videos than there have been for prior seasons.
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Bu said,
August 13, 2008 @ 3:59 pm
Big Brother has been a multi media event since 2000. It is, and has been on the forefront of technology since day one
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Jackie said,
August 13, 2008 @ 4:14 pm
I agree with this column, but Jokers Updates is just that — a joke. I mean who is updating this web page? It looks like an old AOL website from the ’90s. So ugly and hard to find things. Even the discussion area isn’t set up well to easily reply.
There are much, MUCH better BB websites out there!
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princess-michele said,
August 13, 2008 @ 5:38 pm
Great article! Which is the best site, to gather bb info.? Since everyone doesn’t seem to care for jokers? I’d appreciate any help.
thank you!
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hatejokers said,
August 13, 2008 @ 6:19 pm
well said Jackie
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Hollllla!! said,
August 13, 2008 @ 6:42 pm
Jokers is great!!!!!! I have no problems with the site. There’s other BB websites that I go to as well. Glad to see the dedication for BIG brother. Been watching the live feeds since season 5 and watched them with AOL, season 1.
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Suni said,
August 13, 2008 @ 6:51 pm
Great read. I agree about jokers(nasty moderators) but I havent found another site that gives continous updates. Any you recomend?
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Kat said,
August 13, 2008 @ 9:03 pm
I am definitely a BB fan. However I am disappointed with this season. If you watched 2 episodes ago, Julie asked Michelle about a banner and Michelle’s face got red because she thought she was beig called out on her lie. However, Julie did not correct her only the audience and tv world on the truth of the banner. This left Michelle with a lie that she could use to her advantage. They have cleared up the earthquake…why not clear up the banner. If Libra is voted out I blame Julie. I though as the host she was suppose to remain nuetral!
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emurph said,
August 13, 2008 @ 9:03 pm
I love Big Brother and I love Jokers.
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rox said,
August 13, 2008 @ 11:26 pm
people people people…. Jokers is THE best site ever for BB. The web page has stories on most reality shows. All right there. In chat, best chatters you will find on any site. And as for the Jokerette and her mod/ops they are the most kind, fun and welcoming chatters. HateJokers – there is no bashing … maybe you need to behave yourself and you will feel better on the site. There are hg’s that come into chat from time to time and they are always verified they are the real hg’s. Whats wrong with that, seems to me Ette is definitely caring and on top of things. Every moderator welcomes each chatter … Too bad for you.. Maybe its good you hate.. Do you hate in real life..Hate is such a harsh word. Get over it and get a life… HateJokers
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rox said,
August 13, 2008 @ 11:33 pm
Jackie, read the other comment I have left. It is the easiest site to get around. You want find so many personal stories on all reality players as you do here. Maybe you need to stop, think and be respectful in chat and then maybe you just may enjoy it … You could suddenly find that Jokers is nothing that you portray. As for replying to comments, I dont know anyone who has a problem. Maybe it is your computer, just saying
. So come in introduce yourself and smile. We will welcome you with open arms and yes the moderators will also welcome you – you sound like you need a space to catch up on reality shows. Choosing Jokers is a very intelligent choice. Peace Out – Be kind and kindness will come back to you.
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JokersRocks said,
August 13, 2008 @ 11:51 pm
As always the haters are out in full force and it always comes back to someone that was banned or another website that wishes they were as popular. People can say whatever they want about the Admins/Mods, that layout of the site, but a 1,000,000 hits a day during BB don’t lie. I am going to borrow a quote Steven said during the live eviction show….. ” Suck It Bitches” Rock On Jokers!
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rox said,
August 14, 2008 @ 12:21 am
People, People, People, Jokers is the best site for BB. The web page has the best stories on most reality shows. Its all right there. There are the best chatters you will find for BB chat.. Maybe you need to stop, think and be respectful in chat and surprise you might just enjoy it. And as for Jokerette and her mod/ops, they are the most fun, kind and welcoming ppl you will find. HateJokers – there is no bashing – maybe you need to behave yourself and you will enjoy yourself. You could suddenly find the Jokers is nothing you portray it to be. There are hg’s that come into Jokers lots of times and they are verified to be real hg’s seems to me Jokerette is on top of things and very caring. … whats wrong with that..Jokers is a respectable chatroom. So come in introduce yourself and smile. We will welcome you with open arms and yes the mods/ops will also welcome you. Too bad for you if you hate. Do you hate in real life? Hate is such a harsh word. Get over it and get a life. – HateJokers
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ProudJokersMemebr said,
August 14, 2008 @ 12:22 am
Jokers is the best site on the net, not just for BB, but for all TV shows and general discussion. Those of you who think the discussion area is hard to follow or not set up well to reply easily must be stupid, frankly. It’s extremely easy to follow and reply to..and the people that run the site are awesome, unless you come on the board acting like an asshole. Screw you, Jackie. TIA.
Thanks for a great article, Mr. Salerno. I couldn’t agree more!
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rox said,
August 14, 2008 @ 12:49 am
Hi Jackie, you should read my other post. I must tell you the Jokers is not a joke by any means. The web page is great with many stories of reality guests in lots of shows. It is very easy to find stories and and then all you need to do is click on it and it will pop up for you. Replying in the discussion area is very easy to do .. I do not know one person that has had any trouble. Jackie, maybe its your computer.. just saying
. There are other BB sites on the internet but I’m absolutely positive you will find Jokers to be the best. Come in and bring a positive personality and I am sure we would welcome you with open arms just as we would welcome HateJokers, maybe you can get together and come in together. It might be easier for you to communicate with a buddy. Hope to see you there. Peace Out
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jokersSucks said,
August 14, 2008 @ 12:54 am
ugh don’t get me started with jokers…the admins are so hateul and they pick their favorites over there for members..they pick on people…especially caren..rude people over there. that site is disgusting.
I would suggest bbdish.blogspot.com
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crazies said,
August 14, 2008 @ 1:59 am
Oh I see all the jokers haters are out tonight. I wonder what site you guys have came from….
@hatejokers
its funny that you say BB brings out the crazies because your right in so many ways. And i dont see where your trying to go with the whole Jokerette and her mods/admins are hateful, spiteful people. I know what your referring too and it makes no sense. You guys accuse the jokers admin of ripping you off but there not the ones that go around saying they have got information. Users write that stuff and their not allowed to post where they got their information from because over at BBQ you guys like to talk crap about jokers and then wonder why your name isnt allowed. Yeah there are some crazies over there but theres crazy users on every BB site.
@jackie
The one thing i will agree on is that the site does need an update but the whole point of jokers is that its fast pace. There are up to date updates, some people want to know what happens 24/7 and this is one the only places where you can get that if you dont have the feeds. The discussion forum is ok but its not meant to have long deep conversations. They have a whole different section for more in depth conversations. Thats why if that site doesnt suit you then you just move on to another.
Lets give out the hate train, all BB sites have people that love it and hate it, just have to deal with it.
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GoingGreen said,
August 14, 2008 @ 2:04 am
LOVE this article! You have good taste in websites. Jokers is the best on the web for live updates and Big Brother discussion
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zpydah said,
August 14, 2008 @ 2:15 am
LOL great column but seriosuly.. JOKERS???? that place is a dump of geriatric losers, ignorant fans and stalkers.. worst reality site ever
Reality Bites Back is the spot.. be sure to check out their exclusive interview with steven he is a riot!!!
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Susan J. said,
August 14, 2008 @ 2:23 am
I never go to Jokers cause I personally think they suck so bad lol
The best site is realitybitesback.com
RBB has the best Administrator and the coolest Mod’s
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Bethy said,
August 14, 2008 @ 3:22 am
I agree- Jokers aka Smokers is crappy ass website with bone-head mods. They actually ban people from the site if you don’t like who they like. They are a bunch of old pearl-clutching women who get all in a tizzy when you don’t follow Smokette like a sheep. They even banned some guy that takes pics of the BB Houseguests- of course they kept the guys pics up on the site- but banned him because he defended Chelsia BB9. What a bunch of losers. Realit BBQ and Hamsters are much better. Survivor Sucks has a better BB message board, at least there you can have an opinion and not get banned.
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Christi said,
August 14, 2008 @ 3:53 am
Great article Mr. Salerno! I think you hit the nail on the head as to why Big Brother has become such a huge phenomenon, There is nothing else like it, and I’m happy to say I’m hooked! I couldn’t imagine my summers without it. However, I’m not a Jokers fan because of the way I was treated there. I would like to give your readers the head up on a new site I just found that just popped up and allows you to say and think as an individual without fear of being banned/repromanded/or treated rudely it’s …
http://realitybitesback.com/
I hope you and your readers take the time to stop by and get a feel for this site or any of the other sites that help make Big Brother the greatest show on earth. The updates and recaps from Reality Bites Back are amazing and I think anyone that loves BB like I do will appreciate the opportunity and find it refreshing to know that other sites are out there and willing to let you speak your mind!
As Jessie would say * Point Being* LOL I want Big Brother to be around for a long time and sites like this help keep it a living breathing entity, and hopefully we can keep BB going for years to come!
Thanks again for the great article because the more BB is talked about the longer it will be around. =)
A huge fan of yours and Big Brother,
Christi
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Brad said,
August 14, 2008 @ 2:33 pm
Guilty pleasure? Depends on how you look at it. For industry people or producers who have worked with networks to extend their reach beyond the screen (I fall into the latter, having directed CBS’s Internet program for a few years) Big Brother does provide a great example of how to make good use of all aspects of a digital property.
But even though you may gain some insight into how to increase your ROI in your programming (and raw footage,) you have to actually WATCH the show to do it. And let’s face it, the cast wouldn’t exactly keep up in a dinner conversation at, say, Christopher Hitchens’ house (unless you’d count a comment along the lines of “Hitchens? That’s a neat name. Like the movie Hitch. I loved that movie. Did you see that movie?” as intellectual.) So the net effect to your intellect may be negative: I think I actually feel myself getting stupider when I watch it.
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JokersIsAwesome!!! said,
August 14, 2008 @ 6:03 pm
Jokers is the best… it always has up to the minute updates and facts not a bunch of made up lies.
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BB Fan said,
August 16, 2008 @ 12:29 am
great article and totally agree. bb has been the best thing every summer. luv the feeds and luv jokers. michelle FTW!
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Jokers said,
August 17, 2008 @ 8:33 pm
Jokers really stinks.
The posters really sound uneducated and narrow-minded. The updates are a maze of unrecognizable words, mispellings, and untruths. The discussion area is even more of a joke.
Apparently, one cannot type a sentece with using multiple LOL’s LMAO and OMG’s…do you people have anything more to say than cliches and this crap?
It was hilarious when the feeds went to “Trvia” and Joker’s posters were all up in arms. They decided it was the people in India’s fault who man the RealPlayer tech. support line. Yeah….that makes sense , right?
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10YearBBFan said,
August 17, 2008 @ 8:59 pm
I have to chime in. I have been watching BB for all 10 seasons. It’s a guilty pleasure that consumes far too much of my time.
The site I visit is NOT JOKERS. I’ve tried several times but it is a mess…poorly organized and the administration is worse.
I would recommend any other site before Jokers. I kinda feel sorry for you, Dan Salerno, if they have you snowed. Step outta the box…you won’t be sorry.
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Riff said,
August 17, 2008 @ 9:07 pm
I used to LOVE Jokers! But that was back when I weighed 700 lbs., had 5 chins, and couldn’t fit through my doorway. Then I went on a diet and realized they suck. NT
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Jokers is crap said,
August 17, 2008 @ 9:29 pm
My name says it all.
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Onlyif said,
August 21, 2008 @ 3:43 am
Jokers is great IF you like mod of the moments fav. If not your post is removed.
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Katrina scammer said,
September 27, 2008 @ 11:35 am
Jokers is the place to go if you want to have a fund raiser every week for people to use for their own purposes. The IRS should be watching Cat and her little money making schemes. Over $4000.00 raised for Katrina victim, whose property was never touched by the hurricane. Said person had a nice vacation in Florida, on the backs of lost souls that thought they were helping flood victims. Said person left her dog home and conned others into rescuing it. But then again Wild was a nut case! Ooops my bad.
If you think for yourself and have your own opinion you are not welcome at Jokers!
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Katrina scammer said,
September 27, 2008 @ 11:43 am
Oh and if you need a list of other sites how hard is it to google them. There are tons of sites out there that are not figuring out how to get your money from you or tell you how to think.
TV ClubHouse has great Live feed updates, as well as other forums to enjoy. It is for the gentle folks.
SurvivorSucks at YUKU.com is a wild site with every type of person and every type of reality conversation. It is not for the weak at heart, as it is not censored at all. The updates are awesome there. The people are funny as hell. The drivebys are rarely deleted, they get their own just rewards!!
If you liked being censored and ripped off, go to jokersupdates.com with the fantards. Be careful don’t donate all your money to them, I heard Cat is rich, big book writer and all!! hahahahaha
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Jokers Stinks said,
September 27, 2008 @ 1:05 pm
The fans who post at Jokers are no better or worse than the fans at other sites. But the thought police who moderate the boards are nazis. The moderation is inconsistent and yes they definitely play favorites. There is no point in trying to have a discussion about the show at Jokers when there are so many other sites where freedom of expression is allowed.
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brightonclassics said,
October 1, 2008 @ 3:03 pm
I’ve been to many BB sites, Jokers layout sucks! the best site for updates and the most awesome staff and Mods?
BigBrotherupdates dot com !!!!!
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To a Prosperous 2009 — And a Recap of 2008 | CU Confidential said,
December 29, 2008 @ 2:20 am
[...] The Multiplatform Genius of Big Brother, by Dan Salerno (Discovery, Fuse) 2. TV Programming: An Art or a Science? by Reess Kennedy 3. [...]