There is a section in Jenkins book in the chapter titled “Buying into American Idol” called “Zappers, Casuals, and Loyals.” (p.74) While reading this section I was able to pinpoint specific people, shows, and series that fit into the mold described by Jenkins.
Jenkins describes Zappers as “people who constantly flit across the dial-watching snippets of shows rather than sitting down for a prolonged engagement.” To be stereotypical, this person is my boyfriend and every other guy I’ve dated. I think think may be a defense method. While watching television with me, he flips quickly through the trash television that I love asking me, “How can you watch this crap?” Then gives me a synopsis of what happened in the past episodes and the storyline of individual characters. Now, you tell me, “Who’s watching this crap, really?!” I think he is. He’s just a zapper when he’s with me so I don’t think he really watches “the crap.”
When I think about the Loyalist, my mind automatically recognizes that audience as 24 watchers. Any time I get on facebook on 24 nights it always seems like someone is posting before, during, and after the show. Missing an episode is not an option.
The web has made missing an episode a thing of the past. Jenkins mentions the TiVo as a new device that allows viewers to never have to miss a moment, but he left out one of the outlets that has changed how we watch televsion as well. The web with sites like “hulu” and “YouTube” as well as industry sponsored sites allow viewers to watch shows after they are aired even if they don’t have access to a TiVo. This allows for everyone to become a “Loyal” viewer.
A major concern to advertisers is that the TiVo allows viewers to skip over the commericals. Online viewing is a more effective tool for advertisers to use. The website has the control over what can be skipped over and how often the ad is plugged. Not only will ads be seen on the video roll but as well as all around the space that the video is airing. To be fair, I don’t think that viewing online was as prominent in 2006 when Jenkins wrote this book. The dilema about advertising has caught up a little bit although technology is still much farther ahead then what some ad men have found ways to integrate. They are catching up and finding ways in every time we try to find ways around it.
I guess they can still find refuge in those viewers who have neither a TiVo or initiative to watch a show online. My boyfriend will continue to be one of those viewers who thinks the computer will eat his soul and programming a TiVo is too much trouble. So continue with the Blondes Boobs, and Beer tactic and the ad guys will keep the old school frat boys watching… and buying.
June 10, 2009 at 6:03 pm |
I know what you mean about living with a zapper. My mom fits that discription to a tee. She’ll channel surf when she is bored out of her skull; it makes me said and disheartned to see her warping her brain with shows like “American Idol”, or “Hitched or Ditched.” It drives me nuts.
I am a loyalist for shows with meat; programs such as “Deadliest Warrior,” “Mythbusters,” and “Most Evil.” I feel these shows have real merit to their names.
The invention of TiVo and other recording devices have helped loyalists like me stay on top of the shows they watch. Know, I can tape an episode, and feel free to watch it on my own sweet time.
June 10, 2009 at 7:36 pm |
Brittany,
Yes! My boyfriend is a zapper, too. I like to pick something I can watch (tolerate) even if there is “nothing on.” Although my DVR has made it almost impossible not to have something to watch.
I wanted to comment about the show, 24. I am defiantly a “loyalist” to this show. When the episode is over, I anticipate the next one. It is something I cannot miss and never forget to record. Bill (my boyfriend) got into the show, even though he isn’t one to watch shows on a regular basis. It sort of sucks you into the alternate world of Jack Bauer. Plus there is so much going on if you miss an episode you’ll be lost for a while during the next. Are you a loyalist to the show?
June 11, 2009 at 7:58 pm |
Well I guess programming a list of televison shows could be benificial. Personally, I have very little time to consider viewing a complete line up of shows, but for someone who spends a lot of their time in front of a television set, it may be exciting.
June 11, 2009 at 7:59 pm |
Well I guess programming a list of televison shows could be benificial. Personally, I have very little time to consider viewing a complete line up of shows, but for someone who spends a lot of their time in front of a television set, it may be exciting. gggggggggggggggg
June 16, 2009 at 2:23 pm |
Surely you know correct MLA citation style by now?
June 21, 2009 at 8:01 pm |
When I think of being loyal to a show, I think of actually watching the show. Not the after show, the show before, or anything else. I definitely agree with you that those shows and websites allow for a viewer to be updated on what they have missed and such, but really, its just not the same as watching it.
I immediately think of The Hills, the very unreal reality show, on MTV. I am one of those people who randomly watch the show on those days where there is just “nothing on” and the idea of being loyal to a show became apparant. After the show is aired, they have an after show where commentators review and criticize/compliment what just went on in the show. This show clearly gives the highlights of the episode, but not enough. You would have had to seen the show to know everything. Good thing there is YouTube and Hulu to watch the whole thing.