The Game Show Forum
The Game Show Forum => Game Show Channels & Networks => Topic started by: melman1 on July 03, 2006, 10:06:19 AM
-
Being up the other night with a sick child, I surfed by "Playmania". Exactly why is this on the air? Are they training new equipment operators late at night when they think nobody's watching? Simply awful.
And on the Western feed, it's aired tape-delayed. So the only possible motivation for watching it, the lame call-in-and-play part of it, isn't even there.
I'm sure this is costing them much more to produce than running the usual B&W shows at that hour. I'm really stumped by this one.
-
[quote name=\'melman1\' post=\'123167\' date=\'Jul 3 2006, 10:06 AM\']
I'm sure this is costing them much more to produce than running the usual B&W shows at that hour. I'm really stumped by this one.
[/quote]
It ain't the B&W shows they used to run then, it was Street Smarts, WBSM, and one of the Poker/Blackjack shows, no?
-
[quote name=\'melman1\' post=\'123167\' date=\'Jul 3 2006, 09:06 AM\']
I'm sure this is costing them much more to produce than running the usual B&W shows at that hour. I'm really stumped by this one.
[/quote]
Yeah, but they're making 99¢ off each person who texts in.
So...
-
Playmania harkens back to the days when GSN did interactive programming over the phone.
Except those were five minute segments. And personally, they worked better as five minute segments than a whole 2-3 hour show. That and Mel Peachy gets on my bloody nerves. I tried a few times, but then gave up realizing it isn't worth it for fifty damn dollars.
-
[quote name=\'TonicBH\' post=\'123327\' date=\'Jul 5 2006, 07:14 AM\']
That and Mel Peachy gets on my bloody nerves.
[/quote]
There are people on the GSN board who think she's the greatest thing since sliced bread and have such names like "MelissaPeacheyFan", etc.....Personally, not only does she get on MY nerves too, but I don't think she's all that great to look at either..
-
[quote name=\'aaron sica\' post=\'123339\' date=\'Jul 5 2006, 07:38 AM\']
Personally, not only does she get on MY nerves too, but I don't think she's all that great to look at either..
[/quote]
She's irritating AND she has a face like a horse.
/would still hit it tho
-
Better question: which Brit do you prefer? Mel or that temp sub host thing off of Craigslist, Hannah?
-
I like Mel. She seems to be quite masterful at filling time.
Shandi's adorable, but she's not quite the ol' pro at Live TV with a producer yelling in her ear and contestants that don't say much more than "hi" and "fine."
Haven't seen the new girl yet. I've actually only caught the show twice.
-
[quote name=\'FOXSportsFan\' post=\'123349\' date=\'Jul 5 2006, 12:04 PM\']
Better question: which Brit do you prefer? Mel or that temp sub host thing off of Craigslist, Hannah?
[/quote]
I'd rather ANY woman who's name is Hannah, whether she's a Brit or not. The name "Mel" is just kinda out there for me.
-
[quote name=\'cacLA8383\' post=\'123371\' date=\'Jul 5 2006, 02:28 PM\']
The name "Mel" is just kinda out there for me.
[/quote]
Visions of Vic Tayback dance through your head? :)
-
[quote name=\'cacLA8383\' post=\'123371\' date=\'Jul 5 2006, 05:28 PM\']
[quote name=\'FOXSportsFan\' post=\'123349\' date=\'Jul 5 2006, 12:04 PM\']
Better question: which Brit do you prefer? Mel or that temp sub host thing off of Craigslist, Hannah?
[/quote]
I'd rather ANY woman who's name is Hannah, whether she's a Brit or not. The name "Mel" is just kinda out there for me.
[/quote]
Thank you, Uncle Carl. : )
-
[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'123379\' date=\'Jul 5 2006, 06:28 PM\']
[quote name=\'cacLA8383\' post=\'123371\' date=\'Jul 5 2006, 02:28 PM\']
The name "Mel" is just kinda out there for me.
[/quote]
Visions of Vic Tayback dance through your head? :)
[/quote]
Thank you, that was only the greatest reference, ever. :)
-
My opinions are the exact opposite of Mr. Lambert. I wouldn't say Mel is masterful at filling time, if you believe the word to mean good as using the same exact formula for doing so night in and night out. Count how many times you hear her say "we're PlayMania, we're live in Los Angeles," "get involved, text the word play," etc. I know she has to give the information over and over, but you figure for somebody who's been doing this kind of TV for a few years in the UK she could at least change it up once in a while.
Shandi on the other hand likes to have more fun with the crew, finds herself saying some awkward things to the callers and in response to them, and all in all makes the show more fun to watch for the entire duration.
-Jason
-
Mel Peachey seems like a nice person and everything but something about her demeanor, especially her voice, feels so "Posh", "High class" and "Stereotypical British".
It's as if she felt she had to portray the "joke/parody" of the British so she could "relate" to Americans. I wonder how she is on her show in the UK?
"Awl trooy nawt tawoo Erwic!"
-Joe R.
-
The few minutes that I watched were without a doubt worse than anything I've seen on public access. "Bizarre" is too polite a description. The snippets they show over and over (and over...) as promos may well be highlights.
I can't imagine advertisers buying time on this. Can anyone that the advertisers care about really be watching?
-
I wonder how she is on her show in the UK?
With a bit of searching you can link to clips of her hosting the various incarnations of it in the UK, and it doesn't feel a bit different. She's giving the same performance here that she is there.
-Jason
-
[quote name=\'melman1\' post=\'123492\' date=\'Jul 6 2006, 08:51 PM\']
The few minutes that I watched were without a doubt worse than anything I've seen on public access. "Bizarre" is too polite a description. The snippets they show over and over (and over...) as promos may well be highlights.
I can't imagine advertisers buying time on this. Can anyone that the advertisers care about really be watching?
[/quote]
They're making money off the phone calls, they're making money off the advertising, and at least on the early shows, they had sponsors within the program as well. Plus it's staggeringly cheap to produce. I don't make a point to tune in, and I doubt many people do, especially for the whole three-hour block. But if I'm flipping around, and they're in the middle of a game, I'll usually stop to see how it goes.
I'd rather see them do something at least a little ambitious than see the umpteenth rerun of a game, or worse yet, infomercials.
-
Entirely nitpicky, but it's a 2 hour program. And the few times I sat through an entire broadcast, it was because we made the show a competitive exercise between those of us who were awake.
-Jason
-
[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' post=\'123549\' date=\'Jul 7 2006, 10:43 AM\']
They're making money off the phone calls, they're making money off the advertising
[/quote]
Not on the West Coast feed, they're not. It's tape-delayed. Which was part of my original point. I couldn't call in even if I wanted to.
-
[quote name=\'melman1\' post=\'123599\' date=\'Jul 7 2006, 11:43 PM\']
[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' post=\'123549\' date=\'Jul 7 2006, 10:43 AM\']
They're making money off the phone calls, they're making money off the advertising
[/quote]
Not on the West Coast feed, they're not. It's tape-delayed. Which was part of my original point. I couldn't call in even if I wanted to.
[/quote]
I'll admit that's a head-scratcher, since there's really nothing to the show without the live interactive element, but it doesn't negate my points either. They make money on a cheap original show.
-
[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' post=\'123606\' date=\'Jul 8 2006, 02:05 AM\']
I'll admit that's a head-scratcher, since there's really nothing to the show without the live interactive element, but it doesn't negate my points either. They make money on a cheap original show.
[/quote]
I don't know why, but I tape it and watch it later. Maybe so I'll be less tempted to call in. Or maybe I think better at 1 in the afternoon than I do at 1 in the morning.
Or so I'll be prepared to answer the inevitable questions about how hot Shandi looked last night.
-
[quote name=\'davemackey\' post=\'123621\' date=\'Jul 8 2006, 09:49 AM\']
I don't know why, but I tape it and watch it later.
[/quote]
And that brings me to my original point again. WHY would you do that? This is the most amateurish piece of crap I have even seen on television. The production quality is bad beyond belief.
Does it have camp value? I simply don't understand.
-
[quote name=\'melman1\' post=\'123645\' date=\'Jul 8 2006, 09:00 PM\']
This is the most amateurish piece of crap I have even seen on television. The production quality is bad beyond belief.
Does it have camp value? I simply don't understand.
[/quote]
1) cheap to produce
2) gives away cash prizes
3) people want to win cash prizes
4) show makes money off text messages
Those points have been raised numerous times.
Just because a show has bad production values doesn't always mean that it needs to be yanked off the air.
GSN's agenda here is to make a lot of money off a show that costs almost nothing to make, and they're doing that, regardless of whether you, I, or anyone else like the show or not.
-
[quote name=\'PYLdude\' post=\'123646\' date=\'Jul 8 2006, 06:13 PM\']
GSN's agenda here
[/quote]
I did not ask about GSN's agenda. I asked why anyone would watch this piece of crap if it were not possible for them to be playing the game. Either because they taped it, or because they get the Western feed tape-delayed.
-
[quote name=\'melman1\' post=\'123651\' date=\'Jul 8 2006, 08:47 PM\']
I asked why anyone would watch this piece of crap if it were not possible for them to be playing the game. Either because they taped it, or because they get the Western feed tape-delayed.
[/quote]
Your anger towards a relatively innocuous television show is quite striking.
Really, believe it or not, sometimes there is Nothing Else On. And at those times, an HPOA (even WITH a horseface) beats watching an episode of Iron Chef I've already seen six times.
-
What is the motivation for anyone to watch any game show? To see other people win or to play along at home with no chance to win yourself. "Playmania" gives the opportunity for both.
People in the west could call in without being able to see the show, the host would explain the question when she talks to you on the phone anyway, then you could savor the moment three hours later when it airs.
-
[quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' post=\'123658\' date=\'Jul 9 2006, 08:31 AM\']
People in the west could call in without being able to see the show, the host would explain the question when she talks to you on the phone anyway, then you could savor the moment three hours later when it airs.
[/quote]
Actually, Jimmy, it's not even THAT easy. Once you register, whether it be off your cell phone or on the website, it's good for only THAT SPECIFIC GAME. So once that game's over, you need to register again. So yeah, you could blindly enter, but it would be a crapshoot. :)
-
Ahh..I stand corrected, see, I've never been interested in being a contestant on a game show. My interest lies in hosting or creating a show.
-
[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'123652\' date=\'Jul 8 2006, 11:53 PM\']
Your anger towards a relatively innocuous television show is quite striking.
Really, believe it or not, sometimes there is Nothing Else On. And at those times, an HPOA (even WITH a horseface) beats watching an episode of Iron Chef I've already seen six times.
[/quote]
With this discussion, and some of his past, I've become convinced that melman believes that he's some sort of God on this message board. Just because he doesn't like it, he feels that one of two things must be true:
1) either it must be taken off the air immediately and no mention of it should ever be made again
2) none of us should like it either.
I won't feed the melman anymore, that's for sure.
-
[quote name=\'melman1\' post=\'123651\' date=\'Jul 8 2006, 10:47 PM\']
I asked why anyone would watch this piece of crap if it were not possible for them to be playing the game. Either because they taped it, or because they get the Western feed tape-delayed.
[/quote]
I don't think anything that has been explained so far satisfies you, so how about this answer: People watch because they want to.
I think The Jerry Springer show is crap too, but evidently some people like it. Move on.
Brandon Brooks
-
Thank you all for your usual kind comments. Including those of the armchair psychologists who really should be outside enjoying a nice summer day.
However, nobody has seen fit to answer my question. If you watch this show, and you have an actual reason other than "because I want to", just exactly what would that reason be?
I have not and will not say whether anyone else should or should not like it, nor whether GSN should or should not air it. I have stated my opinion about it, which Lord knows, I certainly am entitled to do here.
And if you don't watch the show, kindly butt out!
-
[quote name=\'melman1\' post=\'123709\' date=\'Jul 9 2006, 05:31 PM\']However, nobody has seen fit to answer my question. If you watch this show, and you have an actual reason other than "because I want to", just exactly what would that reason be?[/quote]
I'm starting to agree with Chris. Your hostility toward this little piece of fluff is staggering. People have already given plenty of reasons. Besides, why isn't "because I want to" an acceptable answer? Isn't that pretty much the reason we watch anything?
There are hot babes, and there's a little bit of play-at-home value even if you're not dialing in. There's no question the show is done on a shoestring, but there's a difference between cheap production values and poor production values.
It's a silly show to defend, but if it really, truly is "worse than anything I've seen on public access," then you haven't spent much time watching public access. And I'm not going to see PlayMania called "worse" than anything when you consider that this is the same network that gave us Trivia Track.
-
[quote name=\'melman1\' post=\'123709\' date=\'Jul 9 2006, 04:31 PM\']
If you watch this show, and you have an actual reason other than "because I want to", just exactly what would that reason be?
[/quote]
You're ridiculous. How about this one: Because it makes people happy?
Fool me twice, shame on me. Chris (PYLdude) is right; I know not to feed you anymore.
Brandon Brooks
-
As a guy in public access...all I can ask is would you rather endure 2 hours of me calling high school basketball with only 1 camera to work with?
-
[quote name=\'FOXSportsFan\' post=\'123737\' date=\'Jul 9 2006, 09:04 PM\']
As a guy in public access...all I can ask is would you rather endure 2 hours of me calling high school basketball with only 1 camera to work with?[/quote]
Only if you're also the one operating the camera.
For my educational access channel, we frequently cover sporting events with announcers (high school students) and a single camera. When parents know that the alternative is not to cover the games at all, they're remarkably understanding. And for something like soccer, one camera is often plenty.
-
[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' post=\'123748\' date=\'Jul 9 2006, 11:26 PM\']
[quote name=\'FOXSportsFan\' post=\'123737\' date=\'Jul 9 2006, 09:04 PM\']
As a guy in public access...all I can ask is would you rather endure 2 hours of me calling high school basketball with only 1 camera to work with?[/quote]
Only if you're also the one operating the camera.
For my educational access channel, we frequently cover sporting events with announcers (high school students) and a single camera. When parents know that the alternative is not to cover the games at all, they're remarkably understanding. And for something like soccer, one camera is often plenty.
[/quote]
Matt, funny you mention that, I have done that a few times...not for my current employer, but for the county college when the team allowed me to go with them on the road...so I know how taxing and challenging it can be to announce and operate camera as such. Had to tape my roster to the bannister next to me (I was located at the facility's second level open balcony style fitness center which provided a cool view). The mic I used was a joke...it was a shotgun/boom mic that actually resembles Bob Barker's microphone slightly and it was going schizo on me. Had to borrow athletic tape from the school to tape it on the tripod in such a fashion that it would work. There was very little camera work required as I was situated near one of the baskets as opposed to center court.
Conversely, the Babe Ruth Softball World Series which I'll be announcing next month will use a three camera setup, so that should be interesting and I'm allegedly broadcasting not from the rickety booth, but from field level. I wonder if I'll get hazard pay?
Veering back on topic, yeah it's a simplistic production, Playmania that is. Small studio, 2 cameras (and they look like 10-15 year old cameras like my college had no less), but hey they seem happy with it.
-
[quote name=\'FOXSportsFan\' post=\'123751\' date=\'Jul 10 2006, 12:19 AM\']Matt, funny you mention that, I have done that a few times...not for my current employer, but for the county college when the team allowed me to go with them on the road...so I know how taxing and challenging it can be to announce and operate camera as such. Had to tape my roster to the bannister next to me (I was located at the facility's second level open balcony style fitness center which provided a cool view). [/quote]
Heck, I was just kidding. You really did call the game AND operate the camera at the same time? As Cartman would say, that's hellacool. I send my students out as a threesome, two announcers and one operator, rotating if all three want time with the mike.
-
[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' post=\'123755\' date=\'Jul 10 2006, 12:10 AM\']
I send my students out as a threesome, two announcers and one operator, rotating if all three want time with the mike.
[/quote]
And I bet they're still better than Steve Beverly.
-
[quote name=\'Modor\' post=\'123756\' date=\'Jul 9 2006, 11:02 PM\']
[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' post=\'123755\' date=\'Jul 10 2006, 12:10 AM\']
I send my students out as a threesome, two announcers and one operator, rotating if all three want time with the mike.
[/quote]
And I bet they're still better than Steve Beverly.
[/quote]
Huh?
-
[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' post=\'123755\' date=\'Jul 10 2006, 01:10 AM\']
[quote name=\'FOXSportsFan\' post=\'123751\' date=\'Jul 10 2006, 12:19 AM\']Matt, funny you mention that, I have done that a few times...not for my current employer, but for the county college when the team allowed me to go with them on the road...so I know how taxing and challenging it can be to announce and operate camera as such. Had to tape my roster to the bannister next to me (I was located at the facility's second level open balcony style fitness center which provided a cool view). [/quote]
Heck, I was just kidding. You really did call the game AND operate the camera at the same time? As Cartman would say, that's hellacool. I send my students out as a threesome, two announcers and one operator, rotating if all three want time with the mike.
[/quote]
I never thought I'd see the day that Matt Ottinger quoted Eric Cartman. Can I die a happy man? Not sure, but I shall die a slightly disturbed one. : )
-
Catching up after a quick out-of-town trip...
[quote name=\'PYLdude\' post=\'123687\' date=\'Jul 9 2006, 02:34 PM\']
With this discussion, and some of his past, I've become convinced that melman believes that he's some sort of God on this message board. Just because he doesn't like it, he feels that one of two things must be true:
1) either it must be taken off the air immediately and no mention of it should ever be made again
2) none of us should like it either.
I won't feed the melman anymore, that's for sure.
[/quote]
Oh, come off it. All melman said was that he didn't see the appeal of a low-budget show whose primary appeal is supposed to be its interactivity, particularly when even the interactivity isn't even available on the West Coast. He never said that the show should be taken off the air. He never said that the show shouldn't have fans. And why a network puts a particular show on is a different question from why someone would want to watch (though of course they're related, since a network isn't likely to put something on that NO ONE would watch).
I don't always agree with melman but he isn't a troll, and he sure as hell didn't engage in any insults that warrant being compared to one. Unlike my co-EP, I see more puzzlement than anger in melman's question. I think he's just trying to figure out why people would actively seek this show out, when as Mr. Lemon points out, many of the viewers might not be seeking the show out and just land on it by default.
Looking for an answer to a question that doesn't have an answer isn't exactly new around here... I'm sure Mike Klauss is still asking "Why did God create Malcolm?", for example. :-) It's frustrating for the person asking the question but hardly trolling.
-
O.K. You got me. I'm in the East. I watch hoping for a wardrobe malfunction. There is no reason anyone should watch in the West.
-
[quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' post=\'123771\' date=\'Jul 10 2006, 05:17 AM\']
O.K. You got me. I'm in the East. I watch hoping for a wardrobe malfunction. There is no reason anyone should watch in the West.
[/quote]
Do they ever wear wardrobes in danger of malfunctioning? I've never seen one, thouh I will admit that I have a fairly small sample size to work from.
(perhaps if they DID wear wardrobe with some malfunction potential, that sample size would get...ahem. Erm. 'Scuse me.)
-
[quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' post=\'123771\' date=\'Jul 10 2006, 05:17 AM\']
O.K. You got me. I'm in the East. I watch hoping for a wardrobe malfunction. There is no reason anyone should watch in the West.
[/quote]
Hey, some of us in the West have DirecTV and therefore get the Eastern feed of GSN.
(But I don't have any particular motivation to watch "Playmania," especially since the TiVo means I only watch things live once in a blue moon.)
-
This show is dead. They're 35 minutes into the show and they're playing their third game and the amount of time with no one lined up to play is extensive.
Listening to Mel and Shandi beg for players to try and win a measly $50 isn't entertaining.
-
I thought I was wrong when I saw them waiting longer-than-usual to take their first caller, but evidently the show isn't grabbing as many players as before. Although watching them vamp and have 0 takers would be perversely entertaining. Hmmm...
-Jason
-
[quote name=\'SteveRep\' post=\'124646\' date=\'Jul 21 2006, 12:38 AM\']
This show is dead. They're 35 minutes into the show and they're playing their third game and the amount of time with no one lined up to play is extensive.
Listening to Mel and Shandi beg for players to try and win a measly $50 isn't entertaining.
[/quote]
It seems to me that a lot of this is done on purpose to string things along--the calls are there, the producers are taking their sweet time giving them to Mel so they can drive up the revenue.
Yesterday, I was looking at stuff on the web site of Ofcom, the British broadcasting regulatory agency, and there were complaints about what ukgameshows.com's Iain Weaver calls the "call-and-lose" channels. It seems to me that Ofcom has had to issue a statement regarding the channels, but I'm having trouble finding it today.
-
Last night's (Saturday) show was a horror show. It was like pulling teeth to get through four games. A movie quote (which wasn't even the right quote - it was misquoted!), the top 5 comic strips, a word with missing letters, and the top five movies based on real people.
And the most unpleasant aspect of all? Two contestants named Zach. Oh, the pain.
The most bogus aspect of the phone call scam around this show is that you could conceivably call in 10 times and NEVER get into the player pool. Sucker! You just lost $10 and wasted part of your evening. And its we, the losers, who make the winners' prizes possible.
Next opportunity, I'm moving to Vermont.
-
The most bogus aspect of the phone call scam around this show is that you could conceivably call in 10 times and NEVER get into the player pool.
Conceivably? Try regularly. I've watched & played along with the show about ten times, and never once got the call back. I've tried using one entry per game as well as piling entries on to only a few games (which is never expressedly allowed or disallowed on air or in game documentation. Hurrumph.). Of course, I'm using the free entry which they say carries the same weight as a text, but I'm not so sure...
-Jason
-
I got called back three times using the free entries.
-
[quote name=\'JasonA1\' date=\'Jul 23 2006, 08:33 AM\']I've tried using one entry per game as well as piling entries on to only a few games (which is never expressedly allowed or disallowed on air or in game documentation. Hurrumph.).[/quote]
The on-air personalities have mentioned a couple of times that it is indeed permissible.
Of course, I'm using the free entry which they say carries the same weight as a text, but I'm not so sure...
Well, if it doesn't, they're risking a heck of a lot of legal trouble.
-
[quote name=\'Steve McClellan\' post=\'124824\' date=\'Jul 23 2006, 09:09 AM\']
Well, if it doesn't, they're risking a heck of a lot of legal trouble.
[/quote]
...except a potential plaintiff would have to be able to prove it.
-
[quote name=\'melman1\' post=\'123167\' date=\'Jul 3 2006, 08:06 AM\']
Being up the other night with a sick child, I surfed by "Playmania". Exactly why is this on the air? Are they training new equipment operators late at night when they think nobody's watching? Simply awful.
And on the Western feed, it's aired tape-delayed. So the only possible motivation for watching it, the lame call-in-and-play part of it, isn't even there.
I'm sure this is costing them much more to produce than running the usual B&W shows at that hour. I'm really stumped by this one.
[/quote]
I agree 100% that it is the crappiest show from GSN yet. And people wonder why GSN originals (except for Lingo-one of my favorite shows) don't last long! Lingo is going into its fourth season, which is good. It went past the airing time of Michael Reagan's Lingo in the 1980's. But you can only really ask if the next original's are just as good and will be high in the ratings!
-
[quote name=\'wyoperson888\' post=\'125337\' date=\'Jul 27 2006, 09:43 AM\']
I agree 100% that it is the crappiest show from GSN yet. And people wonder why GSN originals (except for Lingo-one of my favorite shows) don't last long! Lingo is going into its fourth season, which is good. It went past the airing time of Michael Reagan's Lingo in the 1980's. But you can only really ask if the next original's are just as good and will be high in the ratings!
[/quote]
Ratings don't count here--if they can get a steady stream of revenue from participants, they don't have to worry about ratings. Bud Paxson boasted during his days at Home Shopping Network that HSN could have the worst ratings in the world and still turn a profit. That's the lure of something like "PlayMania"--put something on in low-viewing time slots that generates as much as revenue as infomercials, can generate more revenue in that time slot than traditional advertising could and is closer to the GSN remit than infomercials. It's a close call, but I'd almost rather see a "PlayMania" on the schedule than infomercials.
-
[quote name=\'uncamark\' post=\'125371\' date=\'Jul 27 2006, 01:05 PM\']
Ratings don't count here--if they can get a steady stream of revenue from participants, they don't have to worry about ratings.
[/quote]
Except, you'll note from their desperate vamping for ten minutes as the player queue sits empty, they don't have a steady stream of revenue.
-
[quote name=\'uncamark\' post=\'125371\' date=\'Jul 27 2006, 02:05 PM\']
[quote name=\'wyoperson888\' post=\'125337\' date=\'Jul 27 2006, 09:43 AM\']
I agree 100% that it is the crappiest show from GSN yet. And people wonder why GSN originals (except for Lingo-one of my favorite shows) don't last long! Lingo is going into its fourth season, which is good. It went past the airing time of Michael Reagan's Lingo in the 1980's. But you can only really ask if the next original's are just as good and will be high in the ratings!
[/quote]
Ratings don't count here--if they can get a steady stream of revenue from participants, they don't have to worry about ratings. Bud Paxson boasted during his days at Home Shopping Network that HSN could have the worst ratings in the world and still turn a profit. That's the lure of something like "PlayMania"--put something on in low-viewing time slots that generates as much as revenue as infomercials, can generate more revenue in that time slot than traditional advertising could and is closer to the GSN remit than infomercials. It's a close call, but I'd almost rather see a "PlayMania" on the schedule than infomercials.
[/quote]
True, but I have satellite and when it is on at 11:00 p.m., the only people able to watch it are in the west coast or mountain time area. People are asleep by 11:00 (usually). By the time it airs in New York, it is already 1:00 in the morning!
-
[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'125375\' date=\'Jul 27 2006, 03:11 PM\']
[quote name=\'uncamark\' post=\'125371\' date=\'Jul 27 2006, 01:05 PM\']
Ratings don't count here--if they can get a steady stream of revenue from participants, they don't have to worry about ratings.
[/quote]
Except, you'll note from their desperate vamping for ten minutes as the player queue sits empty, they don't have a steady stream of revenue.
[/quote]
I think the desperate vamping is more jerking around with the audience to get more money out of them than any actual lack of participants--which could get them in trouble sooner or later, if proof comes out.
-
I think the desperate vamping is more jerking around with the audience to get more money out of them than any actual lack of participants--which could get them in trouble sooner or later, if proof comes out.
I thought the same thing myself. I think it really starts to make sense when you see the "Player's Lounge" always has only two names (or less) in it, despite the fact that there are three (or even five) possible slots. I highly doubt it's because they're lacking players; I think it's because they want to give the illusion that they still need another player, so people will continue texting in.
I'm probably not up on legal stuff, but I don't quite understand why the whole "vamp for 10 minutes" thing and give the illusion that players are still needed is necessarily illegal; I would think, as long as they do pick their participants randomly, and there's still the free entry method, it becomes more of a "frowned upon" practice as opposed to necessarily illegal.
Could somebody with some knowledge on this kindly enlighten me? :)
Anthony
-
I watched the show a number of times in the earliest weeks and just came back to it recently. While I haven't personally caught an uncomfortable length of vamping, several of my friends have seen them in the more recent shows, which to me would seem to indicate the lack of participation. When the show was new, games were just zipping along.
While I agree with Mark that it's ideal to let the viewers hang and pile on entries, I don't think it's always the case. For example, the times where they make no mistake this is what they're doing. For instance, when Mel offers a "clue" to the answer(s) they want, they'll take a noticeable pause, despite what was earlier a steady stream of callers. Or when they offer a bonus to the next caller - such as "double money for the next caller" or "two guesses for the next two callers" - they will always let the offer stay up for a while. This is obviously so Joe Sixpack thinks he can swoop in and take whatever money there is on offer. They've recently taken to having commercials midgame, even after giving away a hint. As if the pause wasn't enough of a hint, after said pause is over, the "Lounge" doesn't include its normal verifying prompt, instead jumping to the names immediately.
Quick aside to those who have been on - what exactly happens when you get the call and summarily go on the show? I've been on radio call in shows before, so I think it's similar, but I'm interested to hear it from PlayMania contestants specifically.
-Jason
-
Quick aside to those who have been on - what exactly happens when you get the call and summarily go on the show?
A producer calls you, they tell you to stay on the line and lower the volume on your tv (they give you the audio through the phone). If the on-air host gets to you, you immediately talk to the on-air host. If someone else wins the game, they hang up on you without another word if you are waiting the players lounge (see your name on the TV). One time I was not initially in the players lounge and someone had won the game, so they gave me a chance to play the next game. They have called me three times. One time I hit the wrong button on my cell phone by accident and hung up on them, and they did not call me back.
-
[quote name=\'goongas\' post=\'125580\' date=\'Jul 28 2006, 08:17 PM\']
One time I hit the wrong button on my cell phone by accident and hung up on them, and they did not call me back.
[/quote]
Ya think?
-
[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'125375\' date=\'Jul 27 2006, 04:11 PM\']
[quote name=\'uncamark\' post=\'125371\' date=\'Jul 27 2006, 01:05 PM\']
Ratings don't count here--if they can get a steady stream of revenue from participants, they don't have to worry about ratings.
[/quote]
Except, you'll note from their desperate vamping for ten minutes as the player queue sits empty, they don't have a steady stream of revenue.
[/quote]
Actually that is a tactic they use to get more people to call. Even though the queue stays empty there are in fact people on hold waiting to play. This has happened to my wife a couple of times. She has been called back several times using the free entry system and has won several hundred dollars.
-
Probably good to vamp for 10 minutes and get a decent queue than to alternate vamping and playing every 2 minutes. Besides, they need to get the people who are too impatient to wait for the dollar values to go up.
I must say that from the part of the 2nd show that I watched to the bits and pieces I see now, I must say that they do have a solid piece of programming. It may not be all that great, but it's solid. I just wish that they could up the budget a little. (Has anyone won $200 cash at once yet?) Perhaps a simulfeed with the West Coast could rack up enough funds to do so. How hard would it be?
I'm amused tonight especially because there was a highly indirect reference to FF7.
-
[quote name=\'Joe Mello\' post=\'125654\' date=\'Jul 30 2006, 01:33 AM\']
I'm amused tonight especially because there was a highly indirect reference to FF7.
[/quote]
I am assuming you mean Final Fantasy 7? Oh the days........That was, to date, the best RPG I've ever played. I think very highly of it. Back in '97, it owned me....I should have had my mail put on hold!
Speaking of which (and sorry for veering a bit off topic), I could have sworn there was a computer game that DID come with an authorization to hold your mail, but the name escapes me...
-
I know it's a little late for someone else to be entering their opinion, on page 10, but since I'm new here I thought I'd just give the reason why I enjoy watching the show. Basically, I work unconventional hours and often need to spend time during the overnight hours at home tying up some loose ends. I just recently got GSN, but it's become a tradition for me, if it's a PlayMania night, to turn it on and have it in the background while I'm working. Since my computer and TV are near each other, I'll just enter online for free and keep my cell phone nearby in case they call me.
It's a fun show just to have on as a supplemental thing, but not necessarily something I'd just sit and gaze excitedly at the TV for hours to watch. Banking on this mentality may have something to do with why they air it at such a late time.
-
[quote name=\'Patrick S\' post=\'126647\' date=\'Aug 8 2006, 05:30 PM\']
I just recently got GSN, but it's become a tradition for me, if it's a PlayMania night, to turn it on and have it in the background while I'm working. Since my computer and TV are near each other, I'll just enter online for free and keep my cell phone nearby in case they call me.[/quote]
Have you won anything yet?
-
[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' post=\'126648\' date=\'Aug 8 2006, 05:47 PM\']
Have you won anything yet?
[/quote]
Nope ;). Have yet to be called back. But like I said it's just something I do sort of absent-mindedly on the side, so I don't mind. Hopefully if I keep entering 10 times every show I'll be called eventually
-
[quote name=\'Patrick S\' post=\'126650\' date=\'Aug 8 2006, 06:21 PM\']
Nope ;). Have yet to be called back. But like I said it's just something I do sort of absent-mindedly on the side, so I don't mind. Hopefully if I keep entering 10 times every show I'll be called eventually.
[/quote]
Good luck to ya...hope you don't rack up a huge cell bill.
-
[quote name=\'PYLdude\' post=\'126678\' date=\'Aug 8 2006, 08:55 PM\']
Good luck to ya...hope you don't rack up a huge cell bill.
[/quote]
I doubt he will, since, if you read his original post, he enters on the web site for free instead of dropping the buck for the text message.
-
[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'126680\' date=\'Aug 9 2006, 12:12 AM\']
[quote name=\'PYLdude\' post=\'126678\' date=\'Aug 8 2006, 08:55 PM\']
Good luck to ya...hope you don't rack up a huge cell bill.
[/quote]
I doubt he will, since, if you read his original post, he enters on the web site for free instead of dropping the buck for the text message.
[/quote]
Oh, duh...damn you, multitasking!
-
Well I just got my first call back. It was during the "water ___" game and I totally had "water slide". However, after they called me, there were at least five players who went on the show first. I never even got to appear in the player's lounge. That "Chris B" guy beat me to glory.
But knowing now that it is actually possible to get a call, I will no longer feel like I am just wasting my time in vain.
-
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128007\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 02:13 AM\']
Well, I just made my seventh appearance on the show. (Fourth game, third email)
[/quote]
How are you even eligible to play? Don't you have to be 18?
-
[quote name=\'Modor\' post=\'128037\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 01:11 PM\']
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128007\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 02:13 AM\']
Well, I just made my seventh appearance on the show. (Fourth game, third email)
[/quote]
How are you even eligible to play? Don't you have to be 18?
[/quote]
His signature says that he plays as his father.
-
So, wait, is GSN not even confirming the eligibility of it's contestants anymore?
-
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128007\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 03:13 AM\']
Well, I just made my seventh appearance on the show. (Fourth game, third email) I played a Top 5 game with the category of "Top 5 Karaoke Songs". I Guessed (and was forced to sing a line from) "I Got You Babe", but was incorrect. And in case anyone is wondering, here were my other PM appearances:[/quote]
I happened to be watching then! Shandi did a really, really bad Cher impression.
Not a bad guess, Chad.
-
The last few times I tried to play for free online, I noticed that some of the times you submit you get a "Sorry" message, whereas before you always got a "good luck, PlayMania may call you at...".
I figured this was just some sort of ruse so the free entrants use their 10 up quickly and give the show more revenue from texts. But now on last night's program, Shandi was explaining how the texters either get sorry/"good luck" as well. I got three good lucks of 10 entries last night and not so much as a call. So it's basically "congratulations, you're a slightly higher tier of random selectability than if you got the sorry message!"
Ugh.
-Jason
-
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128045\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 11:33 AM\']
[quote name=\'Seth Thrasher\' post=\'128039\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 01:39 PM\']
So, wait, is GSN not even confirming the eligibility of it's contestants anymore?
[/quote]
When they first call you, they just ask for your name. If you sound underage (which apparently I don't), they'll ask for your birthdate, but for anyone else, they don't ask for any other information until you win.
[/quote]
So I just gotta say that I question the intelligence of someone who is basically admitting in a public forum that they are defrauding GSN. It sounds like they don't care, but still.
-
So now hold on. You say "until you win". Does this mean that they're still asking for your details after you win? If so, wouldn't they want to make sure you're who you say you are?
If GSN is permitting, intentionally or not, contestants under 18 to enter PlayMania, and aren't making absolutely sure their contestants are who/what they claim to be, this can't end well for them. (I'd imagine at some point some angry parent is going to see $50 worth of text messaging fees on their mobile bill, start asking questions, and it get incredibly ugly for *all involved)
And for what it's worth, admitting on a public forum (which I harbor few doubts that people connected with the network see) that you're under the age of entering into the contests, and citing the episodes you appear on in both posts and your signature, might not have been the wisest thing.
Does give the impression that GSN doesn't seem to care, but as I said, at some point, some angry parent's gonna wonder how Skippy racked up a large number of texting fees, and when they do, it won't be pretty.
-
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128051\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 11:51 AM\']
Well, first off, I would appreciate it if the insuinuation that I am unintelligent please cease.
[/quote]
Well, don't do things that would lead people to believe that you are.
And, even if I did get "caught," on one of the PlayMania pages, it mentions that in the event that a minor wins, then the winnings can be transferred to their parents.
Okay, so it covers that. So why even engage in the whole lying-about-your-identity thing? There wouldn't even be a QUESTION if you were just up-front about it, had your dad get paid off, and then have your dad pay you when the money shows up. Which, since you're representing that you're your dad anyhow, is probably how it happens now.
But, whatever. I'll stop all mentioning of my PlayMania appearances.
Way to completely miss the point. Have fun, kiddo.
-
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128051\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 02:51 PM\']
Well, first off, I would appreciate it if the insuinuation that I am unintelligent please cease. Secondly, I only enter online (the free method), so I know better than to piss off my parents. I can't speak for others, but that's just me. And, even if I did get "caught," on one of the PlayMania pages, it mentions that in the event that a minor wins, then the winnings can be transferred to their parents. My father has given me full permission to use his name, so it's not unlike if he had me wait to talk to PlayMania while he was in the bathroom, but I was the one talking on line because he didn't get back in time. But, whatever. I'll stop all mentioning of my PlayMania appearances.
[/quote]
From the Playmania FAQ (http://\"http://www.gsn.com/playmania/elements/pdfs/PlayMania_FAQs.pdf\") (PDF file):
4. Who Can Enter?
PlayMania is open only to legal U.S. residents who, at the time of entry, are residents of, and are physically present in the United States (excluding Arizona, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, Vermont, Puerto Rico), and who are eighteen (18) years of age or older as of the start date of the Promotion. You may be asked for proof of age before your prize is sent.
If there is indeed such a link where "it mentions that in the event that a minor wins, then the winnings can be transferred to their parents," please provide it.
EDIT: Ah, here (http://\"http://www.gsn.com/playmania/rules.php\") it is... under #8, "Winner of the PlayMania." Am I missing something or is GSN contradicting itself?
-
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128056\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 03:08 PM\']
From another PlayMania rules (http://\"http://www.gsn.com/playmania/rules.php\") page (See number eight)
In the event that the Potential Winner is considered a minor under the laws of his or her state of residency, the Prize will be awarded in the name of the Potential Winner’s parent or legal guardian.
EDIT: I posted this before you edited yourself. Damned moderated posts.
[/quote]
Incorrect. I posted it one minute before, then added the "Edited by..." disclaimer seconds before you posted.
Damned dishonest newbies.
-
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128060\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 02:15 PM\']
You don't need to quote me, I'm right above you. [/quote]
Not really a good way to have the moderators on your side.
Besides, his post might not always be above yours. Sometimes, a post appears in between, due to being on moderated status, someone posting at the same time, etc.
I was always told to quote to avoid confusion, but that's just me.
It's not like you guys are playing, so what does it matter to you?
Actually, I have played in the past; it grinds my gears to hear that people who probably shouldn't be allowed to play are getting in...while others are on the outside looking in.
maybe I'm not as experienced as you in the game show field and community.
You've been on Jeopardy, which is more than I can say...though I don't think people appreciate seeing it in every post.
-
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128060\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 03:15 PM\']
You don't need to quote me, I'm right above you.
[/quote]
Should someone happen to post between your message and mine, a quote makes clear which message I'm answering.
(Hint: only new members, and those whose behavior makes it necessary, have their posts moderated. You're in the first group. Feel like joining the second?
Anyway, does that clear anything up? It's not like you guys are playing, so what does it matter to you?
Call us crazy, but dishonesty matters to us.
You're going to look down upon me one way or another, whether it be that I'm sixteen or that I watch PlayMania or maybe I'm not as experienced as you in the game show field and community.
We have had members who were younger than sixteen, at least one of the moderators watches PlayMania (I probably would too if I still had GSN), and our membership comprises a broad range of levels of game show experience and knowledge.
Hint: if you go onto a forum where people expect mature discussion and brag about being dishonest, then make false accusations when you're called on it, you're not going to have a pleasant experience. Calm down, read what others are posting, and put some thought into your own words before you post.
-
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128060\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 12:15 PM\']
You don't need to quote me, I'm right above you.
[/quote]
No, there are lots of good reasons to quote the relevant portion (repeat, not just for Chad but for the rest of the n00bs: the RELEVANT portion) of the post you're referring to, some of which Mark mentioned above.
Anyway, does that clear anything up? It's not like you guys are playing, so what does it matter to you?
Doesn't. All I said was that being public didn't sound too wise to me. Then you flipped out and got pissy because you're apparently incapable of separating a comment about your actions from a comment about you personally.
You're going to look down upon me one way or another, whether it be that I'm sixteen or that I watch PlayMania or maybe I'm not as experienced as you in the game show field and community.
Or that you flip out and get pissy because someone asks some questions about your actions.
[quote name=\'Modor\' post=\'128061\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 12:19 PM\']
Not really a good way to have the moderators on your side.
[/quote]
Oh, the irony. :)
You've been on Jeopardy, which is more than I can say...though I don't think people appreciate seeing it in every post.
You're aware that you can turn off signatures, right? Nobody's making you look at that.
-
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128060\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 02:15 PM\']
You don't need to quote me, I'm right above you.
[/quote]
1)I'm not sure how posts per page align, but it might be possible that on certain settings the thread splits into two pages between your and Dave's posts. Nevermind that someone could post between you. EDIT: For example, I got beaten to the draw by both Chris and Dave while trying to post this, even though from my POV you were right above me.
It's not like you guys are playing, so what does it matter to you?
Because this is the GSN section of the site, you're a member OF this site, Playmania airs on GSN, and if it comes up the network is allowing folks under the age of 18 - you - to play it's programs, which first GSN says you can't do, then turns right around and backtracks and says if a contestant is under 18, they'll go ahead and award the prize anyway....it's just a might bit shady business on their part, at least I think
You're going to look down upon me one way or another,
Conduct yourself like a reasonable, thoughtful, semi-intelligent individual and you'll easily be afforded the same respect as ANY other member of this forum.
whether it be that I'm sixteen
Oh come on, seriously. There are/were members of this site in their forties that have been thrown out with great pleasure, and there are users YOUR age who, due to the way they behave on the board (reasonably and intelligently), who are considered upstanding pillars of the community.
or that I watch PlayMania
No negative points there. At least since you're apparently using the free entires, and not actually paying the 99 cent one-off to get to talk for a couple minutes with a couple of late night game show hostesses.
-
[quote name=\'Seth Thrasher\' post=\'128066\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 12:28 PM\']
At least since you're apparently using the free entires, and not actually paying the 99 cent one-off to get to talk for a couple minutes with a couple of late night game show hostesses.
[/quote]
Considering what some people pay per minute to talk to a real live woman, 99 cents might well be a steal. :)
-
[quote name=\'Modor\' post=\'128061\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 12:19 PM\']
Not really a good way to have the moderators on your side.
Oh, the irony. :) [/quote]
And Chris gets 5 bonus points for correct usage, boys and girls.
[quote name=\'clemon79\'][You've been on Jeopardy, which is more than I can say...though I don't think people appreciate seeing it in every post.
You're aware that you can turn off signatures, right? Nobody's making you look at that.
[/quote]
I guess what caught my eye was a 3 line post, and a seven line signature. :)
-
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128069\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 03:30 PM\']
Okay, I'm going to apologize for any rash comments or accusations I may have made (especially with the quote box - I completely forgot about modded posts). I'm not trying to be a jerk, but when I've got four different people "coming at me", I tend to get defensive. I've been a lurker at this board for quite some time and only recently have I decided to join. This is a great group of people and I don't want you guys hating me on my first week. I'd be willing to just stop discussion of this and just move on. Again, I apologize for my moments where I was an ass.
[/quote]
Apology accepted, at least by me. Just stay calm and consider your words a bit more carefully, and you'll be a lot better off from now on.
-
To get back to GSN's apparent rules contradiction:
"In the event that the Potential Winner is considered a minor under the laws of his or her state of residency"
Is it possible that they're covering situations where someone is 18 years old or older, but is still "considered a minor"?
ARE there such situations?
-
[quote name=\'Robert Hutchinson\' post=\'128081\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 01:01 PM\']
Is it possible that they're covering situations where someone is 18 years old or older, but is still "considered a minor"?
ARE there such situations?
[/quote]
God knows we have a few of those around here. ;)
(Seriously, though, no, I don't think so.)
-
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128069\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 03:30 PM\']
Okay, I truly apologize for any rash comments or accusations I may have made (especially with the quote box - I completely forgot about modded posts). I'm not trying to be a jerk, but when I've got four different people "coming at me", I tend to get defensive. I've been a lurker at this board for quite some time and only recently have I decided to join. This is a great group of people and I don't want you guys hating me on my first week. I'd be willing to just stop discussion of this and just move on. Again, I apologize for my moments where I was an ass.[/quote]
Pretty decent apology, I'd say. In Chad's defense, if I was sixteen years old and had already been on Jeopardy, not to mention a national call-in game and my high school quiz team, I'd get defensive in a hurry too if someone questioned my intelligence. Also, let's not lose sight of the fact that Chad was, in fact, right to point out that GSN has some goofy-ass contradictory rules. (Though I may be paraphrasing with the "goofy-ass".)
-
[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' post=\'128088\' date=\'Aug 19 2006, 04:13 PM\']
Pretty decent apology, I'd say.
[/quote]
Certainly works for me. I'm somewhat surprised -- far too often the new guys decide that they're automatically right and everyone else is wrong, and they refuse to concede any ground. It's been so long since someone backed off and promised to do better that I'm not quite sure how to handle it.
If Chad is a regular at the GSN boards, he doesn't seem to have allowed it to rub off on him. :-)
In Chad's defense, if I was sixteen years old and had already been on Jeopardy, not to mention a national call-in game and my high school quiz team, I'd get defensive in a hurry too if someone questioned my intelligence. Also, let's not lose sight of the fact that Chad was, in fact, right to point out that GSN has some goofy-ass contradictory rules. (Though I may be paraphrasing with the "goofy-ass".)
In fairness, GSN has done enough stupid things in the past that I shouldn't have been so quick to believe that it wasn't contradicting itself. Chad, I apologize in turn for giving GSN way too much credit.
-
This is meant as no disrespect to Chad himself, but rather the system as a whole. It doesn't help personally as somebody who has contributed a lot of moments of PlayMania frustration to the thread to hear that somebody underage has gotten on numerous times - and the rules basically allow it!! GSN could save themselves money if the rule were "contestants found to be underage will lose their winnings" rather than having it transfer. Unless there's a bizarre tax writeoff on giving away money on a text-in show...
-Jason
-
Well, from the sounds of it, being underage isn't illegal. It just sounds like if someone underage wins, the monies have to be paid to their parents. Which makes sense. So I dunno if I would look at it that way.
-
[quote name=\'JasonA1\' post=\'128156\' date=\'Aug 20 2006, 01:01 AM\']
This is meant as no disrespect to Chad himself, but rather the system as a whole. It doesn't help personally as somebody who has contributed a lot of moments of PlayMania frustration to the thread to hear that somebody underage has gotten on numerous times - and the rules basically allow it!! GSN could save themselves money if the rule were "contestants found to be underage will lose their winnings" rather than having it transfer. [/quote]
You might just as well say GSN would save money if they only let people named Jason play, and the rule were "contestants found to be not named Jason will lose their winnings." If the rules allow a minor to play, then minors can play.
-
Wow, have I been cursedly lucky this weekend or what? I got a call for the Missing Link game ???? STRING/HORN/LACE. I didn't make it into the Player's Lounge, but I was held on the line. I thought they might let me carry over into the next game, but sadly, they didn't. =( All well, that's more luck than I deserve.
-
Maybe this story is a telling sign, but here goes.
I was exiting church(!) this afternoon, and a couple guys were talking and out popped the word "Playmania". Said person also couldn't sleep, but I couldn't determine whether Playmania was the cause.
So, perhaps that's GSN's target: Insomniacs with money to burn and a gaming jones.
-
[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' post=\'128167\' date=\'Aug 20 2006, 02:37 AM\']
[quote name=\'JasonA1\' post=\'128156\' date=\'Aug 20 2006, 01:01 AM\']
This is meant as no disrespect to Chad himself, but rather the system as a whole. It doesn't help personally as somebody who has contributed a lot of moments of PlayMania frustration to the thread to hear that somebody underage has gotten on numerous times - and the rules basically allow it!! GSN could save themselves money if the rule were "contestants found to be underage will lose their winnings" rather than having it transfer. [/quote]
You might just as well say GSN would save money if they only let people named Jason play, and the rule were "contestants found to be not named Jason will lose their winnings." If the rules allow a minor to play, then minors can play.
[/quote]
I agree.
Jason, I know you weren't intending it, but to me you came off as a really sore loser there. Admittedly, I can't blame you for feeling that way (I had a similar feeling of being cheated when I lost the PA announcer job I tried out for last year to a guy who wasn't as good as half the people there and had worked for the team before...). But the way you said it came off wrong, IMO.
I go to Joe Mello for a second:
So, perhaps that's GSN's target: Insomniacs with money to burn and a gaming jones.
Online poker sites beware.
-
[quote name=\'PYLdude\' post=\'128208\' date=\'Aug 20 2006, 12:50 PM\']
(I had a similar feeling of being cheated when I lost the PA announcer job I tried out for last year to a guy who wasn't as good as half the people there and had worked for the team before...).
[/quote]
You didn't lose a gig to Sherry Davis, who would go on to ask how a player's name was pronounced...while the mic was still open.
-
[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'128211\' date=\'Aug 20 2006, 03:53 PM\']
[quote name=\'PYLdude\' post=\'128208\' date=\'Aug 20 2006, 12:50 PM\']
(I had a similar feeling of being cheated when I lost the PA announcer job I tried out for last year to a guy who wasn't as good as half the people there and had worked for the team before...).
[/quote]
You didn't lose a gig to Sherry Davis, who would go on to ask how a player's name was pronounced...while the mic was still open.
[/quote]
Suddenly I don't feel as bad.
(Still had the mic open when asking for pronunciation? Geez.)
-
Was anyone able to catch the new game on Playmania last night? I'm not 100% on how it works.
-
This is my write-up at Wikipedia:
Name the Catch Phrase
A rebus based on a popular, everyday phrase is given. (i.e. VA DERS would be Space Invaders, because there is a space in the word "Vaders".) The caller must identify what the "decoded" phrase is. This game debuted on the August 18 episode.
-
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128240\' date=\'Aug 20 2006, 05:44 PM\']
(i.e. VA DERS would be Space Invaders, because there is a space in the word "Vaders".)
[/quote]
I totally don't get that. Try explaining it again?
-
I'm not entirely sure if that's sarcasm, but I'm in a nice mood so I'll give a different example.
MILL1ION
As you can see, one is in the word "million." So, the phrase described in the rebus is "One in a million." Below is one more example.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/chad1m/longtime.jpg (http://\"http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/chad1m/longtime.jpg\")
The word "time" is obviously morphed, making it long. The letters below "time" are in alphabetical order, but the "c" is missing. If you put both visuals together, you get "Long time, no see."
-
[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'128244\' date=\'Aug 20 2006, 09:07 PM\']
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128240\' date=\'Aug 20 2006, 05:44 PM\']
(i.e. VA DERS would be Space Invaders, because there is a space in the word "Vaders".)
[/quote]
I totally don't get that. Try explaining it again?
[/quote]
I think I've been around long enough that I think my sarcasm detector is working well and that you honestly didn't get it.
VA DERS
There is a space between VA and DERS.
"Space in VA DERS"
-
[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'128244\' date=\'Aug 20 2006, 09:07 PM\']
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128240\' date=\'Aug 20 2006, 05:44 PM\']
(i.e. VA DERS would be Space Invaders, because there is a space in the word "Vaders".)
[/quote]
I totally don't get that. Try explaining it again?
[/quote]
The space in the word "vaders". Space in (the word) vaders. Space invaders.
-
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128245\' date=\'Aug 20 2006, 06:09 PM\']
I'm not entirely sure if that's sarcasm, but I'm in a nice mood so I'll give a different example.
[/quote]
No, I honestly didn't get it.
[quote name=\'aaron sica\' post=\'128246\' date=\'Aug 20 2006, 06:12 PM\']
VA DERS
There is a space between VA and DERS.
"Space in VA DERS"
[/quote]
AHHHH. NOW I get it. Okay, that's better than my original guess, which was that I was supposed to extrapolate "Space Invaders" from just "VA DERS", and that the space indicated that the answer was two words.
I like this MUCH better. :)
-
[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'128254\' date=\'Aug 20 2006, 09:32 PM\']
AHHHH. NOW I get it. Okay, that's better than my original guess, which was that I was supposed to extrapolate "Space Invaders" from just "VA DERS", and that the space indicated that the answer was two words.[/quote]
This type of puzzle has been around a while, but I'm not sure there's a particular name for it. (Mackeys, any idea?) It's not really a rebus, more like a visual pun. Like a lot of puns, sometimes they're so bad/easy that they're not very interesting. (The word 'think' above a rectangle: "Think outside the box")
They turn up in newspapers and magazines a lot, but I'm not sure they're going to be good for PlayMania. For most of the show's puzzles, there are lots of possible answers, and each wrong guess provides more information for the next person. With these, you either have it figured out or you don't, there's rarely a "guess" involved. They don't seem like the sort of thing that would play well on the show.
-
[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' post=\'128259\' date=\'Aug 20 2006, 07:13 PM\']
This type of puzzle has been around a while, but I'm not sure there's a particular name for it. (Mackeys, any idea?) It's not really a rebus, more like a visual pun. Like a lot of puns, sometimes they're so bad/easy that they're not very interesting. (The word 'think' above a rectangle: "Think outside the box")
[/quote]
Yeah, there's a name for it, but I can't think of it right now. I know they show up in Games Magazine with a fair amount of regularity; whatever they call it is as good of a defacto name for them as anything.
-
I knew it wasn't a rebus because that's more of a pictoral thing, but I thought it was better than calling it a visual riddle.
-
They're known as "plexers".
-
Games Magazine calls them "Wacky Wordies"; I don't know if there's any canonical name for this type of puzzle though.
-
Wuzzles?
-
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128411\' date=\'Aug 22 2006, 01:51 AM\']
Go figure, someone at the GSN boards is bitching about me. Oh well.
[/quote]
Trust me, Chad -- you should take that as a compliment. (At least until someone writes borderline-pornographic fan fiction about you. ;-)
-
[quote name=\'dzinkin\' post=\'128426\' date=\'Aug 22 2006, 06:10 AM\']
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'128411\' date=\'Aug 22 2006, 01:51 AM\']
Go figure, someone at the GSN boards is bitching about me. Oh well.
[/quote]
Trust me, Chad -- you should take that as a compliment. (At least until someone writes borderline-pornographic fan fiction about you. ;-)
[/quote]
You just had to give her the idea, didn't you? ;)
-
[quote name=\'Fedya\' post=\'128266\' date=\'Aug 20 2006, 10:44 PM\']
Games Magazine calls them "Wacky Wordies"; I don't know if there's any canonical name for this type of puzzle though.
[/quote]
I'll ask Will Shortz; he should know the genesis of that type of puzzle. I'll report back.
-
StarFace is a top 5 TV show beginning with 'S' according to PlayMania. They took up most of the first hour with this one top 5 game...Who would answer StarFace? Playmania must be adjusting the results in order to advertise the new show, shameless IMO.
-
[quote name=\'goongas\' post=\'129271\' date=\'Aug 26 2006, 09:58 PM\']
StarFace is a top 5 TV show beginning with 'S' according to PlayMania. They took up most of the first hour with this one top 5 game...Who would answer StarFace? Playmania must be adjusting the results in order to advertise the new show, shameless IMO.
[/quote]
Wow. I came across that in passing whilst switching my TV over to the Xbox tonight, right about the time they jacked the values up to $150 per. That is absolutely ludicrous. Maybe they AREN'T gonna show TPiR after all.
-
[quote name=\'davemackey\' post=\'129204\' date=\'Aug 26 2006, 08:39 AM\']
[quote name=\'Fedya\' post=\'128266\' date=\'Aug 20 2006, 10:44 PM\']
Games Magazine calls them "Wacky Wordies"; I don't know if there's any canonical name for this type of puzzle though.
[/quote]
I'll ask Will Shortz; he should know the genesis of that type of puzzle. I'll report back.
[/quote]
Mr. Shortz concurs that "wacky wordies" and "rebuses" are the two most valid monickers for that sort of puzzle.
-
You can sharpen up those puzzle solving skills if you catch a copy of the MB board game Whatzit? in a second-hand store. It may have been re-issued by another outfit.
-
[quote name=\'The Ol' Guy\' post=\'129281\' date=\'Aug 27 2006, 01:52 AM\']
You can sharpen up those puzzle solving skills if you catch a copy of the MB board game Whatzit? in a second-hand store. It may have been re-issued by another outfit.
[/quote]RoseArt reissued the game in 2001, with full color puzzles and other sorts of Whatzit? categories, besides just using words.
(Isn't this fairly close to what "Catch Phrase" used as their mainstay, with the exception that a Catch Phrase was not necessarily words only?)
-
[quote name=\'goongas\' post=\'129271\' date=\'Aug 27 2006, 12:58 AM\']
StarFace is a top 5 TV show beginning with 'S' according to PlayMania. They took up most of the first hour with this one top 5 game...Who would answer StarFace? Playmania must be adjusting the results in order to advertise the new show, shameless IMO.
[/quote]
You also have to remember that these surveys can also be taken online, so if you're having trouble thinking of an answer online and you see a big banner ad featuring Starface, what are you going to put down?
-
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'129307\' date=\'Aug 27 2006, 12:35 PM\']
what are you going to put down?
[/quote]
Erm....Studs?
-
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'129307\' date=\'Aug 27 2006, 10:35 AM\']
You also have to remember that these surveys can also be taken online, so if you're having trouble thinking of an answer online and you see a big banner ad featuring Starface, what are you going to put down?
[/quote]
Good point, but all it proves is that the people taking the survey were utter morons. (Wait. GSN boards. Never mind.) No writer with any sense of conscience would have greenlighted that to be PRESENTED to see air.
-
[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'129310\' date=\'Aug 27 2006, 12:50 PM\']
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'129307\' date=\'Aug 27 2006, 10:35 AM\']
You also have to remember that these surveys can also be taken online, so if you're having trouble thinking of an answer online and you see a big banner ad featuring Starface, what are you going to put down?
[/quote]
Good point, but all it proves is that the people taking the survey were utter morons. (Wait. GSN boards. Never mind.) No writer with any sense of conscience would have greenlighted that to be PRESENTED to see air.
[/quote]
I was curious to the survey aspect online. Here were the 5 questions I got:
"Favorite Movie that Drags On and On" (I don't have any favorites that drag on and on)
"Favorite Song with Clothing in the Title (i.e. Blue Suede Shoes)"
"Favorite Song with Colors in the Title"
"Favorite Movie Beginning with "L"(Couldn't think of one. The survey accepted a blank as an answer)
"Favorite Movie Beginning with "M"
(they actually use crap like this on air?)
You then got to submit your own survey.
Ugh.
-
Of course they use that crap, because not only will they make huge revenues with stall tactics, but the scant few callers that do get through will likely be wrong. Yippee!
Not that the caliber of player is exactly the best. "Top 5 Movie Sequels" was the subject a few weeks ago, and one of the first guesses was "Lethal Weapon." No particular number or anything, just "Lethal Weapon." Also guessed was the brilliant cinema classic, "Rush Hour 2." Keep in mind, these weren't desperation "throwing anything at the wall" tries - Weapon was first out of the gate, and Rush Hour came a few guesses later.
But anyway, the thing I find funniest about their surveys (in a it's-so-bad-it's-funny sarcastic sort of way), is the site will often put an example up for you. Like "Songs with a Color in the Title (ex: White Christmas)." Personally, I picked one other than White Christmas just to spite the survey's title. I wonder just how many people answer with the example in those cases? Knowing their boards, it's gotta be a high percentage.
-Jason
-
They could easily just stop using the word "top", have viewers try to guess whichever five they have on the list, and voila, it's Pass the Buck '06!
-
I bet there'd be no lack of call volume. Considering the whacked possibilities that turn up on the surveys, this may even give us more sensical answers.
-Jason
-
[quote name=\'ChrisLambert!\' post=\'129350\' date=\'Aug 27 2006, 04:13 PM\']
They could easily just stop using the word "top", have viewers try to guess whichever five they have on the list, and voila, it's Pass the Buck '06![/quote]
That is essentially the idea behind another one of their games, where the first two letters are missing from a five-letter word. Many answers are possible, and callers guess until they come up with the one preselected answer.
-
[quote name=\'ChrisLambert!\' post=\'129350\' date=\'Aug 27 2006, 03:13 PM\']
They could easily just stop using the word "top", have viewers try to guess whichever five they have on the list, and voila, it's Pass the Buck '06!
[/quote]
Seeing the words "Playmania" and "Pass the Buck" in such close proximity makes me feel uncomfortable...
-
In my opinion, of the five surveys Mark posted, the only one that looked moderately interesting was "movies that dragged on and on"
A lot of PlayMania's surveys looked like they escaped Family Feud's Writers Office. Guess it can't be helped......somewhat.
Even though I have had limited viewing, I'd have to say the most interesting surveys were Mel and Shandi's Top 5 Sexiest Men just because they were personal lists and not generic idiot savants.
/Expects a retort to that last line.
-
Anyone else notice REAL ADVERTISING now appearing on PlayMania, not just GSN promos? I guess they've started selling it now... try to get those ad dollars away from TBS and their Midnight Money Madness...
-
Also, Playmania is now on Sundays apparently.`
-
They've been on Sundays for about two or three weeks, now. Rumors are that they may expand to the whole week, minus a day.
-
And that will indeed happen, Tuesday through Sunday, starting October 3.
-
Tuesday-Sunday?? Oh boy, just what we needed. I just got one question: Why?
-
[quote name=\'mbc793\' post=\'132814\' date=\'Sep 27 2006, 05:06 PM\']Tuesday-Sunday?? Oh boy, just what we needed. I just got one question: Why?[/quote]
Money money money money money. Playmania makes more of it than the reruns that air at that time.
-
[quote name=\'MikeK\' post=\'132818\' date=\'Sep 27 2006, 04:31 PM\']
[quote name=\'mbc793\' post=\'132814\' date=\'Sep 27 2006, 05:06 PM\']Tuesday-Sunday?? Oh boy, just what we needed. I just got one question: Why?[/quote]
Money money money money money.[/quote]
That only covers five of the days. EDIT: What happens on the sixth day?
/Best joke response wins a hearty handshake, a pat on the back and the warm glow of victory.
Doug -- and the countdown to 2300 continues
-
[quote name=\'SRIV94\' post=\'132821\' date=\'Sep 27 2006, 04:36 PM\']
[quote name=\'MikeK\' post=\'132818\' date=\'Sep 27 2006, 04:31 PM\']
[quote name=\'mbc793\' post=\'132814\' date=\'Sep 27 2006, 05:06 PM\']Tuesday-Sunday?? Oh boy, just what we needed. I just got one question: Why?[/quote]
Money money money money money.[/quote]
That only covers five of the days. What happens of the sixth day?[/quote]
Mel rests--unless her pimp calls for her.
[Angus Deayton] Allegedly. [AD]
-
[quote name=\'SRIV94\' post=\'132821\' date=\'Sep 27 2006, 05:36 PM\']
[quote name=\'MikeK\' post=\'132818\' date=\'Sep 27 2006, 04:31 PM\']
[quote name=\'mbc793\' post=\'132814\' date=\'Sep 27 2006, 05:06 PM\']Tuesday-Sunday?? Oh boy, just what we needed. I just got one question: Why?[/quote]
Money money money money money.[/quote]
That only covers five of the days. EDIT: What happens on the sixth day?[/quote]
Two hours of e-mails from drunk college students saying that Shandi is HAWWWWT. That or a game of the best TV shows ever where one of the answers is StarFace.
-
[quote name=\'MikeK\' post=\'132827\' date=\'Sep 27 2006, 04:58 PM\']
[quote name=\'SRIV94\' post=\'132821\' date=\'Sep 27 2006, 05:36 PM\']
[quote name=\'MikeK\' post=\'132818\' date=\'Sep 27 2006, 04:31 PM\']
[quote name=\'mbc793\' post=\'132814\' date=\'Sep 27 2006, 05:06 PM\']Tuesday-Sunday?? Oh boy, just what we needed. I just got one question: Why?[/quote]
Money money money money money.[/quote]
That only covers five of the days. EDIT: What happens on the sixth day?[/quote]
Two hours of e-mails from drunk college students saying that Shandi is HAWWWWT.
[/quote]
*GASP!* YOU PROMISED YOU WOULDN'T TELL!!!!!
-
Oh brother..can't wait to see what they'll do with Monday..oh never mind. duh me.