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If Wheel of Fortune wants to succeed for another decade or so, they have to make some changes in gameplay, and the bonus round dollar amounts have to be increased too.
From a previous post I read last week, I think there should be a top dollar value of $250,000 in the bonus round wheel. Also in the maingame, there should be increased dollar amounts including a $20,000 space in either rounds 2 or 3. Also a double-play space should be reinstated so a player can double his/her winnings in round 3.
I also think that since Wheel is a faster-paced show now, the set should be futuristic with less set pieces. C'mon, do we need to see palm trees and houses on the set?
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They've been the number one syndicated show for 20 years or so, seems like what they're doing now is working.
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I'd like to see 'em ditch the toss-up puzzles. I can live with the first one, I suppose, as that determines opening control of the wheel, but that's it. My 2 Lira, of course.
As far as upping the money, I disagree. If anything, some of those amounts to me are way high already. Spiking the top prize to $100,000 (even with 1 in 24 odds and still having to solve the bonus puzzle) seemed excessive.
Get rid of the palm trees, keep the houses and add some hotels.
I do wish they'd get rid of the "two-player team" weeks.
WOF isn't going anywhere. Pat and Vanna will be around until they're in their 70s. Hmmm. Vanna in her 70s.
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[quote name=\'tmq800\' date=\'Sep 24 2004, 09:14 PM\']I also think that since Wheel is a faster-paced show now, the set should be futuristic with less set pieces. C'mon, do we need to see palm trees and houses on the set?[/quote]
Is it just me or is this the only decent suggestion in this post?
--Sam
(still trying to figure out what skill is involved in playing Hangman that merits a top prize of $100,000, let alone $250,000)
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Could we quit fretting about the endgame money on Wheel? It's not your money, isn't it?
Ben
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[quote name=\'gtbecbp\' date=\'Sep 24 2004, 09:49 PM\'] Could we quit fretting about the endgame money on Wheel? It's not your money, isn't it?
[/quote]
Pardon me, sir, but the OP asked what, in our opinion, should be changed. I, therefore, offered my opinion. Your mileage may vary and apparently it does.
Now then, back to topic, may I ask the OP why he believes the dollar values should be enhanced.
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[quote name=\'tmq800\' date=\'Sep 24 2004, 09:14 PM\']Also a double-play space should be reinstated so a player can double his/her winnings in round 3.[/quote]
Then what you want is something entirely different than reinstating Double Play, as it only doubled the money added to the bank (not necessarily won) for a single turn. It also caused no end of confusion for contestants.
My ideal, impossible idea: Cut back on all the mid-game sponsors so the show can breathe.
My slightly more realistic idea: Cut back on, well, the cuts. The bonus round is currently the most enjoyable part of the game for me, simply because it's the only place you get a few uninterrupted minutes of atmosphere and gameplay and excitement. There's little opportunity for ugly edits, unlike the preceding maingame, fraught as it is with comments from Pat being obviously edited out, spins shortened, annoying graphics . . .
I understand that shows often need to be edited for time constraints, but I get the impression that most of Wheel's edits are done out of some sort of misguided aesthetic sense--that is, it's better to hack the middle of the show to pieces than to deprive the viewer of silly contestant interviews or extended goodbyes from Pat and Vanna.
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[quote name=\'tmq800\' date=\'Sep 24 2004, 07:14 PM\'] From a previous post I read last week, I think there should be a top dollar value of $250,000 in the bonus round wheel. Also in the maingame, there should be increased dollar amounts including a $20,000 space in either rounds 2 or 3. [/quote]
Must...control...flaming...fingers...of...death.....
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speaking of WOF, i'v updated my PC Version of it as well;)
http://bigjonpcgames.com (http://\"http://bigjonpcgames.com\")
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[quote name=\'BigJon06\' date=\'Sep 25 2004, 08:23 AM\'] speaking of WOF, i'v updated my PC Version of it as well;)
http://bigjonpcgames.com (http://\"http://bigjonpcgames.com\") [/quote]
must...not...smack...down...over....wildly....irrelevant....post....
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[quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' date=\'Sep 24 2004, 09:37 PM\'] They've been the number one syndicated show for 20 years or so, seems like what they're doing now is working. [/quote]
Then why do they make major changes practically every other season?
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How often do I come up with a wild suggestion? Not often.
So here it is. This may come across as earth shattering to people, some may adamantly disagree, some may agree, but here it is:
Get rid of Vanna.
The day they introduced the "new" puzzle board was when she should have been gone. The puzzle board can function on its own, as seen during "Toss-Up" puzzles.
Yes, I realize the entire reason she's there is for eye candy. The game, however, could move so much faster....
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[quote name=\'aaron sica\' date=\'Sep 25 2004, 02:55 PM\'] Yes, I realize the entire reason she's there is for eye candy. [/quote]
In that case, I'd rather see Brooke Burke up there. For that matter, I'd rather see Brooke Burke anywhere.
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[quote name=\'Don Howard\' date=\'Sep 24 2004, 09:53 PM\'] [quote name=\'gtbecbp\' date=\'Sep 24 2004, 09:49 PM\'] Could we quit fretting about the endgame money on Wheel? It's not your money, isn't it?
[/quote]
Pardon me, sir, but the OP asked what, in our opinion, should be changed. I, therefore, offered my opinion. Your mileage may vary and apparently it does.
Now then, back to topic, may I ask the OP why he believes the dollar values should be enhanced. [/quote]
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. It just seemed you were getting awfully worked up about it, that's all. BTW, I don't think the prize money should go any higher than it is now.
Ben
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I have a big list of changes I'd make, but it all comes down to one thing: get back to solving puzzles. Leave the product placement to TPIR, ditch the $3K bonus questions, or at least make them worth only $500. Bring in a bonus round that doesn't suck. Just...add more game time, and take away some of the chrome, because there's plenty already.
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[quote name=\'TLEberle\' date=\'Sep 25 2004, 11:19 PM\']Leave the product placement to TPIR, ditch the $3K bonus questions, or at least make them worth only $500. Bring in a bonus round that doesn't suck.[/quote]
Wheel has product placement for the same reasons TPIR does--it just fits in better on TPIR.
I'd say they have seriously dialed back the number of bonus questions from years past. Couldn't swing a dead cat on a late '90s WoF without hitting a half-dozen Clues and Fill in the Blanks.
What sucks about the bonus round? I think it's currently the best part of the show. In fact, I should probably mention it in the other thread . . .
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[quote name=\'tmq800\' date=\'Sep 24 2004, 10:14 PM\'] If Wheel of Fortune wants to succeed for another decade or so, they have to make some changes in gameplay, and the bonus round dollar amounts have to be increased too.
From a previous post I read last week, I think there should be a top dollar value of $250,000 in the bonus round wheel. Also in the maingame, there should be increased dollar amounts including a $20,000 space in either rounds 2 or 3. Also a double-play space should be reinstated so a player can double his/her winnings in round 3.
I also think that since Wheel is a faster-paced show now, the set should be futuristic with less set pieces. C'mon, do we need to see palm trees and houses on the set? [/quote]
You know, I'd say something in reply, but it'd probably end up being really caustic...and besides, Lemon's pretty much summed up my thoughts already.
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[quote name=\'Robert Hutchinson\' date=\'Sep 25 2004, 10:01 PM\'] [quote name=\'TLEberle\' date=\'Sep 25 2004, 11:19 PM\']Leave the product placement to TPIR, ditch the $3K bonus questions, or at least make them worth only $500. Bring in a bonus round that doesn't suck.[/quote]
Wheel has product placement for the same reasons TPIR does--it just fits in better on TPIR.
I'd say they have seriously dialed back the number of bonus questions from years past. Couldn't swing a dead cat on a late '90s WoF without hitting a half-dozen Clues and Fill in the Blanks.
What sucks about the bonus round? I think it's currently the best part of the show. In fact, I should probably mention it in the other thread . . . [/quote]
Response to some of Robert's valid points:
Sure, the placement fits better on TPIR because that's the point of the show. Didn't they useta do this in the last minute of the show? So, we really haven't lost anything, it just changed places in the show.
As to the bonus question, I don't think they should be worth $3,000. I don't mind them so much, but they're freakin' GIMMIES...
My major problem with the bonus round is that it's one single piuzzle, and it's worth a minimum of $25,000. Anything would be better than 'once more through the main game". I would propose solving five puzzles in 60 seconds, with letters popping in a la the toss up round. Then you win whatever the prize is.
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[quote name=\'Robert Hutchinson\' date=\'Sep 26 2004, 12:01 AM\'] Couldn't swing a dead cat on a late '90s WoF without hitting a half-dozen Clues and Fill in the Blanks.
[/quote]
Oh, but, believe me, I tried. That is, until a neighbor called the cops. Guess I was scaring their children.
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[quote name=\'tmq800\' date=\'Sep 24 2004, 10:14 PM\'] If Wheel of Fortune wants to succeed for another decade or so, they have to make some changes in gameplay, and the bonus round dollar amounts have to be increased too.
From a previous post I read last week, I think there should be a top dollar value of $250,000 in the bonus round wheel. Also in the maingame, there should be increased dollar amounts including a $20,000 space in either rounds 2 or 3. Also a double-play space should be reinstated so a player can double his/her winnings in round 3.
I also think that since Wheel is a faster-paced show now, the set should be futuristic with less set pieces. C'mon, do we need to see palm trees and houses on the set? [/quote]
What should be changed by Jeopardy? Will that be your next thread, God I hope so, I can hardly wait!(lol)
Maybe up the 5k space to 10k, but that's about it. Leave the show alone
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[quote name=\'TLEberle\' date=\'Sep 26 2004, 02:21 AM\']Sure, the placement fits better on TPIR because that's the point of the show. Didn't they useta do this in the last minute of the show? So, we really haven't lost anything, it just changed places in the show.[/quote]
Oh, you were just talking about the fee plugs. I thought you meant stuff like the Jackpot round being "brought to you by", the two gift tags, and the like.
Your idea for a different bonus round is interesting, but I think it would annoy more people than it would please.
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[quote name=\'Robert Hutchinson\' date=\'Sep 26 2004, 04:14 PM\']Your idea for a different bonus round is interesting, but I think it would annoy more people than it would please.[/quote]
Plus, it sounds kinda similar to the bonus game on $1M CoaL, and we all know what happened to that show.
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[quote name=\'TLEberle\' date=\'Sep 26 2004, 02:21 AM\']
My major problem with the bonus round is that it's one single piuzzle, and it's worth a minimum of $25,000. Anything would be better than 'once more through the main game". [/quote]
But you know what? It's damn good television, and , these days, it's hard. Just like a bonus round SHOULD be.... You want the bonus? Earn it...
Personally, when they changed they bonus to add the randomness of 3 more letters that may or may not help...I thought they reached perfection.... Adding a wheel to it was a good move, I thought...
I'm with the posters who feel that there are too many plugs, but as someone who works in tv, I know this is the wave of the future.... One day it may very well be called "Hellmann's Wheel of Fortune", or "Wheel of Fortune presented by McDonalds".... Then we'll have good reason to be disgusted!
Oh, and keep a hostess... yep, totally unneccessary job, but hey, it's reached pop culture status, and that's hard to do....
Oh, and since i'm one of the first ones to slam him when he posts crap, let me say :
Thanks to tmq for an interesting topic start.....for a change.
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[quote name=\'tvwxman\' date=\'Sep 26 2004, 05:03 PM\'] I'm with the posters who feel that there are too many plugs, but as someone who works in tv, I know this is the wave of the future.... One day it may very well be called "Hellmann's Wheel of Fortune", or "Wheel of Fortune presented by McDonalds".... Then we'll have good reason to be disgusted! [/quote]
As opposed to "Twenty One, brought to you by Geritol" or "What's My Line, presented by Stopette"? :-P
As for the hostess bit, the board for the original pilot ("Shopper's Bazaar") was mechanically operated, so there had to be a conscious decision made somewhere along the line to pay for a hostess to "humanize" the puzzle board in the "Wheel of Fortune" pilot and series. Now that we've gone from a mechanically-operated board to a hand-operated board to an electronically-operating board, why ditch the human element that's most identified with it?
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This week, Wheel's World Tours Week is sponsored by Delta. No kidding. They even have the Delta name on the set!! Talk about product placement.
I can't wait for the day where every theme week on Wheel will have a sponsor attached to it.
Travel USA Week sponsored by Travelocity.com.
Winter Wonderland Week sponsored by Ivory Snow.
Philadelphia Week sponsored by Lincoln Financial, CIGNA, and Tastykake.
San Francisco Week sponsored by Wells Fargo. The bonus round sponsored by Bank of America.
Teen Week sponsored by Clearasil.
College Week sponsored by Kon-Tiki Holidays, the travel company for 18-35 year-olds.
And Retro Week sponsored by The Brady Bunch DVD Collection.
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[quote name=\'SplitSecond\' date=\'Sep 26 2004, 07:40 PM\'] [quote name=\'tvwxman\' date=\'Sep 26 2004, 05:03 PM\'] I'm with the posters who feel that there are too many plugs, but as someone who works in tv, I know this is the wave of the future.... One day it may very well be called "Hellmann's Wheel of Fortune", or "Wheel of Fortune presented by McDonalds".... Then we'll have good reason to be disgusted! [/quote]
As opposed to "Twenty One, brought to you by Geritol" or "What's My Line, presented by Stopette"? :-P
As for the hostess bit, the board for the original pilot ("Shopper's Bazaar") was mechanically operated, so there had to be a conscious decision made somewhere along the line to pay for a hostess to "humanize" the puzzle board in the "Wheel of Fortune" pilot and series. Now that we've gone from a mechanically-operated board to a hand-operated board to an electronically-operating board, why ditch the human element that's most identified with it? [/quote]
Seems to me that that was another idea of Lin Bolen's, along with Ruta Lee's role on "High Rollers." She still wanted her "studs" hosting, but she also liked the idea of a woman doing a little more than pointing at prizes.
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Also keep in mind that Susan was also doing the contestant introduction honors at the start of the series, much like Ruta did on High Rollers. While Vanna's current role is greatly reduced from Susan's original role, I'd go so far as to say that Vanna leaving the show would create a far bigger hole than Pat leaving.
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[quote name=\'tmq800\' date=\'Sep 26 2004, 08:28 PM\'] This week, Wheel's World Tours Week is sponsored by Delta. No kidding. They even have the Delta name on the set!! Talk about product placement.
I can't wait for the day where every theme week on Wheel will have a sponsor attached to it.
<blahblahblahblah> [/quote]
Y'know , just when you give a child some credit.....
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If you ask me, the only thing I'd want to see return is the Free Spin space.
Just placing one Free Spin token on the Wheel wouldn't be fair, because then only one player can use it.
With the Free Spin space, each player gets a Free Spin token (whether it's given to them without them calling a letter, or WITH them calling a letter), and upon receiving it, can use it.
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[quote name=\'gameshowguy2000\' date=\'Sep 30 2004, 06:23 PM\']
If you ask me, the only thing I'd want to see return is the Free Spin space.
Just placing one Free Spin token on the Wheel wouldn't be fair, because then only one player can use it.
Maybe if they brought it back and limited each player to one Free Spin disc, you'd have something. The Free Spin space was scrapped during the 1989-90 season due to contestants earning as many as five or six Free Spin discs with skillful spinning. A contestant on the daytime show in the late 80s had five free spins, using all of them in round two and never losing control of the board. This was still in the shopping era, and the third round was a speed up round from the outset. The third player became(at the time) the first(and maybe the only) player ever to win on WOF without ever spinning the Wheel, thanks to Pat hitting the $2K on the final spin.
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[quote name=\'zachhoran\' date=\'Sep 30 2004, 06:33 PM\']
[quote name=\'gameshowguy2000\' date=\'Sep 30 2004, 06:23 PM\']
If you ask me, the only thing I'd want to see return is the Free Spin space.
Just placing one Free Spin token on the Wheel wouldn't be fair, because then only one player can use it.
Maybe if they brought it back and limited each player to one Free Spin disc, you'd have something. The Free Spin space was scrapped during the 1989-90 season due to contestants earning as many as five or six Free Spin discs with skillful spinning. A contestant on the daytime show in the late 80s had five free spins, using all of them in round two and never losing control of the board. This was still in the shopping era, and the third round was a speed up round from the outset. The third player became(at the time) the first(and maybe the only) player ever to win on WOF without ever spinning the Wheel, thanks to Pat hitting the $2K on the final spin.
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The free spins should be electronically stored in the player's bank whenever they hit the FREE SPIN space, and if he/she wants to use the free spin, just hit the button on the toss-up device and a free spin is taken from the player's bank.
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[quote name=\'gameshowguy2000\' date=\'Sep 30 2004, 04:23 PM\']Just placing one Free Spin token on the Wheel wouldn't be fair, because then only one player can use it.
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Yes.
With the Free Spin space, each player gets a Free Spin token (whether it's given to them without them calling a letter, or WITH them calling a letter), and upon receiving it, can use it.
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It surprises me that in your vast WOF collection you do not have any of the episodes where a player reeled off like 4 or 5 consecutive hits of the Free Spin, which is why they changed it to the format used today.
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[quote name=\'SplitSecond\' date=\'Sep 27 2004, 01:03 PM\']While Vanna's current role is greatly reduced from Susan's original role, I'd go so far as to say that Vanna leaving the show would create a far bigger hole than Pat leaving.
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But it's not a hole that Brooke Burns couldn't fill.
You know what would be a good April Fools thing--have Vanna on "Jeopardy!" to tap the monitors when the answers are revealed.
Perhaps if they reduced the prize money, they could have fewer plugs. Just a thought.
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But it's not a hole that Brooke Burns couldn't fill.
Yet, I'm sure most of us would be happy to fill one of Brooke's--never mind.
Just placing one Free Spin token on the Wheel wouldn't be fair, because then only one player can use it.
If you want "fair" come to Iowa in August. By the same token, they should have three slots on the wheel be "Fur Coat", because its not "fair" for only one contestant to win.
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[quote name=\'Dsmith\' date=\'Oct 1 2004, 12:14 PM\']
But it's not a hole that Brooke Burns couldn't fill.
Yet, I'm sure most of us would be happy to fill one of Brooke's--never mind.
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Perfect, baby. Absolutely perfect.
So anyhow. Brooke Burns hosting and Brooke Burke at the letter board. Teenage boys will be locking their bedroom doors all over town.
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So anyhow. Brooke Burns hosting and Brooke Burke at the letter board. Teenage boys will be locking their bedroom doors all over town.
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Then whammo! Their demographic troubles are over!
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[quote name=\'Neumms\' date=\'Oct 1 2004, 02:52 PM\']Then whammo! Their demographic troubles are over!
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I wasn't aware PYL was still making new episodes.
(Make a smart-ass reply to that and I break-a you face. :-)