Odd Couples
I had a
discussion recently about media associations’ pros and cons. Basically, things you may want to avoid that
might piss off your fan base or viewership. Here are three examples where there
might be a bit of a problem mixing audience.
Of course, some of these are perceived,
and yet others are (let’s just say)
would be equivalent to pouring gas on a fire ant mound and lighting it! Yes,
all hell breaking loose and that analogy is more than a bit factual in this
universe, reality, and timeline. Take a look at these groups and try to deny
that both groups posed to pull the pin.
1.
LARPers vs Civil War Reenactment Enthusiast
I’m not singling out either group
as most deserving of your attention, but to point out a possible perception of
old verses new. Actually the by idiot guide to Time line (doesn’t exist-for now) the Civil War is a baby next to the old
fossil of the Renaissance. Just wanted to point that out for the D&D Fokes (Dungeons & Dragons). I have two
examples that will help in proving my point.
a.
There is a new movie called “Knights of
Badassdom” starring Peter Dinklage (Game
of Thrones), Summer Glau (Firefly/Arrow),
and Ryan Kwanten (True Blood). It’s
about LARPers (Live Action Role Players)
as they take to the woods to reenact a dungeons and dragons-like scenario fresh
out of the Mythical Middle Ages. Of course, something goes wrong and fantasy
jumps behind the searing wheel and… No Spoilers Here.
b.
The other end of the spectrum is a 1986 movie
called Sweet Liberty staring Alan Alda (of
TV’s M.A.S.H. fame), Michael Caine (Alfred
from the Christopher Nolan’s Batman Movie Series), and Michelle Pfeiffer (Selina Kyle/Catwoman from 1992s Batman
Returns). This movie showcased a group of people who spend their weekend
reenacting civil war battles used as extras for a movie. Even the SyFy (Sci-Fi) Network TV Show “Warehouse 13”
had an episode using one of these events as a backdrop (Season 3, Episode 4: Queen for a Day).
Now do you think there might be a
bit of a problem with these two polar opposite groups when their authors share
association through support of each other’s multi-media forums? Once again, I
would like to use these as examples of two different audiences that some could
see as polar opposites.
2.
Trekkies vs Star Wars Fans
I’ve mentioned these two once
before, (very fine and upstanding
supportive fan base – Still don’t want to piss them off!) there is no need
to go any further, but I must. There are countless mentioning of these two
groups being at odd on TV and the movies.
a.
2009 film Fanboys. And, before anyone takes
offense, I am purposely leaving out the “Ringers!” (Lord of the Ring fan base) This isn’t middle earth, but I will use
this reference in the last example and you’ll see why. Once again, you have a
possibility of alienating one group over another through media association. And
Yes, there will be some who like both (all
three) and will support you, but do you want the headache or willing to
take the chance?
b.
You best say yes because it’s better to be hated
than ignored. With opportunity, persistence, and stability, you can sway the
haters to supporters. However, if you are a glass to them, then… you know the
rest. It’s a good thing to shake things up now in then, but don’t cause the
building (equivalent to a house of cards)
you took painstaking care to build to crumble in front of your eyes. Take a
moment to think before you light that fuse!
3.
The reason for this discussion in the first
place.
a.
A popular YouTube video blog (vblog) host with a relaxed personality
had invited two of his friends to join him on a special show. Of course the reason for this idea was to
combine their viewership and for each of them to gain more followers. Great idea
right? One of his friends had a wild sugar rush personality and the third one
was more contemporary and neither relaxed (stoner
like) or ultra-hyper (poster boy for
ADD). Great idea right? All three friends publicized the historic show on
their vblog shows constantly and had their viewership geared up beyond each of
them could imagine. Great idea right?
b.
The show had begun and everything looked to work
out better than they had ever imagined it to be in their wildest dreams. The
numbers of people logging into their combine show was phenomenal. The numbers were greater than each of the
three friends shows put together and multiplied by some unrealistic number. It
was when they opened up to take commits that they had realized their mistake.
c.
The laid-back vblog host followers were
unsympathetic and promised if they ever have to put up with the loudmouth
overly excited vblog host aging, they would not only boycott his show but make
sure it is removed. Of the three groups they were the polite ones. The three
friends remained friends, but never spoke of their grand experiment again.
Then there are the ones who might actually be able to be
civil to one another (in the possible
future) that is, of course, if they allow themselves to remember a common
thread between them (hold your horses on
this one).
4.
Harry Potter Fans vs Twilight
Oh how young love and raging
hormones are things that keep parents up late at night. Before there was Kimya (Kanye West & Kardashian), before
there was (who cares!) There was
Harry Potter and Cho Chang before Edward and Bella. As some of the fans like to
call first couple of Young Adult Fantasy ChanTer (or some other mash up). The point is, each side has their
preference and the other side is ignorant to the fact that their favorite world
of fantasy and characters are better than those who oppose them. So there, and
stick out your tongue. Oh, but there is a thread that ties both these warring
factions together, and cause each to wear blinders. Actor Robert Pattinson!
Robert Pattinson appeared in Harry
Potter and the Goblet of Fire as Cedric Diggory (Cho Chang’s perfect wizard boy toy and Harry Potter’s rival). For
peat sakes, the man in on the movie’s poster! And, he had the starring role in
the twilight saga as Edward Cullen (Isabella
"Bella" Swan’s sparkling snuggle bunny). Now if I can get that
song (a thousand years by Christina
Perri) out of my head… Oh forget it! Former DJ, can’t help it. My point is
that these two fan base have a direct connection and there is a possibility for
some sort of cross appreciation and association (in the future). The next one is kind of hard to believe, but it
does exist.
5.
James Cameron vs James Cameron vs James Cameron
The Past vs The Future Coming Back
to the Past vs The Far Future and definitely not in Kansas. Better known as
Titanic vs Terminator vs Avatar. All three are cinematic things of beauty and
captivating stories. One uses a historical event as its backdrop, one use
reshaping current events by means of a time traveler from the future, and the
last of the three only existed between the ears. Of course, all three have
misconceptions, misunderstanding, and those startling moments when the light
between ears are turned on. But, although all there were brought to life by one
man, there are those who… Ain’t no time traveling robot going to... Class and
substance with a healthy dash of old world style will ever be… I want to go to
Pandora! Once again, there might be a problem with association.
In all these examples, the one theme is present about all. Fans
like what they like and there is no getting around that fact. And, no matter
what you present, there will always be someone who will contradict, criticize,
or just don’t like what you are doing. There are three roads you can take. You
can argue with them (what they want- a
forum to convert your fans and readers to him). You can back down and agree
(lose all credibility and your fan base).
And finally, you can be gracious. Thank them for their attention to you and for
having an opinion, move on to the next person with your full attention on them,
and treat each person you come into contact with as how you wish to be treated.
But actually that is one group that I almost forgot.
6.
Dr. Who vs…. “as per Kristina Elizabeth” Actually No One.
I’ll end this here
with; I See You, Live Long and Prosper, May the Force be with you, I’ll be back,
and Pass the collection plate and the Sonic Screwdriver. Hallelujah!
Wholly Logical! Image of Batman & Spock (Adam West and Leonard
Nimoy)
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