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Appeals to emotion
by chiasmus » Thu Jul 19, 2007 10:56 am
- chiasmus
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5rocks made a comment in another thread about how the producers of season 1 of AI tried to get him to capitalize on his hearing loss for the sake of the show, but he refused to do so.
I don't own a television, so I can't really compare this with other tv shows, but I'm interested if this is a phenomenon that is singular to AI or is that the modus operandi of all reality tv shows.
Personally, I think the sob stories are trite, stagnant, and a bit forced.
5rocks, how much pressure were you under to divulge that information? Would/could the show do that without your permission? Anyone else?
I understand that this is television and that they are looking for a story, but I'm wondering how much of a handicap honesty will be.
I don't own a television, so I can't really compare this with other tv shows, but I'm interested if this is a phenomenon that is singular to AI or is that the modus operandi of all reality tv shows.
Personally, I think the sob stories are trite, stagnant, and a bit forced.
5rocks, how much pressure were you under to divulge that information? Would/could the show do that without your permission? Anyone else?
I understand that this is television and that they are looking for a story, but I'm wondering how much of a handicap honesty will be.
by bottleslingguy » Fri Jul 20, 2007 3:55 am
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bottleslingguy - Black Belt
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You can only try and find out later. Who knows how anything you do will translate to tv? It's all in the producers' hands to make of you what they will. Notice how they make sure you see certain mistakes or facial expressions of the auditioners. They capitalize on fiobles and missteps and are only in this to entertain the rest of the viewing audience.
You can hear Sarah every now then (and occasionally one of the others) try to let the people down easy so as not to blatently be making fun of them, but that, unfortunately is what the whole show is about. Notice how prettymuch all you see are the people with bad ideas like the lady with the LoveTest song. How much airtime did she get? They spent all that time on her when like others have said they could've shown a few seconds of other more serious inventions. Don't blame the sob stories on the inventors, notice how the judges use several canned phrases in order to get the tears flowing and cameras zoom while the sappy muzak plays in the background. Ok fine, there will be a "winner" but what price does everyone else have to pay for that one lucky person?
I don't buy the whole, "Well you get all this great exposure that you couldn't get anywhere else!" routine either. If anything so far, the exposure people have gotten from the show hasn't been the key to their success.
You can hear Sarah every now then (and occasionally one of the others) try to let the people down easy so as not to blatently be making fun of them, but that, unfortunately is what the whole show is about. Notice how prettymuch all you see are the people with bad ideas like the lady with the LoveTest song. How much airtime did she get? They spent all that time on her when like others have said they could've shown a few seconds of other more serious inventions. Don't blame the sob stories on the inventors, notice how the judges use several canned phrases in order to get the tears flowing and cameras zoom while the sappy muzak plays in the background. Ok fine, there will be a "winner" but what price does everyone else have to pay for that one lucky person?
I don't buy the whole, "Well you get all this great exposure that you couldn't get anywhere else!" routine either. If anything so far, the exposure people have gotten from the show hasn't been the key to their success.
by Road Show » Fri Jul 20, 2007 7:49 am
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Road Show - Brown Belt
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I agree with you 100% BSG.
After season one, I was interested to go on the show for 2 reasons. First, to have my idea evaluated by those particular judges (yes, H3 primarily
), and then for the exposure thing. As time went on I thought to myself...What am I doing?? I am risking my credibility for a chance at being on TV?? It just didn't make sense.
I remember this saying, " The chief cause of failure is trading what you want most, for what you want NOW." That about says it all. If we are to succeed with our ideas, we cannot be so eager to trade what is valuable (for our ideas to be taken seriously) for something with so much uncertainty.
RSG
After season one, I was interested to go on the show for 2 reasons. First, to have my idea evaluated by those particular judges (yes, H3 primarily
), and then for the exposure thing. As time went on I thought to myself...What am I doing?? I am risking my credibility for a chance at being on TV?? It just didn't make sense.
I remember this saying, " The chief cause of failure is trading what you want most, for what you want NOW." That about says it all. If we are to succeed with our ideas, we cannot be so eager to trade what is valuable (for our ideas to be taken seriously) for something with so much uncertainty.
RSG
by 5rocks » Fri Jul 20, 2007 11:16 am
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Chiasmus,
Nobody, ever came out and said, "We want a sad story". It was just the general theme that we realized towards the end of the finals. Each type of reality can be different such as American Idol. Fox gets great ratings just from watching bad singers get ridiculed. When the producer interviewing me about my hearing loss didn't get the reaction I feel she was looking for, they stopped rolling tape. Also, after you a mic'ed up and just getting ready to go in front of the judges, they tell you, "Give the judges hell if you don't agree with them". Tell them how you feel and use lots of emotion". I just kept telling them, "I am going to react naturally and not do anything different than what my heart tell me to.
Pat
Nobody, ever came out and said, "We want a sad story". It was just the general theme that we realized towards the end of the finals. Each type of reality can be different such as American Idol. Fox gets great ratings just from watching bad singers get ridiculed. When the producer interviewing me about my hearing loss didn't get the reaction I feel she was looking for, they stopped rolling tape. Also, after you a mic'ed up and just getting ready to go in front of the judges, they tell you, "Give the judges hell if you don't agree with them". Tell them how you feel and use lots of emotion". I just kept telling them, "I am going to react naturally and not do anything different than what my heart tell me to.
Pat
by bottleslingguy » Fri Jul 20, 2007 3:06 pm
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bottleslingguy - Black Belt
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I know what you're saying Pat. After the first impromptu interview in LA, when the lady asked me on camera if a million dollars would change my life and I said I hope not, my wife was like, "What's wrong with you? Tell them your story, ham it up. Get like you do at home when you start scaring me thinking you've gone crazy." and I couldn't just turn it on like that. After standing in front of season 1's judges and hearing their comments, I was like, I'm better than them and this show. I'm not going to jump through these hoops just to entertain them. And if that was me shooting myself in the foot then so be it. I respect myself and my invention more than that.
My take on AIdol is that singers are a different breed than inventors. Singers have to have more than a voice, face, movements... the x-factor to coin a phrase. You've either got it or you don't and yes once you get down to a certain number of semi-finalists they're prettymuch all in the same league and all have a market for their talents. But with inventions it shouldn't (in my opinion) have anything to do with the inventor that determines its marketability. There are quantifiable aspects of an invention that will determine whether or not the public likes it. It shouldn't have anything to do with an inventor's likeability or passion. In real life, people don't care what kind of personality the person who invented intermittant wipers had, they just want the product. I don't care (well I do empathise with you) about your amount of hearing loss, I either want or don't want your product. It was an eye opener to see Jodi remove her wig, but that didn't sway my decision on her invention, I liked it regardless. Sure it can add a little flavor to the product in the case of the Voice Within or the Music Vest to know it was invented by someone who is deaf and the reason behind their inspiration, but when the rubber hits the road, that shouldn't matter one way or the other.
I hate it when Croce says things like, "I believe in YOU!" basically blowing smoke up the person's ass. It's like, well this is making good tv but it'll never get any further than this and we can can the idea later so I'll give you a "yes" for now. Why do they make it seem like the inventor has got to be the entire process behind their idea? I came up with my idea and I feel confident there is a market out there for it, but I can't expect myself to become a good saleman or perfect pitchman/entrepreneur just because I had a momentary flash of insight. I need more heads than just mine to get this thing floating and I don't delude myself otherwise.
My take on AIdol is that singers are a different breed than inventors. Singers have to have more than a voice, face, movements... the x-factor to coin a phrase. You've either got it or you don't and yes once you get down to a certain number of semi-finalists they're prettymuch all in the same league and all have a market for their talents. But with inventions it shouldn't (in my opinion) have anything to do with the inventor that determines its marketability. There are quantifiable aspects of an invention that will determine whether or not the public likes it. It shouldn't have anything to do with an inventor's likeability or passion. In real life, people don't care what kind of personality the person who invented intermittant wipers had, they just want the product. I don't care (well I do empathise with you) about your amount of hearing loss, I either want or don't want your product. It was an eye opener to see Jodi remove her wig, but that didn't sway my decision on her invention, I liked it regardless. Sure it can add a little flavor to the product in the case of the Voice Within or the Music Vest to know it was invented by someone who is deaf and the reason behind their inspiration, but when the rubber hits the road, that shouldn't matter one way or the other.
I hate it when Croce says things like, "I believe in YOU!" basically blowing smoke up the person's ass. It's like, well this is making good tv but it'll never get any further than this and we can can the idea later so I'll give you a "yes" for now. Why do they make it seem like the inventor has got to be the entire process behind their idea? I came up with my idea and I feel confident there is a market out there for it, but I can't expect myself to become a good saleman or perfect pitchman/entrepreneur just because I had a momentary flash of insight. I need more heads than just mine to get this thing floating and I don't delude myself otherwise.
by Road Show » Fri Jul 20, 2007 5:48 pm
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Good post, BSG. You are getting philosophical on us, dude. The truth of all this inventing thing is that there are no clear cut answers for the newbie. Each road is different. I hear what you're saying about the focus being on the product, but what happens once the product is conceived? We've heard the adage:"Just because you build a better mouse trap, don't expect the world to beat a path to your door." Haven't we all been to "hole-in-the-wall" restaurants where the the food is just fantastic? And haven't we all been to those expensive, high profile restaurants with great ambiance and service, but the food was average? Believe me, I wish it were just about the product, but it never is. Just like a restaurateur, the inventor who learns marketing skills can create their own success despite a few drawbacks in the product itself. Enthusiasm and whole hearted belief in oneself is contagious, and people want to be associated with winners. This is a two edged sword. Sure you can have a great product, but don't discount the importance of the rest of the equation.
A great example of success is the Pampered Chef lady. I heard that she began with about $3,500.00 and a vision. Her company was recently acquired by Warren Buffet's company, Berkshire Hataway. I bet any kitchen idea she thinks up will make money at this point. We inventors sometimes lose sight of the fact that without a company, a product has little chance of surviving. For instance, BSG, have you ever thought of starting a company that sell all kinds of baby gear? Just like the pampered chef started by selling stuff someone else made, now anytime the inventing bug bites, she's got the way to take it to market. There ya go...the reason why so many inventions fail is they lack the support of a thriving business.
RSG
A great example of success is the Pampered Chef lady. I heard that she began with about $3,500.00 and a vision. Her company was recently acquired by Warren Buffet's company, Berkshire Hataway. I bet any kitchen idea she thinks up will make money at this point. We inventors sometimes lose sight of the fact that without a company, a product has little chance of surviving. For instance, BSG, have you ever thought of starting a company that sell all kinds of baby gear? Just like the pampered chef started by selling stuff someone else made, now anytime the inventing bug bites, she's got the way to take it to market. There ya go...the reason why so many inventions fail is they lack the support of a thriving business.
RSG
by AmericanCynic » Fri Jul 20, 2007 10:08 pm
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You got it, Road Show. As the old adage attributed to Edison says, "Genius is one percent inspiration and 99% perspiration." The best idea in the world is worthless if it's never exploited. It's why so many Mensa members aren't the leaders in their fields. They're bright, but many of them are unmotivated. And it's exactly as I've written, don't be so quick to discount the possibilities afforded by American Inventor. I have no great love for the show, but I have to admit that it's giving some people opportunities. It's just like the lottery. You may think it's a tax on people who don't understand statistics, but people do win and the only certainty is that you will never win if you don't buy a ticket. Is getting your invention made worth the price of Fremantle's ticket? That's a question each inventor should ask and the answer will be different depending on the person.
by 5rocks » Sat Jul 21, 2007 1:25 am
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5rocks - Green Belt
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You know, I have been hot and cold when talking/writing about the show, but it has opened up some doors for us. Maybe not directly, but indirectly just by the fact that we were on the show. Even though most think that the show is not very serious, many people think it is great that we were involved with it and that we did as well as we did. We became local celebrities last year and were on several radio bits as well as the news. I have been interviewed at least 10 times over the last year and included in several publications. I know we all have heard the bad side of the story, but when I reflect and tally up the good points............all in all.....good stuff. We are being included in the Fox Sports Tailgating Handbook coming out next month and also will be in the September issue of Men's Fitness. Now, I would be a fool to offer most of the credit to AI, but being on season #1 gave us a boost. If anything, it got me off of my butt to continue with development. I did nothing with the product for at least a year before receiving the American Inventor postcard in the mail.
I even have people asking me to sign their Take-A-Seat brochures when I hand them out. Oh, and my boys think I am a star. Every time they see a commercial or other shows they say stuff like, "Dad, are you going back to Hollywood"?, or "Dad, do you know that actor"? They also think it is cool that I met Simon Cowell. They think he is a freind of mine. Hey, what better satisfaction can you get than from your own children right? I must say that one thing season #2 finalists are missing is the chance to visit Hollywood. Only 6 from this year got to experience what we all did last year. 350 were initially sent out last year. We were there twice. Not bad for free huh?
Pat
I even have people asking me to sign their Take-A-Seat brochures when I hand them out. Oh, and my boys think I am a star. Every time they see a commercial or other shows they say stuff like, "Dad, are you going back to Hollywood"?, or "Dad, do you know that actor"? They also think it is cool that I met Simon Cowell. They think he is a freind of mine. Hey, what better satisfaction can you get than from your own children right? I must say that one thing season #2 finalists are missing is the chance to visit Hollywood. Only 6 from this year got to experience what we all did last year. 350 were initially sent out last year. We were there twice. Not bad for free huh?
Pat
by bottleslingguy » Sat Jul 21, 2007 8:16 am
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bottleslingguy - Black Belt
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""Genius is one percent inspiration and 99% perspiration.""
I wonder what he would say today, you know, with the internet and all?
I wonder what he would say today, you know, with the internet and all?
by bottleslingguy » Sat Jul 21, 2007 8:31 am
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bottleslingguy - Black Belt
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"but being on season #1 gave us a boost. If anything, it got me off of my butt to continue with development."
Like I said, it was a motivational factor. It was you who got you off your butt and did the footwork. Do you think people liked your idea any more or less after hearing you were on the show?
" I did nothing with the product for at least a year before receiving the American Inventor postcard in the mail."
How hard were you trying before the show? Did you have a website? Had you approached retailers yet?
"I even have people asking me to sign their Take-A-Seat brochures when I hand them out."
People are suckers for celebrities.
" Oh, and my boys think I am a star."
Did they feel that way before the show?
"They think he is a freind of mine."
We know better.
" Hey, what better satisfaction can you get than from your own children right?"
They're all we have and then even they grow up and are faced with the realities of daily life.
" I must say that one thing season #2 finalists are missing is the chance to visit Hollywood."
That's all many of us got from the show. It was worth the experience for sure. Exciting and made you feel special, but then came the next day and most of us had to rub the stardust out of our eyes and get back to work.
" Only 6 from this year got to experience what we all did last year."
So then it really is getting worse. I say let's persuade others to not go next year and all the show will have is the comic relief. The rest of the serious, determined inventors can come here to InventorSpot.
"Not bad for free huh? "
That's my point with coming here.
Like I said, it was a motivational factor. It was you who got you off your butt and did the footwork. Do you think people liked your idea any more or less after hearing you were on the show?
" I did nothing with the product for at least a year before receiving the American Inventor postcard in the mail."
How hard were you trying before the show? Did you have a website? Had you approached retailers yet?
"I even have people asking me to sign their Take-A-Seat brochures when I hand them out."
People are suckers for celebrities.
" Oh, and my boys think I am a star."
Did they feel that way before the show?
"They think he is a freind of mine."
We know better.
" Hey, what better satisfaction can you get than from your own children right?"
They're all we have and then even they grow up and are faced with the realities of daily life.
" I must say that one thing season #2 finalists are missing is the chance to visit Hollywood."
That's all many of us got from the show. It was worth the experience for sure. Exciting and made you feel special, but then came the next day and most of us had to rub the stardust out of our eyes and get back to work.
" Only 6 from this year got to experience what we all did last year."
So then it really is getting worse. I say let's persuade others to not go next year and all the show will have is the comic relief. The rest of the serious, determined inventors can come here to InventorSpot.
"Not bad for free huh? "
That's my point with coming here.
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