Corbett opines that everything in webisodes should be concise and have momentum to it because the chance of losing audience interest in the web is bigger compared to television audience. This argument is supported by Kung et al. (2008, p.82) who stated that compared to traditional media; internet has improved accessibility and unbundling content, which impact to the increase user choice, but at the same time makes users more dependent on their own information skill.
Webisodes is appealing to its audiences because of its interactivity, story quality, flexibility, and serialization.
Webisodes allows its audience to interact through comments box, and ratings. Based on Peter Putnis and Roslyn Petelin (1996), writing (comment) is audience’s immediate reaction to what’s been consumed because the author is usually not present when the work is viewed. Immediate feedback from audience through comments gives opportunity to increase and enrich the show’s quality. This is also one of the reasons that webisodes story quality is better, which is attract more audience to watch it.
Other reasons is as Corbett says earlier, webisodes can’t afford too much unimportant scene in order not to loose their audience, so it is more concise and to the point. Moreover, this ‘full-meaty’ show is suitable for busy people who look for entertainment in the middle of their hustle bustle.
Furthermore, webisodes is flexible to be enjoyed anytime and anywhere (wherever internet connection is available). Audience can retrieve any episodes of the show in case the audience failed to catch the premier time and re-watch their favorite episodes.
Next is serialization that ties webisodes’ audience loyalty. Serialization creates curiousness which entices audience to the whole shows and demand for more episodes when the storyline is getting interested.
Webisodes effect on mainstream media
The positive effect of webisode is to complement TV shows. As Kung et al. (2008, p. 81) described, internet increases the availability and accessibility of traditional content, content that is distributed via old media, example webisodes that are a converted from TV series such as Simple Life 3, Heroes, Ghost Whisper, and Lost.
Figure 1. Examples of Webisodes
Other positive effect is it supports low-budget production industry. According to Chris Albrecht (2007), the cost can be as low as $500 per episode.
Now on the negative side, Corbett already saw a phenomenon of changes in children attention from television to computer, specifically shows in YouTube, nowadays. I think it not only applied to children but also audience, generally. Webisodes will encourage people watch online more than television, which will affected TV commercial industry, as Kung et al (2008, p. 159) quoted Hare,E who said ‘YouTube looked like the end of commercial TV’.
However webisodes is a new genre which global audiences are trying to adapt to. It might bring total new form of media, or maybe just a complementary of previous media.
Related article and links:
- Webisodes for kids
- TheWebisodes.com
- Webisodes on NBC.com
References:
Albrecht, C 2007, What does it cost to make a webisode?, viewed 11th June 2009, http://newteevee.com/2007/11/28/what-does-it-cost-to-make-a-webisode/.
Kung, L ,Picard, RG & Towse,R 2008, The interner and mass media, SAGE Publication Ltd, Los Angeles.
Putnis, P & Petelyn, R 1996, Professional Communication: principles & application, Prentice Hall, Sydney.
The Media Report 2007, Webisodes for kids, viewed 5th June 2009, http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2007/2124198.htm.
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