Because of the blatent BB interference in the game

[bbsak]

and the way they changed it's direction this time --- we stop watching the live shows. It's not like we can't see them online anyway and maybe we'll send BB the message we to keep their hands off. I'm going to reset my Tivo and tune in online from now on.

[storygirl]

It's not a reality show with so much interference from the DR.

Their TV ratings suck, so they're banking on James the freak underdog, and are making it easier for him.

[dingo]

I've posted (yet another) rant on today's main page under the producers rating spot about all this.. I was shocked and a little pleased to find that at least two "official" sites have acknowledged this stuff this time

slap me if I've got my rose-colored glasses on again, but I'm feeling optimistic that maybe they'll wake up and finally cut Ms. Grodner loose from this show - maybe not in time for BB10 though - those contracts are probably all signed

then again, I don't know who actually owns the rights for BB in the USA - it could be CBS but it could be Shapiro and/or Grodner

either way, when BB1 came along it was done the "right" way, as Endemol created the concept and the way it runs in the rest of the world (and it's a huge hit most places).. BB1 didn't do well financially so they revamped the whole thing when Shapiro/Grodner took it over for BB2

but the thing is, back in 2000, reality tv was still largely "experimental" - basically only "Real World" and one season of "Survivor" had aired before BB1.. now there's no shortage of experienced and able producers & writers who could take over this mess

[cherryred]

I don't know if I'm for total viewer control over the show. I'd like us to have a vote - just as if we were a houseguest. Not the stupid America's player - but a vote. And we get to see the DR's and everything on the feeds.

[bbsak]

Dingo, I agree 100% w/your opinion piece today and yesterday about the producers and hope that my letter to my local CBS affiliate helps to bring BB back to the show it used to be - one run with integrity and much fewer attempts to control the show via the DR. Let the HG's do their thing and let us viewers have more of a say about their fate - after all, we're the ones who're seeing and hearing most of what goes on there (and in many cases more than some of the HG's).

Love the fact that other sites are finally speaking out and hope the right people are listening. Keep up the great work Dingo and thanks for continuously providing your readers with a professional, newsy, topical, and timely site!

[JimJ]

I've posted (yet another) rant on today's main page under the producers rating spot about all this.. I was shocked and a little pleased to find that at least two "official" sites have acknowledged this stuff this time

slap me if I've got my rose-colored glasses on again, but I'm feeling optimistic that maybe they'll wake up and finally cut Ms. Grodner loose from this show - maybe not in time for BB10 though - those contracts are probably all signed

then again, I don't know who actually owns the rights for BB in the USA - it could be CBS but it could be Shapiro and/or Grodner

either way, when BB1 came along it was done the "right" way, as Endemol created the concept and the way it runs in the rest of the world (and it's a huge hit most places).. BB1 didn't do well financially so they revamped the whole thing when Shapiro/Grodner took it over for BB2

but the thing is, back in 2000, reality tv was still largely "experimental" - basically only "Real World" and one season of "Survivor" had aired before BB1.. now there's no shortage of experienced and able producers & writers who could take over this mess

You're wrong when you say on the front page that BB is governed by the same laws that govern game shows. Somebody tried to make this case last year and the FCC gave them this response:

Thanks for contacting the FCC via the online inquiry form, with your
inquiry (designated IC Number: 07-x1327xxxx), regarding the 'reality'
show 'Big Brother.' We will close your inquiry IC Number:
07-x1327xxxx with this response:

A "game show" in which selected contestants (vs. members of the
public) participate is governed by Section 509 of Title 47 of the
United States Code (USC), and regulated by the Department of Justice.
However 'Big Brother' does not appear to meet the definition of a
"game show." Rather, it is a 'for entertainment only' program,
somewhat similar to professional wrestling in that it is a
pseudo-contest in which the outcome is fully, or in some measure,
predetermined.

source: http://boards.cbs.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?msg=26642&nav=messages&webtag=CBSBigBro8MB

Also, "real" BB will never come back. They tried it like that and it failed. Like it or not, alot of the current fan base never even watched BB 1 and would probably not watch it if they brought the old format back. I'm not saying I'm totally against it, as there are good and bad things about both formats, but I think CBS would sooner scrap BB altogether than to risk scaring away the fans that have become used to the American format.

[moviegal]

You're wrong when you say on the front page that BB is governed by the same laws that govern game shows. Somebody tried to make this case last year and the FCC gave them this response:

Thanks for contacting the FCC via the online inquiry form, with your
inquiry (designated IC Number: 07-x1327xxxx), regarding the 'reality'
show 'Big Brother.' We will close your inquiry IC Number:
07-x1327xxxx with this response:

A "game show" in which selected contestants (vs. members of the
public) participate is governed by Section 509 of Title 47 of the
United States Code (USC), and regulated by the Department of Justice.
However 'Big Brother' does not appear to meet the definition of a
"game show." Rather, it is a 'for entertainment only' program,
somewhat similar to professional wrestling in that it is a
pseudo-contest in which the outcome is fully, or in some measure,
predetermined.

source: http://boards.cbs.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?msg=26642&nav=messages&webtag=CBSBigBro8MB

Wow - interesting. So in essence, BB is not considered to be a "reality" show (ie unscripted) at all. Maybe it should be reclassified as an ad-libbed interactive soap opera then...in effect, it is a soap opera with characters to love, characters to hate, and the audiences decision as to how they perceive the characters. Who would have ever thought that BB was closer to "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (without the talent behind it) than to Survivor?

[Monty924]

The producers, both Shapiro (before last season) and Grodner have said many times that they are governed by FCC regulations. Anyone can create a cut & paste, or what appears to be one, and post it on the net. Doesn't mean it's fact.

[dingo]

You're wrong when you say on the front page that BB is governed by the same laws that govern game shows. Somebody tried to make this case last year and the FCC gave them this response

I remember seeing that posted around last summer.. it might be legit or it might not, but if so, I don't know what the original complaint was so the apparent reply never meant a lot on its own.. it's very possible somebody wrote in and simply said BB8 was unfair because they didn't like Dick

I could easily be wrong about the technicalities here, but Lynette Rice (EW critic who covers BB) said last summer "The network could also face lawsuits by contestants or even prosecution under federal game-show laws if it seemed the proceedings were rigged" (source (http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20050124,00.html)) so if I'm wrong, it wouldn't be the first time, and I'm not alone on this one

I wouldn't be the first BB site to make a factual error either.. I don't have the time or inclination to research the laws on this though, so am going to let the page stand.. it's not like there are many reading it this year

the bottom line remains the integrity of the game, a phrase Allison Grodner uses often and swears to uphold

I always wonder about people who register on sites only to make a complaint like this - that could get to be a full time job, especially if you venture outside the BB arena lol

[JimJ]

I remember seeing that posted around last summer.. it might be legit or it might not, but if so, I don't know what the original complaint was so the apparent reply never meant a lot on its own.. it's very possible somebody wrote in and simply said BB8 was unfair because they didn't like Dick

I could easily be wrong about the technicalities here, but Lynette Rice (EW critic who covers BB) said last summer "The network could also face lawsuits by contestants or even prosecution under federal game-show laws if it seemed the proceedings were rigged" (source (http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20050124,00.html)) so if I'm wrong, it wouldn't be the first time, and I'm not alone on this one

I wouldn't be the first BB site to make a factual error either.. I don't have the time or inclination to research the laws on this though, so am going to let the page stand.. it's not like there are many reading it this year

the bottom line remains the integrity of the game, a phrase Allison Grodner uses often and swears to uphold

I always wonder about people who register on sites only to make a complaint like this - that could get to be a full time job, especially if you venture outside the BB arena lol

I wasn't complaining, just pointing out what I thought was an error. You're right to say the FCC response may or may not be legit, I guess the only way to find out would be to write to the FCC yourself.

Also, it's kinda hard to get upset about the "integrity of the game" when this game hasn't had integrity since BB3, never mind what Grodner the Hut claims. Ever since season 4 there has been some kind of unfair twist, whether it be exes, "enemies", family members. The worst is BB5 with Nakomis and Cowboy having to deal with the screwed up situation of finding out you have a sibling you never knew about, meanwhile the twins got to play as a team and swap in and out of the game. All of that is great for drama but I don't think anyone would argue that it made for a level playing field. I mean, can you imagine the shit Jeopardy would be in if they allowed identical twins to swap in and out while the other contestants played solo? I do like your idea of just hitting the reset button and going back to BB1 format (or even just a BB2 or BB3 format, with all strangers and no crappy twists, preferably no veto either) but, as I said before, I just don't see it ever happening.

[dingo]

agreed, on all points

i keep trying to stay optimistic, and wonder if the many scandals surrounding this season might make a difference going forward

i know, i know! .. it's just a dream :rolleyes: