After four weeks, should Digg Reel stay or should it go?

[AriaStar]

We've given it a chance, four of them. Viewers can only watch for so long and say it's in the early stages, give it a shot. What say you, viewers? If you still watch, that is.

[Blooper]

I only made it through like 5 minutes of the first episode. Haven't even thought about watching it again.

[nshady]

Yep, checked it out very briefly and then never watched again. Seems superfluous. I already watch G4's Around The Net podcast which is consistently funnier and often more ahead of the viral trends.

[wideawakewesley]

It's improved, but the format is still far to much like the crap you get on TV.

[joedubbs]

I tried it as well because I liked Jessica on Tekzilla.

I feel the show is a waste and Tekzilla has suffered as well.

[tokenuser]

And why would you post this in the TRS forum?

Moved ... but irrelevant. The success or failure of a show would be told by the download count, not a random poll in the forums.

[AriaStar]

And why would you post this in the TRS forum?

Moved ... but irrelevant. The success or failure of a show would be told by the download count, not a random poll in the forums.

If I posted in TRS, then it was on accident.

[Ryudo]

Just imagine an Angry Video Game Nerd rant and cuss words on how much something sucks and then apply that to digg reel.

[AndyAldrich]

Ah, oui, je suis d'accord.

1)Jessica was good on Tekzilla. I feel that Tekzilla's role is to cater to Joe and Joetta Bloggs who don't want to really get into computing but want to get to the nitty gritty quick ways of getting things done. As much as we all love Patrick, I feel that he needed someone who was (or at least pretended to be) totally ungeeky. I think Tekzilla should be Systm Lite.

You're all mature enough here to know that I am not having a go at fellow geeks so I'm not going to backpedal as I know you'll read on before you flame.

Systm is really the place for more techy stuff to be put without it having to be dumbed down. Jessica Corbin made Tekzilla feel a little more accessible.

I think that Jessica is a little wasted on the Digg Reel.

2) If Digg exists to highlight the cream of Youtube + Google videos + Myspace videos then why does the Digg Reel need to highlight the cream of Digg? Surely Diggnation exists to perform this function? I feel that the existence of this thread points towards the possibility that the average Digger relates more to the presentation of Diggnation than he/she does with the Digg Reel.

My personal opinion is that because Diggnation is done without a teleprompt and appears to be mostly unscripted (except for the stories they cover) it feels more 'real' than the Digg Reel as the guys make what appears to be a genuine (influenced by alcohol) reaction to the post rather than something off a screen.

[darknessgp]

...
Moved ... but irrelevant. The success or failure of a show would be told by the download count, not a random poll in the forums.

so, I guess the show should never be discussed and possibly improved upon, as clearly the forums don't matter. I do agree that the success or failure is determined by how many people actually watch the show, but does that make it a good show? If so, then Survivor, Big Brother, American Idol, etc. are these awesome shows that no one can say are anything less than perfect. Maybe this poll came off as an attack on the show, which you clearly like. To me, this came off as a "Is this show worthy of being called a Rev3 show?" Which, IMO, it does not and they need to go back to the drawing board.

[tokenuser]

Taking the reality TV example ... those shows continue to be made. You obviously don't like them, and you are not contributing to their viewer numbers. These are the numbers that count, because they are the ones that attract advertisers, and determine which show stay and which ones go.

Don't like Digg Reel? The forums are a way to say what you might do to improve the show. You have that unique opportunity that "real" TV does not have. Give feedback on what is and is not working, but what I am saying is that a poll like this is pretty pointless ... because the only people who are really going to post are the ones with a strong feeling either way. What about the majority of people who don't feel strongly, and just download the show - maybe watching, maybe not? Because they don't care enough to post or vote in a poll are they now to be marginalised as well?

Download numbers - just like ratings - are the important thing ... but there is nothing wrong with leaving feedback. Just try and make it constructive.

For the record, I don't care whether Digg Reel comes or goes - its not something I have to watch each week, but it is something that I will sync to my iPod when I am travelling and might watch then.

[NJShadow]

I've never even bothered to watch it. I have a funny clips show, it's called "The Soup". Whenever I wanna watch funny YouTube vids I either browse YouTube on my own or just go to the video section on Digg...... Maybe I'll give it a chance and watch it. I dunno....

[xibalba]

I quit watching it after ep 3. Boring and not really entertaining.

[Mr. Underachiever]

It's been six weeks.

Though, that's three times as long as Mysteries of Science Explained, a show that is like the redheaded, slightly retarded stepchild of Revision3, so much so that they refuse to even acknowledge its existence.

So, even if The Digg Reel WAS cancelled, at least they can say, "Well, we outlasted Mysteries of Science."

[xibalba]

I enjoyed Mysteries of Science Explained a hell of alot more than Digg Reel, even if it was short and beyond stupid.

[AriaStar]

Moved ... but irrelevant. The success or failure of a show would be told by the download count, not a random poll in the forums.

That doesn't say whether or not the post count can be higher, and sheer download count says nothing about viewer-opinion. This is the show's forum.

[AriaStar]

Taking the reality TV example ... those shows continue to be made. You obviously don't like them, and you are not contributing to their viewer numbers. These are the numbers that count, because they are the ones that attract advertisers, and determine which show stay and which ones go.

Don't like Digg Reel? The forums are a way to say what you might do to improve the show. You have that unique opportunity that "real" TV does not have. Give feedback on what is and is not working, but what I am saying is that a poll like this is pretty pointless ... because the only people who are really going to post are the ones with a strong feeling either way. What about the majority of people who don't feel strongly, and just download the show - maybe watching, maybe not? Because they don't care enough to post or vote in a poll are they now to be marginalised as well?

Download numbers - just like ratings - are the important thing ... but there is nothing wrong with leaving feedback. Just try and make it constructive.

For the record, I don't care whether Digg Reel comes or goes - its not something I have to watch each week, but it is something that I will sync to my iPod when I am travelling and might watch then.

Fans of Rev3 seem to, in general, want all of Rev3's shows to succeed and do well, and so are more open to discussing it. However, if far more come here to say they DON'T like it than do, and give their reasons, then Rev3 has the chance to see what they can to to attract higher ratings. Big Brother can revamp the show to try for higher ratings, and I think most people just wouldn't care to even give it a shot. Revamp a Rev3 show and we, loyal supporters of all things Rev3, will likely try again.

[skyz]

Download numbers - just like ratings - are the important thing

NO!

there is no point in replicating the mindset of 'regular' tv on the internet is a vast waste of time and potential

it is always the quality of the product that is important in the long run and to think in the short run / term you don't need rev3 you can let the broadcast networks do that as that is what they do so well and also why there is a market for alternate 'media' which is what rev3 is purporting to fill

you can't claim to be 'special' because you are different / better while maintaining the status quo modus operandi

[tokenuser]

Thats not my argument.

I am saying that, like traditional media, the number of dowloads are what measures the "succes" of a show - espeically in the eyes of sponsors/advertisers.

Internet based media is only unique in that the target audience have an immediate means of feedback to the producers and production staff. No matter how many people say they dont care for Digg Reel in a poll, how many people are not voting but still downloading (or watching in the Flash player)? I am guessing if those numbers were added to the poll then the vocal minority would be somewhat smaller than the numbers from the poll indicate.

I am not arguing against feedback - in my professional life I seek feedback (both positive and negative - because you generally learn more from negative feedback than behaviour reinforcing positive feedback). Feedback on this (and all Rev3) shows is important for improvement.

But - wrapping it up in a poll to justify your comments or conclusions? Useless.

[suprstrpj]

Thats not my argument.

I am saying that, like traditional media, the number of dowloads are what measures the "succes" of a show - espeically in the eyes of sponsors/advertisers.

Internet based media is only unique in that the target audience have an immediate means of feedback to the producers and production staff. No matter how many people say they dont care for Digg Reel in a poll, how many people are not voting but still downloading (or watching in the Flash player)? I am guessing if those numbers were added to the poll then the vocal minority would be somewhat smaller than the numbers from the poll indicate.

I am not arguing against feedback - in my professional life I seek feedback (both positive and negative - because you generally learn more from negative feedback than behaviour reinforcing positive feedback). Feedback on this (and all Rev3) shows is important for improvement.

But - wrapping it up in a poll to justify your comments or conclusions? Useless.

could you use your influence to find out some download stats for this show week to week? compared to the other shows like TRS and GigaOm or something? it's obvious people on here want to know why a show that has little originality (diggnation does the same thing, the soup is way funnier, etc.) is allowed to stay in production.

i think jessica is doing a great job, by the way, with a show that is obviously having a difficult start.

[africansk8er]

The idea to read the comments is a good idea, but they pick the worst comments for each video and it sounds even lamer when read out loud. I'm still on the fence about this show...

[masherscf]

Why should there be any question at all that it should continue? People should "vote" with their downloads. If you don't like it, don't watch it. if enough people don't watch it, it will go away.

There's some pretty crappy stuff that stays on TV because people can't look away.

I like "The Digg Reel." I like Jessica.

I don't understand the assumption of hostility. Not everything Revision3 needs to be liked by everyone. I like Om Malik and Joyce but "Giga-Om" puts me to sleep. I don't make polls on their forum calling for the show to be revamped or canceled to suit my tastes.

I think making a poll like this is mean spirited. (just my opinion, take it or leave it)

[MadmanMarco]

I don't surf Digg on a daily basis... I like the Digg reel, and I like Ms./Mrs. Corbin. I need this show to keep me up on the Digg videos.

I agree with the Masher Scarf or the Master Chef, I don't know how that's pronounced.

[tokenuser]

I don't surf Digg on a daily basis... I like the Digg reel, and I like Ms./Mrs. Corbin. I need this show to keep me up on the Digg videos.

I agree with the Masher Scarf or the Master Chef, I don't know how that's pronounced.I was REALLY happy when Digg added a Video section so that a lot of the crap that wqas posted in Digg as videos could be readily filtered. I don't need to see yet another video of "Best 2 GIRLS 1 CUP REACTION EVAR!!!!111!!!1!!" or the "Facebook Obsessed Kid".

But, I am missing out on something by not seeing some of those clips. Jessica fills that role by giving us the (supposed) best of the best.

Its not a show that I will be waiting with baited breath to watch as soon as it is released each week, but it is good time filler to have cached for later viewing.

Dont like? Dont watch. Dont bother coming to the forums to say that you dont like the idea for the show and hate it
Could like like it if there were some changes? Great, add some feedeback. What would you change? What do you like. What do younot like. we are an instant focus group.
Want to discuss what you saw? This is the place to do it ... but if you dont like it why are you watching?

[Casework]

I really wanted to like this show. I watched the first two episodes, and then about 5 minutes of the 3rd and haven't watched since.

I also agree that this has affected some of the momentum Tekzilla had going.

The idea of the Digg Reel is cool, but it just seems way too much like Diggnation-lite for my tastes.

I think it could be improved if it was more of a group effort. What about having a Cranky Geeks type set up based around popular videos of the week? Jessica can always be present, but have Kevin, Alex, Glenn, Om, Dave, Patrick, etc, on the show and they can each pick their own favorite videos, talk about them, discuss the topic(when serious), or have a good laugh(when funny).

[darknessgp]

Taking the reality TV example ... those shows continue to be made. You obviously don't like them, and you are not contributing to their viewer numbers. These are the numbers that count, because they are the ones that attract advertisers, and determine which show stay and which ones go. ...

and? You missed the point. My point was that just because you can get people to watch the show doesn't make it a GOOD show. Yea, it's successful monetarily, but is that real success? Also, do the same rules apply for online distribution? Yea, it'd be great if every show is completely funded, but would Rev3 cut a show because of profit margin?

Also, I can understand your view on feedback... but when the Digg Reel first came out, and it seemed almost no one liked it. A couple of mods told us to wait and give it time, and then come back and judge... well, I think 7 epsiodes is a good amount of time to start judging, seems it hasn't really improved.

[masherscf]

I agree with the Masher Scarf or the Master Chef, I don't know how that's pronounced.

The "SCF" is silent.

[tokenuser]

and? You missed the point. My point was that just because you can get people to watch the show doesn't make it a GOOD show. Yea, it's successful monetarily, but is that real success?Yes. That is real success. That is the only success that the VC people will judge Rev3.

Now, think of it this way ... Virgin have signed a deal that will have Rev3 content showing on the domestic inflight video systems. The Digg Reel is accessible. It might bring others to Rev3 who might not otherwise have known about Digg or Rev3.

If shows like this - that don't appeal the the early adopters, but have wider appeal - bring in money that can be used to enhance other programmes (that are probably much more expensive to produce), is that a bad thing?

[scoobydiesel]

It's improved, but the format is still far to much like the crap you get on TV.

yeah that still...

[neutrino15]

The idea to read the comments is a good idea, but they pick the worst comments for each video and it sounds even lamer

Here are my 2 cents..


We have Digg/Videos, so why do we need a podcast like this just re-iterating the top 10 videos on digg and read comments we can already read ourselves? If the video is good enough, it makes it onto Diggnation where Kevin and Alex give us drunken commentary, not scripted teleprompter reading. I would suggest going behind the scenes of each video, but Martin Sargent already does this with Web Drifter.

Basically, I think that you should cut this show. It is just not that great of a topic. Do something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.


One show suggestion i have always had was a real news show. A daily half hour show that goes over the headlines of the NYTIMES, DIGG, WSJ, W-POST, etc.. Something that is completely non-bais (as in hire a republican to balance a democrat), and really get into news. Report on the war in iraq, report on africa, the economy... And make it Rev3, free and open. A vidcast that one can watch at the gym/work/school :rolleyes:


-Jordan

[masherscf]

and? You missed the point. My point was that just because you can get people to watch the show doesn't make it a GOOD show. Yea, it's successful monetarily, but is that real success?.

How would you define success? Revision3 is a money making venture, not an art project.

[rowlodge]

i have favorites, and watch them all the time but some i dont but a lot of shows which are good i dont watch either, good question, i dont know why i just watch some and not others, ..just not controversial enough ?

[darknessgp]

Yes. That is real success. That is the only success that the VC people will judge Rev3.

Now, think of it this way ... Virgin have signed a deal that will have Rev3 content showing on the domestic inflight video systems. The Digg Reel is accessible. It might bring others to Rev3 who might not otherwise have known about Digg or Rev3.

If shows like this - that don't appeal the the early adopters, but have wider appeal - bring in money that can be used to enhance other programmes (that are probably much more expensive to produce), is that a bad thing?

yes, it is a bad thing. There is a reason almost all the TV networks have reality shows as their big prime time shows, and other IMO better shows are getting scraped because they are not getting as much return for them.

masherscf, you are correct. Rev3 isn't an art project. However, video is a form of art, and I would hate for Rev3 to churn out stuff for the sole purpose of making money, like what G4 does. The initial purpose of Rev3 was for them to make shows they would want to watch. I have no problem with The Digg Reel staying the way it is, because I've come to accept that Jessica will have and loves having her "Look what I found on the internet" stuff. I mean, when Tekzilla came out, I knew we were going to have Jessica doing a favorite web site of the week (code pink... err red). I expected that.

As far as defining what success is, I think you can call it successful when you have people telling you how much they love it, or enjoyed watching it. Take Survivor as an example, of the people I know that watch it religiously, I don't think I've heard one of them say that they love it, they almost always say they are addicted to it.

[tokenuser]

The initial purpose of Rev3 was for them to make shows they would want to watch. I look forward to the day when we have darknessgp.tv, and it consists of 3 Diggnation clones, and 4 Screen Savers wannabes ... done with zero budget. Until that day Rev3 has varied programming across a number of different subject areas.

[masherscf]

As far as defining what success is, I think you can call it successful when you have people telling you how much they love it, or enjoyed watching it. Take Survivor as an example, of the people I know that watch it religiously, I don't think I've heard one of them say that they love it, they almost always say they are addicted to it.

The producers of Survivor don't give a rat's ass about how much you enjoy a program as long as you don't look away. However, most people don't do things they don't enjoy.

Also, people tend to be more vocal about things they don't like.

If you haven't read anyone saying they love "The Digg Reel," you need help with your reading comprehension.

Your main criticism of "The Digg Reel" seems to be that it is too main stream and you don't like it. But, You are projecting that dislike onto everyone. I submit, if "The Digg Reel" were unwatchable, people would NOT watch it. If the "Digg Reel" haters were more than just a vocal minority, it will not stay in production.

I agree "The Digg Reel" is not that original and is an online clone of "Talk Soup." However, that formula works.

However, Jessica Corbin is charming and funny to a broad audience of people who don't live on YouTube or Digg. People of that demographic appreciate a digest of what's interesting in internet video and appreciate the delivery of amusing Digg comment without having to wade through the typical Digg ugliness.

Your main fear seems to be that Revision3 will not cancel a possibly profitable enterprise just because you and a few others don't care for it.

[samureye]

What's Talk Soup. Does he mean The Soup? It's the tens, Masher!

[masherscf]

What's Talk Soup. Does he mean The Soup? It's the tens, Masher!

Oh shit, I feel old. They changed the name years ago...

[damnedeyez]

Oh shit, I feel old. They changed the name years ago...

Last time I watched it, I don't know how many years ago, it was still Talk Soup...never knew they changed the name.


As far as The Digg Reel...I like the idea, particularly since I visit digg.com maybe once a year and Diggnation only covers one or two at a time, but I stopped watching it along with Systm.

[darknessgp]

I look forward to the day when we have darknessgp.tv, and it consists of 3 Diggnation clones, and 4 Screen Savers wannabes ... done with zero budget. Until that day Rev3 has varied programming across a number of different subject areas.

huh? Who said anything about copying what they have? I said that they originally started because they wanted to make shows that they would enjoy watching, how exactly does that translate into making shows that are rip offs of each other?

masherscf, I never said it was main stream. I just said it doesn't fit with the other Rev3 shows.

[baldmonkey]

...Basically, I think that you should cut this show. It is just not that great of a topic. Do something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT...


Here is a wild idea. If you dont like it, dont watch it.
This is not like regular tv, the show does not take up precious air time from shows you like.

A news show would be great but that does not meant that they need to cancel the digg reel.

I didnt like the reel at first but I think it has improved a lot and now i enjoy it.

[masherscf]

masherscf, I never said it was main stream. I just said it doesn't fit with the other Rev3 shows.

Perhaps, but then neither does "Internet Superstar", "Giga-Om", "TRS", "XLR8R" or ....

Hmm, none of then really fit each other either, that's the beauty of it.

Am I the only one who thinks "Diggnation" was an accident? I'm thinking that it was the brainchild of Kevin, Prager and maybe Jay. "SYSTM" was failing. The release schedule was erratic and Revision3 couldn't fix that without full time production people. So, the idea was to produce a weekly podcast on-the-cheap in order to attract VC. Kevin was smart enough to realize that he had an instant audience with Digg users that he could exploit to this end. The original show was aimed at Digg"users. However, someone had the genius idea to feature Alex Albrecht. Kevin and Alex have a natural chemistry as a classic comic duo. The show turns out to have a much broader appeal for college age people and becomes a monstrous hit and money maker for Revision3. Nevertheless, the show does diverge a bit from the core Digg audience. Most of the complaints we get here about "Diggnation" is they don't feature enough Digg stories.

My point, success changes things. Revision3 does make shows that people like. People like "The Digg Reel." Why is that wrong for Revision3?

[YO-Q]

my 2 cents.. I don't mind the show but Jessica you look dead, like a zombie, you are way too pale, don't know if its a make up issue or lighting or something but ya you look like a corpse. I like you you are funny, make me smile and laugh, you always seem to be in good spirit, but I have a hard time looking at you on this show. :(

[bthug7]

I was hearing so many terrible things about this show I had to download it myself.

Maybe my standards were lowered because of the negative talk, but I really liked it(compared to Around the Net). It's a show about virals. They speak for themselves, I think what they have now is almost the perfect balance between comic relief and comedic videos. I like how they share random digg comments.

Good Show, keep it up. The more people watching Revision3 the better!

[marc57]

Tried to watch it, but finally gave up.

[tjl30]

This show is to much like diggnation, and rather than just showing the videos they have commentary which I really don't care to listen to.

[Reoze]

This show is to much like diggnation, and rather than just showing the videos they have commentary which I really don't care to listen to.

Yeah but diggnation actually has moments of enjoyment. If diggnation was just one guy reading from a script it wouldn't be doing nearly as well as it is today. People would just go on digg and look at the top stories. Where as you could do that for the Digg reel and not miss a beat.

[Suiken]

As for my two cents...

I think that in the show, Jessica seems too....artificial. At least, she doesn't seem as natural as she was in Tekzilla. In my opinion, she should just show her honest thoughts about the videos (and maybe a few comments, but right now, just reading them is pretty boring), rather than reading off of a teleprompter. That's the biggest thing I have against the show.

I like the Digg Reel though, and I think it can be a great show. It just needs to pick up the pace with some tweakings (based off of fan feedback, of course).

[Murphy1d]

Yeah but diggnation actually has moments of enjoyment. If diggnation was just one guy reading from a script it wouldn't be doing nearly as well as it is today. People would just go on digg and look at the top stories. Where as you could do that for the Digg reel and not miss a beat.

I finally realized why I don't download this show anymore, and I think you hit it on the head. Diggnation is great because of what they say ABOUT the clips, not the clips themselves. Avid Digg fans would have seen most-dugg stories already.

No, its the banter between the two people that's interesting. Plus, I don't mind G4 spoon feeding me stuff from the net, but I definitely wouldn't go search it out a week later and download it after I have already seen it on the Digg home page.

Its not about Jess, its just like reading yesterday's newspaper.

[ritzcracker]

I think that its a good idea for a new show but the way the present it isn't. It would be allot more entertaining if the show had more than one host and they discussed what they thought about the video (more like diggnation). I'm not digging the standing still reading a teleprompter in front of a green screen and cracking bad jokes.

[damnedeyez]

I still like the idea of the show, but I find it more enjoyable to read the show notes and watch the videos through the links to Digg. I get to see the whole video that way, and the comments aren't cherry picked for me (and I'm not force-fed ads every 3 clips or so.)