Big Brother lover/hater 

 

Hey Lover/Hater,

Welcome! In so many ways, it's impossible for me to predict what the content will exactly be "like" on the forthcoming site, because as it stands, the show hasn't really started, and we all know there is an element of suspicion in regards to what we are now being promised and what will actually unfold, come Sunday. But on the whole, my site basically takes three different perspectives:

 

1. Analysis of the production (and its inter-relations with media). This is currently what the articles are discussing, because there is no actual content of the show to discuss, yet. This will continue; however, the content will then move on to...

 

2. Analysis of the actual housemates within the setting. Moving away from the outer-level of the actual show as a media production, we will be looking at what is going on in the house, and discussing this as, yes, a social microcosm. The M word!! And we hear this come out of Gretel's mouth, quite a lot, of course - but the show has never really presented this level (so far, it's just been their excuse to try to intellectualise the show in defense of the criticisms). 

 

3. The public reactions, etc, as indicative of Australian society. People tend to see me more as a critic of the show itself; but I'm also quick to use the public to highlight problems in this society and to share the blame. Everyday Australia is by no means off the hook with me ;)

 

Now, sometimes, all three of these mix, and the lines blur. And ultimately, what the show is actually going to end up providing will govern where my emphasis lies. There was a lot of emphasis on the propagandist production techniques of the show last year, because there was just so much of it going on, and there were so many (terribly handled) scabdals, etc. If the show really does provide a smarter series, then hats off to it, and I'll probably focus more on the actual housemates. But we'll constantly note the production side of things, because regardless, they will exist, and I think auidences should get a little smarter in how they watch TV and how vulnerable they are to marketing and PR. I've always made it clear that I'm happy for the show to step up a few rungs on the ladder, and when the show does something good or positive, I note it (wasn't too much of that, last year, but we all know there wasn't much good to come from BB06). 

 

Until the show puts it money where its mouth is, I have no reason to switch into something more positive. But if it does, that will happen. I today heard that Kris Noble is on "sick leave" (love that term), and Tim Toni has now taken over. I think that's a good sign, I must say. But the PR so far has still been just that - PR. And until the show arrives as a changed monster, then I've no reason to change, too.

 

Hope to see you there!

Aaron 

 

Of course, sometimes, the two mix together. For example, we discussed the infamous Camillagate scandal on the level of those involved as individuals representing