Can internet soap operas survive?
The idea of an internet soap opera is very appealing. Anyone with a computer can read the episodes at their leisure and never have to miss anything. They can also reread previous episodes if they forget what happened. Unless you record your TV soap operas, you can’t do that. For some internet soap operas, there’s the option of recording a short video for the episodes and airing them on sites such as youtube. Or, perhaps, you can just have an audio recording of the episodes. There are different ways to go about it. But can it really compete with the TV soaps? Can it survive as long as some of them have?
There are some advantages and disadvantages for internet soap operas. On the positive side, you don’t need to work with actors and actresses and deal with their tantrums, etc. You don’t need to worry about the writer’s strike. You don’t need the TV or to tune in at specific times. On the down side, part of the appeal for some soaps are the stars. Viewers like to watch attractive people. If they can somehow picture the characters on internet soap operas, they may actually tune in better to the internet. Although the internet soaps will go on without the writer’s guild, they are still prey to the author’s whims. If the author is having a bad day or if he/she decides to quit, the soap will end without warning. The episode may not be there waiting, when the audience wants to check in.
Can internet soap operas survive? I guess it depends on the audience. I can see advantages and disadvantages to all types of soap operas. But I’m one of those who loves to read and to read big long sagas. The idea of an internet soap opera fulfills the desire to read continuously about the lives of a set of people. Unlike some of the TV soap operas, I do prefer to have a stronger basis on reality and to avoid incestuous relationships as much as possible. Also, unlike TV soap operas, once I create a character, I don’t have to worry about having to change those characters just because I’ve hired a new actor/actress to play the part. I only hope my audience will agree with that and continue to come and read my story.
Filed under: Cogitations