FOX has been playing with their network shows (FRINGE, GLEE) and how fans can interact with them via re-runs and tweets. The idea was/is to interact with the talent behind the show(s). I am a HUGE fan of the general concept. However, the method of which they did so, is poor at best.
This is what I call a real SOCIAL (media) EXPERIMENT. Just not sure they did much research before they released it to the public. Some may call it a marketing train-wreck.
I love the “pushing the envelop” side of it, but it just doesn’t work. Doesn’t make sense to me – not with these shows. There is a time and a place. The time to watch entertainment most (if not all) believe should be separated from the interaction with those that produce it. In fact, I would even argue that viewers who are really into a show, enjoy the “escapism” of the characters and the story-lines. By it’s definition, that is what entertainment is? I do see a great opportunity for cast, crew, creators to all become evangelists to help market the content.
As a marketer of entertainment content for over 15 years, I strongly urge creators to learn how best to use their personal brand in an effective manner, and one that is also closely coordination with the overall arcing campaign of the show, film, etc. I actually wrote a blog about this http://johnayers.posterous.com/co-branding-entertainment I believe what FOX was trying to do is correct, the execution was not. A high profile actor or director has a great opportunity to market their entertainment brand, but there must be marketing strategy behind it.
I think it’s time I offer social media training for content creators (actors, directors, writers, producers) so as to assist them on best practices in entertainment social media marketing. This is one of the topics that we discuss at the #entsm weekly tweetchat. Join in the discussion every Tuesday, 8PM PDT on Twitter using the hashtag #entsm.
In the long run, this may be a case of even bad press may be better than no press at all. A lot of people are talking about @GLEE because of this experiment. Anyway, enough of my thoughts… lets see what the fans said.
FOX has a blog site. http://www.fox.com/blogs/futurefox/2009/09/04/tweet-peat-update/
Read below to see what the fans told FOX.
You can follow FOX on Twitter http://twitter.com/foxbroadcasting
You can request to be on FOX’s Viewer Panel http://surveys.researchresults.com/mrIWeb/mrIWeb.dll?I.Project=S1920001&i.user1=102
Tweet-peat Update
Thank you to everyone who participated in last night?s FRINGE Tweet- peat special event! We?ve read through all the fan feedback. While many people were thrilled with the opportunity to interact with the FRINGE cast and producers, others felt the on-screen graphics made it difficult to follow the broadcast. We?ve listened and have used these comments and suggestions to help us make a few adjustments to tonight?s GLEE Tweet-peat special.
Don?t forget that Tweet-peats are unique events for repeat episodes only.
Tonight?s GLEE Tweet-peat will air at 9 PM ET/PT. During this encore airing of the GLEE pilot, both east and west coast broadcasts will feature LIVE tweeting by the cast.
Thank you.
John Ayers 
Roberta Pitkin Says:
September 4th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Distracting, You can either watch the show or read the twitter, should be optional for those who do not care to see
Dick Says:
September 4th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
the tweet were distracting and non enhancing to the show. If you want that kid if childish interation please keep is on another area and let the programing be seen for what it was intended!!!
Lakaya M. Peeples Says:
September 4th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
did not like the tweet peat?.there should be an option to disable them. I use closed captioning and the tweets and the captions and the picture on the screen?.was like watching a 3 way tag team with no winner. it was irritating enough to make me want to change the channel altogether. the only reason i didn?t is it was the one episode I missed.
Please dont let this become a pattern. did you know that a closed caption tv has 3 levels minimum and most have advanced levels. cc1 and cc2 are usually for captions, you can put the tweets on txt 1 or cc2 as cc1 is used most often?that gives the viewer the choice of watching it on screen or not. esspecally since they can watch it on twitter live at the same time.
think about it huh?
judy rushing Says:
September 4th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
i did not like it even for the reruns. i had not seen that one and was looking forward to it and you ruined it for me. right i cannot go anywhere because for right now i can not drive. thank you
shari duff Says:
September 4th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
I absolutely, positively love this show and am so glad it was renewed for another season. Looked up String Theory and am still totally confused, but I can relate to other dimensions, realities, or whatever you call them. Hope the cow is in for some awesome adventures. Yes, the Tweet graphics were a distraction, but since it was a repeat, who cares??..it was interesting to get a glimpse of the path that this show ?may? take. I can hardly wait for the first new show of the season. I am waiting for you guys to rock my world !!!!!!!!!
Ken Says:
September 4th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Though I enjoyed watching and sending messages, my wife (a Twitter non-user) found the episode unwatchable with the tweets. I wonder how it affected the ratings.
September 4th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
[…] Fox appears to be listening to the feedback from the Tweet-peat trial run. In a blog post today they indicated they?ve made some interface adjustments in time for tonight?s Glee […]
johnathan bailey Says:
September 4th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
I did not like seeing the retarded comments about so and so coming over to watch the show. i wanted to watch the show not see tweeting
September 4th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
[…] Fox appears to be listening to the feedback from the Tweet-peat trial run. In a blog post today they indicated they?ve made some interface adjustments in time for tonight?s Glee […]
September 4th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
[…] Fox appears to be listening to the feedback from the Tweet-peat trial run. In a blog post today they indicated they?ve made some interface adjustments in time for tonight?s Glee […]
September 4th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
[…] Fox appears to be listening to the feedback from the Tweet-peat trial run. In a blog post today they indicated they?ve made some interface adjustments in time for tonight?s Glee […]
Alonzo Golden Says:
September 4th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Very cool!
Mysty Johnson Says:
September 4th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
I love the Fringe !!!!!! Concepts and ideas. Radical and can?t wait for more episodes. These shows are like the dreams I have. Weird and complicated. Absolutely freaky how some ideas mimic episodes I have experienced. Flipping between dimensions? seeing things not really there. All the stuff good fiction is made of. Cannot express enough how much I love this series.
Ashok Patel Says:
September 4th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Get teh Tweet-peats off the programs. Really stupid idea and I will not tune in to any show that his it.
Thanks,
Ashok
Rob Says:
September 4th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
I?m TRYING to watch TV, but now you?ve ruined a couple shows by having Tweets (morons following morons) covering part of the screen. If I want to read, I?ll open a book, or magazine. I can?t believe more than one person actually thought this was a good idea.
I?ll be switching to another station now.
September 4th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
[…] Fox appears to be listening to the feedback from the Tweet-peat trial run. In a blog post today they indicated they?ve made some interface adjustments in time for tonight?s Glee […]
Mike Carey Says:
September 4th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
This is so damn annoying! Stop this fucking twit-tering damn twits!
Brooke Says:
September 4th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
End this maddness
stupid comments
nothing but distraction
Fringe is special show
don?t mess it up
September 4th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
[…] Fox appears to be listening to the feedback from the Tweet-peat trial run. In a blog post today they indicated they?ve made some interface adjustments in time for tonight?s Glee […]
September 4th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
[…] Fox appears to be listening to the feedback from the Tweet-peat trial run. In a blog post today they indicated they?ve made some interface adjustments in time for tonight?s Glee […]
Susan D Says:
September 4th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Way to catch onto a trend and beat it to death. Let Twitter be.
September 4th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
[…] Fox appears to be listening to the feedback from the Tweet-peat trial run. In a blog post today they indicated they?ve made some interface adjustments in time for tonight?s Glee […]
Vin Sugent Says:
September 4th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
The tweet-peat makes me want to stick a fork in my eye. Please stop. I turned off Glee.
Elaine Douglas Says:
September 4th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
I am a big fan of Fringe but if you do this twitter thing again I will never ever watch the show again. It was very annoying to have the bottom third of the screen obliterating the scene with stupid comments. It was distracting and adolescent.
Fringe is amusing and clever. There was nothing amusing and clever about Twitter.
If you do this on any o