Comments on: Big Donor Show Hoax

By: Sam Smith

Sam Smith — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 20:34:13 +0000

As I think your post indicates, Michael, there’s plenty of room for people to argue about this one. My approach is probably a little more … ummm … aggressive, and in context I can more than justify this approach. Still, I can also more than understand how you’d disagree with me.

I reference your post and have a more detailed take here: http://blackdogstrategic.com/2007/06/03/reality-tv-hoax-raises-interesting-marketing-question/

By: You want reality TV? THIS is reality TV! « Scholars and Rogues

You want reality TV? THIS is reality TV! « Scholars and Rogues — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 20:28:53 +0000

[...] away – if I’m wrong, explain how. No less a writer than Michael van der Galien over at The Moderate Voice seems to disagree with me, so I’m certainly open to the idea that there are credible [...]

By: Reality TV hoax raises interesting marketing question « Black Dog Strategic

Reality TV hoax raises interesting marketing question « Black Dog Strategic — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 20:25:34 +0000

By: Rudi

Rudi — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 16:27:30 +0000

Reality shows are far from reality and spontaneous entertainment. There are just as many writers and producers as participants. If this silly show admitted to the hoax to say they were making a point, I’d buy into saying they were doing some good.

By: DLS

DLS — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 15:26:13 +0000

Both the show and the reaction to its being a hoax are over-hyped.

By: Holly in Cincinnati

Holly in Cincinnati — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 15:13:30 +0000

Better a hoax than reality!

By: Lynx

Lynx — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 12:28:13 +0000

Well, we didn’t know it before, but we sure know it now, the tidbit has been included in the coverage of the story. That, in part, is why I think they had good intentions.

By: Michael van der Galien

Michael van der Galien — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 12:01:53 +0000

True it says a lot, doesn’t it?

Also – one thing people in foreign countries do not seem to know: the person who founded BNN was Bart de Graaf. He died in his 30s five years ago I believe, due to a kidney disease. So, it is expected for BNN to care about this subject.

By: Lynx

Lynx — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 10:50:36 +0000

I couldn’t have avoided finding out if I tried. The initial report was all over the news in Spain and so, of course, the fact that it’s a hoax is also all over the news. Reactions are mixed, plenty of people think they just did it for the ratings. I still think it wasn’t in very good taste, but I’m inclined to think that the intentions were good. At first I found very offensive that they would use actual patients in need of a kidney, but they knew what they were doing. Presumably the approve of the program, thinking it will bring attention to their problem. I don’t generally like emotionally manipulative hoaxes or practical jokes, I find it to be a cynical use of people’s inclination to trust others. Whatever the intention, I don’t appreciate having my sense of compassion and/or outrage manipulated.

On the other hand, I completely bought into the story. So did my father and my coworkers. My mother didn’t really believe it, thinking the Netherlands above that sort of thing. Still, what does it say about the level of entertainment today when we’re perfectly willing to believe that a program like that COULD exist?