tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post6612415886411018475..comments2023-11-02T09:08:08.645-04:00Comments on We Love Soaps: How Valued is VENICE?Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13659344675956886092noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-5934287851447947782009-12-07T19:22:20.176-05:002009-12-07T19:22:20.176-05:00If I double posted this, sorry.
I was all for sup...If I double posted this, sorry.<br /><br />I was all for supporting and even gave my $9.99 towards the series, however, if there are 4 seasons in a year, I may renig. That's $40.00/year that I just don't have in this downward economy to watch an internet based 5 minute show that adds up to 1 hour footage for $9.99. If they offer subscribers a 1/2 off renewal fee then, yes, that is a huge possibility that I will continue my subscription.<br /><br />About the merchandise... some people just cannot fit in those panties and some people do not live in a climate to wear T-shirts during the winter season. I say up the merchandise to more of a variety instead of panties that will not fit many body types in all different colors. Bring on ballcaps, pj bottoms, belt buckles, even pens and I will definitely buy... I can really use a pen, at work!<br /><br />Also about paying the actors, of course they have to get paid. I look at, they filmed these 12 episodes (1 hour total in length or so) in 1-2 weeks for the whole season... of which will be shown in a total of 3 months. That's very quick work for the amount of duration of play. How much would these actors make per hour if paid? Who knows... just sayin.Christyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05595989079990867334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-62956650779539928342009-12-07T18:49:00.042-05:002009-12-07T18:49:00.042-05:00I think we as a fan base need to realize that ther...I think we as a fan base need to realize that there needs to be income from somewhere to continue this series. It isn't cheap and honestly the production values for a show working on a limited budget are pretty damn amazing. So far it seems the Venice team is trying to stay away from corporate sponsorship, because they want to be able to put out content restricted by nothing more than they are willing to do. <br /><br />I look it it this way Crystal and Kimmy have said from the beginning that this show is a labor of love for them and the fans. They have asked our input on many things and are even supporting creative talents from their fan base. We as a group need to look at ourselves as their sponsors. Without our help how long do think they would be able to continue. I'm glad to be able to support a show with such potential.<br /><br />I think the 9.99 is well worth it to help support the production team and the actors that have been so giving to us.<br /><br />My only slight gripe is that as a graphic artist I really wish that with a paid subscription you got episode downloads of some sort. Even with the downloads, I'll still buy the DVD..I just wouldn't have to wait so long to do graphics.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-41945154133887803982009-12-05T08:23:50.714-05:002009-12-05T08:23:50.714-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Otalia69https://www.blogger.com/profile/09059266713954508384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-86243978480682390862009-12-05T08:23:14.313-05:002009-12-05T08:23:14.313-05:00***APPRECIATE MORE, DEMAND LESS*** comes to mind r...***APPRECIATE MORE, DEMAND LESS*** comes to mind right about now! i have been up since the first amazingly delicious VENICE episode aired. i went online, paid my subscription and watched fabulous 'behind the scenes' footage. it's about time, once again, to realize...it's Crystal Chappell's world, we're just lucky to live in it'! follow @crystalchappell, @KimmyT22, @nycwriterchick, @LesliePenny on Twitter. you can ask them for just about anything and they seem to deliver! they have worked endlessly to create a project for the fans, as promised, one that we asked for...nothing but love and thanks should be spoken here! #smile4Cathie xo♥♥xoOtalia69https://www.blogger.com/profile/09059266713954508384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-68051441230384196482009-12-05T01:25:39.102-05:002009-12-05T01:25:39.102-05:00Ok...so I watched...and I swooned, and I went thud...Ok...so I watched...and I swooned, and I went thud on the floor and squealed in delight...and I know Im not the only one. Before the airing, I knew I would front the money to watch. This has not changed, only strengthened my resolve. Look folks, no one wants to pay for anything in this world, but its a necessity to keep things going! I have been out of work for a year. It sucks, and Im always worried about money. However, I knew from the get-go that we were looking at the possibility of paying a fee for this...so I was sure to keep a bit aside for it. Well, time is here, they are needing funding, I am a faithful fan, it means a lot to me to support it, and I will give my share, knowing full well Im going to get plenty in return. I want a second season. And a 3rd, and 4th...<br />As time passes, they may come up with some other ways to generate revenue to keep the project going the way they want it to. Right now this seemed like the best route to take. Its a new project, and like learning to dance, they may have to step on a couple toes before they can get into the groove. <br />Crystal, and all the VTeam, are our family. They've done so much for us, with us. It upsets me to see people all over them like this...over money. ICK. For all they've done for us over the past year or so, we should show some more respect, no matter the opinions.<br />Cograts to the VTeam for a wonderful 1st episode!!! Hugs n Kisses!!!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00665763112303581108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-8149899452498322202009-12-04T17:03:39.677-05:002009-12-04T17:03:39.677-05:00I will be ponying up my 9.99 for Venice. I've ...I will be ponying up my 9.99 for Venice. I've been waiting too long to not watch it. <br /><br />I was really hoping for a tiered system so that everyone could watch it. A lot of people are comparing the cost to a trip to the movies, but not everyone can afford to go to a movie. <br /><br />Also, releasing the subscription info, the night before the premiere, wasn't a good idea.Amateurish Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08695244229666121187noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-13975362582403696632009-12-04T14:52:11.569-05:002009-12-04T14:52:11.569-05:00Guess I'll be next lol's ..I've waited...Guess I'll be next lol's ..I've waited a while before posting. I to enjoyed reading everyone's comments and opinions as not everyone agrees. I take everyone's opinion into consideration and I've read some pretty harsh things concerning those who can't pay. Like I stated in another forum, we need to think before we say. The Otalia/venice family and friends is a large community that has fought together many times before for what we believe in. Our opinions were welcomed many places, but no one slammed anyone. This topic has done just that. I understand that many fans won't be able to pay to watch Venice and it saddens me. Everyone has been so hyped for this day to get here and now people are being called names and bashed cause of their opinions. I don't wanna see friendships tarnished because of a web series. In my honest opinion, I don't think things were thoroughly thought through in the early stages of the production. There should have been a post on Vcomm site when it first opened that there would be a charge, Not a poll. There are alot of reasons certain people can't pay. To some people $10.00 is nothing, but to others ,it's alot. It was said before, everyone will be able to watch venice..where did that go? it was said that a free low res would be availble and a high res..where did that go? I'm just pointing out things. It was stated, there will be 5 seasons a yr. That adds up to $49.95 a yr. <br />Some say it's nothing to pay for it, but the other web series have not asked for a dime. The other series have not sold even 1/4 of merch as Venice has. The other web series have great actors too. I htink since the 1st season has already been paid for, it should be free and during that time, it would have brought more fans to the site and got them interested enough to want to pay and have time to save money to pay for it. <br />I basically just want everyone to be able to watch Venice as we've all been excited for months to see it. I think a donation button on the site for the 1st season was a good idea also. Can't we all Love each other and respect everyone's opinion's :) Peace out..Cheers and enjoy Venice tonite ;)Oliviaand24https://www.blogger.com/profile/07328685577804080993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-39323704361468651592009-12-04T14:35:35.973-05:002009-12-04T14:35:35.973-05:00Cdawg, Crystal is a pioneer because, yes web shows...Cdawg, Crystal is a pioneer because, yes web shows have been done before, but none have been done like this one. No other web series was as interactive with the fans (if at all) as this one. They make the fans a part of the show by having us create the logo and using fan-submitted music. They've told us what was going on every step of the way, from the very beginning stages when they didn't even know if Crystal could play a role to telling us what was happening on set behind the scenes during shooting, complete with twitpics that they sent to us which were later used for various Venice articles. We get to know all of that first. They ask for our input. They've hired fans to be part of the Venice team. They talk with us regularly about anything, not just Venice. You really get to know the people behind the project and they get to know us as much as they can. It's an experience I've never seen before. Usually, you hear about a show that's in development, then wait for it to come out and that's it.<br /><br />In addition to that, most other web series' have been crappy in quality and acting level. We can tell from the promo that at least the production value of this one is higher quality than many others. Also, this will be the first one with such a regular viewing schedule. When was the last time there was an episode of IB or 3Way? You have to wait forever between seasons if there is even another season to wait for. How long do you usually have to wait between episodes of web shows? Most likely, more than a week. Gotham is every 2 weeks. Anyone But Me had long waiting in between episodes and they only had about 6 or 7 of them. Look what happened to GirlTrash. No money and it was scrapped. Granted they're trying again with a movie, but they've waited so long, they may have lost their audience. Venice is planning an episode a week. And not little 3 min episodes like many others. 12 episodes a season, 4 seasons a year is basically an episode a week for an entire year. What other web series has done that?<br /><br />I personally would have preferred to not have to pay. Not only because of my own financial situation, but because I wanted them to get the widest possible audience, which obviously won't happen now. But no, they didn't just spring this subscription on us 1 day before the premiere. They have said repeatedly from the beginning that subscriptions were a possibility and asked our opinion about that. Maybe after they see the numbers from 1st to 2nd week viewing, they'll consider the free low-res option that they discussed before. I think that would be a good option for maybe a week after the subscribers have seen each episode.<br /><br />Sponsorship would have been nice, but along with that comes someone else's say on the content of the show, which would defeat the purpose entirely.<br /><br />So yes, I'll pay and I support Venice in every way. I can't wait to see the premiere tonight. And I hope to see an Emmy win in the future of Venice!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-3513461312555363532009-12-04T14:32:12.720-05:002009-12-04T14:32:12.720-05:00I will be paying the 10 dollars to watch Venice. I...I will be paying the 10 dollars to watch Venice. I understand that a lot of people are tight on money these days, but there are plenty of ways to save so you CAN afford Venice. For instance: cut back on cigarettes, alcohol, junk food, etc. Of course, I'm like anyone else and would love to have anything for free, but there are some things worth paying for and I believe Venice is def worth it. <br /><br />Crystal didn't have to create Venice, but she did it FOR US. I for one am extremely grateful for EVERYTHING she has done for the gay community and everything she continues to do. The Venice Promo looks amazing..the cinematography, the actors, the music...it's all top notch from what I can see. <br /><br />I want Venice to continue for as long as it possibly can so I will do everything in my power to support it and to support crystal, kimmy, and hope. My only concern is the audience outside of our "otalia" fan base. I want everyone to see venice...even people who think they won't like it. I thought the pre ordered DVD's would be a good idea and of course I think i've already bought everything from the V store. <br /><br />Basically I have faith in CC. She has yet to let us down and I don't think she ever would. She is a smart business woman and she is as loyal to us as we are to her. I trust that she'll do whats best for Venice and for us the fans.mak23https://www.blogger.com/profile/08482924675319647676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-25679111746585517232009-12-04T14:12:57.157-05:002009-12-04T14:12:57.157-05:00YES, COMMENT #100!
Sorry, couldn't resist. Th...YES, COMMENT #100!<br />Sorry, couldn't resist. Thank you SO much everybody for making such a fascinating and respectful discussion. I am learning a lot by reading everyone's comments.Damon L. Jacobshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02933846695513222091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-81504591512001257742009-12-04T13:45:04.055-05:002009-12-04T13:45:04.055-05:00I think this just proves the adage, you can't ...I think this just proves the adage, you can't be all things to all people. At the end of the day, any type of production with professional actors (even ones who are your friends) can't go on forever on the total cheap...particularly when it comes to trying to schedule future seasons...at some point you can't cancel paying gigs for free ones. And at least Venice has an entire season in the can - I think Gothams model of shooting as they go is entirely different, and I'm wondering how that will feel in comparison. I'm glad we have both to watch unfold.<br /><br />Sure, if they had kept the series free, they would have more viewers (undoubtedly it shrinks the potential audience by a huge percentage). However, making money or just breaking even with web productions is still an ever evolving question - most web producers will tell you ads on their sites bring in chump change...and not enough to support a professional cast that Venice has (mind you first season I think the cast worked for free, but in order for this series to be ongoing, then real costs need to come into play). So sure, they were able to make season 1 happen, mostly on merch sales...but once you start paying people, well let's be honest, you need a whole lot more money.<br /><br />Could Crystal have done something on a smaller scale with fewer actors, sure, but it was her choice to get a little more ambitious (and honestly, that cast is pretty stellar), and I think we'll appreciate the results. <br /><br />Even though the web and web programming has been around long enough that there's an entire generation that doesn't know what life was like before it (scary, i know)...how to successfully produce for it is still largely unconquered territory. Sure, I at first thought the subscription was a big mistake ...but now I think, why not? Heck, if they find it doesn't work, they'll probably try something else. They're gonna make mistakes amid the successes (they're not gods, in case some of you tend to forget that), so I'm gonna cut them some slack on see where this goes for now.<br /><br />What I appreciate is that they're at least trying this model...had I hoped that they could work more on broadening their audience? Most definitely. But I'm curious to know if a subscription model CAN work, so in that respect, more power to them and I hope it works. And if it doesn't, I hope they're willing to re-evaluate.<br /><br />Oh and to those that think one episode isn't enough...well there is actually a lot of data on web series which shows viewership declines sharply after the first episode...so in that respect, they probably made the right move to try and grab whatever momentum they have...its all a big crap shoot, but I heard CC likes craps, so there you go.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01646636827872364119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-1181074164580918732009-12-04T12:18:06.649-05:002009-12-04T12:18:06.649-05:00Katie--when I hear CC called a pinoeer it seems of...Katie--when I hear CC called a pinoeer it seems off, since she was not the first person out there to do a web series/soap/whatever you want to call it. I've thought all along that there's been that attitude towards that project, that CC and her work partners were the first ones ever to do this, which does turn me off.<br /><br />Well I do hope it is a success, and they managed to put out more information about it beyond the 140 characters. It's good to know that CC can still sell a bridge, and the Otalia faithful is willing to do whatever she asks for the project. I think its great she is trying to give back to her fans. <br /><br />More and more it seems as if this will be a one season thank you to the Otalia fans, and trying to basically re-create what was going on on GL without censors or something. <br /><br />It still leaves me with a lot of questions, and since I'm not cool enough for any of them to respond to me on twitter, I guess I'll wait to see what other information comes out. I hope for those so excited it's everything they want to see.cdawghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07000846042906093713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-67861605121083729352009-12-04T12:15:05.921-05:002009-12-04T12:15:05.921-05:00I don't have facebook so I'll comment here...I don't have facebook so I'll comment here but I'm surprise some are saying $10 for 11 episodes plus behind the scene footage is too much. Its almost a dollar an episode. Itunes are selling mp3 for $1 and this a video. TV episodes will run you $2-$3 and rightly so cause runtime is longer. Frankly they are not overcharging behind the scene footage will extend the runtime. I know in the past, they have said that could extend runtime to 10 min each week. Its rather a freakin steal or comparable to a movie ticket.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-82952746571177111592009-12-04T12:02:40.666-05:002009-12-04T12:02:40.666-05:00Crystal is trying to give us what we want; what we...Crystal is trying to give us what we want; what we have been begging for, for more than a year now. I don't mind helping her, Kimmy and Hope achieve that by paying a $10 subscription. If we support her, she'll support her fans.junebuggnchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18410249865842578814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-30566944107380484652009-12-04T11:50:13.309-05:002009-12-04T11:50:13.309-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Libbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03259984999572940610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-67796565647203535482009-12-04T11:42:42.994-05:002009-12-04T11:42:42.994-05:00I will pay the $9.99, because I know it will be wo...I will pay the $9.99, because I know it will be worth every penny! I also want them to be able to give us a Season 2, 3, 4... etc. Just a reminder that the FIRST EPISODE IS FREE, so you have a week to decide not less than 24 hours. People will see the talent and quality of this show and know it is worth every penny!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01203414567814648028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-76634960081638787262009-12-04T11:33:01.992-05:002009-12-04T11:33:01.992-05:00It's a small price to pay for the enormous cre...It's a small price to pay for the enormous creative freedom it allows.Winhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17004449586752179526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-20349169380173660522009-12-04T08:47:18.311-05:002009-12-04T08:47:18.311-05:00I am a fan of Crystal Chappell first & foremos...I am a fan of Crystal Chappell first & foremost, the idea that she wanted to give her fans Venice is awesome. Then she goes & gets other talented soap actors & actresses is fantastic. To expect them (I'm also talking about the production crew) to work for free in this day & age is just absurd. I'm watching Venice whether their is a fee or not because I want to see it not just because of Otalia either. I hope that today is just the start for an already successful Team Venice.arobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03711723026106555486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-45728252293047269182009-12-04T08:04:24.970-05:002009-12-04T08:04:24.970-05:00Would I pay 9.99 for a series that shows gay relat...Would I pay 9.99 for a series that shows gay relationships in a normal and respectful way?? Of course I would, its a bargain as far as I can see!!!<br /><br />I know Crystal, Kimmy and Hope have poured their hearts and energy and talent into this show and know it will be worth every penny! <br /><br />And we all know network television is too scared to show gay relationships in equality with their heterosexual couples, so I am thrilled to find an outlet that will. (hello CBS, I am talking about you and Otalia! where was the kiss?)<br /><br />I am thrilled to see the free premier tonight and will be standing in line with my credit card to pay for the rest of the season.<br /><br />If the preview is any indication, this show will be spectacular!<br /><br />Good luck Crystal, Kimmy & Hope! we are behind you all the way!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16978737033969493506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-1262602854487789572009-12-04T07:53:44.741-05:002009-12-04T07:53:44.741-05:00The subscription idea has been mentioned from the ...The subscription idea has been mentioned from the very beginning on the Venice site. Crystal asked people on twitter their ideas and if they would be willing to pay 9.99? A huge majority of the people said yes. I don't see where everyones shock comes in unless they weren't paying attention. I always planned on paying. It will be well worth it for all the time these people have put in.jtliteshineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00432639117697568706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-56054723373061828842009-12-04T05:50:56.326-05:002009-12-04T05:50:56.326-05:00I won't pay.
I'm a GL fan and soap fan ...I won't pay. <br /><br />I'm a GL fan and soap fan and if Venice was free I would watch it but I'm not that invested in Otalia or CC and JL to pay to see them on my computer.<br /><br />I believe that most GLers that planned on watching Venice feels the same way I do now regarding this.<br /><br />I do think it is ridiculous that this news is only released 2 days before the premiere.marleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12227452482473505920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-32026361759880159112009-12-04T04:27:36.007-05:002009-12-04T04:27:36.007-05:00Crystal et al had asked right at the beginning as ...Crystal et al had asked right at the beginning as to whether we would pay for subscription. Although we are living in a recession and my own business is just hanging on, I will happily pay for this NECESSITY in my life.<br /><br />Paying for Venice ensures that the show runs longer than just a couple of seasons. It also ensures that the Venice team retain full control over their baby, without restrictions being placed upon them if they had gone the route of sponsorship. Also, the money will ensure that they will be able to continue to produce a high quality product, along with paying for additional cast members/locations as the show moves forward.<br /><br />At the end of the day, Crystal could have easily left Guiding Light and gone to Days without having to do this for us devoted fans. I believe many of us would have followed her to DOOL just on the back of her outstanding portrayal of Olivia. Instead, Crystal and the team not only put their heart and soul into this product, but also long hours.<br /><br />I don't feel in any way exploited. I believe that they only want to give us fans a high end product.Renville68https://www.blogger.com/profile/02200122420293983254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-3575327877041336362009-12-04T01:42:01.117-05:002009-12-04T01:42:01.117-05:00cdawg, again, we, the fans paid for the production...cdawg, again, we, the fans paid for the production of Season 1 via the merchandise we bought from the VShop. Concern after that was to how to pay for production of Season 2. No one has specifically drawn a line item between flying actors out & any particular money. They shot everything in one week. Frankly, if anyone wanted to read about the very transparent information that is still around, I would imagine they would think that their business model and production model are both sound. However, it's true that this is new territory. <br /><br />Oh, and Venice episodes are set to be approximately 6 minutes. Where's 3.5 coming from? Gotham's first? Okay, but Gotham began there & is increasing, where next Monday's will be apx. 4", etc.shallotpeel DonnaBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10569144682332713056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-16516254992323174952009-12-04T01:27:09.751-05:002009-12-04T01:27:09.751-05:00Brooke, Beth, Damon, and anyone else I left out wh...Brooke, Beth, Damon, and anyone else I left out who spoke of their interest in this, ... Today one of the items they announced was that, yes, they thought subscriptions would make great Christmas gifts! So, to some degree or other they are aware of people possibly paying for other people. We may be going further than they here tonight - or not - they're just all crazy busy tonight. <br /><br />One thing about the polling and about the discussions about free or subscription or whatever ... that happened more than one place. On twitter, on Vcomm, initially when people first came on Vcomm & signed on for Street Teams.<br /><br />And, a whole part of building the anticipation about this has been a slow, methodical but fun, teasing. They have rolled this out in waves. So, people have today plus a week to decide about subscribing. Only time will tell, ultimately, if concerns about that item are in shadow over using a slow building tease to success. <br /><br />Soap fans are voracious. The web is fast. I have every confidence personally, but then I have all along. It just feels right.shallotpeel DonnaBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10569144682332713056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-32831464719181637602009-12-04T01:25:49.526-05:002009-12-04T01:25:49.526-05:00I will gladly pay the $9.99. And I would be glad t...I will gladly pay the $9.99. And I would be glad to sponsor others to watch if there were a way to do that. I also think a lottery could raise alot of money. I'd buy lots of tickets for the opportunity to watch the filming of season 2. When I was in HS my friend's father knew the stage manager over at Another World in Brooklyn and we spent our whole summer watching them tape the show. It was such a great experience and the actors were so nice.lenafreedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18107933065382605820noreply@blogger.com