Transmedia storytelling is potentially the most genius way I can think of for companies to get their reach their consumer base on a more consistent level. By following them across multiple media platforms, it allows for companies to get large portions of consumers more emotionally invested in their products, making them much more willing to continue buying/using their product/service.
A great example of this is when television shows tell you that you can follow the show more closely and receive updates on new shows and developments by following them on Facebook and Twitter. You can then log on to their website where you can see exclusive content, watch webisodes (which are of course online only), and even subscribe to a newsletter or fan club. Each of these reaches people in a different area, and each one attempts to get you more of your time, emotion, and possibly money invested. Not all of us are willing to do these things, but for those that are, which is likely more people than most would believe, it gives them more reason to stay interested. The shows Chuck and Heroes have both been perpetuators of this trend, with many more I cannot apparently muster the brain power to think of.
Another place you see this is in movies, particularly ones geared towards a younger audience. You see movies that will then become board games, video games, etc., adding more to a story already in place. These are aimed at getting you further invested in that company, as well as branding your image for others to see.
I’m not saying this is a bad thing. People enjoy doing what they want to do, and if you can’t get enough Chuck and you want to watch and own everything that has to do with that show, then great! However, we do need to acknowledge we are being branded and “bribed” in this way so we can make sure we fully understand what we get ourselves into.
I love the caution that you add to the end of your entry because it is exactly the issue of "branding people" that makes transmedia storytelling (potentially) insidious. Once people become deeply implicated in a transmedia story (either financially or through a commitment of time), it makes it harder to critique the potential branding that is occurring on the pre-conscious level.
ReplyDeleteAs for your blog writing, you're doing a nice job in this first week, though you want to try to stay on schedule so that these entries don't get ahead of you. Though this is a requirement for a class (and one which, perhaps, wasn't chosen because of an intense desire to be here), try to use this space in a meaningful and creative way. Think of it as your own writing laboratory where you can try on new writing styles and strategies.
One way to do this is to come up with a blogging persona. This persona can be closely linked to your RL identity. Or it can be a deliberate departure. While you need to link your writing up to the course materials, you are free to chose the direction you would like to take the discussion.
Of course, you can play it safe from time to time and just bang out some critical summary of readings or ideas. But try to switch it up a bit. Perhaps experiment with some video blogging or a different kind of ethos.
Come on in to office hours to discuss this if you want. But hopefully this "assignment" can also be playful.