American Idol - Rigged Like A Bush Election? Like The WWE? Like...

[rcsl1998]

The planted 'talent', pimping of certain contestants, and years of questionable vote results (always secret - just take their the FOX network's word for it) - When will it officially jump the shark?

[Captain Angry]

1. It's a brilliant business model.

The show is free to produce thanks to the advertisers falling over themselves to get air time.

Every single contestant signs a contract with Cowell's agency, so he gets a piece of any work they do after they've been on his show.

Talent searches/development are the most expensive part of the music industry. Cowell has 10s of thousands of people who come to him.

Eventually, it will not be popular anymore, and he'll move back to the normal process. But until they can keep that feeling of being new, sheep will watch that show every week.

[selador]

2. i have to admit

i enjoy it. i generally DETEST reality type shows (big brother, survivor, etc.) although i do like COPS.

but i really enjoy american idol.

it IS a great formula for a show. as brilliant as Law and Order.

iirc, the show has its genesis in a british version and then they retooled it for the US.

you are right about the business model. it really is a cash machine.

[Captain Angry]

3. I can't watch the show.

I don't like anything that passes for music these days. So the show is completely unwatchable.

The only thing I use my TV for is hockey, football and watching Bloomberg.

[selador]

4. i generally

hate sitcoms with a passion.

i like law and order (only the original), news, COPS, mixed martial arts (ultimate fighting), and i agree about bloomberg tv.

i think the bloomberg terminals are overrated but every institutional trader HAS to have one

im a futures trader. NEVER watch tv during trading hours (distracting) but during afterhours.

[Captain Angry]

5. The Bloom terminal is pretty nice for some things.

Especially their hooks into Excel. You can create some amazing stuff with their API.

Of the financial channels, I feel like Bloomberg actually has a pretty even slant and does report on things that might be considered taboo. For instance, their expose on the naked shorts against Overstock.com.

[selador]

6. lol overstock

was that the "sith lord" guy? i saw an interview with him and it was JUST HILARIOUS.

i got very pissed off at naked shorts in HANS, but it was still one of my best investments ever (400%)

shorts can piss you off on the price action, side but NOTHING fuels a rally like frenzied shorts who have to cover.


i use interactive brokers, tradestation, investor RT, ameritrade (for longer term stuff. not direct access ), etc. but have only seen the bloomberg's at an institutional desk.

they are definitely neat in the wide expanse of data (especially bonds stuff) in realtime or research but are not nearly customizable enough with charts, for my taste.

[YOY]

7. Dude...watch something else

Seriously. The show has never been anything more than fecal drippings to be ignored.