Two forums: One for TV work and one for Radio work

[TEADJones]

Could we set up the "Program" forum to be two forums: One for TV work and one for Radio work?

[Jack Benny]

Could we set up the "Program" forum to be two forums: One for TV work and one for Radio work?

No.

[TEADJones]

Yeah, that was mostly directed at Laura

[River Phoenix]

No.

Why would you want to spread it thinner than it already is? The forum is very low traffic.

[LLeff]

Could we set up the "Program" forum to be two forums: One for TV work and one for Radio work?

Can you say more about why you'd want to do that?

[TEADJones]

First: Thanks, Laura, for considering the request (and for all of your hard work).

The Radio work has been the main focus of my JB "studies" and, with over 900 episodes, there is much there to focus on - a continuum so to speak, with many references to contemporary events and an emphasis on the spoken word and word play. When I have come to the forum in the past, I was often looking for specific information or for the personal impressions of others (like Gerry O.) who have put a lot of thought into the radio program. I often come to the current forum looking for that, and find reviews of and comments about the TV show. I have found the television shows have an approach to humor that is quite different from the aural: The TV shows, which are valuable and enjoyable in their own right, have a "path" of their own, with an emphasis on the visual and less reflection of contemporary events. Also, the TV shows are harder to find.

The Museum of Radio and Television makes a clear distinction bewtween the two in their previopus exhibit and resulting (wonderful) book on Jack Benny's work.

Thanks again for your time.

Sincerely,

Edward Jones

(Oh, and Happy Birthday Jack Benny - the real one)

[LLeff]

The Radio work has been the main focus of my JB "studies" and, with over 900 episodes, there is much there to focus on - a continuum so to speak, with many references to contemporary events and an emphasis on the spoken word and word play. When I have come to the forum in the past, I was often looking for specific information or for the personal impressions of others (like Gerry O.) who have put a lot of thought into the radio program. I often come to the current forum looking for that, and find reviews of and comments about the TV show. I have found the television shows have an approach to humor that is quite different from the aural: The TV shows, which are valuable and enjoyable in their own right, have a "path" of their own, with an emphasis on the visual and less reflection of contemporary events. Also, the TV shows are harder to find.

Hmmm...I'm thinking it over.

[scottp]

Seems to me, there are so many things that carried over from radio to TV that it would be difficult to segregate the discussions.

[River Phoenix]

The only upside I can see, is if a division promoted threads in each category which discussed specific shows, rather than Jack's career in general. I don't know if this would happen though, but would be cool (I realize it's already done in the web chats).

[TEADJones]

if a division promoted threads in each category which discussed specific shows

Take a look at the forum archives 1997-2000. Much more of a detailed discussion of shows.

[LLeff]

Well, I've thought about it, and here's what I think (which is somewhat echoing a couple comments above).

One of the big, ongoing discussions about Jack is "Was Jack funnier on radio or television?" Most people say radio, but others don't. There are also many discussions about the reuse of scripts from radio (e.g., the Colmans) to television (e.g., Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Stewart). There are also sometimes discussions about Jack's work from 1950 to 1955, when he was on both radio and television, and how the cast/crew/writers supported both shows. Or a discussion about a certain television show can end up pointing back at a radio show, or vice-versa.

There's a gag about Jack maintaining that an orchestra leader doesn't really do anything but wave a stick, and to demonstrate, Jack takes the baton from the leader and the orchestra plays a cacophony until the leader takes back the baton. Jack did that bit in vaudeville, then on radio with George Olsen (I'm still looking for whether he did it with Phil), and then on television with Lawrence Welk. Talking about the gag would be difficult to shoehorn into radio or television, because it was done in both and conversation on it can easily cross between media. Same with the Cherry Sisters/Smothers Sisters, the wrestler bit, the Beavers, "When You Say I Beg Your Pardon, Then I'll Come Back to You", etc., etc.

So I'd like to keep those discussions in one area mainly because of the strong crossover conversation and comparisons between radio and television. Wouldn't want anyone to miss out, you know!

[Jack Benny]

if a division promoted threads in each category which discussed specific shows

Take a look at the forum archives 1997-2000. Much more of a detailed discussion of shows.

Where do I find these 1997-2000 archives? All I can see is 2000 on up.

[LLeff]

Where do I find these 1997-2000 archives? All I can see is 2000 on up.

Dunno...I started this Web site in September 2000.

[Jack Benny]

Where do I find these 1997-2000 archives? All I can see is 2000 on up.

Dunno...I started this Web site in September 2000.

LOL! That's great Laura! I might have figured it out. Over on the links part of your site there is a link to a forum that goes back to 1999, and the early posts are pretty good. Here is a link to the very first posts. You can go through them chronologicaly by hitting the newer messages button at the bottom of the page.

http://www.lofcom.com/nostalgia/phorums ... 1&t=30&a=2