EDITORIALS

Time Magazine: Addressing Fanboys and the Web

by Alex Billington
April 23, 2007

Update: Sorry for the screw up, I meant Time Magazine not New York Times!!

You've seen those commercials that ran recently for New York Times that would state that it's the quality of journalism that makes the newspaper so amazing - they're exactly right. Every article they write (except maybe reviews) is intellectual and impressive. Just recently they've written an article that really makes a powerful point about the world wide web and the fanboys that run most of this industry's success. The article is titled Boys Who Like Toys and is great read, even if you don't consider yourself a fanboy or are just interested in the industry.

I'm glad they chimed in with the tidbit about 300's success and the statistic that 60% of people who went on opening weekend were influenced by the internet. Finally they realize that 60% of earnings for most movies are based upon the internet's influence. For those movies that don't have that high of a percentage (independent movies and non-fanboy or wider demographic films), it's still important to note that there is a large percentage that is from the internet. Studios have all too often come to shun the internet and shrug it off as a forgettable promotional medium, which is confusing looking at these sort of statistics and articles and considering that the magazine medium (for movies at least) is very quickly dieing.

What is sad to note is that they mentioned a number of occasions (Snakes on a Plane and Grindhouse) where the internet emphasis and fanboy influence has not paid off in success, but failure. And the most unfortunate part is that this leads more belief that while the internet does have an influence, it can also bring about failure and isn't as strong as they hoped it would be. This is most certainly wrong. What this means is just that it's a changing world and that they should be adapting and changing themselves, not trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. This will only take time and more positive emphasis, so let's hope for more successful outcomes like 300 in the near future.

As a reminder, I suggest reading the article and voicing your opinion or simply strengthening your own stance on the internet and today's movie industry. And don't forget to keep reading FirstShowing.net, despite it mentions a number of other movie websites, we're here to provide you with everything you want and make your online experience and connection with Hollywood that much better.

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