In the ongoing melodrama that is TVNZ's incapability of understanding online communities, Idolblog.com is once again the object of their disapproval.
While the media converged in the atrium at TVNZ for an invite-only preview of the Top 24, Idolblog.com was not extended the same welcoming hand due to the fear that the suits upstairs have from this independent fansite.
So what happened at tonight's function that was so sensitive that Idolblog shouldn't have been there? Well.. nothing really. Ian Fraser apparently made a boring corporate speech that was basically a product endorsement for the sponsors. There weren't any of the Top 24 contestants on show. And while Ben Lummis performed, it wasn't his much anticipated new single but rather "They Can't Take That Away". While the performance was fantastic, the only person seen to be showing any sign of enjoying it was Idol judge Jackie Clarke.
To make matters more ridiculous, we have learnt that TVNZ has b(r)ought ZM onboard to promote their official website with the explicit instructions not to mention Idolblog in any shape or form.
There are some real control freaks at TVNZ who really just don't have a clue. Do they still think they're in control? We weren't at the event but we've got the complete run down of what happened from multiple sources and what's the bet we have it published before any other media as well?
Please read Cluetrain Manifesto.
Meh and the drama continues... Like others have said TVNZ's claim is a two sided blade. They only want IB when it suits them. In saying that they do contradict themselves when they shut IB out hoping people will go to the official site etc, then basically advertise IB when One News/Headliners show up at the grand final party.
Like the sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives... *cue soppy background music*
Surely it's all about money?
In order to provide the best show they can, TVNZ has to attract as much sponsorship money as they can.
I would say they're well aware of the growing importance of the internet as a promotional tool, but it doesn't help the amount of sponsorship money if all the buzz is being taken away from their website and therefore their sponsors.
Unfortunately what they perhaps fail to understand is the widespread popularity and acknowledgement of idolblog among the general public.
But do the bigwigs at MacDonalds and Allens know this? They're far too busy. And TVNZ is banking on it staying that way.
What a bunch of twits... I bet someone from TVNZ snoops on here....
So were other media invited? And given that you guys continually slag off tvnz instead of just accepting that you're independent, and therefore can provide a different and in many ways better service than the official website, why should you really expect them to be out there laying down the red carpet? Get real.
Yes, other media were invited. We were given media passes and treated as media at the auditions but now suddenly aren't media?
All the media are independent of TVNZ, we just want to be treated as media by TVNZ.
We only complain when they are being pathetically childish about stuff.
They might see IDOLBLOG as an official media if it has it's own radio station or it's own monthly magazine. They treated some of the radio stations that are not even related to TVNZ e.g. The Edge (Under The Canwest umbrella).
So did you do anything they might not have liked regarding the auditions, or was everything happy and smiley, and then they snobbed you regarding what sounds like a rather dull party? Seems strange that they would be happy to treat you as media one minute and then change their minds without good cause ...
I didn't go to the auditions, we were both invited. Regan had an awesome time with the two publicists and introduced them to a lot of people and got on really well with them. Nothing weird happened.
so if Regan got on with the publicists, why doesn't she just call directly and ask politely why the decision was made not to invite you guys before you start complaining on here - it's hardly likely to make them feel more kindly towards you in future, and surely you should be working together for a cooperative relationship.
FYI Regan < > She
*laughter*
Because they ran out of money.
Judy's getting $400/hr.
Idolblog's hour never came.
We did ask for an invitation and was told no by TVNZ. Regan asked the publicist why and was told it wasn't the publicist's decision at all. The publicists were told that we weren't to be there from someone up above. We don't know anything more, as much as we've tried.
We still get on well with the publicists and talk to them a lot.
Writing this post was a last resort after trying and trying to find out why.
I guess it's a tricky situation for them, as TVNZ also provides a website (albiet with a different focus - they've got the footage, you've got the live forums, and the freedom that comes with being unofficial). TVNZ isn't putting out a magazine or running a radio station. The way you describe the event, it doesn't sound like anything that really relates to the show anyway - just a junket for sponsors, with nothing much to do with the series itself. I don't see what the major issue in not being invited is, especially if you're still getting along with the publicists which I would think would be the more important thing so far as getting the goss for everyone here on this site goes ...
A magazine. That would be cool.
I txted Stables this afternoon about it and he txted me back "no way I say whatever i want!" Yippee, go Stables
Stables is the best NZ radio dj there is !!!! Love him to pieces and I only found him by accident - best accident that ever came my way
*gives Stables a raspberry*
*Bops*
oh well people from ZM come on here too, it's so stupid to be that childish.
If ZM boycotts Idolblog, why don't we all boycott ZM?
I already did. I don't listen to their station because it's so boring. The Edge all the way!
I like Classic Hits.
I absolutely CANNOT STAND The Edge morning show. It actually INFURIATES me, rubs me all the wrong ways.
I like Mike though, from listening to him when he was on the night show, and i really wish he hadn't gone to the darkside.
I listen to ZM's morning show
. I wuv Polly, she's the best biatch ever.
The Morning Madhouse is cool. Although I cannot changed your mind because we all have different opinions about people. I respect your choices.
Way to get intense, you sound like me choosing the ZM morning crew is the equivilent of choosing whether or not to get an abortion.
:S
That is really mean! Does that mean they're paying ZM "not to mention Idolblog in any shape or form"? I spose they're allowed to do that, but it's taking it way too far! Doing that isn't going to stop us from going on IdolBlog and most people interested in NZ Idol already know about it from last year. One of the main things annoying TVNZ is probably how much publicity IdolBlog got last year and no-one was saying great things about their website. IdolBlog's great for NZ Idol though because it promotes it and encourages people to watch it!
Well I can kind of see where TVNZ are coming from though. They are a company and they don't want people going to others. Lets say.. The Edge and ZM are both places where NZ Idol is talked about, but would you ever hear The Edge saying "We suggest you go and listen to ZM, because they give really good recaps of NZ Idol, much better than ourselves."
TVNZ would prefer people visited their own website (and this is not an invitation for more TVNZ website insults, thankyou...), not another website that they have nothing to do with, and I don't blame them. Also, this site is constanly insulting TVNZ and the way they run things, so I don't see why TVNZ would want people to be encouraged to visit this site?
At a simple level: fan sites promote tv shows which are screened by tv companies.
TV companies in the US realise how powerful fan sites are and utilise them in amazing ways, because they promote their show for free for them.
..but their website is such rubbish.... the notice board is just a total waste of time.... and boring, when you post, it takes days to go up, theres only a few comments then you have to scroll thru the days to find yours, and I've commented a few times, and its not there at all....I even tried replying to someone who was asking about Marino and my post was never there..... useless...!
Yes, it doesn't seem to be very "user" friendly
Here's my 2c worth!
What other website (other than Idolblog) has all the fabulous smileys, good chatroom, up-to-date info 'hot off the press' and, best of all IBVC's, not that I've been to one yet and don't know, technologically, how they work
but we won't go there :$.
The IBVC set-up is great to get to know people in a SAFE environment and means making friendships with real people, not just people who are unknowns on a website.
:D
I say a big ups to Admin and TC for creating this in the first place and, personally, think the whole TVNZ thing (pfft) is just jealousy that Admin and TC have created, unarguably, the best site in NZ, if not the world, and probably that too!
It's not really that surprising though is it? I mean, TVNZ websites are run by TVNZ. They get to control every word that goes online, whereas they can't do that with Idolblog main posts, let alone the forums. It's naive of them to think though that people won't visit here, so I hope at least they're trying and sending Idolblog official press releases and the like...
That would make sense for them to do that, eh ... but somehow I don't think they will :( Not that it will matter, cause Idolblog will probably still be up with play and first with any Idol news, as it is! LOL
I'm sad that it's so childish :S
That's really mean Admin. I hope someone hacked their put a lot of virus on their system so they can leave Idolblog alone. They probably know that there are more visitors on Idolblog each day than on their website. IDOBLOG ROCKZ!
No one needs to hack their website cause it's nowhere near as good as idolblog anyway (which is why they're so paranoid) ... as Admin says, it's quite childish really
that they can't work WITH the fans instead of AGAINST them!!
Yeah, I guess they just wanna be the #1 show on TV and #1 NZ Idol website on the net.
Well that's never going to happen, even if they do shut out Idolblog from their events! Frankly fantastic. Pah! The only thing that's frankly fantastic is Frankness!! Hott.
(Yes, I managed to incorporate Frankness into a totally unrelated topic when there's no 'Trust me'. I'm talented. 
)
Yup, I agree - tvnz is NEVER going to be the number one idol site!!!
it's supposed to be "someone hacked their website and he/she will"
I'm amazed that Idolblog were excluded?!!! if anything - Idolblog promotes everything good about NZIdol......not to mention of course, the true insights of what NZIdol is, is found right here on the discussion polls!! hehehe....
GO IDOLBLOG!!!
that is so pathetic on tvnz's part. Your guys site compliments tvnz, and nz idol, and you do a much better job than the official site!
Any shape or form? For a moment I thought of an Idolblog Patronus. :$ What is TVNZ playing at? By banning a radio station to not mention us, they're just making us feel cooler!
We're the bad-guys people; I feel rebellious! 
Don't worry guys, I reckon The Edge is a better radio station anyway!!
*giggles at how you said b(r)ought*
Yay for being able to see underlying messages.
TVNZ are ********.
Agreed.
hmmm
I guess Stables never heard that memo then?
yeah and ive heard others like Jacqui mention idolblog and not the offical site :| *confused* :| ????