The Internet's First Top Model

In 2000 The Guenis Book of World Records was the shit. It had a big shiny cover, a picture of Dancing Baby, and a half page spread of Cindy Margolis in a purple bikini. She was holding down the record of "Most Downloaded Woman." Looking back on it I can almost picture the out of touch executive giving the order to cram the book full of that internet thing. At the time it wasn't hard to pick out the new hot thing, but the speed at which culture moves on the internet has been increasing exponentially. It seems impossible to me that anyone holding down a day job would have time to keep up with it, which makes me wonder if the creators of the hit show America's Next Top Model were really aware of what they were doing when they chose Allison Harvard to be on the show.



To a large population, Allison Harvard is known as Creepychan, and has been since around 2005 when her pictures were posted to an online image board. Because of her enormous eyes, and creepy photos she quickly developed a devout and obsessive following. Did someone at the CW know this? Is this why she was chosen? I seriously doubt it.

In the proud tradition of reality show web sites, a popularity poll was posted. Before any of the other contestants had broken triple digits, Creepychan was ahead by several thousand votes. Last I checked she had 96% of the vote, and it was rising. All this thanks to a massive push from people determined to prove their devotion. I would imagine that this has left the webmaster baffled, the producers jubilant, and instilled a deep feeling of insignificance in the other models.

It will be interesting to see how this season unfolds, which is exactly why people should take note of this. I hate the show, but will I be tuning in? Yes. Intentionally or not, this show has just connected with a rather sizable audience who would never have previously considered watching. Let's see if they tune in as well.

Good News Everyone!

Recently the visionary Matt Groening did an interview with CNN. Among other illuminating tidbits, the Simpsons creator spoke about the future of Futurama.

Originally airing on Fox beginning in 2000, the show only ran for four seasons before being canceled. It wasn't until the show began airing in syndication on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim programming block that the show's massive cult following became apparent. Like family guy, this following persuaded some people to reinvest in the series. Comedy central ordered four straight to DVD movies, the last of which, was just released.

As a fan I was excited about the movies, but in this interview Groening mentions the possibility that Comedy Central may renew the series. Keep your fingers crossed. If a show like Family Guy can be resurrected, then let's hope that the same can be done for Futurama. Unless you don't like futurama. In that case I guess you should just do nothing.

A Brave New Model for Television Emerges

I was stumbling around the internet last night, bored as usual, when I found what could become my new time killer of choice. It could also be viewed as an early model for television 2.0.

Justin.tv is just one of many sites popping up out there that allow users to stream whatever they want on their own channel. The best part is that there is a chat box right next to the video. Suddenly watching Myster Science Theater 3000 on the internet for hours has gone from sad and lonely to social and interactive! Hoorah!

Although the downside to the format is a certain loss of user control, in a strange way this deficiency adds it's own appeal to the whole thing. Because of the chat room, users often request that the channel operator play certain episodes. If a particularly bad program is being played the people have the opportunity to complain about it, or debate with other people in the room. The added sense of community almost makes up for the lack of control.

While the legality of streaming movies and T.V. shows that are probably stolen in the first place is questionable at best, the big media companies should take a serious look at this. While at this underdeveloped stage it would be a nearly impossible chore to monetize, this format holds many exciting possibilities.