The Strangest Thing. The Charley Syndrome. - Big Brother

Guru Tart · 30-06-2007, 11:17

I'd really appreciate it if you could take the time to read this. I know it's long but it does outline my thoughts in full.

Since I've been an avid viewer from the beginning of this series, I have also been able to see the changing favouritism towards housemates. As well as this, I have also been watching the Big Brother shows.

I am from the camp that doesn't think Charley is "entertainment". I will go as far as saying, I don't think anybody thinks she is "entertainment". I think everybody has merely used this word and attached it to Charley as a justification, reasoning and argument to keep her in the house.

Yet, the most important area from where I believe a shift in supporting Charley has come from are, the Big Brother shows. I believe there has been a huge influence from all the shows. They have used a dual prong technique from their quests, from the presenters, with a smile on their face with the basis, "You wouldn't like her, but she's good entertainment". I will go as far as saying that the producers may have sent a memo out saying "You wouldn't like Charley, but she's good entertainment".

Via this influence, from the celebrities, from the shows, from the invited audiences at the shows, the controlled chanting, the repeated support Charley campaign some of the public have wavered from totally disliking Charley to liking her.

Now I remember they tried it with other housemates and it worked with Nikki Grahame, Grace Adams Short and now they are doing the same thing with Charley and I believe it does work. I do think people watch the shows, they are influenced by the editing and the biassed encouragement from the shows, but the biggest question remains, why?

At first, I thought it was because the producers do not wish to create a hate figure that will have difficulty on the outside. I believe the producers were told after BB7 and CBB5 that regardless of what you get these guys to sign, you have a responsibility towards their welfare and you need to uphold that, but I used to believe that, now I don't because we have to consider the welfare of Shabnam who was somewhat ridiculed on BBLB and Billy who was portrayed as a hate figure and also given a tough interview by Davina.

So the question is, why some contestants and not others? This I think is the hardest question. I think with the way I have seen the show support some contestants and dislike others, that it is not an impossible task for the show to make the public like one individual and dislike another. Some people have referred to it as "the golden girl" who will bring in ratings but, ratings are down. The ratings for Fridays nights shows aren't equal to previous years. On top of that, my own personal observation of forums have seen them become a lot more quiet, with less people posting from the beginning of the series.

Yet haven't we seen in previous years that the greatest twist and/or manipulation is what occurs upon removing housemates? The change that happens and we've all watched to the end even though some have said, you remove the entertainment?

After the recent nominations "twist", which I would rather call manipulation because it's not exactly like discovering Haley Joel Osment can see dead people or Bruce Willis was a ghost, more and more people are don't feel they can watch the show as there is no trust in the set up. I believe this is for all people as the manipulation wouldn't fool any view, if they like Charley and dislike therefore future viewing won't be as entertaining.

So, the question remains, why? Many would see this as a disgruntled supporter of another housemate but it's more a case of the enjoyment of Big Brother without having to watch somebody screaming, shouting, swearing, abusing and insulting. Simple as that. Forget about Big Brother, I just can't view somebody doing that because it gives me a headache. The constant screech and the discontent face just doesn't brighten up my day and as a package it is difficult to view. Like many, my mute button is off and I question her presence as many would.

There is manipulation in operation but the biggest question is why and I can tell you that a whole load of theories that you could never imagine have gone through my head.

What's going on?

All opinions on this are welcome but the more detailed ones would be more so appreciated.

dishmonkey · 30-06-2007, 11:19

Its just a lightweight bit of tv entertainment. Try not to get so worked up about it - maybe go outside or talk to some friends?

bornfree · 30-06-2007, 11:20

I read the whole post but by the time I reached the end I forgot your request. Sorry

Guru Tart · 30-06-2007, 11:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by dishmonkey

Its just a lightweight bit of tv entertainment. Try not to get so worked up about it - maybe go outside or talk to some friends?

The thing is, it's not really a case "oooh I hate that Grace Adams" but more a case of, why is this happening? What's going on?

It doesn't make sense to me.

My friends have kids and stuff. It's not like it used to be.

Guru Tart · 30-06-2007, 11:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlie's angel

I read the whole post but by the time I reached the end I forgot your request. Sorry

In 2 minutes? Re-read it, it would be nice to get an opinion and a nice one at that.

dishmonkey · 30-06-2007, 11:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guru Tart

The thing is, it's not really a case "oooh I hate that Grace Adams" but more a case of, why is this happening? What's going on?

It doesn't make sense to me.

My friends have kids and stuff. It's not like it used to be.

I don't think you've posed a clear enough question for anyone to answer...

Guru Tart · 30-06-2007, 11:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by dishmonkey

I don't think you've posed a clear enough question for anyone to answer...

No I haven't, but I would like to hear what people think of everything that is occurring in light of this.

bbob · 30-06-2007, 11:29

word overload

Guru Tart · 30-06-2007, 11:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbob

word overload

WEll that's unfortunate as I thought I made a few good points.

bornfree · 30-06-2007, 11:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guru Tart

In 2 minutes? Re-read it, it would be nice to get an opinion and a nice one at that.

I skimmed through it, OK my opinion, yes I think too much is made of Charley being entertaining. But she is by no means the worse one. I think too much is made of Charley being shouty and argumentative. Others argue just as much, but in the early highlights a lot of Charley arguments where shown. Note I change my opinion on Charley all the time. Sometimes she is okay, sometimes she annoys the hell out of me. I expect a lot of people feel that way about her. Yes she is being over promoted but so are the others.

occbbfan · 30-06-2007, 11:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by dishmonkey

Its just a lightweight bit of tv entertainment. Try not to get so worked up about it - maybe go outside or talk to some friends?

Funny

dishmonkey · 30-06-2007, 11:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guru Tart

WEll that's unfortunate as I thought I made a few good points.

You may have had a few good points in your head, but I don't think you've expessed them in a way anyone is gonna take in...

Barracute · 30-06-2007, 11:31

I resent in the strongest possible terms you allegation that i WAS manipulated into supporting Nikki G ? I have supported Nikki from the VERY begining before any possible (alleged) manipulation. !!!!

Guru Tart · 30-06-2007, 11:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barracute

I resent in the strongest possible terms you allegation that i WAS manipulated into supporting Nikki G ? I have supported Nikki from the VERY begining before any possible (alleged) manipulation. !!!!

I am sure you can understand as an observer what I see is the intended manipulation and then the resulting support, like I see for Charley and saw for Grace Adams Short.

uklove7 · 30-06-2007, 11:37

The problem with this post is that you're calling people weak minded because they don't agree with you...Its also possible that you're more like a fan of Ziggy's because you formulate opinions and stick them onto people which is quite arrogant. You may not understand why Charley is liked or people may see her as entertainment but there are many possibilities when it comes to storylines. I think that people want to see a young girl that is plagued with much insecurity make a turn around, some think that she's being honest, others believe its something she's had to do most of her life.

Charley is transparent. You see her rage. You see her insecurities. You see the sweetness. You see it all. She's no hiding in that house like some who are hiding behind the character or what other people may think of them.

It may be an uncomfortable watch for you but there are so many problems in the world that should leave people even more uncomfortable. When there is something that leaves you uncomfortable to watch maybe its because life isn't always about comfort. People are living their lives everyday in uncomfortable situations and like Billi said in reference to Charley, "You just have to see it through." He also noticed that his reflection was inside of Charley and didn't really want to be reminded of what was hidden inside. Another reason people are so angry when they see her because in truth the same people that despise Charley are reacting the same way as she does in that house.

I would even go as far as saying that Charley may be the most open person that is willing to make a change because she has left herself exposed.

shabutie · 30-06-2007, 11:37

I think there's also a bit of 'Shahbaz syndrome', where people have got so fed up that they treat her in a way that some people see as bullying and that somehow becomes justification for her behaviour.

Also the poster above me confirms my theory that many people here at least are liking Charley because they hate Ziggy and they don't get on at all.

Guru Tart · 30-06-2007, 11:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlie's angel

I skimmed through it, OK my opinion, yes I think too much is made of Charley being entertaining. But she is by no means the worse one. I think too much is made of Charley being shouty and argumentative. Others argue just as much, but in the early highlights a lot of Charley arguments where shown. Note I change my opinion on Charley all the time. Sometimes she is okay, sometimes she annoys the hell out of me. I expect a lot of people feel that way about her. Yes she is being over promoted but so are the others.

Yet, if Charley is being over promotes, as I indicate in the thread, with crowd noise and exposture, surely the others are under-exposed.

Lets say, if they didn't ask people about Charley, lets say if they ignored the fact, lets say if they showed footage that showed events as they began, why they began and how they ended rather than simply hearing "last night, Charley had lost her hair straighteners and was very upset" when actually she kept the housemates up until 5 am, as an example.

What if it is thoroughly comprehensive in it's exhibiting of events or it didn't even bother with that, then I would say it was equal exposure.

_THUMP_ · 30-06-2007, 11:39

The trick with BB was the voyeuristic nature of it and the audience involvement with noms through voting.

The producers have messed with that link by effectively choosing the nominations we vote for, thus we're now interacting with the producers choice, not the HMs.

This was the first BB I watched from the get-go but I've lost interest and don't watch the HL's any more, just LB, BB and occasionally this forum.

It has a lot to do with not wanting to watch Charlie pouting or shouting. I'll start watching again when she's up for eviction.

Why they chose her, grave, nikki... they probably think there's mileage in making spin-off TV shows with those people.

appalachian · 30-06-2007, 11:39

I disagree. I really do think people find Charley entertaining. I don't personally as the 'entertainment' is a bit repetitive and even predictable.

I that some people will find her entertainment as I'm honest enough to admit that, despite not like loud aggressive people, if I see people in the street below me having a row (I live in flats) I will watch from between the curtains. Depending what's happening I will actually 'entertained' in that it will engage me for 10 or 15 minutes and I might even laugh at the stupidity of it all.

These occasions are fairly rare though, maybe once a month. If they had the same frequency as the rowing on Big Brother, I'd cease to view the in the street rows as entertainment too.

Why Charley? This year, I think, is fairly unique due to what happened with Emily and I've said in a few threads now over the last two weeks that I believe Charley is being ring-fence in order to foster the impression that Big Brother is all about 'caring and sharing and equal opportunities'. I don't think they care about Charley or what happened to her or any of the contestants for that matter - just how the company is perceived. I think Emily's faux-pas was a golden opportunity for them and a dream come true.

dishmonkey · 30-06-2007, 11:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guru Tart

Yet, if Charley is being over promotes, as I indicate in the thread, with crowd noise and exposture, surely the others are under-exposed.

Lets say, if they didn't ask people about Charley, lets say if they ignored the fact, lets say if they showed footage that showed events as they began, why they began and how they ended rather than simply hearing "last night, Charley had lost her hair straighteners and was very upset" when actually she kept the housemates up until 5 am, as an example.

What if it is thoroughly comprehensive in it's exhibiting of events or it didn't even bother with that, then I would say it was equal exposure.

Can you try and forget the essay-speak and put your thoughts down in simple english? The pseudo-intellectual over use of long words just makes you come across as incoherent and babbling...

Susann · 30-06-2007, 11:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barracute

I resent in the strongest possible terms you allegation that i WAS manipulated into supporting Nikki G ? I have supported Nikki from the VERY begining before any possible (alleged) manipulation. !!!!

I don't believe for a moment that the OP was suggesting everyone in their opinion at all. But just the way minds can be manipulated by a presenter on TV, with cleverly constructed words pushed forward at every opportunity, and also let's not forget the specially brought in crowds for certain shows to sway towards certain housemates, until some will actually come to think the same way. Thus manipulated without even realising it.

I think the OP has made some extremelly good points and many of them have crossed my mind on many an occasion.

Sidespin Nid · 30-06-2007, 11:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guru Tart

it's not exactly like discovering Haley Joel Osment can see dead people or Bruce Willis was a ghost, .

Why did you spoil it for me , I was gonna watch it tonight!

Susann · 30-06-2007, 11:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by dishmonkey

Can you try and forget the essay-speak and put your thoughts down in simple english? The pseudo-intellectual over use of long words just makes you come across as incoherent and babbling...

Not to me it doesn't. I am perfectly able to understand the the post

shabutie · 30-06-2007, 11:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by dishmonkey

Can you try and forget the essay-speak and put your thoughts down in simple english? The pseudo-intellectual over use of long words just makes you come across as incoherent and babbling...

Backseat mod alert.

You seriously think words like exposure and comprehensive are showing off?

You need a larger vocabulary.

dishmonkey · 30-06-2007, 11:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by shabutie

Backseat mod alert.

You seriously think words like exposure and comprehensive are showing off?

You need a larger vocabulary.

I know what they mean. I'm just not sure the OP does...

30-06-2007, 11:17	#1
Guru Tart Banned User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Strawberries Services: STFU Carole Posts: 4,805 Blog Entries: 7	The Strangest Thing. The Charley Syndrome. I'd really appreciate it if you could take the time to read this. I know it's long but it does outline my thoughts in full. Since I've been an avid viewer from the beginning of this series, I have also been able to see the changing favouritism towards housemates. As well as this, I have also been watching the Big Brother shows. I am from the camp that doesn't think Charley is "entertainment". I will go as far as saying, I don't think anybody thinks she is "entertainment". I think everybody has merely used this word and attached it to Charley as a justification, reasoning and argument to keep her in the house. Yet, the most important area from where I believe a shift in supporting Charley has come from are, the Big Brother shows. I believe there has been a huge influence from all the shows. They have used a dual prong technique from their quests, from the presenters, with a smile on their face with the basis, "You wouldn't like her, but she's good entertainment". I will go as far as saying that the producers may have sent a memo out saying "You wouldn't like Charley, but she's good entertainment". Via this influence, from the celebrities, from the shows, from the invited audiences at the shows, the controlled chanting, the repeated support Charley campaign some of the public have wavered from totally disliking Charley to liking her. Now I remember they tried it with other housemates and it worked with Nikki Grahame, Grace Adams Short and now they are doing the same thing with Charley and I believe it does work. I do think people watch the shows, they are influenced by the editing and the biassed encouragement from the shows, but the biggest question remains, why? At first, I thought it was because the producers do not wish to create a hate figure that will have difficulty on the outside. I believe the producers were told after BB7 and CBB5 that regardless of what you get these guys to sign, you have a responsibility towards their welfare and you need to uphold that, but I used to believe that, now I don't because we have to consider the welfare of Shabnam who was somewhat ridiculed on BBLB and Billy who was portrayed as a hate figure and also given a tough interview by Davina. So the question is, why some contestants and not others? This I think is the hardest question. I think with the way I have seen the show support some contestants and dislike others, that it is not an impossible task for the show to make the public like one individual and dislike another. Some people have referred to it as "the golden girl" who will bring in ratings but, ratings are down. The ratings for Fridays nights shows aren't equal to previous years. On top of that, my own personal observation of forums have seen them become a lot more quiet, with less people posting from the beginning of the series. Yet haven't we seen in previous years that the greatest twist and/or manipulation is what occurs upon removing housemates? The change that happens and we've all watched to the end even though some have said, you remove the entertainment? After the recent nominations "twist", which I would rather call manipulation because it's not exactly like discovering Haley Joel Osment can see dead people or Bruce Willis was a ghost, more and more people are don't feel they can watch the show as there is no trust in the set up. I believe this is for all people as the manipulation wouldn't fool any view, if they like Charley and dislike therefore future viewing won't be as entertaining. So, the question remains, why? Many would see this as a disgruntled supporter of another housemate but it's more a case of the enjoyment of Big Brother without having to watch somebody screaming, shouting, swearing, abusing and insulting. Simple as that. Forget about Big Brother, I just can't view somebody doing that because it gives me a headache. The constant screech and the discontent face just doesn't brighten up my day and as a package it is difficult to view. Like many, my mute button is off and I question her presence as many would. There is manipulation in operation but the biggest question is why and I can tell you that a whole load of theories that you could never imagine have gone through my head. What's going on? All opinions on this are welcome but the more detailed ones would be more so appreciated. Last edited by Guru Tart : 30-06-2007 at 11:25. Reason: Intro added. Outro added.

30-06-2007, 11:19	#2
dishmonkey Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 670	Its just a lightweight bit of tv entertainment. Try not to get so worked up about it - maybe go outside or talk to some friends?

30-06-2007, 11:20	#3
bornfree Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 2,612	I read the whole post but by the time I reached the end I forgot your request. Sorry

30-06-2007, 11:29	#8
bbob Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,008	word overload

30-06-2007, 11:31	#13
Barracute Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Nikki Grahame ♥ Fan Club Services: Broadband Posts: 15,442 Blog Entries: 4	I resent in the strongest possible terms you allegation that i WAS manipulated into supporting Nikki G ? I have supported Nikki from the VERY begining before any possible (alleged) manipulation. !!!!

30-06-2007, 11:37	#15
uklove7 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 1,625	The problem with this post is that you're calling people weak minded because they don't agree with you...Its also possible that you're more like a fan of Ziggy's because you formulate opinions and stick them onto people which is quite arrogant. You may not understand why Charley is liked or people may see her as entertainment but there are many possibilities when it comes to storylines. I think that people want to see a young girl that is plagued with much insecurity make a turn around, some think that she's being honest, others believe its something she's had to do most of her life. Charley is transparent. You see her rage. You see her insecurities. You see the sweetness. You see it all. She's no hiding in that house like some who are hiding behind the character or what other people may think of them. It may be an uncomfortable watch for you but there are so many problems in the world that should leave people even more uncomfortable. When there is something that leaves you uncomfortable to watch maybe its because life isn't always about comfort. People are living their lives everyday in uncomfortable situations and like Billi said in reference to Charley, "You just have to see it through." He also noticed that his reflection was inside of Charley and didn't really want to be reminded of what was hidden inside. Another reason people are so angry when they see her because in truth the same people that despise Charley are reacting the same way as she does in that house. I would even go as far as saying that Charley may be the most open person that is willing to make a change because she has left herself exposed.

30-06-2007, 11:37	#16
shabutie Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Birmingham Posts: 3,307	I think there's also a bit of 'Shahbaz syndrome', where people have got so fed up that they treat her in a way that some people see as bullying and that somehow becomes justification for her behaviour. Also the poster above me confirms my theory that many people here at least are liking Charley because they hate Ziggy and they don't get on at all.

30-06-2007, 11:39	#18
_THUMP_ Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: hampshire Posts: 46	The trick with BB was the voyeuristic nature of it and the audience involvement with noms through voting. The producers have messed with that link by effectively choosing the nominations we vote for, thus we're now interacting with the producers choice, not the HMs. This was the first BB I watched from the get-go but I've lost interest and don't watch the HL's any more, just LB, BB and occasionally this forum. It has a lot to do with not wanting to watch Charlie pouting or shouting. I'll start watching again when she's up for eviction. Why they chose her, grave, nikki... they probably think there's mileage in making spin-off TV shows with those people.

30-06-2007, 11:39	#19
appalachian Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Services: witch hunting! Posts: 2,575	I disagree. I really do think people find Charley entertaining. I don't personally as the 'entertainment' is a bit repetitive and even predictable. I that some people will find her entertainment as I'm honest enough to admit that, despite not like loud aggressive people, if I see people in the street below me having a row (I live in flats) I will watch from between the curtains. Depending what's happening I will actually 'entertained' in that it will engage me for 10 or 15 minutes and I might even laugh at the stupidity of it all. These occasions are fairly rare though, maybe once a month. If they had the same frequency as the rowing on Big Brother, I'd cease to view the in the street rows as entertainment too. Why Charley? This year, I think, is fairly unique due to what happened with Emily and I've said in a few threads now over the last two weeks that I believe Charley is being ring-fence in order to foster the impression that Big Brother is all about 'caring and sharing and equal opportunities'. I don't think they care about Charley or what happened to her or any of the contestants for that matter - just how the company is perceived. I think Emily's faux-pas was a golden opportunity for them and a dream come true.