a general question about spoilers, and those who like them

[lazarus]

Basically, it boils down to "Why?" I'm not trying to bait anybody, and I'm not going to argue that you're wrong or anything. I just really don't get the desire to be spoiled.

To me, it's like finding out the score of a ball game before I watch it. Why watch it? Part of the fun (again, to me) is the suspense of not knowing whether your team will win.

I find joy in discovering the show's story as it's laid out. For instance, I know that the show Flash Forward is based on a novel which I haven't read. I'm enjoying the series so much, I've made the decision not to seek out the book until the show has finished its run. And I avoid Survivor spoilers like the plague. I want the thrill of discovery that comes with watching things play out. Then I'll rewatch to see things in a different light, knowing the outcome.

So, why do y'all who like spoilers like them? (Again, no judgment here, just curiousity.)

[dr.strangelove]

1. Hey Lazarus

Long time no talk. Hope all is well with you and the family.

I'm mostly with you on spoilers, though I am not as religious about avoiding them as you.

But I think I get the why. I think people like to figure things out and see if they are correct. Its why I used to love reading two minute mysteries when I was a kid. You read two pages and try to figure out the crime, then get told if you were right.

It could also be the fascination we have with cheating in the country. Whether it be on tests, our spouses or to see who wins the big TV show, knowing someething ahead of others seems appealing to many.

To me, I get you point. I have been looking forward to seeing the Ducks be in a Rose Bowl for most of my life. It happened in teh 94 season, but they lost. Now I await the game with excitement and have no desire to know in advance who won.

That said, I've read the Southern Vampire novels which the True Blood series is based upon. I did not in season one, but I read them all during the break. Now I find it interesting to see how the story changes from book to screen, though I often know some of what will happen. Its a different feeling for sure, but not one that is unpleasant. seeing how it actually happens on the screen is exciting. But I would not trace in teh enjoyment I got out of the books, nor would I avoid the show.

So, while I do not like spoilers, I can see the appeal to others.
anyway, hope you have a good new year. Don't be such a stranger around here, we can certainly chat and avoid any spoilers, especially about survivor or lost. I don't want anything to spoil my enjoyment of those shows.

[lazarus]

2. hey, doc

I've been off line for a long time, but I got a laptop for Mithrasmas and am back.

I'm still a Survivor fan (Russell got hosed by a Bitter Jury, IMO), but Lost lost me a while back. They just appeared to have no plan. When I found out they didn't know what the numbers meant (the writers, I mean) I just lost faith in the direction of the show. But FlashForward I like, a lot.

Hopefully some spoiler fans will come along and we can have a nice discussion.

[Qanisqineq]

3. There is one reason I like spoilers

First off, I want to say I don't always like spoilers, only for a few shows. Also, I usually don't actively seek them out; however, I've lived in Korea for 4 years and often see spoilers online before I get a chance to see the TV show. Anyway...

The reason -- and this is only for certain shows (The Amazing Race, mainly, sometimes Survivor)-- is sometimes I get too stressed during the show, especially if there is a really annoying/despicable contestant on that season. If I know ahead of time, I don't get angry about it. I'm not saying I have some anger problem, but sometimes I just get so annoyed with some of the people or I find myself cringing at every mistake made by a favorite contestant that I get stressed. Sometimes I think that because I've suffered from depression most of my life, I don't like even the tiny added annoyances that can trigger negative feelings or thoughts. One annoyance/negative thought, no matter how small, can turn into another and then another and pretty soon it snowballs. I've discovered that the one thing that helps me, when medications don't, is to control my thoughts. It isn't easy and once they get out of control, it is hard to get back to "not depressed."

I don't know if that made any sense in writing. I couldn't quite put it into words without making me sound a little crazy. :D

I've rewatched most of the seasons of Survivor and found I can sit back and enjoy it much more when I know who is getting eliminated. I don't dislike the "villians" as much either -- Johnny Fairplay becomes funny instead of just irritating, Coach is amusing in his arrogance, etc.

[lazarus]

4. thank you

I understand what you're saying. Tocantins was tough to watch when Coach was getting all the airtime, but he's just funny now.

I actually liked Fairplay (as a player, not a person) from the beginning. I thought he played a very good game in Pearl Islands. Not so good in FvF, but that wasn't really his fault.

[dr.strangelove]

5. I hated Coach

But he made that season fun to watch. I am learning more and more about the mind of Brunet and why he picks the personalities that he picks. The best shows have come from the best personalities, even if the person that is the subject is a bozo.

[OKNancy]

6. I live for spoilers

Knowing the outcome makes watching for me much more enjoyable. I like to see how the edits are done, how the plot twists and how they like to trick you into thinking it's one outcome, but you know they are just toying with you.
I really love spoilers on the trashy shows like the Bachelor.
It's just fun. That's all I can say.