Corrie fans, like Manchester United supporters and
Scientologists, can be very loyal to their cause. And at times they can be the
most honest. Brutally so. Especially in the era of social media.
Twitter more than any other medium gives television viewers the
unique opportunity to engage with cast and crew like never before. We
can critique storylines, send gushing praise about individual performances or have a good old rant about there never being enough Rita on screen.
Former Exec Producer Kieron Roberts explained how important social media is to the soap, especially during awards season:
“We’ve done a lot of work on our website and on Facebook and Twitter to persuade people to get involved. That’s what you have to do these days. It’s no longer about filling in a form in the back of the TV Times. People vote by clicking a button on their phones and on their computers.”
He continued:
“A lot of the cast are on Twitter, too, so they are able to drum up support by building a relationship with fans as well.”
I’ve praised Corrie a lot on this Blog and on social media - I always prefer to keep my musings positive. But healthy critique is good and we should never shy away of
speaking our minds (remind me of this when I'm next sending a barrage of abuse to Boris Johnson on Twitter).
Here, in my catchily-titled blog from 2015 “Corrie Superfan Seeks Paint Drying Companion”, I explained how I was watching the show more out
of habit than enjoyment. And I wasn’t alone. Now though it’s all too easy to
write a cutting little tweet directly to the source of your dissatisfaction -
be it the writers, actors or producers. I’m never personally too harsh but some
of you Corrie fans DO NOT hold back!
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| Apologies for the expletives and reference to football. |
It can be an unfriendly place the old t'internet, even
here on the Coronation Street Blog we get some very unpleasant remarks in the
comments section from time to time. In this relatively new era of engagement through social
media though we on the Blog can reply to those comments, or delete them from existence if they
are really offensive, and Corrie cast and crew themselves can hit back on Twitter. And
they often do.
Tristan Gemmill has taken to Twitter this week to engage
with a few of Corrie’s armchair commentators. His character Robert is, in
Tristan’s own words in “a bit of a pickle” and some fans are not enjoying the
long-running storyline and his love triangle with Michelle and Vicky.
Some people had a go at the character.
Others criticised the storyline.
And some just just let rip.
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There was even a hilarious
intervention from his on-screen fiancée (or one of them) Kym Marsh.
And Tristan’s not the first to engage in Twitter drama over Corrie feedback. Dan Brocklebank, who plays Vicar Billy received a torrent of hate
online after an on screen kiss. He didn’t stay silent.
Actors often use Twitter to respond to media stories about them.
The sassiest of online Corrie stars has to be Sally Ann Matthews. She’s probably the cast member that engages the most with fans, but she doesn't always receive the nicest comments. One particular ‘critique’ Sal gets when the show is on and Corrie Twitter awakens is…her hair colour. She now has a short but effective response.
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| TMI Sal. |
And when it comes to responding to more serious criticism of
the show, simple facts are all that are required.
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| So there. |
In responding to some social media users, Corrie stars can
reveal some big behind the scenes secrets.
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| Yummy. |
Jane Danson felt she had to set the record straight over comments about her walk when filming pregnancy scenes.
And others simply put people, rightly, in their place.
But Kate has also made a serious point about the down side of social media.
Tina O’Brien, who plays Sarah Platt, let fans on Twitter
know back in March that she was aware of their concern for her #BendyFingers
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| Try picking your nose with THAT. |
Engaging with your favourite soap stars online can be a mixed experience.
A bit of sparring is fun. But it’s more fun to be kind. Don’t take it from me
though. Take it from a fan.
Join me on Twitter if you dare @StevieDawson
All original work on Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License
3 comments:
Getting fans involved is fine. My concern is when tweets drive stories. I cannot image that the typical twitter user and the average fan are in the same demographic. Twitterati would be significantly younger, and as such, have less life experience (hold your horses, average, not ALL). Corrie fans, kinda older folk, aren’t as glued to their phone (again, not ALL). Kana is a great example. Twitter fans had them up as the most romantic couple of all time. Older viewers saw them as two pretty girls who did nothing but grope and cry. Trying to be neutral, I saw pretty girls who mostly groped and professed their love, had unresolved career ambition and family planning issues (which would have made great stories but weren’t developed) and only had one real trial, Rana’s kidnapping. It was a pretty shallow relationship compared to say Sally and Tim, or even friends Ty and Kev. But it had a lot of push on twitter and got a lot of screen time. Engagement rate is no substitute for character development and well crafted tales.
Off soapbox.
The actors might say fans shouldn't confuse the character with the actor and, yes, there are some viewers who have a problem discerning the difference. However, the cast tweet in their own names and sometimes create a huge following. All designed to encourage followers to 'Love me, love my character'. Then these followers tune into Corrie to watch the wonderful person who engaged with them. Terrific marketing but it has nothing to do with good writing or even good acting. I feel much the same as abbyk. Older Corrie fans are watching the show for the storylines. For years, I didn't know the names of Corrie actors - even now, couldn't tell you the name of the actor who plays Johnnie even though I love him and Jenny. Though sometimes it's good when tptb listen to followers and fans. Tonight, Bernie told Gemma off for eating with her gob open. About time, too.
The bottom line is the show is as poor as it has been for years.
I vent on Twitter because I know how good the show could be. There are so many continuity clangers and annoying characters that just drag the show down.
I never direct my personal abuse towards the actors, it's the characters instead that let you down.
I pray to God they listen to us and get that son of a +++++ Iain MacLeod out though. Useless producer.
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