More, More, More $

“Information is an ocean, and newsmakers can no longer control the tide as easily as they once did.”

2006-05-04T06:08:00.000-07:00

In Chapter 3 of we the media Dan Gillmor explains what I think is the top three challenges to traditional media. Though the three I picked aren’t the only challenges I think others can fall into these categories. They challenge traditional media because it makes the job of the traditional newspaper or reporter harder and the readers easier. The reporter has to give the most current information, and must make it appealing to the reader, even if they know nothing about the topic.

“The gates come down”

“First, outsiders of all kinds can probe more deeply into newsmakers’ business affairs. They can disseminate what they learn more widely and more quickly. And it’s never easier to organize like-minded people to support, or denounce, a person or cause. The communication-enabled grassroots is a formidable truth squad.”

Like Gillmor says, anyone who is anyone can do journalism now. With the invention of blogging, pod casts, and others, anyone can post what they believe is news. Why is this a problem for traditional journalism? Well traditional journalists take the approach of really researching the topic and then publicize it, something that takes time. To many Americans, time is something they don’t have. And some people don’t want to wait till five o’clock to hear about went on that day. With new forms of newsgathering people don’t have to wait, they can simply research and find what is latest news by searching the internet.

“Second, insiders are part of the conversation. Information no longer leaks. It gushes. Through firewalls and other barriers, via instant messages, emails, and phone calls.”

Today, people are finding it easier ad easier to communicate and news gather, with the access to cell phones, internet, text messages, and so on. People talk and news spreads quickly, much more quickly than a newspaper can circulate. With emails, and instant messages a conversation about the latest gossip or news can be read and sent to someone else with in a few minutes.

“Third, what gushes forth can take on a life of its own, even if it’s not true.”

You may being getting news at a incredible light speed, but how reliable is the news? Anyone can write a blog, and anyone can post information on sites, but is true? I think traditional media is finding this somewhat appalling. People rather search for the news themselves and take the risk of getting wrong information rather than read a reliable source like The New York Times

There are others that I believe threaten the traditional way of media, but personally I would rather rely on someone I can trust. Even if the information is a day old, I know I am reading really happened.

Sources: we the media grassroots journalism by the people for the people by: Dan Gillmor
Yahoo! images

Word Count: 471

Word Count

2006-04-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

3,998

It's a first on Deal or No Deal

2006-04-26T17:58:00.000-07:00

reflective audio post on assignment

2006-04-25T17:24:00.000-07:00

A record high...

2006-04-25T06:14:00.000-07:00

Last night on the show a contestant won the most amount of money that has ever been walked away with. The contestant picked the $400,000 case to hold on to but ended up walking away with over $450,000. He was having a good day and looks like he made a great deal.

Another interview....

2006-04-20T17:55:00.000-07:00

I asked a retired administrative secretary for Jefferson County public schools in Kentucky. DeeDee Boston enjoys her leisure time by playing golf and spending time with her grandchildren. She is a very enthused viewer of the show, and though she is retired she keeps up with the times.

Have you ever watched Deal or No Deal?
Yes

Have you ever been on Deal or No Deal's website?
No

Have you ever blogged about something?
Yes

What are you feelings towards Deal or No Deal? Do you like it, the concept? Is there something about the show you would change?
Yes, I watch the show but I think Howie Mandel tries tointimidatee the players sometimes. I know he has to have the commercial on the show in order for it to exist, but his timing could be a little different when informing the player of the money offer.

Did you know there is more than one version of the show?
Yes

When was the 1st time you watched the show?
Probably around the first of the year 2006.

What is the most memorable scene you can remember about the show?
When the young man asked his girlfriend to marry him and than he received so much money, what a good start for them.

Do you think greed gets to people on the show?
I guess sometimes, but the players want to get just as much as possible, after all they offer a million dollars to each player. It is a guessing game really.

Do you think money gets to people more now than it did 20 years ago?
Yes, because too many of us want to live like the Jones, and that is not possible. Also, they think money brings happiness but it doesn't.

If you were on Deal or No Deal what case would pick to save?
I would pick number 3.

You could be on the show!

2006-04-20T06:41:00.000-07:00

photo from Deal or No Deal site
Have you ever sat there wishing to be contestant? Have you ever wondered what you would do if you were on ther show? Well here is your chance below is the link to apply to be on the show. It's easy, just fill out the form attach a photo of your self and your on you way to opening some real cases.

Apply Now!
photo from Deal or No Deal site

Bellarmine University's perspective on the show...

2006-04-20T06:15:00.000-07:00

I talked with a few Bellarmine University students to see what they thought about the show.
I wanted to see how their view on money and the show was different from adults that have already experienced the real world.

An interview from Ashley Pierce, a Sophomore at the university:

Have you ever watched Deal or No Deal?
(if not have you heard of the show)
I have watched it once or twice but know only a little about the show.

Have you ever been on Deal or No Deals’ website?
(if so what did you think about it)
No

Have you ever blogged about something?
(have you heard of blogging)
I blogged for a short time in high school, but didn't pursue it into college

What are you feelings towards Deal or No Deal? Do you like it, the concept? Is there something about the show you would change?
The show is interesting since the concept of the show is unique. I don't know enough about it to know what I would change.

Did you know there is more than one version of the show?
I did not know that!

When was the 1st time you watched the show?
About a month ago.

What is the most memorable scene you can remember about the show?
When I was trying to figure it out and the people were really excited when the briefcases were opened and there was a small amount listed inside. I was trying to figure out the concept of the show, so it was confusing!

Do you think greed gets to people on the show?
Yes, they go for the top dollar which actually the top 5 or 6 amounts are a lot too.

Do you think money gets to people more now than it did 20 years ago?
Yes, everything is much more competitive. To win the competition you need the most and best "stuff", and you need money to get it.

If you were on Deal or No Deal what case would pick to save?
27....just a guess

photo from Bellarmine University's website

What a US Marine thinks about the show...

2006-04-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

I later talked with Brandon Harris a 20 year old Marine, which lives in North Carolina.

Have you ever watched Deal or No Deal?
(if not have you heard of the show)
YES.

Have you ever been on Deal or No Deals’ website?
(if so what did you think about it)
YES, I WENT AND PLAYED THE GAME ONLINE, AND IM GLAD THAT IT WAS ONLINE BECAUSE I WALKED AWAY WITH $50.

Have you ever blogged about something?
(have you heard of blogging)
YES ON MYSPACE

What are you feelings towards Deal or No Deal? Do you like it, the concept? Is there something about the show you would change?
I LIKE THE GAME SHOW, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOME PEOPLE THAT DISSERVE THE MONEY. LIKE SOMEONE WHO HAS SPENT THEIR WHOLE LIVE WORKING, THEIR NEVER GOING TO RETIRE OR THEIR A WIDOWED FATHER/MOTHER WITH 4 KIDS. OR SOMEONE WHO SPENDS ALL THEIR TIME WORKING AND THEN STILL HAS THE TIME TO VOLUNTEER, WHETHER IT BE FIRE FIGHTING OR AT YOUR LOCAL HOMELESS SHELTER. MAYBE EVEN HAVE A GAME WHERE THERE IS A REPRESENTATIVE FOR SOME CHARITY AND ALL THE PROCEED GO TO THAT CHARITY.

Did you know there is more than one version of the show?
NO.

When was the 1st time you watched the show?
I WAS WITH MY BEAUTIFUL FIANCE AND HER FAMILY AROUND CHRISTMAS.

What is the most memorable scene you can remember about the show?
SOME LITTLE KID DOING THE CARLTON DANCE ON STAGE TO GIVE HIS MOM LUCK.

Do you think greed gets to people on the show?
I DONT KNOW ABOUT GREED, BUT THEY MIGHT BE THINKING WHAT IF I JUST SETTLE FOR THIS AMOUNT AND THEN I REALLY DO HAVE THE MILLION IN MY CASE. I THINK THAT WE ARE ALWAYS TAUGHT TO GO WITH OUR GUT INSTINCT AND THAT IS WHAT THE CONTESTANTS STICK WITH.

Do you think money gets to people more now than it did 20 years ago?
YES I DO. BECAUSE EVERYTHING DIDNT REVOLVE AROUND MONEY AS MUCH AS IT DOES NOW. INFLATION HAS INCREASE ENORMOUSLY, JUST LOOK AT GAS PRICES. PEOPLE WORRY NOW BECAUSE 2/3 OF THEIR HARD EARNED PAY CHECK IS BEING SPENT ON GAS. I THINK THAT GETS TO EVERYONE.

If you were on Deal or No Deal what case would pick to save?
19!

photo from yahoo! images

What a mom thinks about the show...

2006-04-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

I interviewed a viewer of the hit show to see what they thought of the show. Jeannie Carpenter, a 47 year old bookkeeper, and part-time stay at home mom, watches the show frequently.

Have you ever been on Deal or No Deals’ website?
(if so what did you think about it)
No, I haven’t, I don’t have time to surf the net.

Have you ever blogged about something?
(have you heard of blogging)
I don’t know what that means, people ask me that all the time and I have yet to learn about it.

What are you feelings towards Deal or No Deal?
I like it. It’s entertaining, people are stupid on the show, but I like it!

Do you like it, the concept?
It’s a fast paced, very entertaining, keep you on the edge of your seat show.

Is there something about the show you would change?
That I would be the contestant.

Did you know there is more than one version of the show?
I heard something about there being another one in a different show, but I didn’t know the layout of it was different. I just thought it was the same show.

When was the 1st time you watched the show?
Christmas

What is the most memorable scene you can remember about the show?
Well two things came to mind, when the one contestant didn’t want to make the deal but did under the pressure of her family, and after all was said and done she shorted herself $82,000. The 2nd one was when the Canadian lady children replaced the models opening the cases; I thought that was very family oriented. Oh I have something else, I found out that Howie Mandel has a fetish with shaking hands, that’s why he always knuckle butts everybody.

Do you think greed gets to people on the show?
Umm, I wouldn’t call it greed, they become unsure of themselves, and become afraid they won’t leave with anything. They second guess themselves.

Do you think money gets to people more now than it did 20 years ago?
Definitely, money is the root of all evil, I think you had to work harder for it twenty years ago, but people are more greedy about it now.

If you were on Deal or No Deal what case would pick to save?
I’ve thought about this, I want to say either 4 or 18.

Recently on the show…

2006-04-19T18:14:00.000-07:00

Twenty-eight year old Tennessean Erin Burch appeared on the show, recently and boy did she make a deal. She not only brought along her husband, brother, and a co-worker, but her lucky pet rabbit. Oh, yes, a rabbit, not just a lucky rabbits foot, but an actual rabbit. The Banker even commented that he was going rabbit hunting after the show.

Burch works for the Special Olympics Tennessee; she commented that she planned on giving half of whatever she won to the organization. At first she was off to a rough start with losing the million dollar case after her second round of cases. But after a few small amount cases opened she was given the offer of $99,000, she didn’t take it. She told Howie Mandel the shows host; she wanted to walk away with at least $80,000. What greed setting in? She went on to open one more case. #21, the case had $100 in it. The Banker gave her the offer of $167,000. She took it and smiled with the help of one of her Special Olympic friends.

Next contestant…

Thorp Shanely, from Chicago was next, and was excited. The Fireman, which spoke of playing video games for hours at a time, was extremely happy, and excited to play. He brought along his wife, his mother, and a friend that he played video games with. Though the outcome of what he walks away with has not been air yet, he was off to a fine start. The first case he opened contained the $750,000, but he wasn’t upset because he knew the million was in his lucky case #20. His wife felt differently, she commented that they had agreed that he would pick that case, it was their wedding date. The show ended on Monday with the suspense at a high. Shanely was waiting for his third offer, and you will have to wait next Monday because Celebrity cooking challenge is on instead. The suspense is killing you I know.

And I thought I had seen everything…

2006-04-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

Yes, folks we had a proposal, if the show couldn’t get any crazier a young man proposed to his girlfriend on the show. On national television the man got down one knee and asked. What a risk taker, not only being risky on the show, but had enough nerve to propose. She said yes to his relief, and went home with some money. Not bad for a day, win a good amount of money, get engaged.

What's been going on?

2006-04-11T06:37:00.000-07:00

Last night an elderly woman, walked about with a pretty nice about of money. She didn't take a chance though and could have walked away $80,000 richer. Once again a risk is involved in this game. If the woman had really went with her gut feeling, she might have a bigger retirement to fall back on.

The models had a chance to relax last night, went they woman's family took their (models) place, of opening the cases. The woman had a strategy of picking case numbers that meant something to here. The number of years one of her sons had been married. The number of children she had.

It was another suspenseful night, with many commercial breaks and high offers. The woman was coached on by her whole family, and left with a smile on her face.

Why, blog about it?

2006-04-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

The issue of money in the US and how it has caused greed, and, well, people to act insanely on national TV, has made a hit. The game show Deal or No Deal has caught my attention along with many others. The game numerous viewers and sites that offer information about the show and it’s history. The show even has an overseas version of the show. I choose this topic because I felt it would be easier to write about something that interested me. Writing about something that interests you, I think, will makes it easier to write about something in a more creative aspect. It can give you more of a voice, if you write about something that you have a passion for or are interested in; I think it reflects the writers’ mood, or voice. So far the blog has went well and I plan on updating it for some time.

It's all the craze!

2006-04-04T11:02:00.000-07:00

Not only is the show a hit but the site is pretty amazing as well. The site offers biographies of Howie Mandel, photos of the models, the banker's blog, the lucky case game; the list goes on and on.

The host has his own biography that tells where started in his career and what his plans are for the show. Along with the interesting facts about him there are many pictures of him and contestants on the show in the shows photo album. There is also past clips of the show that you can watch. Those exciting clips that you may have missed, you can stroll through the past clips and watch whatever.

There are pictures of every model, including their names, so you can see whom you are drooling over.

The banker has a blog, the faceless man that makes most contestants sweat, has a blog. He talks about contestants and what he thinks about the show and things that have happened on the show. There is a link at the bottom of this post to his blog and one under “other blogs” heading.

The site has a play at home version of the game that you can actually play Deal or No Deal. You play the game as if you were a contestant, you get to pick your lucky case and get offers from the banker. You decide whether if the amount he offers is a deal or not.

Lastly the show has game that you play while the show is on air. It’s called The Lucky Case Game. You pick one case one through six and either text message what case you pick, or email it on site. If you are the lucky viewer that picked the right case you might be the lucky one picked for the prize of $10,000 or even $20,000.

photos from Deal or No Deal site

Where did that come from?

2006-04-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

Where did it come from, or where did it start? The US hit NBC game show Deal or No Deal, started in the UK. The game has been a hit in both country's, from the start. The UK show started in 2005, and has been a hit since. The banker is still there and the game still take lot of luck, risk, and strategy.

Though the models aren't in the UK version of the game, there are still cases that need to be opened. There are 22 potential contestants, and one of those lucky contestants is put in the "hot seat." From there they open cases, to see how much money they are going to get walk away with. The cases in the UK are red rather than silver, and the grand prize is only a quarter of a million rather than a million.

The game show host in the UK is Noel Edmonds.Though I haven't seen the over seas version of the show, I'm betting the shows host is as humorous as Howie Mandel (US version host). Just from looking at the original show (UK version) website you can see the similarities and differences. They both have photos of the game, contestants. They show and tell how the parts of the game are different, like the cases, and how the contestants are picked. Also they both have online version of the game that you can play at home.

So what can I say, obliviously it’s a hit, both in the US and UK. Ratings are through the roof, on both shows. Just imagine you in the “hot seat” picking numbered cases determining your wealth. Your money offers rising or falling, depending on what you pick. Your heart is racing, like the contestants’ on the show, as the game comes to the end. The banker calls, and you wait in anticipation, as the host breaks for a commercial. You find out our offer and have to decide whether to go on and risk it or stop and be content.

Does greed set in? For many contestants, yes. When the big offers appear you begin to think what am I going to do with all this money, or when the offer drops you start kissing early retirement away. The risk, strategy, and the sheer luck it takes to win big on the show. So what would you pick, when your money was on the line? Deal or no deal? Not one person on the US version of the show has won the grand prize of a million, and only one contestant from UK has won the quarter of a million. Must have been her “lucky day” as they say.

Source:UK Game Shows.com

Howie Mandel

2006-04-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

Howie Mandel the US's version of the hit game show host.
Howie Madel's Profile

photo from Deal or No Deal site

Follow up, what's been happening on the show...

2006-04-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

In the past week, people have won and people have cried. One contestant was offered a Hummer if he took $18,000, and left. He didn't and went on to win around $250,000. Another man that was on the show commented that all he wanted was to use the money to take his wife to Italy, and buy an RV so he could visit his kids on the other said of the country. The outcome? He should have kept going. The show surprised the contestant, when they flew his children in for the show. The two little girls coached their dad to a good amount of money. But did they stop to soon? If the contestant had gone with his gut feeling, he would have walked away with a hefty $750,000. Not bad for a hour's work. Situations like that are why the game is risking and takes a lot of luck.

What it's all about?

2006-03-30T06:39:00.000-08:00

What affect is money taking on America? Game shows like Deal or No Deal, is taking the country by storm with high ratings. The show keeps you on the edge of your seat, with continuous commercial breaks at high points of the show. Right when the decisions are being made, those key moments of the how, and then a break. Anyone can be on the show, military personnel, cowboys, teachers, cheerleaders; the list goes on and on. Except what affect is the money aspect of the show having on people? As you watch the show, you become involved, yelling at the TV screen.

“NBC has a bona-fide blockbuster in its "Deal or No Deal" prime-time game show. Contestants pick one of more than a dozen suitcases and, through process of elimination, negotiations, and sheer luck, either strike it rich or leave with one penny in their pocket. But every day, Americans play a similar high-stakes game for real. What will it be? Deal or no deal?” ( Fool.com)

The models walking in, starting the game.

Dayana Yochim wrote recently about the game show, she put it best I thought. She explained how each case opened on the show, could be compared to a life event. Something being paid for, something you might have wanted, something great happening unexpectedly.

Suitcase No.17 a paid parking ticket, suitcase No. 9 a newly found twenty dollar bill in your coat pocket, suitcase No. 1 a spouse with a raging case of shopaholism, the list went on and on.(Fool.com) One by one cases get taken away and so does the money. After the suspense of the cases being picked and opened, you wait to hear from the banker. What does he offer, well it depends. Sometimes, good, sometimes bad, it all depends on you what you pick. Deal or no deal? The chances are high, and you’re gambling on them.

I find the show quite engaging; as the larger amounts get taken away you wait to see the outcome. The show is never the same and you never know what to expect. The outcome of “the game” is ever changing; it all depends on what that beautiful model opens. Howie Mandel the shows host makes situations even more amusing with his sudden commercial breaks, and getting the crowd, and peers in on the suspense and decisions. I would recommend watching the show at least once, even if it’s just for people’s reactions. Contestants on the show right before your eyes change from professional mode, to insane. As you watch it’s like the contestants start talking or making decisions on money and everything goes nuts. Grown adults are crying and jumping around, screaming, breaking out the lucky rabbits foot, superstition is at an all time high. Greed sets in when the stakes are high, and sadness and regret does when there not.

The Banker giving an offer.

The game ends one of two outcomes, you walk away wealthy, or you don’t. The most you can walk away with, $1,000,000, the least amount $.01. It’s pretty amazing how fast a high offer from the banker can change when one or two high amount cases are opened. If you decide to take a gamble, and say “no deal” to the bankers offer, well you’re gambling so you could go either way. People leave crying from losses, and then there are people that leave with a pretty good chunk of change. Like Yochim portrayed the outcome, you could leave with a nice inheritance pay out and retire once you get home; or you could leave owing for the expenses of the trip to the game show.

Source: Fool.com
All photos from Deal or No Deal site

Welcome!

2006-03-23T07:15:00.000-08:00

Welcome to More, More, More $, this blog will talk about the affects money is making on the US. It will examine the popular game show "Deal or No Deal." I will talk with people to see what they think, how is money taking over? I will see what people think of "Deal or No Deal." I will find out the history of the show and see how far it has come, and see where it plans to go. Then I will search out to find what's next to come.