Rob explains why some threads are deleted

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 12:20am

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Broadway_Blog_is_CLOSING_20091205

This is a question that I get sent *all* the time, so I'm going to take the opportunity to answer it here today... Why does BroadwayWorld.com delete certain posts on the message board about the closing of a particular show?


Click here for the answer

[MusicSnob1]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 12:40am

How about when someone on the board breaks an actual news story (i.e. a closing), the thread gets deleted, and then BWW posts it as their "breaking news"???

Seriously. I want to know.

[Q]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 12:54am

Because the owners had the sense to start their own site, and can take info from whatever sources available - including posts to their own site.

If someone feels they have better access to more informative knowledge, let them start their own site and deal with all this nonsense - like people posting for free and Bitching about the process.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 12:55am

MusicSnob1 -- are you suggesting that BWW *learns* of a show's closing via the message boards, deletes the "scoop" threads, and then publishes it as breaking news? If so, that's ludicrous because generally when a production is coming to an end, it's not "news." BWW has their own insiders and direct sources to get the "scoop" from.

So perhaps the threads ARE deleted because it IS speculation until it is confirmed?

I think in some instances threads such as the "Riedel: RAGTIME to Close January 3?" haven't been deleted because they are discussions about published news stories.

[Basely Tearful]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 12:56am

" Knowing the blood, sweat and tears that goes into working on hits, flops and everything in between."

What exactly is between a hit and a flop? A flit? A hop?

You're either a hit or a flop. There's no in between.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 1:00am

Of course there is an in-between. Perhaps a show closes and comes close to recouping. Perhaps a show is a critical success but doesn't get an audience.

Perfect examples of productions that are neither hits nor misses: RAGTIME, CAROLINE OR CHANGE, perhaps even OLEANNA.

[Basely Tearful]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 1:04am

No, you're wrong. A hit returned its investment and a flop did not. Variety created this, not me. Even if they're a buck short of returning their investment it's still technically a flop.

[Q]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 1:07am

And technicalities obviously negate the option of any nuanced discussion.

Ask any lawyer.

[Basely Tearful]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 1:09am

Obviously.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 1:10am

What if a show returns its investment to the dime but makes absolutely no profit before it closes? Does that mean it is a hit, flop, or in-between?

[Basely Tearful]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 1:13am

Hit.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 1:22am

You're no fun!

[MusicSnob1]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 1:36am

But I am.

I'll go with a TIE, for the win. Or put them in their own category - "limbo"

[Basely Tearful]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 1:42am

I think its fine to put them in your own personal categories. But in terms of serious journalism, not so much.

[Q]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 1:44am

"in terms of serious journalism"

I'd love to know where that still exists!

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 1:49am

You can't put them in limbo. It doesn't exist anymore.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 1:50am

I have had it up to here, and I am pointing six feet above my head, with the stupid Variety-like lingo definitions of "hit" and "flop" being trotted out here with accompanying levels of condescension by those who simply refuse to believe that language evolves and different words have shades of meaning, influenced by many things INCLUDING THE CONTEXT IN WHICH THEY ARE USED.

Go gab about a some Legit Hit in Pitt Preem all you jargonites.

[TalkinLoud]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 1:54am

I don't think that a "serious journalist" (wherever that delineation lies) would say everything is either one or the other. Why does everything have to be so binary? Just because a show doesn't turn a profit doesn't automatically make it a flop.

[Basely Tearful]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 1:57am

Fine, go listen to your favorite soundtracks of in-between shows.

[blaxx]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 2:38am

Just because a show doesn't turn a profit doesn't automatically make it a flop.

Once upon a time, a man invested four coins into a business:



At the beginning the business was doing very well!



The business even received the expert's approval!



The man was happy, he thought not only he would get his four coins back - he would even get more coins!


Unfortunately, winter came, and the crowds were not there anymore.



He put four coins into the show, and he ended up with just one.



Therefore, his business...

FLOPPED.

The end!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 2:41am

To be FACTUAL things can only be a hit or a flop. This means in financial terms because it can be PROVEN.

When you use anything else, it is totally subjective.

Yes, I suppose you could venture into critical success, but has there ever been a time when EVERY printed review has been a rave? (MOST shows have some retractors) Then who decides OFFICALLY how many thumbs up make for a critical success?

[CapnHook]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 2:44am

blaxx does. Duh!

[blaxx]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 2:46am

You know it, love. Plus, I could do the whole thing again with apples.

[dshnookie]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 2:46am

I've got four coins to spare, maybe Spider-Man can use them.

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 12/6/09 at 4:03am

Everything in between (hits and flops) I would take to mean the non-commercial shows by Roundabout, Lincoln Center Theater an other non-profits.

As for "scooping" - the rush some people feel to be the first to break a story - particularly when it involves a closing notice - leads to people posting info BEFORE any final decision has been made by the producers.

You can't trust the assertions of people here who claim to be in the know. You want to know if a show is closing? Pick up the phone and call Boneau/Bryan-Brown or The Hartman group (or whoever handles the production) and ASK THE SHOW'S REP!

J.F.C.