[becstar2006]

Hi all,

Mark has very kindly given me permission to post here, asking for some of you to help me out with some research I’m doing into online Big Brother fandom as part of my PhD thesis at Cardiff University. Further info can be found at http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/jomec/en/de...becca+Williams

I'm posting the questions in this thread so if you'd like to take part, please feel free to post any responses within the thread or, if you'd prefer to keep them private, email them to me at
tvfanresearch@hotmail.co.uk

I'm happy to answer any questions you might have and I’d be enormously grateful for any help you guys could give me!

So, here are the questions. There are quite a lot but I’m interested in anything you may write so please feel free to answer as much, or as little, of the questionnaire as you want.

1. Can you tell me a little about how you first came to be a fan of Big Brother (for example, have you watched any previous series)?
2. How do you watch the show (for example, do you watch the daily highlights show on C4, live streaming on E4, BBLB, BBBB or BBBM on E4?)
3. Have you made any purchases related to the show (e.g. DVD’s, books or other merchandise (t-shirts, mugs etc.)?
4. Have you ever attended any events related to Big Brother such as eviction nights, personal appearances by housemates, book signings or other events?
5. Have you ever auditioned for the show? If so, please tell me a little about this.
6. Can you describe for me if you have met any of the stars or production personnel involved in the show or worked for the show in any official capacity?
7. What do you most enjoy about BB (for example, particular contestants, the ‘reality’ element, the ‘liveness’ of the show, the regularity of nominations and evictions, etc)?
8. How do you feel about housemates who appear to be playing a game on the show?
9. How do you feel about the ‘romantic’ relationships that often develop on the show (e.g. Grace/Mikey, Michelle/ Stewart, Helen/Paul etc.)?
10. How does your support or dislike for these couples affect your viewing of the show?
11. Do you try to find out what twists the producers have planned in advance (e.g. new contestants, surprise evictions etc) Why/why not?
12. Do you feel that knowing or not knowing about these twists affects your viewing in any ways? If so, please give examples.
13. Can you describe for me how you interact with other fans, either online (e.g. lurking or posting at message boards, moderating or running sites or forums) and/or off-line (e.g. talking to friends about the show, attending evictions or other BB related events such as book signings or nightclub appearances).
14. If you lurk or post online, please describe a little about the forums you visit and how you came to be involved with these sites.
15. If you are a lurker, can you describe for me the reasons why you do not post.
16. Do you feel that the term ‘community’ fits these particular online groups and why/why not?
17. How important are these online spaces to your fandom of BB??
18. Have you formed relationships with any other posters, either friendships or romantic attachments?
19. If you could know more about the show or know more people who liked the show, which would you choose and why?
20. Has your involvement with online community kept you watching the show even if it became less enjoyable (e.g. with contestants you disliked or series that were dull)? If so please give examples.
21. Who are your favourite contestants from the current series and why?
22. Do you feel that you are similar to particular contestants/relationships in the current series? If so, who, and why?
23. Have you ever felt you have been in a similar situation to any Big Brother contestants or ‘storylines’? If so, please describe this.
24. Do you feel that there are any divisions within BB fandom you are a part of? (E.g. divisions between those who favour certain contestants?)
25. Can you describe what you imagine the typical BB fan to be like?
26. How would you respond to critics who cannot see the appeal of Big Brother (e.g, those who describe it as cheap, trashy etc.)?
27. As BB is only on for a certain number of weeks, how do you feel when the show finishes?
28. Do you continue with your fandom of the show and if so, how do you continue to participate in this fandom (e.g. visiting forums, watching and discussing Celebrity BB etc.)?
29. Do you have any major involvement with fandoms other than BB and, if so, please give examples.
30. Can you see any similarities between these fandoms?
31. What is your age?
32. Where are you located (e.g. county/country)?
33. Are you male or female?
34. What is your occupation?

Thanks for your time.

Rebecca

[Lostie]

I've copy and pasted the question's into Word and am answering a few of them at a time. I'll post them at the weekend when there all answered.

[Tanser_Man]

1. Can you tell me a little about how you first came to be a fan of Big Brother (for example, have you watched any previous series)?

Since watching the Nasty Nick episode in the first series, been watching ever since!

2. How do you watch the show (for example, do you watch the daily highlights show on C4, live streaming on E4, BBLB, BBBB or BBBM on E4?)

Mainly just watch the highlights although i sometimes watch some BBLB and BBBM on e4, depends how much time i have!

3. Have you made any purchases related to the show (e.g. DVD’s, books or other merchandise (t-shirts, mugs etc.)?

I brought the first big brother dvd, but nothing else! I'm a closet BB fan!

4. Have you ever attended any events related to Big Brother such as eviction nights, personal appearances by housemates, book signings or other events?

Nope, but i'd like to go to an eviction!

5. Have you ever auditioned for the show? If so, please tell me a little about this.

Nope, but planning to apply for the next series!

6. Can you describe for me if you have met any of the stars or production personnel involved in the show or worked for the show in any official capacity?

None.

7. What do you most enjoy about BB (for example, particular contestants, the ‘reality’ element, the ‘liveness’ of the show, the regularity of nominations and evictions, etc)?

I watch more for the 'reality' element but i also love the evictions!

8. How do you feel about housemates who appear to be playing a game on the show?

Sometimes it can be entertaining but people who play the game too much get tedious and generally annoying! Like Grace did.

9. How do you feel about the ‘romantic’ relationships that often develop on the show (e.g. Grace/Mikey, Michelle/ Stewart, Helen/Paul etc.)?

I think there good! Although not necessarily important, but it's good to see true romance blossiming outside of the house.. inside the house i can't help but think it's for reasurance, to keep them in the house.. and just for the cameras.

10. How does your support or dislike for these couples affect your viewing of the show?

Depends really, if i like/dislike the people in the first place! But it doesn't really affect my viewing in the slightest, as i said before if it is a fake bond for the cameras i would probably dislike it more but generally couldn't give a stuff!

11. Do you try to find out what twists the producers have planned in advance (e.g. new contestants, surprise evictions etc) Why/why not?

Yes! Although it's very hard to come by. Why? Erm.. i suppose because i have no patience.. Lol.

12. Do you feel that knowing or not knowing about these twists affects your viewing in any ways? If so, please give examples.

Well it can take the suprise out of it i presume so the wow factor is taken away.

13. Can you describe for me how you interact with other fans, either online (e.g. lurking or posting at message boards, moderating or running sites or forums) and/or off-line (e.g. talking to friends about the show, attending evictions or other BB related events such as book signings or nightclub appearances).

I just air my views on this forum and have a debate about the issues surrounding the housemates/ situations/ tasks etc.

14. If you lurk or post online, please describe a little about the forums you visit and how you came to be involved with these sites.

Well, i found this forum via google and firstly browsed and gathered it was a pretty worthwhile forum with no/if any bickering. So i signed up and started posting! The forums friendly and full of charactors so... it's always nice to sit down when you have a bit of spare time and have a discussion, chat about anything.

15. If you are a lurker, can you describe for me the reasons why you do not post.

n/a

16. Do you feel that the term ‘community’ fits these particular online groups and why/why not?

Yeh, because your all a fan of one thing really and the groups consolidate that.

17. How important are these online spaces to your fandom of BB??

Very important because not many of my mates like BB, so it would like talking to a brick wall! Who the hell is Shahbaz? That sort of thing!

18. Have you formed relationships with any other posters, either friendships or romantic attachments?

Many friendships who i can have a laugh with and have banter with.

19. If you could know more about the show or know more people who liked the show, which would you choose and why?

It's always better to know more people, because you have more diverse views and not just the same old woffle!

20. Has your involvement with online community kept you watching the show even if it became less enjoyable (e.g. with contestants you disliked or series that were dull)? If so please give examples.

Sometimes, i mean there have been some instances where housemates have bored me beyond belief like when Cameron won, but i could still come on and have a debate on it even though i maybe didn't watch the show. I still get the jist of it from the forums.

21. Who are your favourite contestants from the current series and why?

Aisleyne - Although she ain't the kind of person i would interact with in the real world, she isn't bitchy and as backstabbing as the rest and can say whats on her mind... which is always good.

Pete - Makes me laugh and i can now understand his condition which can only be good.

22. Do you feel that you are similar to particular contestants/relationships in the current series? If so, who, and why?

Erm, i'd say i wasn't because they all seem to be wierdos this series... but if i was to compare myself to past series contestants and recent contestants... i'd be a cross between Maxwell and Richard... a bit of a joker with a bit of diplomacy and brains!

23. Have you ever felt you have been in a similar situation to any Big Brother contestants or ‘storylines’? If so, please describe this.

Well when they all rounded on Shahbaz it kinda brought me back to school.. so i felt really bad for him.

24. Do you feel that there are any divisions within BB fandom you are a part of? (E.g. divisions between those who favour certain contestants?)

Yes! Of course! Otherwise there'd be no point of the forum! It's good to have conflicting views.. makes it interesting!

25. Can you describe what you imagine the typical BB fan to be like?

Normal everyday person really, i think the blend of people watching is diverse.. like with every show aired.

26. How would you respond to critics who cannot see the appeal of Big Brother (e.g, those who describe it as cheap, trashy etc.)?

Well the critics generally don't watch it! So i generally couldn't give a toss about what they think of the show, although everyone is entitled to there own opinion, so thats cool.

27. As BB is only on for a certain number of weeks, how do you feel when the show finishes?

I feel theres nothing else to watch! TV always seems dead after BB because everyone tries to contend with BB and put there shows on at the same time... and then when theres no more BB... theres nothing good to watch! so, poop TV.

28. Do you continue with your fandom of the show and if so, how do you continue to participate in this fandom (e.g. visiting forums, watching and discussing Celebrity BB etc.)?

I still come on here when theres a celebrity BB or something and visit anyway regardless of whether or not the series is on.

29. Do you have any major involvement with fandoms other than BB and, if so, please give examples.

Nope.

30. Can you see any similarities between these fandoms?

n/a

31. What is your age?

19

32. Where are you located (e.g. county/country)?

Birmingham, West Midlands

33. Are you male or female?

Male!

34. What is your occupation?

Student, Part-time shop assistant.



Glad to be of service!

[BigSister]

1. Can you tell me a little about how you first came to be a fan of Big Brother (for example, have you watched any previous series)?
Came back from my holidays switched tv on started watching it and havent looked back(Thats BB1 BTW)
2. How do you watch the show (for example, do you watch the daily highlights show on C4, live streaming on E4, BBLB, BBBB or BBBM on E4?)
I watch BBLB when I can BBBM if I have time and watch highlights show every night and Live streaming when I have time
3. Have you made any purchases related to the show (e.g. DVD’s, books or other merchandise (t-shirts, mugs etc.)?
Ive bought BB1 BB2 and BB3 video and BB4 dvd BB1 2 3 4 and 6 books
4. Have you ever attended any events related to Big Brother such as eviction nights, personal appearances by housemates, book signings or other events?
Nope not so far
5. Have you ever auditioned for the show? If so, please tell me a little about this.
No and I doubt i ever will
6. Can you describe for me if you have met any of the stars or production personnel involved in the show or worked for the show in any official capacity?
N/A
7. What do you most enjoy about BB (for example, particular contestants, the ‘reality’ element, the ‘liveness’ of the show, the regularity of nominations and evictions, etc)?
I enjoy just watching people and how they get on
8. How do you feel about housemates who appear to be playing a game on the show?
Depends if I like them or not but as they say its only a game show
9. How do you feel about the ‘romantic’ relationships that often develop on the show (e.g. Grace/Mikey, Michelle/ Stewart, Helen/Paul etc.)?
I think its good and its only natrual for people to meet and fall in love
10. How does your support or dislike for these couples affect your viewing of the show?
Not much really and depends if i like the certain people in the couple or not
11. Do you try to find out what twists the producers have planned in advance (e.g. new contestants, surprise evictions etc) Why/why not?
I try not to but they usually get leaked on the forums anyway so I find out because it spoils the surprises
12. Do you feel that knowing or not knowing about these twists affects your viewing in any ways? If so, please give examples.
Yeah i think it ruins it because like last night every1 thought there was a twist and when there wasnt one they felt disapointed about it
13. Can you describe for me how you interact with other fans, either online (e.g. lurking or posting at message boards, moderating or running sites or forums) and/or off-line (e.g. talking to friends about the show, attending evictions or other BB related events such as book signings or nightclub appearances).
I talk about BB on *thinks* 4 forums counting this 1 and offline I talk to my friends and parents
14. If you lurk or post online, please describe a little about the forums you visit and how you came to be involved with these sites.
I post on 4 BB fotums this 1 Bigbrotherforums.com BBfans and another 1 I found about them from friends and posting on other forums
15. If you are a lurker, can you describe for me the reasons why you do not post.
N/A
16. Do you feel that the term ‘community’ fits these particular online groups and why/why not?
Some do and it depends on the certain members there is on them
17. How important are these online spaces to your fandom of BB??
Some are important but it doesnt ruin my life
18. Have you formed relationships with any other posters, either friendships or romantic attachments?
Some friendships but no romance 1 lol
19. If you could know more about the show or know more people who liked the show, which would you choose and why?
2nd 1 espically in real life because I dont think more people like it that I talk too
20. Has your involvement with online community kept you watching the show even if it became less enjoyable (e.g. with contestants you disliked or series that were dull)? If so please give examples.
Yeah because if I didnt have the internet I couldnt talk to other people who liked it and people like different housemates i.e Lea Richard I dont like but others on here do
21. Who are your favourite contestants from the current series and why?
Pete because hes funny Nikki ditto Glyn because I just think hes just quiet
22. Do you feel that you are similar to particular contestants/relationships in the current series? If so, who, and why?
Not really
23. Have you ever felt you have been in a similar situation to any Big Brother contestants or ‘storylines’? If so, please describe this.
N/A
24. Do you feel that there are any divisions within BB fandom you are a part of? (E.g. divisions between those who favour certain contestants?)
No not really
25. Can you describe what you imagine the typical BB fan to be like?
We are all different
26. How would you respond to critics who cannot see the appeal of Big Brother (e.g, those who describe it as cheap, trashy etc.)?
They have their own opinions
27. As BB is only on for a certain number of weeks, how do you feel when the show finishes?
Gutted lol
28. Do you continue with your fandom of the show and if so, how do you continue to participate in this fandom (e.g. visiting forums, watching and discussing Celebrity BB etc.)?
Yeah I keep on the forums and watch celeB bb
29. Do you have any major involvement with fandoms other than BB and, if so, please give examples.
Yeah im on a LOst board and talk about that apart from Lost and BB not really
30. Can you see any similarities between these fandoms?
No because not many people who like LOst also watch BB
31. What is your age?
19
32. Where are you located (e.g. county/country)?
Accrington Lancashire
33. Are you male or female?
Female
34. What is your occupation?
Student and shop assistant

[sol]

1. Can you tell me a little about how you first came to be a fan of Big Brother (for example, have you watched any previous series)?

Well when I was about 10 all of a sudden this new show came on telly and because my parents controlled the TV a lot more when I was younger they didnt let me watch it and so I didnt, and to be honest I didnt really want to watch it. But in 2004 I decided to watch the beginning of BB5 and I was hooked on it - Since then I hardly ever miss an episode, ive watched BB5, BB6 and watching BB7, I also watch all the Celebrity BBs since CBB3.

2. How do you watch the show (for example, do you watch the daily highlights show on C4, live streaming on E4, BBLB, BBBB or BBBM on E4?)

I always watch the daily highlights on C4 without fail, if I happen to miss 1 for some reason or other I always make sure I catch up the following morning. Ilike to watch BBLB, BBBM and BBBB and try to watch as many as possible, but if I miss one I won't bother catching up.

3. Have you made any purchases related to the show (e.g. DVD’s, books or other merchandise (t-shirts, mugs etc.)?

No.

4. Have you ever attended any events related to Big Brother such as eviction nights, personal appearances by housemates, book signings or other events?

No.

5. Have you ever auditioned for the show? If so, please tell me a little about this.

No.

6. Can you describe for me if you have met any of the stars or production personnel involved in the show or worked for the show in any official capacity?

No.

7. What do you most enjoy about BB (for example, particular contestants, the ‘reality’ element, the ‘liveness’ of the show, the regularity of nominations and evictions, etc)?

I enjoy the arguments that happen in the house mostly, I also find somr housemates very funny and I love being made to laugh. I also love the atmosphere that eviction night causes, its erally exciting - the Grand Final is amazing.

8. How do you feel about housemates who appear to be playing a game on the show?

Having a 'game plan' is fine providing that a housemate doesn't upset other housemates in the process of his / her game plan

9. How do you feel about the ‘romantic’ relationships that often develop on the show (e.g. Grace/Mikey, Michelle/ Stewart, Helen/Paul etc.)?

I have no problem with the relationships that develop, however I think increasingly that housemates are entering relationships with eachother to gain attention both in the house and in the press outside.

10. How does your support or dislike for these couples affect your viewing of the show?

If the editing of the main C4 show in the evening show is mostly directed towards the housemates in a realtionship then it can get quite tedious.

11. Do you try to find out what twists the producers have planned in advance (e.g. new contestants, surprise evictions etc) Why/why not?

No, other members tend to do that - I like the element of surprise.

12. Do you feel that knowing or not knowing about these twists affects your viewing in any ways? If so, please give examples.

Yes, if I fund out about a twist in advance it obviously wouldn't be a surprise - Eg. in BB5 I didnt know about the bedsit in advance and it was a great surprise that would've been dull if I already knew. However this year when the golden housemate was chosen, I knew it was going to be done by a lottery machine, if I hadn't have already known it would've been a lot more enjoyable to watch.

13. Can you describe for me how you interact with other fans, either online (e.g. lurking or posting at message boards, moderating or running sites or forums) and/or off-line (e.g. talking to friends about the show, attending evictions or other BB related events such as book signings or nightclub appearances).

I interact with other BB fans on this forum only. I post, Im not a 'lurker'.

14. If you lurk or post online, please describe a little about the forums you visit and how you came to be involved with these sites.

I came across TiBB just through searching Big Brother through Google, TiBB was the 1st website on the list so I clicked it and joined, this happened about three-quarters of the way through BB6.

15. If you are a lurker, can you describe for me the reasons why you do not post.

Im not a lurker.

16. Do you feel that the term ‘community’ fits these particular online groups and why/why not?

In terms of TiBB yes, mainly becuase the forum doesn't close during time when BB is not on so we can get to know eachother in terms of our real lives not through which housemates we like / dislike. Forums like 'General Chat' helps this a lot. However I have heard that many BB forums are not so friendly, TiBB is very well moderated making it a very pleasant forum to be a member of. Ive never made so many posts on a forum before.

17. How important are these online spaces to your fandom of BB??

Very important, you can see how others perceive certain housemates and share your ideas with them too. They are also giving you extra information about BB and its housemates that you wouldnt have found out if you weren't a member of this forum.

18. Have you formed relationships with any other posters, either friendships or romantic attachments?

Ive formed friendships with various other posters, but nothing romantic.

19. If you could know more about the show or know more people who liked the show, which would you choose and why?

Tough one becuase both could give you moer information. I'll choose know more about the show, becuase I think that TiBB has enough members.

20. Has your involvement with online community kept you watching the show even if it became less enjoyable (e.g. with contestants you disliked or series that were dull)? If so please give examples.

No it hasn't changed my viewing patterns at all, I watched all of BB5 and wasn't a member of any BB forum and I intend to still watch all of BB7 as a member of a BB forum. However, I think Im more enthusiastic about the show because of TiBB than I was before.

21. Who are your favourite contestants from the current series and why?

Pete - Genuine, generally nice, funny
Glyn - Genuine, generally nice, naive and funny but still clever.
Nikki - Doesnt care what others think about her, very very funny.
Aisleyne - Doesnt bitch too often and seems very supportive.
Grace - Great entertainment

22. Do you feel that you are similar to particular contestants/relationships in the current series? If so, who, and why?

If anyone, it would be Glyn, he is only 1 year older than me and seems like he wants to go far in life like I do (eg. university etc...) He is also very friendly and quite sensitive like me and can also be quite naive at times, again, like me.

23. Have you ever felt you have been in a similar situation to any Big Brother contestants or ‘storylines’? If so, please describe this.

Yes when Sezer lost his temper with Richard and had that massive row, I had a row with a teacher at school like that quite recently.

24. Do you feel that there are any divisions within BB fandom you are a part of? (E.g. divisions between those who favour certain contestants?)

Yes, but its very difficult to explain with out mentionaning forum names. There are those who tend to like the 'Plastics' and those who like the 'Reals' and those who like a bit of both / dont like a bit of both - these divisions often cause minor disputes in the forum but it is nothing serious and it isn't exactly an apartheid situation.

25. Can you describe what you imagine the typical BB fan to be like?

Errrmmm, the kind of people you see on eviction nights in the crowd.

26. How would you respond to critics who cannot see the appeal of Big Brother (e.g, those who describe it as cheap, trashy etc.)?

Id understand as I used to be like that, but Id say to them view it as entertainment, not as watching a soap.

27. As BB is only on for a certain number of weeks, how do you feel when the show finishes?

I feel awful, like me many members complain that they will have nothing to do and will be really bored, and for the first week or so after it has finished you do feel a bit bored, but you soon get used to it and get back to events happening in your own life.

28. Do you continue with your fandom of the show and if so, how do you continue to participate in this fandom (e.g. visiting forums, watching and discussing Celebrity BB etc.)?

I visit forums, watch and discuss Celebrity BB and I also watch things like "What the Housemates Did Next" which is always good to see if any of them are using there 15 minues fame constructively.

29. Do you have any major involvement with fandoms other than BB and, if so, please give examples.

When "Im a Celebrity Get me out of here" comes on and the "X Factor" come on I usually watch them and discuss them on this forum.

30. Can you see any similarities between these fandoms?

Yes, many members support different contestants on those shows and argue who is the best and worst, the fandom is very similar.

31. What is your age?

17

32. Where are you located (e.g. county/country)?

Plymouth, Devon, England.

33. Are you male or female?

Male.

34. What is your occupation?

Student.

[lilmissnaughty]

1. Can you tell me a little about how you first came to be a fan of Big Brother (for example, have you watched any previous series)?
I started watching BB on series 4, because I'd heard about it from a mate, but that bored me and I decided I wasn't going to watch the next series, but I decided I would give it a go, and I liked it.

2. How do you watch the show (for example, do you watch the daily highlights show on C4, live streaming on E4, BBLB, BBBB or BBBM on E4?)
I watch the higlights show and BBBM (unless is clashes with something else I want ot watch) and sometimes I watch it live.

3. Have you made any purchases related to the show (e.g. DVD’s, books or other merchandise (t-shirts, mugs etc.)?
Nope

4. Have you ever attended any events related to Big Brother such as eviction nights, personal appearances by housemates, book signings or other events?
Nope

5. Have you ever auditioned for the show? If so, please tell me a little about this.
No, I'm underage

6. Can you describe for me if you have met any of the stars or production personnel involved in the show or worked for the show in any official capacity?
Nope, I haven't

7. What do you most enjoy about BB (for example, particular contestants, the ‘reality’ element, the ‘liveness’ of the show, the regularity of nominations and evictions, etc)?
Well I'm a sucker for reality TV, and BB is by far the best there is.

8. How do you feel about housemates who appear to be playing a game on the show?
It is a game. Although it depends on the hm lol

9. How do you feel about the ‘romantic’ relationships that often develop on the show (e.g. Grace/Mikey, Michelle/ Stewart, Helen/Paul etc.)?
Alot of the time it's all fake. Though occasionally it might be real.

10. How does your support or dislike for these couples affect your viewing of the show?
Well couple's in the house bore me to death. But it doesn't stop me watching the show

11. Do you try to find out what twists the producers have planned in advance (e.g. new contestants, surprise evictions etc) Why/why not?
Yeah some of the time because I like to know whats going on.

12. Do you feel that knowing or not knowing about these twists affects your viewing in any ways? If so, please give examples.
Nah it doesn't really

13. Can you describe for me how you interact with other fans, either online (e.g. lurking or posting at message boards, moderating or running sites or forums) and/or off-line (e.g. talking to friends about the show, attending evictions or other BB related events such as book signings or nightclub appearances).
this is the only BB forum I'm on, but I talk about it on a couple of other forums, and I talk about to to quite alot of people

14. If you lurk or post online, please describe a little about the forums you visit and how you came to be involved with these sites.
Well I was looking for a BB forum and this looked like the best one I found so I joined

15. If you are a lurker, can you describe for me the reasons why you do not post.
n/a

16. Do you feel that the term ‘community’ fits these particular online groups and why/why not?
At times i suppose but alot of idiots come on here

17. How important are these online spaces to your fandom of BB??
It doesn't really affect it in anyway

18. Have you formed relationships with any other posters, either friendships or romantic attachments?
friendships yes.

19. If you could know more about the show or know more people who liked the show, which would you choose and why?
More about the show. because I'm sad like that.

20. Has your involvement with online community kept you watching the show even if it became less enjoyable (e.g. with contestants you disliked or series that were dull)? If so please give examples.
Nope
21. Who are your favourite contestants from the current series and why?
Pete, because he's funny and a really sweet guy. Lea because she's comepletely different from what I thought she was gonna be and she seems like a fairly nice person. Aisleyne for the same reason as Lea.

22. Do you feel that you are similar to particular contestants/relationships in the current series? If so, who, and why?
um not really

23. Have you ever felt you have been in a similar situation to any Big Brother contestants or ‘storylines’? If so, please describe this.
n/a

24. Do you feel that there are any divisions within BB fandom you are a part of? (E.g. divisions between those who favour certain contestants?)
not any that come to mind

25. Can you describe what you imagine the typical BB fan to be like?
i don't really imagine it

26. How would you respond to critics who cannot see the appeal of Big Brother (e.g, those who describe it as cheap, trashy etc.)?
they must have sad lives if they go on about something they don't like, if you don't like it, don't watch it.

27. As BB is only on for a certain number of weeks, how do you feel when the show finishes?
I miss it a bit, but I get my Saturday nights back! lol

28. Do you continue with your fandom of the show and if so, how do you continue to participate in this fandom (e.g. visiting forums, watching and discussing Celebrity BB etc.)?
visiting forums and watching CBB

29. Do you have any major involvement with fandoms other than BB and, if so, please give examples.
well i run a few forums (Tracy Ann Oberman, Jakissie...)
30. Can you see any similarities between these fandoms?
they're both from EE lol

31. What is your age?
15

32. Where are you located (e.g. county/country)?
Dawlish in Devon

33. Are you male or female?
Female

34. What is your occupation?
Student

[Arneldo]

1. Can you tell me a little about how you first came to be a fan of Big Brother (for example, have you watched any previous series)?
I saw the last couple of weeks of BB2 but i wasnt a big fan of it then, it was a 'if its on then ill watch it' show. I became addicted on the launch of BB3 and i came across by accident. Been watching ever since and i have never missed a BBLB, BBBm, BB E fourm or BBDR or BBNU since.

2. How do you watch the show (for example, do you watch the daily highlights show on C4, live streaming on E4, BBLB, BBBB or BBBM on E4?)
I watch highlights, BBLB, BBBM and Live Feed.

3. Have you made any purchases related to the show (e.g. DVD’s, books or other merchandise (t-shirts, mugs etc.)?
I have all Offical BB Books and DVD (incl. The Sun BB5 DVD) i have also purchased the complete BB2, BB3, BB4, BB5, BB6, CBB2 and CBB3 on DVD and i recorded CBB4 on DVD. I also the BB1 and BB4 CD. And i got a BB T-Shirt made for the Final of BB5.[/b]

4. Have you ever attended any events related to Big Brother such as eviction nights, personal appearances by housemates, book signings or other events?
No, because i live in Ireland its not as easy but im planning to go to an eviction later on this year.

5. Have you ever auditioned for the show? If so, please tell me a little about this.
Nope.

6. Can you describe for me if you have met any of the stars or production personnel involved in the show or worked for the show in any official capacity?
Nope.

7. What do you most enjoy about BB (for example, particular contestants, the ‘reality’ element, the ‘liveness’ of the show, the regularity of nominations and evictions, etc)?
I watch it for the Fun entertainment element of the show e.g the laughter and funny moments but i enjoy the bitching and backstabbing to a certin extent.

8. How do you feel about housemates who appear to be playing a game on the show?
I tend not to like the housemates who play the game e.g Jason, Victor, Makosi


9. How do you feel about the ‘romantic’ relationships that often develop on the show (e.g. Grace/Mikey, Michelle/ Stewart, Helen/Paul etc.)?
I think its good and enjoyable to a certin extent

10. How does your support or dislike for these couples affect your viewing of the show?
It depends on what i think if the people involved in the relationship.

11. Do you try to find out what twists the producers have planned in advance (e.g. new contestants, surprise evictions etc) Why/why not?
I try not to but i just cant help myself

12. Do you feel that knowing or not knowing about these twists affects your viewing in any ways? If so, please give examples.
Yes, sometimes when a twist is rumored and doesnt happen iam left feeling a lil dissapointed.

13. Can you describe for me how you interact with other fans, either online (e.g. lurking or posting at message boards, moderating or running sites or forums) and/or off-line (e.g. talking to friends about the show, attending evictions or other BB related events such as book signings or nightclub appearances).
Iam a member on alot of BB Fourms but im most active on this fourm. I also talk about BB with my Freinds and Family as we are all Big BB Fans.

14. If you lurk or post online, please describe a little about the forums you visit and how you came to be involved with these sites.
I found this site by seaching Google, I was a lurker since BB5 but only joined After CBB3

15. If you are a lurker, can you describe for me the reasons why you do not post.
na

16. Do you feel that the term ‘community’ fits these particular online groups and why/why not?
I suppose it depends on the members

17. How important are these online spaces to your fandom of BB??
I would say they are quite impotant.

18. Have you formed relationships with any other posters, either friendships or romantic attachments?
Yeah, i have formed a few relationshios with other members.

19. If you could know more about the show or know more people who liked the show, which would you choose and why?
More about the People, its intresting to see how devoted people are towards the show.

20. Has your involvement with online community kept you watching the show even if it became less enjoyable (e.g. with contestants you disliked or series that were dull)? If so please give examples.
yes because if i wasnt involved in these communitys i wudnt get to see how/what other people think of other housemates.

21. Who are your favourite contestants from the current series and why?
Nikki - I love her little moans.
Aisleyne - I think She is funny
Pete - Makes me laugh
Glyn - Makes me laugh and is very honest

22. Do you feel that you are similar to particular contestants/relationships in the current series? If so, who, and why?
If im like anyone in this series its most likey Glyn or Mikey but out of all the housemates i would say im most like Ray BB4

23. Have you ever felt you have been in a similar situation to any Big Brother contestants or ‘storylines’? If so, please describe this.
na

24. Do you feel that there are any divisions within BB fandom you are a part of? (E.g. divisions between those who favour certain contestants?)
Defintly.

25. Can you describe what you imagine the typical BB fan to be like?
i woud imagine were all diffrent.

26. How would you respond to critics who cannot see the appeal of Big Brother (e.g, those who describe it as cheap, trashy etc.)?
Everyone has there own opinions

27. As BB is only on for a certain number of weeks, how do you feel when the show finishes?
im sad, i know but its kinda upsetting. BB is a big part of my life for the whole summer and then its gone.

28. Do you continue with your fandom of the show and if so, how do you continue to participate in this fandom (e.g. visiting forums, watching and discussing Celebrity BB etc.)?
I contine to vist this site and continie to post, discussing other reailty TV e.g X Factor

29. Do you have any major involvement with fandoms other than BB and, if so, please give examples.
Not really.

30. Can you see any similarities between these fandoms?
n/a

31. What is your age?
15

32. Where are you located (e.g. county/country)?
Dublin

33. Are you male or female?
Male

34. What is your occupation?

[Invicta_Toon]

1. Can you tell me a little about how you first came to be a fan of Big Brother (for example, have you watched any previous series)?

can't remember really. it has been 7 years! probs the fact that it was so hyped up you couldnt get away from it

2. How do you watch the show (for example, do you watch the daily highlights show on C4, live streaming on E4, BBLB, BBBB or BBBM on E4?)

every single highlights/BBLB/BBBM/BBDRU/BBBB (recording if out) live feed sometimes (easy to get annoyed by loss of sound)

3. Have you made any purchases related to the show (e.g. DVD’s, books or other merchandise (t-shirts, mugs etc.)?

not at all (never seen any tbh, probs wouldnt though)

4. Have you ever attended any events related to Big Brother such as eviction nights, personal appearances by housemates, book signings or other events?

no, not even interested really

5. Have you ever auditioned for the show? If so, please tell me a little about this.

no way!

6. Can you describe for me if you have met any of the stars or production personnel involved in the show or worked for the show in any official capacity?

None.

7. What do you most enjoy about BB (for example, particular contestants, the ‘reality’ element, the ‘liveness’ of the show, the regularity of nominations and evictions, etc)?

just the general unpredictability of human behaviour. everyone's a voyeur right?. gives everyone a talking point too

8. How do you feel about housemates who appear to be playing a game on the show?

each to their own. part of the attraction is the different HM's strategies, or lack of!

9. How do you feel about the ‘romantic’ relationships that often develop on the show (e.g. Grace/Mikey, Michelle/ Stewart, Helen/Paul etc.)?

just an extension of the natural attraction of the show really. it's a part of the natural human behaviour no?

10. How does your support or dislike for these couples affect your viewing of the show?

makes it more interesting to watch, although it can have a negative effect by isolating HM's from the group

11. Do you try to find out what twists the producers have planned in advance (e.g. new contestants, surprise evictions etc) Why/why not?

Not actively aside from reading the news or forums. Too many false rumours tbh, just go with the flow!

12. Do you feel that knowing or not knowing about these twists affects your viewing in any ways? If so, please give examples.

The highlight show has less of an appeal when you know whats been happening / going to happen

13. Can you describe for me how you interact with other fans, either online (e.g. lurking or posting at message boards, moderating or running sites or forums) and/or off-line (e.g. talking to friends about the show, attending evictions or other BB related events such as book signings or nightclub appearances).

forums/friends

14. If you lurk or post online, please describe a little about the forums you visit and how you came to be involved with these sites.

post on this one and read digital spy, not hard to find

15. If you are a lurker, can you describe for me the reasons why you do not post.

digital spy - far too busy to bother using

16. Do you feel that the term ‘community’ fits these particular online groups and why/why not?

not for me, forum's in general are a take it or leave it thing for me, sometimes feel addicted, sometimes not bothered at all. it's only the internet right?

17. How important are these online spaces to your fandom of BB??

online info gives me a one-up on my less connected friends, so it's kind of fun - although see 12.

18. Have you formed relationships with any other posters, either friendships or romantic attachments?

no way!

19. If you could know more about the show or know more people who liked the show, which would you choose and why?

neither see 12. and 18.

20. Has your involvement with online community kept you watching the show even if it became less enjoyable (e.g. with contestants you disliked or series that were dull)? If so please give examples.

it's the reverse for me, a boring show makes me less likely to use the forums due to them being full of moaning minnies

21. Who are your favourite contestants from the current series and why?

Nikki for her cute freckles and pure randomness

22. Do you feel that you are similar to particular contestants/relationships in the current series? If so, who, and why?

not at all - thank God

23. Have you ever felt you have been in a similar situation to any Big Brother contestants or ‘storylines’? If so, please describe this.

some of the fighting over food/beer brings back memories of past flatmates

24. Do you feel that there are any divisions within BB fandom you are a part of? (E.g. divisions between those who favour certain contestants?)

Grace/Nikki lovers/haters
people who think it's getting boring (not me!)

25. Can you describe what you imagine the typical BB fan to be like?

have no idea, very wide range of people

26. How would you respond to critics who cannot see the appeal of Big Brother (e.g, those who describe it as cheap, trashy etc.)?

Don't criticise what you don't understand! Fair play if someone who knows a bit about the show has a fair comment, but blanket criticism is ill-conceived imho. BB is not a format that suits casual observation. I'ts quite close to a soap opera really in that respect

27. As BB is only on for a certain number of weeks, how do you feel when the show finishes?

relieved, you can't watch BB for ever! in fact it goes on too long imho. you need it to end so you can get excited when the next one rolls around!

28. Do you continue with your fandom of the show and if so, how do you continue to participate in this fandom (e.g. visiting forums, watching and discussing Celebrity BB etc.)?

no. you definitely need a break, otherwise it will take over your life

29. Do you have any major involvement with fandoms other than BB and, if so, please give examples.

football

30. Can you see any similarities between these fandoms?

not really

31. What is your age?

28

32. Where are you located (e.g. county/country)?

kent

33. Are you male or female?

male

34. What is your occupation?

Proffessional between jobs, hence watching BB/World Cup 24/7.

[xGemmax]

1. Can you tell me a little about how you first came to be a fan of Big Brother (for example, have you watched any previous series)?
I first started watching Big Brother in the middle of series 3 mainly because my relatives were watching it - but since then I have been hooked.
2. How do you watch the show (for example, do you watch the daily highlights show on C4, live streaming on E4, BBLB, BBBB or BBBM on E4?)
I watch the highlight show every day, BBLB, Big brothers big mouth on e4, also big brothers big brain and I watch the live streaming whenever I can.
3. Have you made any purchases related to the show (e.g. DVD’s, books or other merchandise (t-shirts, mugs etc.)?
No
4. Have you ever attended any events related to Big Brother such as eviction nights, personal appearances by housemates, book signings or other events?
No
5. Have you ever auditioned for the show? If so, please tell me a little about this.
No
6. Can you describe for me if you have met any of the stars or production personnel involved in the show or worked for the show in any official capacity?
No
7. What do you most enjoy about BB (for example, particular contestants, the ‘reality’ element, the ‘liveness’ of the show, the regularity of nominations and evictions, etc)?
I watch it for loads of reasons - I like the process of nominations and the evictions, the reality element of the show, for the housemates I like and I find entertaining to watch - there are loads of reasons.
8. How do you feel about housemates who appear to be playing a game on the show?
I think it is not a good idea to play a game because the public will eventually see through it and you will not be liked - just be yourself.
9. How do you feel about the ‘romantic’ relationships that often develop on the show (e.g. Grace/Mikey, Michelle/ Stewart, Helen/Paul etc.)?
They are good to watch - I like seeing their relationships develop over the course of their stay.
10. How does your support or dislike for these couples affect your viewing of the show?
It all depends whether I like the people! But I usually like it.
11. Do you try to find out what twists the producers have planned in advance (e.g. new contestants, surprise evictions etc) Why/why not?
I don’t try and find out but a lot of the time I do find things out - usually by the forums I go to or other websites it cant be helped.
12. Do you feel that knowing or not knowing about these twists affects your viewing in any ways? If so, please give examples.
They effect my viewing as there might not be as much suspense and excitement as you already know what will happen.
13. Can you describe for me how you interact with other fans, either online (e.g. lurking or posting at message boards, moderating or running sites or forums) and/or off-line (e.g. talking to friends about the show, attending evictions or other BB related events such as book signings or nightclub appearances).
I talk about the show with my family and post on message boards a lot.
14. If you lurk or post online, please describe a little about the forums you visit and how you came to be involved with these sites.
I wanted to join a forum so I searched for big brother forums on google and this one came up!
15. If you are a lurker, can you describe for me the reasons why you do not post.
I am not a lurker
16. Do you feel that the term ‘community’ fits these particular online groups and why/why not?
Not really because I don’t actually know anyone on them but we just go on there to express our opinions about big brother.
17. How important are these online spaces to your fandom of BB??
Very important to me because I need somewhere I can talk about big brother - as a lot of people I know are not that interested in it.
18. Have you formed relationships with any other posters, either friendships or romantic attachments?
Not really
19. If you could know more about the show or know more people who liked the show, which would you choose and why?
More people - I would like to know more people who share my views.
20. Has your involvement with online community kept you watching the show even if it became less enjoyable (e.g. with contestants you disliked or series that were dull)? If so please give examples.
No - I watch it anyway regardless.
21. Who are your favourite contestants from the current series and why?
Pete is my favourite, and second Glyn.
22. Do you feel that you are similar to particular contestants/relationships in the current series? If so, who, and why?
No, I don’t think I am similar to any of them. Most of them are mad!
23. Have you ever felt you have been in a similar situation to any Big Brother contestants or ‘storylines’? If so, please describe this.
No, not that I can think of.
24. Do you feel that there are any divisions within BB fandom you are a part of? (E.g. divisions between those who favour certain contestants?)
Yes - definitely. There are a lot of different views on people.
25. Can you describe what you imagine the typical BB fan to be like?
I don’t think there is a ‘typical’ BB fan I think it does appeal to a lot of people.
26. How would you respond to critics who cannot see the appeal of Big Brother (e.g, those who describe it as cheap, trashy etc.)?
They are talking rubbish. They probably have never watched the show and are just judging it on what they have heard.
27. As BB is only on for a certain number of weeks, how do you feel when the show finishes?
Sad, and bored. When big brother finishes I often don’t know what to do when I should have been watching it.
28. Do you continue with your fandom of the show and if so, how do you continue to participate in this fandom (e.g. visiting forums, watching and discussing Celebrity BB etc.)?
Yes I would continue to visit this site and discuss big brother.
29. Do you have any major involvement with fandoms other than BB and, if so, please give examples.
Im a member of the oc forum and a few others.
30. Can you see any similarities between these fandoms?
Not really
31. What is your age?
16
32. Where are you located (e.g. county/country)?
Bedfordshire
33. Are you male or female?
Female
34. What is your occupation?
n/a (left school have not got a job yet)

[wicky22]

1. Can you tell me a little about how you first came to be a fan of Big Brother (for example, have you watched any previous series)?
My parents started watching the first Big Brother, I watched it with them, at first I was unsure if I’d like it or not, but it wasn’t long before I was hooked onto watching it. .
2. How do you watch the show (for example, do you watch the daily highlights show on C4, live streaming on E4, BBLB, BBBB or BBBM on E4?)
I always watch the highlight show on C4. Sometimes at night I watch Big Brother live on E4 – but not at a certain time, just whenever I have some spare time on my hands.
3. Have you made any purchases related to the show (e.g. DVD’s, books or other merchandise (t-shirts, mugs etc.)?
I bought Big Brother 1 video. Also I bought a Big Brother book.
4. Have you ever attended any events related to Big Brother such as eviction nights, personal appearances by housemates, book signings or other events?
No
5. Have you ever auditioned for the show? If so, please tell me a little about this.
No I haven’t.
6. Can you describe for me if you have met any of the stars or production personnel involved in the show or worked for the show in any official capacity?
Neither.
7. What do you most enjoy about BB (for example, particular contestants, the ‘reality’ element, the ‘liveness’ of the show, the regularity of nominations and evictions, etc)?
I really enjoy seeing how each character changes throughout their stay in the Big Brother house. I also enjoy the reality of it all, how arguments occur over stuff that wouldn’t normally cause an argument and how it is solved.
8. How do you feel about housemates who appear to be playing a game on the show?
I’m not bothered (much) about them playing a game, after all it is a game-show. Though I do prefer people to be themselves.
9. How do you feel about the ‘romantic’ relationships that often develop on the show (e.g. Grace/Mikey, Michelle/ Stewart, Helen/Paul etc.)?
I don’t mind watching relationships on Big Brother as long as it is an actual relationship. I don’t like watching the fake relationships for the cameras, because it just bores me.
10. How does your support or dislike for these couples affect your viewing of the show?
It doesn’t affect me much, unless the highlight show was 50% of watching fake cuddles and fakes kisses, Id probably just want to turn if off in that case, but this hasn’t happened, yet.
11. Do you try to find out what twists the producers have planned in advance (e.g. new contestants, surprise evictions etc) Why/why not?
Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. If I’m in a curious mood then I’ll try and find out some information. Other times I rather wait and see what the surprise is.
12. Do you feel that knowing or not knowing about these twists affects your viewing in any ways? If so, please give examples.
Well if I know something is going too happen then I guess it takes away the excitement.
13. Can you describe for me how you interact with other fans, either online (e.g. lurking or posting at message boards, moderating or running sites or forums) and/or off-line (e.g. talking to friends about the show, attending evictions or other BB related events such as book signings or nightclub appearances).
Well I post on this forum but I also am a bit of a lurker! I also lurk on the channel4 forum. I mainly discuss Big Brother properly with my friends, in which we share each others opinions about the goings on. I also talk too my boyfriend about it.
14. If you lurk or post online, please describe a little about the forums you visit and how you came to be involved with these sites.
On this forum (TIBB=thisisbigbrother.com) I came across it via Google, I clicked into it, and I saw it seemed well moderated so I decided too register. The channel4 forum was just the obvious Big Brother forum, I’m not registered on it however I do like to go on every now and again too see what other people are saying!
15. If you are a lurker, can you describe for me the reasons why you do not post.
Well I don’t post on the channel4 forum because I think there’s too much going on and I’d rather just browser through it and have a good read. On this forum (TIBB) I sometimes post if I feel like it, sometimes I don’t post because I get a bit fed up of the people who always think their opinion is right (Not many people, just the odd one here n there), everyone is entitled to their own view on things and other people should accept that.
16. Do you feel that the term ‘community’ fits these particular online groups and why/why not?
Hmmm I guess it does because it’s like everyone is here for the same reason (Big Brother) and it makes it a Big Brother community?
17. How important are these online spaces to your fandom of BB??
Well I find it fun too see what other people are saying and see things from other peoples point of view, but not super important.
18. Have you formed relationships with any other posters, either friendships or romantic attachments?
Neither.
19. If you could know more about the show or know more people who liked the show, which would you choose and why?
More people, so I can see what they think of it all etc.
20. Has your involvement with online community kept you watching the show even if it became less enjoyable (e.g. with contestants you disliked or series that were dull)? If so please give examples.
No, it hasn’t changed when I watch or do not watch Big Brother.
21. Who are your favourite contestants from the current series and why?
Pete – Genuine, also has many good qualities about himself.
Nikki – I just find her hilarious too watch, but I can imagine she’d be a nightmare to live with.
Aisleyne –She tends too say what she thinks and isn’t as bitchy as the other housemates
22. Do you feel that you are similar to particular contestants/relationships in the current series? If so, who, and why?
No I don’t find myself similar to any housemate.
23. Have you ever felt you have been in a similar situation to any Big Brother contestants or ‘storylines’? If so, please describe this.
When everyone singled out Shahbaz, and “shoved him too the side” as a “misfit”, reminded me of when I was at school. If you don’t fall into a certain “category” you’re an easy target.
24. Do you feel that there are any divisions within BB fandom you are a part of? (E.g. divisions between those who favour certain contestants?)
Obviously! Everyone has their own opinion.
25. Can you describe what you imagine the typical BB fan to be like?
No I can’t describe a “typical” BB fan, because then I’d be stereotyping of who “I think” is a fan and who “I think” isn’t a fan. Basically the show can appeal too anyone.
26. How would you respond to critics who cannot see the appeal of Big Brother (e.g, those who describe it as cheap, trashy etc.)?
Their entitled to their own opinion, who am I too say what they can and cannot like/dislike.
27. As BB is only on for a certain number of weeks, how do you feel when the show finishes?
At first I’m a bit dull “awww I miss it”, then after a week I’m like “WOW I’ve got my life back!” ,, well until next summer that is.
28. Do you continue with your fandom of the show and if so, how do you continue to participate in this fandom (e.g. visiting forums, watching and discussing Celebrity BB etc.)?
I’ll probably come on forum for celebrity BB.
29. Do you have any major involvement with fandoms other than BB and, if so, please give examples.
No, not really.
30. Can you see any similarities between these fandoms?
N/A
31. What is your age?
18
32. Where are you located (e.g. county/country)?
Leeds.
33. Are you male or female?
Female.
34. What is your occupation
Painter

[8]

Originally posted by Lostie
I've copy and pasted the question's into Word and am answering a few of them at a time. I'll post them at the weekend when there all answered.

Ditto.


Will get back to you with the answers becstar2006.

[MummyJens01]

1. Can you tell me a little about how you first came to be a fan of Big Brother (for example, have you watched any previous series)?

I’ve been watching since the first series! Nasty Nick Was Great & It Got Better From Then On! But The Clincher For Me Has To Be Jade Goody Series 3 (I think) She was fabulous!

2. How do you watch the show (for example, do you watch the daily highlights show on C4, live streaming on E4, BBLB, BBBB or BBBM on E4?)

I watch the highlights, the live-streaming (at night) And Occasionally BBLB

3. Have you made any purchases related to the show (e.g. DVD’s, books or other merchandise (t-shirts, mugs etc.)?

I have the book of series 1 & 2

4. Have you ever attended any events related to Big Brother such as eviction nights, personal appearances by housemates, book signings or other events?

No

5. Have you ever auditioned for the show? If so, please tell me a little about this.

No

6. Can you describe for me if you have met any of the stars or production personnel involved in the show or worked for the show in any official capacity?

No

7. What do you most enjoy about BB (for example, particular contestants, the ‘reality’ element, the ‘liveness’ of the show, the regularity of nominations and evictions, etc)?

The best bit of the show for me is the reality element, the way you get to watch these “guinea pig” people go about day to day things!

8. How do you feel about housemates who appear to be playing a game on the show?

Good For Them, it’s a game show after all, I don’t like the bitching though

9. How do you feel about the ‘romantic’ relationships that often develop on the show (e.g. Grace/Mikey, Michelle/ Stewart, Helen/Paul etc.)?

Helen & Paul Was Sweet, The First BB Romance, I Despise Grace & Anything to do with her so that one for me is a BIG NO! The rest of the relationships appear to be rather fake, all except Maxwell & Saskia!

10. How does your support or dislike for these couples affect your viewing of the show?

It doesn’t really, I just turned over when sour-face (grace) came on the screen

11. Do you try to find out what twists the producers have planned in advance (e.g. new contestants, surprise evictions etc) Why/why not?

Sometimes I do, so I can make sure I’m available to watch it when its on. But other times I don’t know till last minute

12. Do you feel that knowing or not knowing about these twists affects your viewing in any ways? If so, please give examples.

If I didn’t know something was going to happen and had plans for the evening, I would miss the show, so I suppose its better to know in advance so plans can be changed/cancelled etc!

13. Can you describe for me how you interact with other fans, either online (e.g. lurking or posting at message boards, moderating or running sites or forums) and/or off-line (e.g. talking to friends about the show, attending evictions or other BB related events such as book signings or nightclub appearances).

I post messages on Tibb (this is big brother)

14. If you lurk or post online, please describe a little about the forums you visit and how you came to be involved with these sites.

I Joined last year, thought it was a good way of interacting with people who like the show like I do!

15. If you are a lurker, can you describe for me the reasons why you do not post.

N/A

16. Do you feel that the term ‘community’ fits these particular online groups and why/why not?

In a way yes, because it’s a group of individuals voicing their opinions

17. How important are these online spaces to your fandom of BB??

If we didn’t have these forums, we wouldn’t have anywhere to express our opinions. So I guess they are quite important

18. Have you formed relationships with any other posters, either friendships or romantic attachments?

Have formed a couple of friendships with people who have the same sort of opinions as I do

19. If you could know more about the show or know more people who liked the show, which would you choose and why?

More about the show

20. Has your involvement with online community kept you watching the show even if it became less enjoyable (e.g. with contestants you disliked or series that were dull)? If so please give examples.

Definitely

21. Who are your favourite contestants from the current series and why?

Richard - because I like his attitude
Aisleyne - Because she speaks her mind
Lea - Because She’s different
& Pete - He’s Soooo Sweet, who Couldn’t Like Him!

22. Do you feel that you are similar to particular contestants/relationships in the current series? If so, who, and why?

Not at all, At least I hope, although I do have the same sort of opinions as Aisleyne

23. Have you ever felt you have been in a similar situation to any Big Brother contestants or ‘storylines’? If so, please describe this.

No

24. Do you feel that there are any divisions within BB fandom you are a part of? (E.g. divisions between those who favour certain contestants?)

Of course, there has to be a bit of rivalry between fans of different contestants

25. Can you describe what you imagine the typical BB fan to be like?

I suppose an every day average person like myself

26. How would you respond to critics who cannot see the appeal of Big Brother (e.g., those who describe it as cheap, trashy etc.)?

I would say “each to their own”

27. As BB is only on for a certain number of weeks, how do you feel when the show finishes?

I anticipate the start of the next series

28. Do you continue with your fandom of the show and if so, how do you continue to participate in this fandom (e.g. visiting forums, watching and discussing Celebrity BB etc.)?

I Visit less often but will post if there is any news about previous HM’s

29. Do you have any major involvement with fandom’s other than BB and, if so, please give examples.

Not Really

30. Can you see any similarities between these fandom’s?

N/A

31. What is your age?

21

32. Where are you located (e.g. county/country)?

Stockport UK

33. Are you male or female?

Female

34. What is your occupation?

Online Body Jewellery Shop Owner

[coochris2000]

you tell me a little about how you first came to be a fan of Big Brother (for example, have you watched any previous series)?
I Didnt really watch the 1st series of Big Brother i saw Mel's Eviction to give it a go but the next yr i left college and had nothing to do so i put e4 on and started to watch Big Brother 2 Live! i found myself something to watch all summer its so cool i have watched bb2 bb3 bb4 bb5 bb6 and im watching big bro 7 i got to watch Big Brother 1 on DVD i got them all on DVD except bb6

2. How do you watch the show (for example, do you watch the daily highlights show on C4, live streaming on E4, BBLB, BBBB or BBBM on E4?)I Watch Live! when theres nOthing on i havent watch BBLB for ages i watched BBBM Lst week when Grace was out

3. Have you made any purchases related to the show (e.g. DVD’s, books or other merchandise (t-shirts, mugs etc.)?
Yeah im bb maniac i buy nething i see Shirts-Books,DVD,CDS

4. Have you ever attended any events related to Big Brother such as eviction nights, personal appearances by housemates, book signings or other events?
Yes i went to Jade Goodys Book Signing a Few Weeks ago and had a picture taken

5. Have you ever auditioned for the show? If so, please tell me a little about this.
Yes i have a full blog of my experience ill copy and paste it
As u prob no i Auditioned for Big Brother and gonna until i get in

But i will 1 day i was put on earth to clam my goal
loads of ppl have clamed there goals, Shayne Ward,Derrek Trotter ETC
well i wanna be 1 of them

Big Brother 4=The Video Tape ones,i wasnt very good at it didnt get a single call back

Big Brother 5= now this was fun,1st time is was open auditions,i met 2 lovley ppl Johnny and Kate(i no coinsidence eh)there were very nice ppl who showed me where to go and i hang around them all day johnny ended up in a diff group than me and kate but kate was in my group, i did a mj impression which wasnt very good,Johnny got to nxt round but me and kate didnt but i had fun i wanted to re-join que but it was massive!

Big Brother 6=I was prepared for this 1 i went to the audition i wore a sign that said on 1 side Frank Spencer(Some Mothers Do Ave Em) and other side Trigger(Only Fools And Horses)I Got some of the press talking to me which was cool but i didnt get in any papers any way i met sum very nice people again i was in same group as me and i was up against Hockey Players/Models/PA's and stuff, i told them i was accident prone and about a incident that happened at work wid oil any way it was nearly time to go and i didnt think i was gonan get in and my friend got stamped and then.... i did i was like R U SURE?? SERIOUSLY?? WOW i was completely shocked i fought that i would be the last they would want to see lol we went up the lift and had out picture taken and waited,people in the que were talkin bout me and stuff which was nice i over heard ppl sayin "Did u see that bloke wid Frank Spencer on His sign?" and somebody said Yeah hes nxt to u and we started to laugh about it and stuff it really help me get to no the group more,just incase we were doin a group task as i didnt no wat was gonna happen
filled in A Application form which is about 9 pages long i didnt want the moment to end cuz its way cool to be wittled down to lst 1000/2000 i felt speacil
Then we had to go in next room were u were placed in The Diary room(it was so cool cause it was like u were chatting to big brother)i got my own producer like and i heard him said "wheres Chris Haywood" and i was like Here I Am and i asked him a few questions
and way the whistle went and i had to think of sumthing quick from then i didnt no wat to think i said wat came in2 my head 1st(it prob wat i didnt plan to say)whistle went then all of a sudden THIS IS BIG BROTHER U MAY NO LEAVE THE DIRAY ROOM My god that was so cool
none of us got through though but we were all on call back list n stuff which was cool
it was a nice day i hugged and shook hands wid everybody before i said goodbye
shame really i would have been good in bb6

Big Brother 7:The Lastest one i went to i fought id do the same really as bb6 as it helped me get through,got in the group this old woman was asked out of everybody in group who would u nominate and she said i dunno i aint heard everybody and she chose me but it was my turn to speak i told them bout like in bb6 i prob let me down by sayin i like James Blunt(prob says im boring)i didnt have time to say i have met some celebritys etc they didnt give me time to say i didnt get through this time (note make sure i aint on end of line cuz u no when u aint got through)i rejoined que cuz i had plenty of time
i rejoined bout 9-30ish didnt get scene again till 2-30ish i met some more people and stuff they were all asking me well wat happens and stuff like i was a bb guru still didnt get in though
i went down to the london 1 at wembly cuz some of the people in Birmingham had traveled a long way to get there and i fought it was gonna help
i still didnt get in cuz there were girls flaunting there boobs and stuff and they got in
anyway i asked the producer any tips for big brother 8 and i said "yeah just be yourself thats only thing u can do to achive your goal"

Big Brother 8 The Future-i am already planning my big break gonna try to meet more famous ppl(nxt week im meeting Jade Goody) and gonna be more open and tell them that i have done a sort of same big brother experiecne b4 which is true on msn i was in bb msn 1 ill show u link soon and i didnt win but i should have cuz i think votes were rigged i was 3rd now i didnt think i was gonna be so does that mean i am very popular wid ppl or weather i was jst there cuz no1 else was there

You Decide


6. Can you describe for me if you have met any of the stars or production personnel involved in the show or worked for the show in any official capacity?
The only 1 have met is Jade Goody and Producers at Auditions

7. What do you most enjoy about BB (for example, particular contestants, the ‘reality’ element, the ‘liveness’ of the show, the regularity of nominations and evictions, etc)?
The way the characters are different i hate the fact people boo them when they dont no them like u only no them 4 a few days and they still get booed

8. How do you feel about housemates who appear to be playing a game on the show?
They Shouldnt be in there,Obviously ur init to win but really people shouldnt be playin games n stuff its not right

9. How do you feel about the ‘romantic’ relationships that often develop on the show (e.g. Grace/Mikey, Michelle/ Stewart, Helen/Paul etc.)?
There All a load of rubbish,just publicity i fought helen and paul were gonna be 2gether but they dont seem to be
to me its just to get money
NIKKIS AND PETES IS NOT REAL NIKKI IS JUST A GOLDDIGGER

10. How does your support or dislike for these couples affect your viewing of the show? Its boring really cause u dont watch big brother to see love

11. Do you try to find out what twists the producers have planned in advance (e.g. new contestants, surprise evictions etc) Why/why not? if there printed in papers i read bout it
but i dont try to guess or anything i like bb to suprise me

12. Do you feel that knowing or not knowing about these twists affects your viewing in any ways? If so, please give examples.n/a

13. Can you describe for me how you interact with other fans, either online (e.g. lurking or posting at message boards, moderating or running sites or forums) and/or off-line (e.g. talking to friends about the show, attending evictions or other BB related events such as book signings or nightclub appearances).I find out on sites,myspaces,msns where housemates will be and i always post on bb forims and i like to take part in bb games like im in The Sims 2 BB4

14. If you lurk or post online, please describe a little about the forums you visit and how you came to be involved with these sites.
Cause the full of Big Brother fans and id like to get on with them and find ppl that share same hobbies as me

15. If you are a lurker, can you describe for me the reasons why you do not post.
i do post

16. Do you feel that the term ‘community’ fits these particular online groups and why/why not?
i think it does cause u get on with everybody

17. How important are these online spaces to your fandom of BB??
its like BBBM u can give your own oppinion to ppl and u can debate bout wat ppl say

18. Have you formed relationships with any other posters, either friendships or romantic attachments?
yeah loads of friend ships i get on with anybody

19. If you could know more about the show or know more people who liked the show, which would you choose and why?id like to know bout the ppl on the show cuz there the stars of the show

20. Has your involvement with online community kept you watching the show even if it became less enjoyable (e.g. with contestants you disliked or series that were dull)? If so please give examples.n/a


21. Who are your favourite contestants from the current series and why?
Seezer ,cause basicly hes caharacter is sort of like mine that her ladys and im a player, p.i.m.p

22. Do you feel that you are similar to particular contestants/relationships in the current series? If so, who, and why?
Like i Said Above Seezer Same Reason

23. Have you ever felt you have been in a similar situation to any Big Brother contestants or ‘storylines’? If so, please describe this.N/A

24. Do you feel that there are any divisions within BB fandom you are a part of? (E.g. divisions between those who favour certain contestants?)
I hate divides in the big brother house id jst be myself i wouldnt join ne groups id be sorted of like Glyn

25. Can you describe what you imagine the typical BB fan to be like?
some1 who loves the show alot and would do anything to get on it (Like Me)

26. How would you respond to critics who cannot see the appeal of Big Brother (e.g, those who describe it as cheap, trashy etc.)?The Critics Can say what they want they wouldnt bother me cuz in the end there jst selling a piece of paper

27. As BB is only on for a certain number of weeks, how do you feel when the show finishes?
im happy with the length of the show it could go on for a whole year and id love it

28. Do you continue with your fandom of the show and if so, how do you continue to participate in this fandom (e.g. visiting forums, watching and discussing Celebrity BB etc.)?
by posting a lot and discussing with fans

29. Do you have any major involvement with fandoms other than BB and, if so, please give examples.
n/a

30. Can you see any similarities between these fandoms?no
31. What is your age?22
32. Where are you located (e.g. county/country)?West Midlands England
33. Are you male or female?Male
34. What is your occupation?Team Memeber

[lambruscokid]

1. Can you tell me a little about how you first came to be a fan of Big Brother (for example, have you watched any previous series)?
This is the first series I have watched. I heard that BBUK was going to have a housemate with Tourette's, and I wanted to see what that was about. I honestly only planned to watch the first or second day and let it drop. But when I saw what Pete was like, I was hooked instantly.

2. How do you watch the show (for example, do you watch the daily highlights show on C4, live streaming on E4, BBLB, BBBB or BBBM on E4?)
I download (Bittorent) the daily shows, BBBM, and the occasional BBBB and BBLB. I also watch the live stream from time to time.

3. Have you made any purchases related to the show (e.g. DVD’s, books or other merchandise (t-shirts, mugs etc.)?
No.

4. Have you ever attended any events related to Big Brother such as eviction nights, personal appearances by housemates, book signings or other events?
No.

5. Have you ever auditioned for the show? If so, please tell me a little about this.
No.

6. Can you describe for me if you have met any of the stars or production personnel involved in the show or worked for the show in any official capacity?
No.

7. What do you most enjoy about BB (for example, particular contestants, the ‘reality’ element, the ‘liveness’ of the show, the regularity of nominations and evictions, etc)?
I like the relatively direct look at the HMs daily lives, and how they each handle situations. The situations that happen in the house are like a microcosm of social situations that happen in everyday life, but distilled and concentrated. When you watch the HMs for a while, you begin to see characteristics in different people that you might identify with yourself, and it's interesting to compare how they handle things to how you yourself might. For example, Pete's ability to see the good in people, and his sunny disposition, is something I try to remember when I'm in a stressful situation. Conversely, thinking about how ridiculous someone like Lisa looks when she lets her temper fly reminds me not to let myself get aggro or confrontational.

8. How do you feel about housemates who appear to be playing a game on the show?
It just makes them look bad in my eyes. I'm sure everyone thinks about how the game is going, but being so blatantly strategic just turns me off. I would rather see someone win because they were likeable and fun, not because they were manipulative and scheming.

9. How do you feel about the ‘romantic’ relationships that often develop on the show (e.g. Grace/Mikey, Michelle/ Stewart, Helen/Paul etc.)?
I think it's cute. It's like when you're away at camp for the summer. It also adds a drama to the whole show that is fun to watch.

10. How does your support or dislike for these couples affect your viewing of the show?
It doesn't really, except when there is a blatant attempt by others to sabotage the couples. I took an instant dislike to Susie when she nominated Grace, because it was obvious that one thing she was doing was to split her off from Mikey. I also started to dislike Lea when she began interfering with Pete and Nikki.

11. Do you try to find out what twists the producers have planned in advance (e.g. new contestants, surprise evictions etc) Why/why not?
Not really. I don't mind knowing, but I'd rather find out when the producers want us to find out. They're planning the show to give the best suspense and drama, so why diminish the impact by looking for early info?

12. Do you feel that knowing or not knowing about these twists affects your viewing in any ways? If so, please give examples.
Since I get the daily shows several hours late, hearing who is nominated ahead of time makes the show a bit less fun. But that's minor, so overall it doesn't.

13. Can you describe for me how you interact with other fans, either online (e.g. lurking or posting at message boards, moderating or running sites or forums) and/or off-line (e.g. talking to friends about the show, attending evictions or other BB related events such as book signings or nightclub appearances).
Posting at the message boards, mainly. Since I'm not in the UK, most people here haven't seen the show. I do have one friend who watches, so we get together to watch the eviction shows.

14. If you lurk or post online, please describe a little about the forums you visit and how you came to be involved with these sites.
I started with a site that had the torrents of all the shows, as well as forums of their own. I'm a member of a different tracker site, through which I found the first Big Brother site that I was posting at. The forums were fairly quiet, though, so I decided to search for a place with a more lively bunch of members. This is it!

16. Do you feel that the term ‘community’ fits these particular online groups and why/why not?
Yes. Everyone here has a common interest (obviously), and you find some members who are very active, so you start to look forward to their posts, just like you'd look forward to seeing a friend of yours at work or a cafe.

17. How important are these online spaces to your fandom of BB??
Very. I find myself pausing the show to post a topic, or see what others think of it. Since there aren't many BB fans in New York, it adds a lot to be able to come here and find people really getting into it.

19. If you could know more about the show or know more people who liked the show, which would you choose and why?
More people who liked the show. The fun comes from talking about it with friends. What fun would it be to know more about the show if there was no one to share it with?

20. Has your involvement with online community kept you watching the show even if it became less enjoyable (e.g. with contestants you disliked or series that were dull)? If so please give examples.
Probably. I really wanted to shut it off when Susie came in, but knowing that other people disliked her made it easier to stomach the times she was on.

21. Who are your favourite contestants from the current series and why?
Pete, Nikki, and Glyn. I can identify with Pete, because he seems to come from a similar background to my own. Nikki is someone I warmed to when I realised that she had a sensitive side, and has had to overcome real trouble in her life. Glyn is just fun, I suppose partly because he's so happy to be in the house, and partly because he keeps a positive vibe among the HMs.

22. Do you feel that you are similar to particular contestants/relationships in the current series? If so, who, and why?
I feel most similar to Pete. My days of makeup and mohawks are more in the past than the present, but I think our reasons are similar. When you come from a working-class background and don't fit in for some reason, it just seems natural to gravitate to things like the punk scene, or in his case, whatever scene you want to call it.

24. Do you feel that there are any divisions within BB fandom you are a part of? (E.g. divisions between those who favour certain contestants?)
I think there's some division between fans, but it's more gray than black & white. Fans of Richard and Susie generally don't like Nikki or Grace, and I'd be in the pro-Nikki, anti-Susie camp.

25. Can you describe what you imagine the typical BB fan to be like?
I don't think there is a typical BB fan. All different types of people seem to watch for an endless number of reasons.

26. How would you respond to critics who cannot see the appeal of Big Brother (e.g, those who describe it as cheap, trashy etc.)?
People who dismiss things for being "trashy" or "low-brow" are usually too insecure to enjoy them. If you're worried about how people will view you, you might labor to only enjoy things that are "sophisticated." If you're secure in who you are, though, you can have fun with guilty pleasures and not worry. I'm sure no one would think Sir Ian Mackellan was lowbrow if he admitted he liked BB - his reputation is secure. So why worry about what people will think of you? Old money doesn't flaunt its wealth, and real sophisticates don't have to spend all of their time carrying a copy of Anna Karenina to prove their intelligence.

31. What is your age?
35

32. Where are you located (e.g. county/country)?
New York City

33. Are you male or female?
Male

34. What is your occupation?
Writer / magazine editor

[becstar2006]

Thanks so much to everyone who has answered the questions in the thread or who intends to. Your answers look really helpful... keep them coming!

Rebecca.

[Princess]

1. Can you tell me a little about how you first came to be a fan of Big Brother (for example, have you watched any previous series)?
Was watching last episode of Friends and decided to see what it was like. Been addicted ever since.
2. How do you watch the show (for example, do you watch the daily highlights show on C4, live streaming on E4, BBLB, BBBB or BBBM on E4?)
I watch highlights, BBLB, BBBM, BBBB and live feed during the day for a few hours.
3. Have you made any purchases related to the show (e.g. DVD’s, books or other merchandise (t-shirts, mugs etc.)?
Yes a few books and DVDS
4. Have you ever attended any events related to Big Brother such as eviction nights, personal appearances by housemates, book signings or other events?
No
5. Have you ever auditioned for the show? If so, please tell me a little about this.
No
6. Can you describe for me if you have met any of the stars or production personnel involved in the show or worked for the show in any official capacity?

7. What do you most enjoy about BB (for example, particular contestants, the ‘reality’ element, the ‘liveness’ of the show, the regularity of nominations and evictions, etc)?
I most enjoy the romance and the tasks.
8. How do you feel about housemates who appear to be playing a game on the show?
I don’t like them that much as they aren’t genuine
9. How do you feel about the ‘romantic’ relationships that often develop on the show (e.g. Grace/Mikey, Michelle/ Stewart, Helen/Paul etc.)?
Favourite part of the show. I love seeing relationships develop and it’s cute too.
10. How does your support or dislike for these couples affect your viewing of the show?
I defiantly watch more if one of them is u for eviction or they are being all coupley-like.
11. Do you try to find out what twists the producers have planned in advance (e.g. new contestants, surprise evictions etc) Why/why not?
I like them. It makes BB more excited.
12. Do you feel that knowing or not knowing about these twists affects your viewing in any ways? If so, please give examples.
No I would watch regardless
13. Can you describe for me how you interact with other fans, either online (e.g. lurking or posting at message boards, moderating or running sites or forums) and/or off-line (e.g. talking to friends about the show, attending evictions or other BB related events such as book signings or nightclub appearances).
I’m a member of loads of BB relating sites and I talk to people there. I talk to some of these people on msn as well. I don’t talk about BB with many of friends as most of them don’t watch.
14. If you lurk or post online, please describe a little about the forums you visit and how you came to be involved with these sites.
Well theres TIBB which is just a great place to talk about anything and everything BB. I found it on Google while searching for BB sites. I post a bit.
I also go on Ordinary Kandyfloss. This is a Preston and Chantelle forum much like tibb but smaller, pinker and mostly about Prestelle. I found a link on TIBB. I post quite a bit.
15. If you are a lurker, can you describe for me the reasons why you do not post.
On sites where I do not post it is because I register on too many forums to be a regular on all of them
16. Do you feel that the term ‘community’ fits these particular online groups and why/why not?
Yes because there all different types of people and we all try to get along to discuss a similar interest.
17. How important are these online spaces to your fandom of BB??
Very. Nearly as important as watching.
18. Have you formed relationships with any other posters, either friendships or romantic attachments?
Yes I talk to a lot of these people on msn but that’s all.
19. If you could know more about the show or know more people who liked the show, which would you choose and why?
Well I know a lot about the show and I know a lot of people who watch it so wouldn’t mind.

20. Has your involvement with online community kept you watching the show even if it became less enjoyable (e.g. with contestants you disliked or series that were dull)? If so please give examples.
Nope. They are great but I would watch BB regardless of forums.
21. Who are your favourite contestants from the current series and why?
Pete-well everyone loves Pete! You can't not
Nikki-entertaining. I love her little tantrums!!
22. Do you feel that you are similar to particular contestants/relationships in the current series? If so, who, and why?
No they are all loons.
23. Have you ever felt you have been in a similar situation to any Big Brother contestants or ‘storylines’? If so, please describe this.
Not that I can think of.
24. Do you feel that there are any divisions within BB fandom you are a part of? (E.g. divisions between those who favour certain contestants?)
Yes. I joined Ordinary Kandyfloss because it is nice to have a forum for my favourite couple. TIBB is for all people. So a lot people join forums for contestants alone.
25. Can you describe what you imagine the typical BB fan to be like?
Like me. Watches it a lot. Talks about it a lot.
26. How would you respond to critics who cannot see the appeal of Big Brother (e.g, those who describe it as cheap, trashy etc.)?
Well the ones who say its crap have probably never watched it.
27. As BB is only on for a certain number of weeks, how do you feel when the show finishes?
Like a zombie lol. I always follow it afterwards because after such a long time of constant BB viewing it is weird without it.
28. Do you continue with your fandom of the show and if so, how do you continue to participate in this fandom (e.g. visiting forums, watching and discussing Celebrity BB etc.)?
Yep. As I said before. I’m talk about CBB and I usually visit the forums as well.
29. Do you have any major involvement with fandoms other than BB and, if so, please give examples.
I have fandoms other than BB but BB is the only one where I go on forums for. I have fandoms for The OC, Friends and Harry Potter.
30. Can you see any similarities between these fandoms?
No similarity besides the fact that I’m obsessed with all of them.
31. What is your age?
15
32. Where are you located (e.g. county/country)?
Ireland
33. Are you male or female?
Female
34. What is your occupation?
Student