Abstract
Falero discusses the darker side of online criticism, particularly the ways that Television Without Pity fostered and encouraged what has been called “anti-fan” behavior. The site’s motto, “spare the rod, spoil the network,” was taken up by many members. These very critical viewers were part of the emergence of “hate watching” a program, viewing for the purpose of harsh, unrelenting criticism. Falero discusses the ritual of “hate watching” and how the ensuing discussion online surprised many television industry insiders who explored the message boards looking for fans. Reality television programs in particular allowed for a complex critical environment, where members sometimes hurled personal insults at television program cast members and then had to deal with the fallout when some of them later joined the discussion.
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Notes
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Falero, S.M. (2016). “Shows You Hate (But Watch Anyway)”: The Dark Side of Online Criticism. In: Digital Participatory Culture and the TV Audience. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-50000-7_5
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