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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Whodat" data-source="post: 588415" data-attributes="member: 7386">It looks like somebody else had the same idea for a direct fan response ratings system. I just pulled this off of one of the Firefly message boards, but I think it applies here, too.Quote:Unhappy With Nielsen System, Viewers Take Matter Into Own HandsAustin, Texas - Television viewers concerned with the Nielsen Rating System's influence over programming have formed The Viewer Consortium, Inc. The mission of The Viewer Consortium (TVC) is to raise the level of audience participation in programming decisions.TVC's efforts are focused on discussions with networks, cable groups and production companies, about developing alternatives for viewer involvement. One participation method TVC is exploring is "niche public television". The concept is based on viewer financing of networks or of specific shows. Incentives that TVC's members could provide networks include accurate audience demographic information, ratings drives to grow the audience and product drives for advertisers.The Viewer Consortium's directors believe in the need to balance "inequities" created by the Nielsen system. "Viewers are represented principally by a ratings system that at its best gives an idea of how many people may watch something, but no idea of how much they want it on the air, nor their full capacity to make it profitable," according to TVC Managing Director, Matt Sampsell. "We want to make it easier for the audience to get involved and make their interest and participation count for something that the industry values."The directors of the non-profit organization formed the viewer advocacy group after much brainstorming and collaboration over the Internet. Although TVC incorporated in Texas, it is an "e-company" spanning the country. The founders were inspired in part by excitement generated over the idea of direct viewer financing of shows; an idea proposed by fans of the recently cancelled space epic, Farscape.One of TVC's first projects: Work with the fans to ensure a fifth season of Farscape. The critically acclaimed, award-winning show was abruptly cancelled in September after four seasons on the Sci-Fi Channel, despite previous announcements that a fifth season had been picked up.</blockquote>

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