Twitter and Live TV Director’s Commentary
I've been using twitter for a few weeks now along with Ben and Lon. Twitter is one of those tools that is so deceptively simple, it's value isn't easily seen. At least by me1
Following the lead of the Battlestar Galactica commentary podcast or the idea for a "Clerks 2″ commentary podcast that was rejected by theater owners, the producers of the new TV show "Drive" have hit on a very clever idea. If you text "add foxdrive" to "40404″ you'll get text messages of director's commentary during the premiere episode of Drive.
I think this is brilliant. I tend not to keep too close an eye on TV scheduling, as I figure I'll watch the good stuff when it comes out on DVD, but Drive commentary via Twitter is at least going to remind me to check out the show when the first text message comes in. Excellent way to convert a mildly interested potential viewer into someone sure to check out the first show.
1 Meg, on the other hand, understood it's value right away. Meg: Why are you getting all these text messages? Jay: It's this thing called Twitter, Ben and Lon and I are trying it out. It lets you send messages to anyone who adds you as a friend– Meg: So I can use it to let people know when I'm in labor? Jay: Uh… yeah. that would be about the most perfect use for it.