Hello world and welcome to my most recent blog! Today I was given the task to watch a television program that advertises a website dedicated to the show. During the show, I explored the website and I will be discussing in my blog what the site serves. So, hop on my internet surf board express and enjoy the ride!
One of my all time favorite television shows is Dexter, a Showtime television drama series that airs every Sunday at 9PM. The show follows a serial killer who works for the Miami Metro Police Department as a blood splatter analyst. However there is a twist, Dexter, played by Michael C. Hall, only kills murders that somehow slip through the laws’ fingertips.
Dexter’s main page is on the Showtime website. When the page opens, you can hear the Dexter score which puts me in the mood to put in one of my Dexter DVDs. There are several pictures of the main cast on the different pages and a Dexter-like atmosphere with blood splatter designs for lettering. The choices that an internet surfer has to choose from include Latest Clips, Episode Guide, Cast and Character, Special Features, Video Channels, TV Daily Schedules, Series Information and the Showtime Store. Along with those options, there are also advertisements for the new Dexter game, extended scenes and exclusive interviews, special offers and “Change the Baby” where you can surprise your friends with a killer expression on a baby’s face.
On the right hand side of the home page site, there is a link called Discuss and Connect where you can “Become a Fan” by joining the Dexter Facebook. You can also join the Dexter Wiki group where you can contribute what you know about Dexter, get alerts and e-mails for Dexter reminders and updates, and finally take part in the Showtime Dexter Talk on the Showtime message board.
As you can see, there is a lot to do on this website. It is extremely entertaining and with all the different activities and communities on the site, I found myself surfing the pages for a good hour or two. The website is also quite informative, especially for those interested in the cast, information about the show, and upcoming episodes. It is also inviting to participants. As described above, there are all kinds of links that allow Dexter fans to talk about the show and share their knowledge with others.
Incorporating what I’ve learned:
From observation alone, there are a couple of key terms envoked by the site which we have learned about in class. The first is cross-production. If a product is successful then a company can make profits from turning the product into a slew of other products. Because Dexter has become such a big hit, they are now selling jewelry, shirts, and mugs to name a few. Not only are they able to make money on the show, but now they are making money on by-products.
Dexter has its own wiki site. From class, we have learned wiki is the Hawaiian term for quick and deals with open source software where everyone can access the site and anyone can change it, like Wikipedia for example. Dexter Wiki allows users to go on and share what they know about the show with the internet world.
Things I would change about the site:
I would like for the Dexter site to have its own isolated page. Although I thought the site was quite good, it was sometimes difficult to navigate and I would find myself on other Showtime pages that did not deal with Dexter. If Showtime could create a link that is solely about the Dexter TV show I think it would really enhance the site and help keep surfers focused on the page without getting lost on other sites. I really enjoyed the special features and cast information on the site because it is something I am always interested in; this was probably my favorite feature on the site!
If you have not already, go check out the site on Showtime, and definitely watch the TV show, it is awesome!
Dexter web site
Dexter Wiki
