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Re: My thoughts on the rules discussion

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kj.naughtonMar 26, 2010
 

 
For what it's worth, my hunch is that the so-called "problem" of petty challenges is probably a result of the larger number of performers that appear on the show these days.

Like it or not, an appearance on JaM for a new performer is a chance to put yourself before a large global audience - remembering that JaM is on the World Service - and that they find it important to be heard. I think being skillful at JaM takes some practice so the best way for a new performer to make an impact is to be humourous rather than a making the more difficult "correct" challenges.

Being a success on JaM can lead onto more bookings for the lucrative comedy panel show circuit - the BBC are making more and more of them and even Murdoch's Sky TV are making them now...

When we had the four "regulars" then there was much less need for them to "sell" themselves on the programme. That and, of course, they were all more practised at the game and therefore (usually) had no need of the easier challenges.

I also remember Chris Neill (one of my favourite panellists) who (and I paraphrase) pretty much admitted that the main way he felt he could get involved in the show was to go for the bonus point. I'm not sure that's entirely true as he is a good "proper" challenger as well.


So, in my humble opinion, the rise of the "bonus point culture" or the "petty challenge" is simply a function of the way the show is moving. And, for the reasons others have outlined, changing the way points are distributed won't work as panellists don't play for points. The only way to go back to the old challenges is to go back to the old format of four regular players. And I'm not in favour of that.

Cheers

kJ

--- In just-a-minute@..., "deanbedford" <dbedford@...> wrote:
>
> Just posted on the blog... but also for here...
>
> The BBC's Feedback programme - http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b00rbq34 and the Daily Telegraph - have had some fun discussing JAM's rules. I should weigh in.
>
> Essentially a man called Rupert Read from Norfolk is worried about trifling challenges, the repetition of words like "we" and "the", and minor hesitations, he thinks they break up the flow of the game.

 
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