...and that's ZoomDown
Moderators: JackHurst, Lesley Hines
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
...and that's ZoomDown
Not having a permanent home here yet, I suggest in here?
Let this be for all ZD ramblings and offerings from this day forth
Let this be for all ZD ramblings and offerings from this day forth
- L'oisleatch McGraw
- Devotee
- Posts: 930
- Joined: Sun Dec 13, 2015 2:46 am
- Location: Waterford
- Contact:
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
In the light of recent controversies,
one of the main questions I'm pondering is that of transparency.
To what extent is transparency a priority to the ZD team?
Given a choice between being truthful with the viewers, or protecting the reputation of the show, what wins out?
one of the main questions I'm pondering is that of transparency.
To what extent is transparency a priority to the ZD team?
Given a choice between being truthful with the viewers, or protecting the reputation of the show, what wins out?
S:778-ochamp
- Bradley Horrocks
- Acolyte
- Posts: 186
- Joined: Fri Apr 28, 2017 1:53 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
My close relative Brandon Hawkins is on standby in case this impressive talent pool runs dry!
"And PANTIES, thank you for that, that cheers us up enormously" - NH
- Jon O'Neill
- Ginger Ninja
- Posts: 4551
- Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 12:45 am
- Location: London, UK
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Love the show. Congratulations to all those who have made it what it is.
- Ian Volante
- Postmaster General
- Posts: 3967
- Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2008 8:15 pm
- Location: Edinburgh
- Contact:
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Aye, kudos for getting this going, and long may it continue!
meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Well my personal view is that the reputation of the show is dependent on its integrity and the trust of the viewers. It's not an either/or situation - the two are intrinsically linked. But let's not derail this thread please.L'oisleatch McGraw wrote: ↑Wed Oct 21, 2020 12:44 am In the light of recent controversies,
one of the main questions I'm pondering is that of transparency.
To what extent is transparency a priority to the ZD team?
Given a choice between being truthful with the viewers, or protecting the reputation of the show, what wins out?
- L'oisleatch McGraw
- Devotee
- Posts: 930
- Joined: Sun Dec 13, 2015 2:46 am
- Location: Waterford
- Contact:
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Well it's not 'derailing' so much as 'contributing'. The timing of the publication of this thread, coincides with a time when people are scrutinising and questioning Zoomdown and how it runs, so it makes sense that not *every* post here is gonna be an "everything is awesome" post.
Though, to be fair, most things actually ARE awesome.
Keep up the sterling work.
S:778-ochamp
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Quickdraw McGraw straight in no kissing!
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Mandatory DNA testing now I'm afraid...how close a relative?Bradley Horrocks wrote: ↑Wed Oct 21, 2020 3:29 pm My close relative Brandon Hawkins is on standby in case this impressive talent pool runs dry!
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
And thanks guys re: getting it going...very much a team affair and the right folk for the jobs just happened to be in our group chat. Was meant to be a one-off but sure...honestly feels like 3 years condensed into 6 months.
If last series was a decent debut album, this is probably the difficult second
If last series was a decent debut album, this is probably the difficult second
-
- Post-apocalypse
- Posts: 13317
- Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:37 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Great show and it works really well. I really enjoyed playing in it.
Does that include you?Jon O'Neill wrote: ↑Wed Oct 21, 2020 3:35 pm Love the show. Congratulations to all those who have made it what it is.
- Jon O'Neill
- Ginger Ninja
- Posts: 4551
- Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 12:45 am
- Location: London, UK
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
No, and especially not you.Gavin Chipper wrote: ↑Wed Oct 21, 2020 9:55 pm Great show and it works really well. I really enjoyed playing in it.
Does that include you?Jon O'Neill wrote: ↑Wed Oct 21, 2020 3:35 pm Love the show. Congratulations to all those who have made it what it is.
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Haha, that was funny tho, ya gotta admit
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
If I come back on can I have a harder draw please? I don't think Conor then Luke then Rex is difficult enough to give me a real challenge.
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 266
- Joined: Sun Apr 07, 2013 11:30 pm
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
We aim to be equally cruel to all. Jack, you are due a decent draw yes
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
ZD Halloween Special this Thursday
- Rhys Benjamin
- Postmaster General
- Posts: 3107
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 4:28 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
If the overlay isn't pumpkin orange I will be disappointed.
-
- Post-apocalypse
- Posts: 13317
- Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:37 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
It should be like Apterous and the entire stream should be unviewable for the day.Rhys Benjamin wrote: ↑Wed Oct 28, 2020 3:38 pm If the overlay isn't pumpkin orange I will be disappointed.
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
To be clear, it's part of the regular series, but Halloween themed (Paul likes dressing up )
- Callum Todd
- Series 69 Champion
- Posts: 1128
- Joined: Tue Sep 10, 2013 3:38 pm
- Location: Leeds
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Yes! Please do this. Orange background, black text.Rhys Benjamin wrote: ↑Wed Oct 28, 2020 3:38 pm If the overlay isn't pumpkin orange I will be disappointed.
Mark Deeks wrote:Callum Todd looks like a young Ted Bundy.
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
All complaints to be addressed to Mr C ToddCallum Todd wrote: ↑Wed Oct 28, 2020 5:41 pmYes! Please do this. Orange background, black text.Rhys Benjamin wrote: ↑Wed Oct 28, 2020 3:38 pm If the overlay isn't pumpkin orange I will be disappointed.
- L'oisleatch McGraw
- Devotee
- Posts: 930
- Joined: Sun Dec 13, 2015 2:46 am
- Location: Waterford
- Contact:
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
And all compliments?Fiona T wrote: ↑Wed Oct 28, 2020 8:56 pmAll complaints to be addressed to Mr C ToddCallum Todd wrote: ↑Wed Oct 28, 2020 5:41 pmYes! Please do this. Orange background, black text.Rhys Benjamin wrote: ↑Wed Oct 28, 2020 3:38 pm If the overlay isn't pumpkin orange I will be disappointed.
S:778-ochamp
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Aw, Paul's shared some of the private messages he's received. It is genuinely humbling and heartwarming that people care so much about what started off as a bit of fun between a bunch of mates.
- Matt Morrison
- Post-apocalypse
- Posts: 7822
- Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 2:27 pm
- Location: London
- Contact:
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Just started watching. Your outfit (is that the word?) is amazing Fiona! WAR LARSEN!
- Matt Morrison
- Post-apocalypse
- Posts: 7822
- Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 2:27 pm
- Location: London
- Contact:
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
General feedback: I don't think in this format you should ever end round early.
I saw a numbers round the other day (I guess in Larsen's first game) where it was super easy and Paul just called a stop to it after 10 seconds.
Tonight there was one that was obviously impossible. Whether or not the contestants have realised, wouldn't that justify a stop?
I think either way, it's supposed to be more like the real show than apterous. Never end round early. Play it safe, and play it real.
I saw a numbers round the other day (I guess in Larsen's first game) where it was super easy and Paul just called a stop to it after 10 seconds.
Tonight there was one that was obviously impossible. Whether or not the contestants have realised, wouldn't that justify a stop?
I think either way, it's supposed to be more like the real show than apterous. Never end round early. Play it safe, and play it real.
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Agreed and noted Matt, cheers
-
- Devotee
- Posts: 935
- Joined: Sat Dec 24, 2016 12:42 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Disagree. I think on really easy numbers rounds, the option to end the round early should exist. It saves time, and the goal of this isn't to emulate Countdown perfectly. A large proportion of contestants come from the apterous sphere, where the option to end the round early does exist.
-
- Rookie
- Posts: 53
- Joined: Sun Apr 17, 2011 1:42 pm
- Location: Bletchley
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
In the case of Zoomdown, I don't think anything is lost by always giving the full 30 seconds for each round - it prevents controversy if a player doesn't have it yet, viewers might still be working on it, closer atmosphere to TV Countdown, more time to soak up the funky disco beat, etc.
At Lincoln-style co:events, it should be the responsibility of both players to clearly indicate that they want the round to end, never the host. Several times the host has ended a numbers round prematurely for being too ez while I'm still pondering over it (go figure). I did the same as a host once and it caused one player to not notice a mistake in their written method, which is totally unfair and shouldn't be repeated.
At Lincoln-style co:events, it should be the responsibility of both players to clearly indicate that they want the round to end, never the host. Several times the host has ended a numbers round prematurely for being too ez while I'm still pondering over it (go figure). I did the same as a host once and it caused one player to not notice a mistake in their written method, which is totally unfair and shouldn't be repeated.
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
We live in an impatient world I guess, but yeah I won't be EREing unless it's the Numberists
- Rhys Benjamin
- Postmaster General
- Posts: 3107
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 4:28 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
I noticed Paul wrote the scramble up incorrectly yesterday - luckily it didn't matter in the end.
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Never read the FFNG scramble
- L'oisleatch McGraw
- Devotee
- Posts: 930
- Joined: Sun Dec 13, 2015 2:46 am
- Location: Waterford
- Contact:
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Of course Elliott is right re 'Ending Round Early'.
Stephen Read even made a snazzy little "ERE" card to flash during painfully easy numbers rounds. If both contestants have clearly flagged that they'd like to ERE, then go for it sure.
I'd give more weight to the opinion of your statistician who's been watching since day 1, than some dude who wasn't arsed to watch till this week.
Stephen Read even made a snazzy little "ERE" card to flash during painfully easy numbers rounds. If both contestants have clearly flagged that they'd like to ERE, then go for it sure.
I'd give more weight to the opinion of your statistician who's been watching since day 1, than some dude who wasn't arsed to watch till this week.
S:778-ochamp
- Matt Morrison
- Post-apocalypse
- Posts: 7822
- Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 2:27 pm
- Location: London
- Contact:
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Sure, if the program is made for statisticians and pricks.L'oisleatch McGraw wrote: ↑Fri Oct 30, 2020 5:18 pmI'd give more weight to the opinion of your statistician who's been watching since day 1, than some dude who wasn't arsed to watch till this week.
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Don't mind him Matt, your opinion is most welcome.
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
omgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomg!
Sometimes it's actually the right choice of words
Sometimes it's actually the right choice of words
- L'oisleatch McGraw
- Devotee
- Posts: 930
- Joined: Sun Dec 13, 2015 2:46 am
- Location: Waterford
- Contact:
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
ooh, touchy!Matt Morrison wrote: ↑Fri Oct 30, 2020 5:39 pm Sure, if the program is made for statisticians and pricks.
S:778-ochamp
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Don't worry, nobody on this forum thinks you're a statistician.L'oisleatch McGraw wrote: ↑Fri Oct 30, 2020 7:43 pmooh, touchy!Matt Morrison wrote: ↑Fri Oct 30, 2020 5:39 pm Sure, if the program is made for statisticians and pricks.
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
I agree with this. As tedious as the occasional 30s of thumb twiddling will be, its better to err on the side of not ending round early.Robert Foster wrote: ↑Fri Oct 30, 2020 1:23 pm In the case of Zoomdown, I don't think anything is lost by always giving the full 30 seconds for each round - it prevents controversy if a player doesn't have it yet, viewers might still be working on it, closer atmosphere to TV Countdown, more time to soak up the funky disco beat, etc.
At Lincoln-style co:events, it should be the responsibility of both players to clearly indicate that they want the round to end, never the host. Several times the host has ended a numbers round prematurely for being too ez while I'm still pondering over it (go figure). I did the same as a host once and it caused one player to not notice a mistake in their written method, which is totally unfair and shouldn't be repeated.
I don't think the argument of "Apterous does it so ZoomDown should" is a particularly good one. They are different beasts.
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Yeah think I'm in the no ERE camp - except mebbe the numberists specials. When RELATIONS comes out, the person declaring second can take the opportunity to sketch a rude drawing on their declaration paper.
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Need a thump on the back Paul? Heimlich manoeuvre a no-no in these socially distanced times.Paul Anderson wrote: ↑Fri Oct 30, 2020 7:23 pm omgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomg!
Sometimes it's actually the right choice of words
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
I’m fine now thanks. Unwinding to a bit of Wheeler Dealers
- L'oisleatch McGraw
- Devotee
- Posts: 930
- Joined: Sun Dec 13, 2015 2:46 am
- Location: Waterford
- Contact:
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Cool, you're now a spokesperson for everyone on this forum! I hadn't heard. Congrats.
Between that, and helping make Zoomdown what it is... I reckon a "Spoon of Awesome" nom is called for.
Yeah, but it's not Countdown either.
It is very similar to both of 'em.
And if they are smart (which they are) they'll incorporate the best aspects of both into their show.
Countdown needs the full 30s each time because it is a televised quiz show, with very strict timing criteria to adhere to.
Zoomdown caters to a high brow audience, and has more fluidity re: show durations... and I do not recall a single complaint from the viewers (in chat) any time the Maths rounds have been ended early by mutual agreement from the contestants involved.
S:778-ochamp
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
I understand these points, and yes I totally agree from the point of view of production there's not an argument against ere on ZoomDown as much as there is on the tv show.L'oisleatch McGraw wrote: ↑Fri Oct 30, 2020 11:08 pm
Countdown needs the full 30s each time because it is a televised quiz show, with very strict timing criteria to adhere to.
Zoomdown caters to a high brow audience, and has more fluidity re: show durations... and I do not recall a single complaint from the viewers (in chat) any time the Maths rounds have been ended early by mutual agreement from the contestants involved.
The problem is that there is a line that can be crossed by ending round early (as Rob pointed out). That line isn't very easy to define and there will be mistakes. If you end the round early on 101 with a 1 and a 100 in the selection that's obviously fine and it won't cause a problem for that round. You obviously wouldn't end it early on a tricky 4L that might not be possible. Where in the difficulty spectrum does it change from ere to 30s and can you even define that? Would you end a 6s with 1 1 2 2 3 3 as the numbers early because you know both players are getting 0 pts?
There should be zero tolerance because allowing ANY eres means you may eventually encourage eres which the host/player deems to be acceptable which then upset/fluster/frustrate the other player. Yes 100 + 1 ere seems obvious. But then that leads to 100*7 + 1 being ere and then (100 + 10) * 7 +1 being ere and so on until you get to a point where there are mistakes.
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Can't remember the specific round, but something on telly this week where Rachel revealed the target then kinda rolled her eyes and said "uh xxx" like it was totally obvious. Took me full 25 of the 30 secs to spot it - was obvious once I did, but I didn't see it straight up.
- L'oisleatch McGraw
- Devotee
- Posts: 930
- Joined: Sun Dec 13, 2015 2:46 am
- Location: Waterford
- Contact:
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
I agree with what you are saying, Jack.
My opinion:
The only time that ERE would be acceptable, is if both contestants CLEARLY indicate that they wish it to end. (like for example, by holding up a piece of paper, doing eye rolls to camera, or whatever the agreed 'safe word' equivalent is.)
One of the great strengths of ZD is the light and breezy presentation style... the personal touch. The feeling that you are among friends.
If the target were 101, with a 100 and a 1 in the selection, I think the majority of the viewers aka Countdowners and Apterites... would find it weird if 30s were insisted on.
My opinion:
The only time that ERE would be acceptable, is if both contestants CLEARLY indicate that they wish it to end. (like for example, by holding up a piece of paper, doing eye rolls to camera, or whatever the agreed 'safe word' equivalent is.)
One of the great strengths of ZD is the light and breezy presentation style... the personal touch. The feeling that you are among friends.
If the target were 101, with a 100 and a 1 in the selection, I think the majority of the viewers aka Countdowners and Apterites... would find it weird if 30s were insisted on.
S:778-ochamp
- Rhys Benjamin
- Postmaster General
- Posts: 3107
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 4:28 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
I think it has to be "zzzz" levels of obvious. One step, maybe two. But definitely not the 771 = (100 + 10) x 7 + 1 example.
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Ok, I think we'll implement it IF AND ONLY if both players clearly indicate their desire.
- Matt Morrison
- Post-apocalypse
- Posts: 7822
- Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 2:27 pm
- Location: London
- Contact:
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Yeah that's fair. It's quite easy in person as you can say a lot in a simple look shared between host and contestant. A bit tougher over a Zoom call to know what people are looking at or what a look means but as long as declaring your willingness to end early isn't too obvious in a way that might affect the other contestant's concentration then it could work.
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Well i guess you'll all have heard by now that the Lexicographer General will be gracing us with her presence for this season's grand finale. Obviously this is way ahead of even my own personal ambitions for the show, very exciting.
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
- Rhys Benjamin
- Postmaster General
- Posts: 3107
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 4:28 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
A. Ma. Zing.
Fab. U. Lous.
(etc)
Fab. U. Lous.
(etc)
-
- Post-apocalypse
- Posts: 13317
- Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:37 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Impressive signing.
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
I can't help but feel we need a better twitter presence, something I'm not great at. Definite vacancy there, guaranteed hours, great exposure
- L'oisleatch McGraw
- Devotee
- Posts: 930
- Joined: Sun Dec 13, 2015 2:46 am
- Location: Waterford
- Contact:
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
"Susie agreeing to appear on Zoomdown is the most significant thing to have happened to the Countdown community since the founding of Apterous."
That's my thought.
That's my thought.
S:778-ochamp
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
And we have a new Twitter admin in the form of Spike!Paul Anderson wrote: ↑Sun Nov 01, 2020 12:28 am I can't help but feel we need a better twitter presence, something I'm not great at. Definite vacancy there, guaranteed hours, great exposure
Much appreciated!
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
The most interesting part is she wants to lex rather than just be a guest. I’ve been trying to get my head around itL'oisleatch McGraw wrote: ↑Sun Nov 01, 2020 4:24 am "Susie agreeing to appear on Zoomdown is the most significant thing to have happened to the Countdown community since the founding of Apterous."
That's my thought.
-
- Post-apocalypse
- Posts: 13317
- Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:37 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
I hope she's up to the task.Paul Anderson wrote: ↑Sun Nov 01, 2020 9:52 pmThe most interesting part is she wants to lex rather than just be a guest. I’ve been trying to get my head around itL'oisleatch McGraw wrote: ↑Sun Nov 01, 2020 4:24 am "Susie agreeing to appear on Zoomdown is the most significant thing to have happened to the Countdown community since the founding of Apterous."
That's my thought.
-
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:18 pm
Re: ...and that's ZoomDown
Lol...I skimmed her cv, should be fine