To think xfactor selection is overly cruel?

[Bambambini]

Never watched it but what's all this swapping in and out of chair stuff a la musical chairs? Just seems a weird but unusually long , drawn out cruel way of doing it. What sadist sat in a boardroom coning up with this idea to make gripping telly?

[EatDessertFirst]

The same type of saddos that get overly-invested in the drama surrounding the total nobodies that take part.

Its a reality show people. Its not there to make dreams come true. Its there to humiliate those whose dreams it crushes for thexsake of ratings.

I hate it and its ilk.

[Palomb]

I just said the same thing to DH. I stopped watching it years ago and this is the first episode I've seen since then.

It is vile! What a horrid way to treat people. I can't take any pleasure in watching this kind of thing - nasty manipulative explorative dross.

[OhBigHairyBollocks]

It is cruel. They've done this to get more views.. After 10 years of the same shit it DOES get boring. I don't know why they don't just Jack this programme in really, I think it ran its course years ago.

[Palomb]

Exploitative*

[laffymeal]

The purpose of X Factor is to create advertising revenue for ITV, nothing more than that. It's not entertaining and it's not a talent search. Simon Cowell has absolutely no interest in the end result, his programme is commissioned purely to sell advertising space.

The Sunday night results show is a showcase vehicle for whatever lameass act is in town this week so they can promote their tour/new album. Funnily enough they will probably be on a record label affiliated in some way to Syco.

The fewer people who watch it, the more chance there is of it not being recommissioned and then ITV would have to provide some quality shows between August and December instead of this shite.

[chinam]

The selection process makes me glad that neither of my DC have a note in their heads.

[NewLife4Me]

EatDessert

You don't mince your words.
Totally agree btw.

[Topaz25]

I don't normally watch it but I think it does put a lot pressure on people. Saw an episode the other day because a friend was watching it where they asked contestants to step forward and gave them this speech that was clearly designed to make them think they were going home, some were nearly in tears then they were told they had got through. Total rollercoaster of emotions. They only care about the ratings not the participants and contribute to a culture of celebrity that gives young people unrealistic expectations and often builds them up only to let them down.

[MrsGentlyBenevolent]

Absolutely agree, it's all advert fodder. The bit inbetween the ads is like Jeremy Kyle does Karaoke. It's not real, the people involved just get used to whatever extent the producers feel they are useful. I cannot see how it's cruel if the end result has been decided from the start - it's like saying it's 'cruel' what happens to Phil Mitchel on Eastenders, it's all make believe. Once in a blue moon they actually hit a gold mine, but between the adverts and the Xmas number 1, they really could not care less if whatever puppet they've dangled in front of the public this year goes on to other things or just crash and burn.

[OurBlanche]

Well, given that it has been going for so long, all the wannabes watch it and choose to put themselves up for it, it really isn't cruel.

It is exploitative, it panders to the worst in us, is a real glumfest, but, to be honest, if the wannabes are going to make it in their chosen field they will have to put up with that from labels, producers, managers etc. If they don't have the mental hardiness for this tut they won't make it anyway!

Given that no one is forced to do any of it, cruelty isn't the issue. Cheap, tacky telly is the problem.

[WildStallions]

All the contestants knew what they were signing up for.

It's not 'unnecessarily ' cruel. It's a competition, with winners and losers.

Ben Elton does a brilliant satire of it in 'chart throb'. Also his book about big brother is brilliant.

Is it really any worse than watching England lose to Australia?

[Bambambini]

So do the folk on JK but still doesn't necessarily make it right. Does anything go as long as someone signs their name?

What about some of the unstable and vulnerable folk they sign up for the likes of CBB, does anything go to amuse the masses?

[OurBlanche]

?? As I said, it is exploitative, panders to the worst in human nature.

But there is a remedy. Stop watching it! It is possible, JK, BB in any format, The jungle one, never been on in our house. We see the advertising clips and they reinforce the necessity, for us, of avoiding them.

If no one watches they will stop. If they don't stop then you have to assume that far fewer of your fellow humans think they are a bad thing. So you can safely assume that many people you meet are shallow, callow and voyeuristic.

[Bambambini]

I don't watch them, i think BB viewing figures are way down but it is very cheap and lazy TV.

[Katedotness1963]

I stopped watching it when Simon put the dreadful Jedward through and Jamie "Afro" went out. That summed the whole thing up for me, it's got sod all to do with talent! I can't believe it could possibly be getting worse?

[VinylScratch]

Meh. Nobody makes them go on it, it's been more or less the same format for years they should know what to expect.

[Crazypetlady]

To answer a p.p I can't think of anything BETTER than watching england lose to australia:p (spot the welshie) the six chair challenge is awful though. :P