The Internet has created its own unique audience, through the way it views, interacts, contributes and reflects on its own position. I have discovered several times through analysing different websites that it is imperative I look closely at my intended audience, how they expect and react to how they view and interact with online media. One interesting book which will no doubt be used in further research is called ‘Tune In, Log On; Soaps, Fandom, and Online Community’ (Baym, N.,2000). This title discusses elements of audience such as its social position within society, its interaction with soaps and the discourse that this creates, and how online communities are formed and managed around this. What is most interesting to establish is that these forums actually exist and are used by fans. An example of such a forum which covers many
US soap operas is Soap Central. Its interesting reading peoples general comments, insights and dialogues with one another.
I have also written an essay paper on Soap Operas and their audience which I have also included in the appendices and is essential reading. This study which I undertook establishes the audience’s relationship with the soap opera itself. As many of the references are key texts to this study I have also included them in the over bibliography.
Audience positioning is key to a successful project. Therefore I must know my target audience and understand what they require. Further research in this area will be looking at this issues and key debates around them for both online and offline viewing or the programmes I intend to produce and of the webpage’s I intend to create.
