Websites for Millionaires
I’ve just been watching the final episode of Fortune: Million Pound Giveaway on ITV. To be honest, its the first time I’ve watched the series - coincidentally it will also be the last. I’m not a huge fan of ITV productions - they stink of Sun reader mentality - but the concept of British millionaires (allegedly) giving away their own money to the general public grabs my attention.
At the end of the show, everyone’s favourite Richard Madeley signed the programme off with the panelist’s names, one in particular I didn’t recognise. When he mentioned her name, I was straight on Google to find out how she made her money. It was Jacqueline Gold - the lady who established the huge sex-shop franchise, Ann Summers.
Intrigued by the people behind Jacqueline’s website, I noticed in the footer a link off to Fawthrop McLanders IT Consultancy & Development. Clicking the link, however, presented me with this not so friendly screen…
It shocked me to think that this web design consultancy couldn’t even ensure that their own website was up and running when one of their highest profile clients (if not the highest profile) was on prime time television, playing the nice friendly business lady on the last programme of the series. Fair enough - her website was running. But think of all that potential business FM could have gained if they had made sure their website was running (which it should have been anyway).
It just goes to show that you can’t buy good publicity - you can just throw it away like those millionaires.
Cue Rant.
Yet again, ITV in all of it’s wisdom (ah - that would be none) as I understand it, has yet again blatenly carbon copied a successful BBC show (Dragons Den), which even has one of the judges from that show giving away his money on this show too. Dancing on Ice (i.e. Strictly Come Dancing) is another similar rip off that comes to mind.
I’m sick to death of the lack of innovation in the TV space - and I for one can’t wait to see these commercial broadcasters slowly but surely become irrelevant as I’m sure they will with the march of digital convergence. Serves the bastards right!
Totally off topic I know Si, but I just needed to vent
Paul
13 Feb 07 at 10:18 pm
Sentiments echoed here too… I watched for two minutes last week before realising how physically cringeworthy this show is. I am a big Dragons Den fan, and so was bitterly disappointed, but not that surprised (ITV production as you mention).
Andy Higgs
14 Feb 07 at 6:18 am
Bath blogging: i have to say i say the first episode me this show and thought it sucked - it took a small child with a gammy leg to get some dosh off them - this point a side i have noticed the same problem with sites that have been created by d-den related co’s
Gareth brown
15 Feb 07 at 7:51 am
Actually, I’ve created a website for a reserve Dragon. He’s been approved by the board of the programme and may be on the show later this year.
Until then, he has other TV commitments coming up which I will announce very soon.
Si
15 Feb 07 at 8:09 am
You have to say it now simon, how is the new dragon? Just say his name, i love the show.
I need to know!!…lol
Mike
17 Feb 07 at 1:43 am