Problem with American Idol voting system

[Bob]

Let's just take Jasmine Trias for instance. Let's say she has 200,000 fans (fan here meaning the people who watch the show AND VOTE) in Hawaii who are SO EXCITED that a Hawaiian is doing so well, that they go crazy nuts and vote 100 times each. 20,000,000 votes (I know, crazy numbers).

Let's take Diana Degarmo for instance. She appeals the most to young teenage girls, the ones who will burn up their phones dialing. There are only 150,000 of them, but they each vote 200 times. 30 million votes.

Let's take Latoya London. Very classy, consistently awesome performer, got the most standing ovations this season. She has 500,000 fans, but they include a lot more laid back people, often adults, or not the type of person to sit on the phone for two hours. They only vote 10 times each. 5,000,000 votes.

The voting ratio is 6:4:1 for Diana:Jasmine:Latoya.

But they each put out an album. In the first week, each fan buys ONE album, (because only INSANE fans buy multiple copies).

Jasmine sells 200,000 in the first week. Diana, 150,000. Latoya, 500,000.

Now who should have won Idol?????? Yeah. Yeah. Think about it.

[George Tropicana]

It'll have to depend if the music is good.

[jimmy74747]

Even though I've been backing up Jasmine tonight, I'll give you this:

It's time zones. Lets say there are 50,000 phone lines for each contestant. When we on the east coast call, there are over 100 million possible voters trying to get in these 50,000 lines. This leads to tons of busy signals. Also, the central time zone votes for these two hours too, meaning more than half the country is dialing.

When Hawaii votes, who else votes. Just Alaska. That means its much easier to get through these same 50,000 lines. Being from Hawaii could be a huge advantage as its much easier to get through.

I may be way off on this theory, but it is possible.

Anyway, the voting system should not change. Yes, Hawaiins may get an advantage, but I don't see them going there for tryouts for awhile.

This is just like the electoral college. It may have flaws, but when your favorite wins, you like it. When your favorite losses, you complain (not you specifically Bob, but people in general). AI has unlimited voting, and things should stay that way.

[Bob]

Jimmy your theory, as far as the phone lines, does make sense. I hadn't thought of that part... it would actually make a lot of sense. It means contestants with fans in the lesser-populated timezones (Central, Mountain, and then Hawaii) have an easier time getting through. If you look at the make-up of these areas, and compare it to the contestants... that must have a significant effect.

I really think the unlimited voting has to be changed, or the teenagers who will vote so many times will always have a disproportionate effect. Otherwise it's Teen Idol, not American Idol. In the past two seasons, Kelly and Ruben had fans across the board-- but it hasn't been the case this season. I think it's actually because there have been some very amazing contestants, and then some that just appeal a lot to certain demographics.

It's amazing how controversial this show is and how much people are wrapped-up in it. The Raging Critic has quit for good, and I know he's just one of many who are getting sick of it. Something's got to change, or this show could be finished before 2005.

[Love Plastic Love]

I would actually say the casual fans are LESS likely to actually buy the cd.
The argument with Clay and Ruben was that Clay had more avid fans, but Ruben had/has a lot more casual fans. While that may be true...Clay is still selling the pants off Ruben.
Casual fans mean nothing if they do not buy the cd.

[Bob]

except the casual fans are the (millions of) viewers who don't vote at all

[Love Plastic Love]

not necessarily-I know a lot of people who watch and casually vote (like you said, once) just for who they think performs the best. Not searching for a new artist to love. Just people who like to watch the show and competition.

[strong4PMB!]

They should cut down voting an hour. Who is actually still at their phone at 11 P.M. when the lines close? No one, except the (sexysex)obsessive fans.

OK, so maybe I was there in Season 1 when I voted the entire 2 hours for Kristin Holt, but still. I've grown up. (At least until another Kristin Holt enters the competition.)

[Bob]

geoguy said:

They should cut down voting an hour. Who is actually still at their phone at 11 P.M. when the lines close? No one, except the (sexysex)obsessive fans.

OK, so maybe I was there in Season 1 when I voted the entire 2 hours for Kristin Holt, but still. I've grown up. (At least until another Kristin Holt enters the competition.)

that's a good point, too. cutting down the time... I love the show but even I generally tend to forget about voting by an hour later.

[chebingeo]

I cast my votes during the 2nd hour because I'm less likely to get a busy signal.

[Jaffas85]

All I can say is that it's a disgrace that Jasmine is still around and that Latoya is Gone.

Americans under 18 should be banned from voting.

[chebingeo]

Jaffas85 said:

All I can say is that it's a disgrace that Jasmine Fantasia is still around and that Latoya is Gone.

[KikiMets]

Jaffas85 said:

All I can say is that it's a disgrace that Jasmine is still around and that Latoya is Gone.

Americans under 18 should be banned from voting competing.

[Love Plastic Love]

Jaffas85 said:

Americans under 18 should be banned from voting.

And therefore eliminate a huge, large chunk of who actually buys American Idol cds. Alienate your audience, yay!

[George Tropicana]

geoguy said:

OK, so maybe I was there in Season 1 when I voted the entire 2 hours for Kristin Holt, but still. I've grown up. (At least until another Kristin Holt enters the competition.)

She deserved to win! :( I was voting like crazy for her too.. and Ryan Starr. I gave a couple votes for Alex B!

I bet most of the people who are crying over La Toya going didn't even vote and assumed she was safe. It's too bad, that's how the game is played!

I feel like voting like crazy for Jasmine this Tuesday. I want her in the final two with Diana.