Any consideration of perhaps adding Television forums/sub-forums to Mobius? I know a lot of us have had an increased interest in television over the last few years with HBO in particular leading the pack in interesting and often cinematic programming. I think it would be interesting to discuss such shows in their own sections.
I think this is a great idea in theory, but that it would be complicated in practice. With the rise in availability of TV series on DVD, accompanied by more "cinematic" TV shows coming from HBO and Showtime (to steal your term), a TV forum would appear to be a natural. However, the board's strict adherence to keeping discussion of genre fare within their own autonomous zones might pose a stumbling block -- should Mobius set up sub-fora within the TV forum devoted to "mainstream", horror/sci-fi, cult, European and Asian programming, and would that serve to stifle discussion more than facilitate it? Considering that horror makes up only a small portion of TV's menu, would that subforum languish in the shadow of its larger "mainstream" neighbor? Or should discussion of horror programming be included under the same heading, particularly since most television horror has about the same potential to offend as most crime dramas and police procedurals (all being aimed at a less-fragmented, more homogenous demographic than cinema)? Since most European and Asian (aside from Anime) TV programs can't make the international rounds the way European and Asian films regularly do (even as limited as European and Asian cinematic offerings can be, Stateside), would discussion in those forums be too insular to be of greater value to the board as a whole?
Interesting questions, Aleck. I can say that Ye Old Mods are taking your points and others under consideration, and Mobius may have a new Television board soon. Anyone who has any ideas or suggestions or opinions pro or con, please post them here or email Todd and/or me privately.
Mmmm, strictly speaking only the 'Sci-Fi, Horror & Fantastic Cinema' board is genre, the rest of the boards are categories. To illustrate my point, take DELLAMORTE DELLAMORE. There's a thread right now in 'European Cult Cinema', but it could be under 'Sci-Fi, Horror & Fantastic Cinema' or even 'Cult & Exploitation Cinema'. The 'Asian Cinema' board can concurrently carry threads about Asian horror, romance and anime.
A TV category would help with animation, animated movies are easy enough to place for the most part, but tv animation is more problematic. Take 'The Tick' for instance, which I put into 'Arthouse, World & Hollywood Cinema', but probably would have been better put into 'Sci-Fi, Horror & Fantastic Cinema' and would have been at home in a 'Television' or better perhaps, 'Television Series' category. One of these would likely be sufficient for the forum's needs. TV/Cable movies fit well enough in the current framework.
No need to create new boards with narrow scopes; part of the fun is seeing stuff you wouldn't see if you were off in an one topic board. The gist of what I'm saying is: start broad, see how it goes, fine tune as necessary.