Comments on: WWE Network’s 1-Year Anniversary: A Conversation (Part 2) http://blog.commarts.wisc.edu/2015/02/27/wwe-networks-1-year-anniversary-a-conversation-part-2/ Responses to Media and Culture Fri, 12 Feb 2016 19:35:04 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.5 By: Andrew Zolides http://blog.commarts.wisc.edu/2015/02/27/wwe-networks-1-year-anniversary-a-conversation-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-440885 Fri, 27 Feb 2015 20:17:40 +0000 http://blog.commarts.wisc.edu/?p=25535#comment-440885 Cynthia – thanks as well for you perspective, as we think this is something everyone should be looking into as it relates to the future of television and branding. I think you are right to zero-in on WWE’s relative independence – it is one of the things that makes an endeavor like this fascinating and more hopeful. In some ways that gives WWE more obstacles to overcome (hence some of the missteps), and the WWE Network is a huge laboratory for the future of online streaming as an alternative to the big distribution powers. So I share your hopes for success – both as a fan of the content AND as a fan of alternative distribution outlets!

]]> By: Cory Barker http://blog.commarts.wisc.edu/2015/02/27/wwe-networks-1-year-anniversary-a-conversation-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-440882 Fri, 27 Feb 2015 18:57:08 +0000 http://blog.commarts.wisc.edu/?p=25535#comment-440882 Cynthia—thanks for the comment! I think it’s crucial that WWE isn’t part of a major conglomerate and they are a defined brand, but I think as long-time fans, we’re frustrated with the promise of what this *could* be as a solo endeavor from a company that has so much content/history/whatever. We’re also frustrated with the product itself, which colors how we see the Network functioning in the larger WWE infrastructure. It’s a weird time to be a WWE fan for sure.

]]> By: Cynthia Meyers http://blog.commarts.wisc.edu/2015/02/27/wwe-networks-1-year-anniversary-a-conversation-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-440881 Fri, 27 Feb 2015 18:24:34 +0000 http://blog.commarts.wisc.edu/?p=25535#comment-440881 Thanks for the update! As a nonviewer, I was not aware of some of the programming challenges you describe here (and in the previous post).

However, I think you might be a tiny bit too harsh on WWE! Isn’t it a good thing they are not part of a massive conglomerate? That they are a clearly defined content brand anyway? Isn’t it important that content companies try to strike out on their own and not continue to kowtow to the big distribution powers? Yes, there will be costs to that, but if the viewer universe is moving to streaming, earlier may be better for them than later.

So, I’m going to stay starry-eyed and hope they succeed despite these missteps! Please keep us posted–will want to see the update next year!

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