ABC Site To Add ‘ Social ‘ Tool for Online Video..

ABC said Wednesday that it is adding a new social TV feature to its ABC.com, a ” Full Episode Player..” Dubbed ABC Social: Episode Commentary and integrated with Facebook Connect, the new feature – which ABC says will enable online viewers to create their own text – based commentary tracks for show episodes and share the experience with friends – is scheduled to launch this Saturday 7th November 2009,  in association with the first episode of the new ABC series, V, which will feature ” expert commentary “ from the show’s executive producers, Scott Peters and Steve Pearlman.. The feature is slated to roll out across other series on ABC.com over the coming weeks.. ” ABC Social: Episode Commentary is a great example of how we are continually pushing the envelope to create ‘what’s next’ and use our digital platforms to further engage the core fans of our series,” Alexis Rapo, VP of digital media at ABC Entertainment, said in a prepared statement.. ” Now online viewers at ABC.com can not only take part in a world – class viewing experience, but also engage with ‘ show experts ‘ and share their own viewer – created commentaries seamlessly within our player – the result is a rich, social experience that can only be found on our site..”

According to ABC, expert commentary powered by the new ” Full Episode Player “ feature will vary from episode to episode and may include insights from network executives or from a show’s producers, writers, directors, stars, production and costume designers, or music supervisors, among others.. The broadcaster says that viewers looking to create and share their own fan commentary tracks will first have to go to ABC.com and log in using their Facebook account.. Then, as they view an episode in ” Commentary Mode,” they will be able to simultaneously add their own comments and read expert commentary, and also view comments from their Facebook friends.. Actions taken on ABC.com will be shared in the viewer’s Facebook stream, ABC says, alerting friends to view the episode themselves and add their own comments..

So, what exactly is ABC Social Commentary?
ABC Social Commentary allows people to add their own commentary track to any ABC episode available in the ABC.com Full Episode Player and share with others..

Can anyone add comments?
The short answer is ” yes..” The long answer is also ” yes “ but with way more details.. That’s why we call it the long answer.. And here it is: ABC show experts; writers, directors, costume designers, and others will be offering their unique insight into episodes.. ABC expert commentary will be added and released with online episodes for fans to view..

Pretty cool, right? Well, there’s more..
You, the fans, can start your very own episode commentary at anytime.. You can share your newly created episode commentaries with your friends who can then add their own observations and knowledge to the mix.. Bet you can’t wait to hear what some of your friends have to say about your favorite shows..

How does sharing work?
Mom always taught us to share, so when a user logs into ABC.com using Facebook Connect and completes an episode commentary, a notification is sent to that user’s Facebook News Feed.. The user’s Facebook friends are now free to watch and contribute to the episode.. They can then forward it to their friends as well.. Yes, sharing is good..

Who else can check out a user’s comments?
Anyone! Yes, a commented episode will be out there for everyone to enjoy.. However, only the commentary author’s Facebook friends will be able to add to the collection.. All commentary takes place on the official ABC Full Episode Player to ensure that all traffic and security reside within ABC.com..

So, where else on the Web can you do this ” social commentary ” thing?
ABC.com is the only place offering this unique feature.. ABC.com is always working with network executives and show creators to author expert commentary that will enhance the shows and entertain the fans.. We also wanted to give the fans the platform they deserve because your comments matter just as much as anyone’s.. Even more!

Summary..

To create and share their own fan commentary tracks, participants can go to ABC.com and log on using their Facebook account.. As they view an episode in Commentary Mode, they can simultaneously add their own comments and read expert commentary, as well as see comments from their Facebook friends.. Actions taken on ABC.com will be shared in the viewer’s Facebook stream, alerting friends to view the episode online and add their own comments..

Note: This will be for US only..

Posted on - 06-11-2009
Categories: ABC, V: The New Series - Author: madbeeotch - Comments: Leave a Comment -