h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

o see the powers that be at channel four have regurgitated yet another reality tv show in the form of 'the salon'. god it's getting dull, isn't it? just how many 'ordinary people' can we come to 'love ' as we vicariously delight in their triumphs and feel sympathy over their troubles. it's good business, no doubt about that, it's cheap television with a high return, a guaranteed winner...i can't help but think of the radical playwright howard barker when he discusses the glass confessional that has been installed in a chapel in paris, an extreme example of his argument that we are living in an age of transparency, where knowledge rather than privacy is de rigeur. he makes these dark complex pieces of work - difficult tragic theatre that is really very compelling - he sets out to explain nothing...after all, how many explanations do we need from our art, when our whole life is saturated with transparency, voyeurism and explanation.

I hate reality TV...actualy that's not strictly true; I don't mind programmes that follow extraordinary events or interesting professional people going about their business.

Big Brother; what a pile of shite. I tried to watch one episode to see what all the fuss was about, likewise Chained, but it bored me to tears. A few months ago, I walked through the lounge to get a drink from the kitchen, and saw that my wife was sitting there avidly watching Big Brother. Upon looking to see what was happening to so transfix her, it became apparent that everybody on screen was fast asleep. What the hell is the draw in that? Why would anybody choose to sit and watch a bunch of complete strangers sleeping, just for the pleasure of it? I really don't understand it.

And she moans about me going on the internet? Jeysus...

sactly!!!!! it's strange. however, if peole want to stare at one enother like they are in a zoo, i suppose who am i to argue with it. it's so anti-culture tho, if you see what i mean.