Eurovision spoiler alert would have been nice

May 20, 2006 4:38 PM

The Eurovision post had the winner's name in the title. Could there not have been some consideration for people living in countries where it is has not been shown yet?

I look forward to watching it tonight, and while my life doesn't hinge upon who wins, there's a certain pleasure in finding out.

Can this either be edited with a big SPOILER INSIDE notice, or removed? I made a minor effort to avoid finding out who won, but didn't expect to see it mentioned in the first line of a MeFi post.
posted by tomble to etiquette/policy at 4:38 PM (72 comments total)

What is Eurovision?
posted by fixedgear at 4:39 PM on May 20, 2006

Good point. The other person that cares about the Eurovision result might turn up at any minute.
posted by nthdegx at 4:48 PM on May 20, 2006

Bucks Fizz Won.
posted by sgt.serenity at 4:52 PM on May 20, 2006

Spoiler for this thread: It will end well.
posted by sveskemus at 4:52 PM on May 20, 2006

Could there not have been some consideration for people living in countries where it is has not been shown yet?

No. If you care about Eurovision so much you can at least have the decency to live here.
posted by cillit bang at 4:53 PM on May 20, 2006

It's shown simultaneously in all the competing countries (to allow for the live voting). It wasn't unreasonable for the poster to assume it was shown live everywhere where there was any significant interest.

But if someone wants to edit it I won't complain.
posted by edd at 4:54 PM on May 20, 2006

I wasn't aware that other countries showed a previously recorded version of Eurovision, so I'm hazarding a guess that tausir was in the same boat. I don't think this kind of response was entirely necessary. It's a nichey area that 99% of viewers watch and participate in as it happens, and if you're a regular, surely you would have known and prepared for potential spoilers on an international forum? And not to be inconsiderate, but if you cared that much to create such drama about it you'd turn the internet off between the time it airs and the time you get to watch.
posted by saturnine at 4:54 PM on May 20, 2006

Get a life man.

We've had this discussion before, about sports events. If an event is "newsworthy" even if its sold later as entertainment then it out to be posted.

Eurovision has been featured on the front page before, and it's your responsibility to sequester yourself if you don't want a newsworthy event to be 'spoiled'
posted by delmoi at 5:00 PM on May 20, 2006

Youre in Australlia , which part of Europe is that ?
posted by sgt.serenity at 5:04 PM on May 20, 2006

I don't blame the poster, as most people would expect the only interest would be in the EBU area.

Fair enough you didn't want to know, but I feel that you're taking it a little bit too seriously.

That said, if someone edited it, I wouldn't actually care.
posted by knapah at 5:05 PM on May 20, 2006

I am sick and tired of Metafilter being so Eurocentric.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 5:06 PM on May 20, 2006

And furthermore shouldnt you be backpacking somewhere just now and telling people tedious travel stories ?
posted by sgt.serenity at 5:07 PM on May 20, 2006

No way. This is Eurovision. It's not who wins that counts, it's..something else.
posted by fire&wings at 5:09 PM on May 20, 2006

look , we're sorry we told you about the winner , i personally promise not to divulge any juicy details like who finished last.
posted by sgt.serenity at 5:26 PM on May 20, 2006

So from reading that thread and it's links and the askme about it, I'm guessing eurvovision is some kind of eurocentric american idol populated by gwar knock-offs.
posted by puke & cry at 5:27 PM on May 20, 2006

"eurocentric american idol"

American idol is an American version of the UK's Pop Idol. And no, Eurovision is nothing like it.
posted by nthdegx at 5:30 PM on May 20, 2006

tsk.... we Brits invented American Pop Idol. We even gave you Simon Cowell. American Idol is in fact a US-centric Pop Idol...
posted by greycap at 5:31 PM on May 20, 2006

I'm with tomble. Ruined my Sunday night this did . Have to watch Big Brother now.
posted by dangerousdan at 5:32 PM on May 20, 2006

I'm also with tomble and I don't know what eurovision is nor care to know. It's annoying when you watch something and people spoil it on the front page. No one's asking it never be discussed, just for consideration not to be on the front page.

It's just common courtesy and in no way is the OP out of line for asking to be treated courteously.
posted by dobbs at 5:38 PM on May 20, 2006

In addition, what the show/movie is or where the OP or readers are located geographically is irrelevant and just messes up the logic of when/where things should be posted.

If people could follow simple piece of etiquette--no spoilers on the front page--the problem would be solved, regardless of location/age of show/whatever.
posted by dobbs at 5:40 PM on May 20, 2006

dobbs: saying "Thanks a LOT you bastard" is in no way asking to be treated courteously. It's asking for a flame war.
posted by nthdegx at 5:46 PM on May 20, 2006

I am going to bed , i expect metafilter to rent asunder by this thread when i return.
posted by sgt.serenity at 5:51 PM on May 20, 2006

jesus survives the crucifixion.

oops!
posted by Hat Maui at 5:53 PM on May 20, 2006

nthdegx, I didn't enter the thread and was basing my comments on this MeTa post. I'll agree, he handled it wrong on the blue.

However, I still suggest people be courteous when posting about things that can be spoiled for others. I myself have had both Sopranos and Six Feet Under ruined for me by posts to blue. No big deal, to some, I guess, but in both instances I was rather disappointed by the lack of concern by the OPs in question.

It really doesn't take much effort to put the spoiler inside and that little extra can make someone's day.
posted by dobbs at 5:54 PM on May 20, 2006

So, which news items would be considered spoilers?
posted by mischief at 6:00 PM on May 20, 2006

Of course, I meant "which Newsfilter posts...".
posted by mischief at 6:01 PM on May 20, 2006

DEWEY BEATS TRUMAN!!!

There's still hope man.
posted by Eekacat at 6:04 PM on May 20, 2006

dobbs, I don't disagree. I'd outright delete the post for not linking to anything of any value.
posted by nthdegx at 6:06 PM on May 20, 2006

Rosebud's a sled.

/obligatory
posted by George_Spiggott at 6:07 PM on May 20, 2006

*reads linked thread, hangs head in shame*
posted by George_Spiggott at 6:11 PM on May 20, 2006

We even gave you Simon Cowell

Hell, I bet you were itching to get rid of him. You're welcome.
posted by Roger Dodger at 6:21 PM on May 20, 2006

I apologise for the `bastard' comment, it was meant more sarcastically than it may have come across (it's often used in jest in Australia).

I always liked the voting at Eurovision because it's usually so crazy. Sadly I have no way of seeing this before Sunday night (many hours away) and a bunch of friends come round and we watch it as a group.

Guessing which song wins is kind of a fun point of the night, and I know other people who do the same thing, so as soon as I saw the beginning of the post I just felt irritated. If it had said something like `The results are in - The Eurovision song contest (etc)' I would never have clicked on the link.
posted by tomble at 6:41 PM on May 20, 2006

Ok so a talent contest with gwar knock-offs.
posted by puke & cry at 6:45 PM on May 20, 2006

Having been called out for "spoiling" before, I'll throw in my two cents.

If an event of any significant interest is aired live, and you don't (or for whatever reason can't) watch it as it happened, you have to assume that there is no safe place to avoid hearing the results. It's like the sitcom cliche of the guy who tapes a football game and has to avoid the radio and driving by sports bars so he can watch the game in peace later, only to have it spoiled by some innocent stranger.

It's completely different from a movie, which you can choose to see whenever you please. Sure, you're watching it to be entertained, but you can expect to see the results on any news site soon after it's over. Metafilter is no different.

tomble, sorry if it ruined any of your fun, but you said yourself you were making "a minor effort" to avoid hearing about it; it could have shown up anywhere. Metafilter shouldn't have to make any kind of policy, official or otherwise, to coddle to anyone's personal preferences or schedules.
posted by kyleg at 6:48 PM on May 20, 2006

If people could follow simple piece of etiquette--no spoilers on the front page...

We've had this discussion before. Often. Search the archives. The bottom line is that people disagree about what constitutes a "spoiler" — and considering the circumstances of Eurovision, it seems reasonable that many of those arguments would apply.
posted by cribcage at 6:55 PM on May 20, 2006

Plus there had been several posts about it in recent months and two specifically on this year's amaaayyyzing* entries for Finland and Lithuania, and a lot of people commented, so, it wasn't so unlikely to expect someone would be posting an update. Maybe not instantly but you never know.

I had no idea it had such a following in Australia though, that is so funny.

*it's Maria the host's fault.
posted by funambulist at 6:55 PM on May 20, 2006

I object to the whole notion of spoilers. Knowing the ending should not disuade one from taking the journey. Knowing I will die does not strip my life of meaning or joy. Knowing that there will indeed be Snakes on a Plane in Samuel Jacksons next movie doesn't ruin it. Nor does knowing who won a gold medal in a certain olympic event, because no one should care about seeing the winner, they should care about seeing the winning. I recognize that it's a minority opinion, but realizing that Bruce Willis was already dead five minutes into the movie didn't ruin Sixth Sense for me. Although, perhaps knowing who will win the next presidential election in advance may spoil the next few years for me... Anyways...
posted by blue_beetle at 7:47 PM on May 20, 2006

Riverdance was at first a six minute or so interlude at Eurovision before it became a phenomenon. I gather from that that the thing doesn't suck.


posted by frecklefaerie at 7:51 PM on May 20, 2006

realizing that Bruce Willis was already dead five minutes into the movie didn't ruin Sixth Sense for me.

Thanks a LOT you bastard.
posted by soiled cowboy at 7:54 PM on May 20, 2006

What do you mean by this comment, SgtSerenity?
posted by strawberryviagra at 7:56 PM on May 20, 2006

What do you mean by this comment, SgtSerenity?


It's a comment on Aussies and their proclivity for waltzing Matilda through Europe.
posted by soiled cowboy at 8:00 PM on May 20, 2006

This should have won.
posted by weretable and the undead chairs at 8:04 PM on May 20, 2006

If you're only capable of baiting with such a witless generalisation, at least have the decency of not posting it. Sick of these ignorant comments.
posted by strawberryviagra at 8:21 PM on May 20, 2006

You guys can spoil our State vs. State Eurovision knockoff coming soon if you want.
posted by amberglow at 10:58 PM on May 20, 2006

DEWEY BEATS TRUMAN!!!

Fred Truman??? You bastards!!!
posted by Joeforking at 2:04 AM on May 21, 2006

blue_beetle: I object to the whole notion of spoilers. Knowing the ending should not disuade one from taking the journey.

Yes, and that's all well and good for you, but it'd be monumentally arrogant to assume that other people don't think in a fundamentally different way and that their approach to such things is any less valid. So it's a good thing you're not doing that. Right?
posted by terpsichoria at 3:20 AM on May 21, 2006

Sick of these ignorant comments.

Theyre pretty well researched actually. 20 years of neighbours (a show which should be classified as a virus along with the bird flu ) and a tidal wave of people who are visiting prague at the weekend for some reason - top off merrily with the refusal to admit refugees and there you have it.

So we're all to wait until sunday - when you decide to watch the eurovision - control issues much ?
posted by sgt.serenity at 3:20 AM on May 21, 2006

If you're only capable of baiting with such a witless generalisation, at least have the decency of not posting it. Sick of these ignorant comments.

'these ignorant comments'?
Like, plural?
Yes, I too am tired of the constant bigotry that Australians have to endure here on Metafilter. It's enough to make me bury my face in my cork hat and weep bitter tears of silent rage.
posted by atrazine at 3:43 AM on May 21, 2006

And I think you have remote control issues.

You know, I don't care where you're from - but wherever it is, I hope that it's close to Prague, that you're still unable to work out how to switch off your stupid television and that your next trip to West Papua is met with the same hospitality the Indo army accords the other inhabitants of that place.

I couldn't give a fuck about Eurovision - I do give a fuck about calling out ignorant fucks who have been members long enough to show some decorum and respect of people's race, creed and culture.
posted by strawberryviagra at 3:49 AM on May 21, 2006

Strewth.
posted by flashboy at 6:02 AM on May 21, 2006

...ignorant fucks who have been members long enough to show some decorum and respect...

You were saying?
posted by languagehat at 6:58 AM on May 21, 2006

Whinging pom Aussie.

Throw this shrimp on the barbie!
posted by lalochezia at 7:48 AM on May 21, 2006

So Matt and Jessamyn haven't changed it yet or even commented about it. Guess they had a good Saturday night.
posted by smackfu at 9:10 AM on May 21, 2006

I was disappointed by the spoiler too. I'm in Australia and often throw Eurovision parties (though I didn't this year). Obviously, with the time difference, we get the transmission half a day late, but I made an effort not to watch the news today, and asked my fiancé in the UK not to tell me who the winner was. I didn't expect to see it on the front page. Oh well. Too late now!
posted by hot soup girl at 9:55 AM on May 21, 2006

You know that new movie Presumed Innocent? The WIFE did it!
posted by Justinian at 11:36 AM on May 21, 2006

I'm in Australia and often throw Eurovision parties...

Such rash candor. You've spilt your guts here and now you are branded forever as an AussieEuroweenie.

When are people going to learn ? Carved in stone, people--every word you write online might as well be carved in stone.
posted by y2karl at 1:22 PM on May 21, 2006

Interesting debate: some people think it's common courtesy to avoid placing entertainment spoilers on the front page, others seem to hate common curtesy and demand spoilers on the front page.

I can't fathom why anybody would so strenuously argue in favour of something that adds little value to the post, but can negatively affect the few people who see it and happen to care. Seriously folks, why is it better for there to be spoilers on the front page than not?

The last thing I want the Metafilter front page to be is a list of news headlines, but that seems to be what some here are arguing for. I despair.

Furthermore, the post in question sucked: It was basically a double. The first url has been linked to before, the existing thread on the subject is only 5 days old and still active, and nothing of value is added except for placing a spoiler on the front page.

That this has led to a public slanging-match and bigoted airings of national stereotypes is a sad day for us all.
posted by nowonmai at 1:43 PM on May 21, 2006

Here's some carvings for you.
posted by strawberryviagra at 3:47 PM on May 21, 2006

I do give a fuck about calling out ignorant fucks who have been members long enough to show some decorum and respect of people's race, creed and culture.

I dont know what it is , i have the utmost respect for everyone except australians , maybe it's the way you send back afghan refugees whilst travelling the world.
That was kind of a clincher for me.
posted by sgt.serenity at 4:32 PM on May 21, 2006

Culture.
posted by sgt.serenity at 4:35 PM on May 21, 2006

RACE
posted by sgt.serenity at 4:40 PM on May 21, 2006

posted by StrasbourgSecaucus at 5:05 PM on May 21, 2006

I dont know what it is , i have the utmost respect for everyone except australians

Well, at least you're not arguing that you're not an ignoramus.

maybe it's the way you send back afghan refugees whilst travelling the world.

Yes, and I assume you believe all Americans and Brits are warmongers, all Muslims are terrorists, and all Catholics are paedophiles, etc etc.

Your seemingly constant need to vent your obvious feeling of superiority over Australians is (to me, and I assume others) offensive.

If you've had bad experiences with an Australian - why don't you take it up with them personally, work it out and drop it.

I don't understand your last 2 links - what's the point here?
posted by strawberryviagra at 5:05 PM on May 21, 2006

Stop making it so personal, you two--you're headed for your own private Chernobyl. And it is not pretty. Golly, where's an inanimate carbon rod when you need one ?
posted by y2karl at 5:47 PM on May 21, 2006

Just a point, this was reported on all the TV newscasts in Sydney, the winners, afterall, gave nice visuals. I can't see how every person at Tromble's party could have avoided it, and if the guessing the winner element was so important I am sure outlets other than MeFi must share the blame.
That said, I kind of agree it was a spoiler, but don't really understand the fuss.
Anything that is such a one-trick affair that a spoiler ruins it probably isn't too crucial to your well being.
posted by bystander at 7:04 PM on May 21, 2006

sgt.serenity sure isn't serene
posted by StrasbourgSecaucus at 7:28 PM on May 21, 2006

Strawberryvixen: as a fellow aussie, I implore you.

please, SHUT THE FUCK UP.
posted by cheaily at 1:25 AM on May 22, 2006

why don't you take it up with them personally, work it out and drop it.

You could be right , i will be contacting Reg Grundy.
Thanks for your help.
posted by sgt.serenity at 2:27 AM on May 22, 2006 [1 favorite has favorites]

If you want to talk about the secret twist/results/whatever in the comments, go for it, people don't have to read the comments, but if they want to use Metafilter, they might very well have to read the FPP.

This is a global forum, with all sorts of time zones represented. Sports games might not play at the same time, movies might not be out on the same day, and TV series might not be at the same point in a season - or even in the same season.

Just have some common sense and treat your metafilter comrades with respect.
posted by The Monkey at 6:37 PM on May 22, 2006

Just have some common sense and treat your metafilter comrades with respect.

This idea is absurd and offensive and in direct contradiction to everything that Metafilter stands for.
posted by soiled cowboy at 8:14 PM on May 22, 2006

I dont know what it is , i have the utmost respect for everyone except australians

Are you taking the piss there, big fella?!
posted by uncanny hengeman at 5:12 AM on May 23, 2006

Such rash candor. You've spilt your guts here and now you are branded forever as an AussieEuroweenie.

When are people going to learn ? Carved in stone, people--every word you write online might as well be carved in stone.

Ha!
posted by hot soup girl at 8:09 AM on May 23, 2006