Australian Idol message board inundated

The Australian Idol Web site message board was inundated with posts following Monday night's appeal by contestant Emelia Rusciano for users to be nice, with the show's producer, Grundy, saying messages were logged at the rate of one per second.

Following her defeat from the competition Rusciano addressed users of the shows official Web site forum saying "there's been some negative things coming in, some of it quite nasty", adding that the Idols "do actually read them".

"Personal comments are being said....we just don't understand why people would feel that way when all we are doing is trying to make you all happy," she said.

Grundy said that in using the message board fans must abide by the "member conduct" statement, available via a link on the message board main page.

The conduct notice states that users must not upload "any content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive... defamatory, vulgar, obscene... hateful, or racially, sexually, ethnically or otherwise objectionable or vilifying", and must not impersonate someone affiliated with the company.

However, the message board round up, posted on the site, claims that some "mischievous" users have been impersonating Idols.

A Grundy spokesperson added that the Web site is also equipped with "profanity filters".

"When users try to post a message that contains swearing, they are flashed a warning that their message may be edited," she said. "The warning invites them to change the way they've expressed things. If they don't take up that invitation, the board's moderators will change the message so the swearing is removed."

Blank posts are littered throughout the message board, giving reasons such as " Personal attack", " Profanity", or " Off topic" as to the cause of the message's removal.

As some users have found, spelling errors have been one way of getting around the filters, as is seen in one message addressing contestant Anthony Callea which states "Anthony's head is up his own ****!!!".

However, the spokeswoman said some negative messages are not necessarily deleted.

According to Grundy, users are permitted to address the Idols and attack their looks, performance and personality "as long as it is done in a reasonable way".

"Generally, we prefer comments to be in keeping with the tone of the show, where opinions are expressed every week," she said.

Yet many users prefer to attack the Idols directly, as seen in another comment to Callea that states "what happened to his growth spurt?? Could his legs be any shorter??", or one directed to Rusciano that states "she looks like a half eaten Barbie doll".

Yet, the spokeswoman said Idol contestants are given "extensive mentoring" in how to deal with the media and fans.

"They understand the nature of message boards, and know if they read them, they might see things that aren't necessarily flattering," she said. "But they're also becoming more familiar with the fact that fame has good and bad sides, that some posts will fall into the latter category, and that they should try to focus on the main game."

Grundy said the site typically attracts around 15,000 postings a day.

Advertisement

Talkback 47 comments

    Firstly, I apologise for any p ...Anonymous -- 04/10/04

    Firstly, I apologise for any people sending any over the net - I really dont understand humans sometimes - maybe its just their vulnerabilities coming through.
    Anyway Im a middle aged mum of 4 and alternate therapist and usually I dont watch television much let alone get caught up in something like this but I would like to say that I now dont miss Sundays show.
    I am just so amazed at the wonderful talent that you all have you are all truly outstanding.
    I understand that the stress to win must be great but really none of you have anything to worry about - your futures are secured - what else could you expect with talent like that.
    You have all put in the most enormous effort and shown great courage to get on stage in front of the public and judges every week.
    It is inspiring to see such outstanding youth with amazing talent and ideals.
    Dont let that talent go - because you are all going to fly.

    Congratulations and good luck to

    Anthony, Casey, Chanel, Hayley, Ricci Lee, Daniel, Marty, Courtney.

    Sincerely Helena

    i reckon the people paying the ...Anonymous -- 04/10/04

    i reckon the people paying them out can get stuffed.as if anthony can help that he is short. and emelia DEFENENTLY doesn't look like a torn up barbie doll or whatever the nut who wrote it reckons. why be messaging bad things about people you dont like when you could be messaging about the people you do like? anyone paying any of them out should get a life. just because they aren''t one of the most talented singers in australia.
    ANTHONY ROCKS!

    I was very disappointed that D ...Anonymous -- 04/10/04

    I was very disappointed that Daniel Bell was eliminated tonight on Australian Idol 2004. It is ashame that the Australian Public do not see the potential that Daniel has with his superb voice to be the next Australian Idol.

    Daniel, we will miss you on Idol however, please release an album real soon as I am sure it will be a fantastic success. Many best wishes for your continued musical career.

    Good luck to all the contestan ...Anonymous -- 04/10/04

    Good luck to all the contestants. You are all trulely beautiful in your own ways! Just look forward to the many happy times to come and remember your yesterday's with a huge smile! You guys deserve it. Australia has seen how hard your guys work. Smiles from Sami

    I am so glad Hayley's still in ...Anonymous -- 04/10/04

    I am so glad Hayley's still in the competition! LOVE U HAYLEY

    Hi, I can't belive that dan wa ...Anonymous -- 04/10/04

    Hi, I can't belive that dan was voted of tonite when clearly his tallent out ways that of people like channel,and as for the rude and un called for remarks from mark holden sombody should tell to stick it. Any way I just wanted to GO FOR IT DAN!!!
    release an album and we all wili buy it...

    I have been very impressed wit ...Anonymous -- 05/10/04

    I have been very impressed with the quality of voices on the current Australian Idol (far superior to those in NZ Idol). I'm sorry Daniel Bell was voted off - he was an example of a well-produced voice but all the current finalists, with additional training, could take the stage in musical theatre.

    GO CHANEL. YOU ROCK. Despite w ...Anonymous -- 05/10/04

    GO CHANEL. YOU ROCK.

    Despite what you hear and see, channel all your bad thoughts/negative vibes in getting even - via singing.

    Jennifer

    Seriously...... just cant get ...Anonymous -- 05/10/04

    Seriously...... just cant get over it, how on earth could Daniel lose. He had the best voice, what on earth is wrong with those ppl who vote, their taste must be in their a....
    That man should have won, he should have beat the lot of them with a unique voice like that, whats the matter with everyone, are they blind or what, and why on earth do they allow that shaved headed looking creature to keep on going, cant understand that, and i think out of Mary and the Nice looking larger man i think marty should have been booted out ages ago. DANIEL come back, you should have won this show, A HUGE ERROR HAS BEEN MADE... DANIEL I WISH YOU SO MUCH LUCK, I TURELY MEAN THAT, I LOVEDDD YOUR VOICE. YOU DESERVE TO REALLY GET SOMEWHERE IN LIFE.

    BEST OF LUCK DANIEL.

    Hi Marty, just writing to give ...Anonymous -- 05/10/04

    Hi Marty,
    just writing to give you a helping hand on a few songs that i think are right up your ally.Your voice is unusual and with the correct song choice to showcase your talent you could definently hit a touch down on everyones field.You should try some of the following.....
    BEN FOLDS FIVE BRICK
    PLACEBO PURE MORNING
    THE MAVIS'S CRY
    TAL BACHMAN SHE'S SO HIGH
    good luck in the future..........................

    i think that anthony, is lovel ...Anonymous -- 06/10/04

    i think that anthony, is lovely.. he is such a good singer, my daughter and i were so unhappy when he was not picked for the first 10, and then we were happy when he was the judges choice, obviously they knew something... that he was very good. and the viewers did not see this... i always vote for anthony... you go boyfriend..i am spanish, and my husband is an italian..sexy italian. how that chic called anthony.

    seriously,,these ppl who talk ...Anonymous -- 06/10/04

    seriously,,these ppl who talk bad abt other ppl should just shut up n get a life.. if u dont like the ppl on idol, then y say anything?? would u like it if ppl talked bad abt u??? surely not... so u bad ppl out there should SERIOUSLY GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!!!

    ps..btw,,anthony is a GREAT singer...n he's soooo cute... go anthony!!!! muaakzz...gd luckk

    hi courtney, you go for it man ...Anonymous -- 06/10/04

    hi courtney, you go for it man,love the new hair, great voice, beautiful person. hang in there, good luck.

    i would just like to sayt cong ...Anonymous -- 07/10/04

    i would just like to sayt congrates to Anthony Callea but not only do you keep your own look but you keep your own personality wihch i think is the best in a competition like this. And your reading this Anthony lets me tell you this your So HOT! And if you wanna email i wont mind coz i'm like your biggest fan. All my friends think i'm crazy to think that but you are! Lol! Don't mind me! Anyways good luck on Sunday i know i ALWAYS vote for you. All the best! Love you Lots, Your BIGGEST fan, Leah Ohman.

    Dear Hayley, I just wanted to ...Anonymous -- 09/10/04

    Dear Hayley,

    I just wanted to say that I think you are really cool and with a beautiful voice. Just keep moving when you sing and throw your hair about and look sadly into the camera. You have a great presence, use it more and you'll come through. Singing is not just about the voice but the performance and acting the song.

    Love Claudia

    I am a 55 year old mother (but ...Anonymous -- 10/10/04

    I am a 55 year old mother (but groovy) I love Anthony, he does a great job every week but he must stop that thing he does with his fingers on the microphone It is so distracting,it detracts from his performance.

    hi guys, all of you are doing ...Anonymous -- 11/10/04

    hi guys, all of you are doing a great job,this is your one chance in life to get out there and give it your all, dont hold back!!,just remember tomorrow is promised to no one, so live for the day ,the moment.

    I do not believe that Ricki-Le ...Anonymous -- 11/10/04

    I do not believe that Ricki-Lee should have been voted out this evening. I am appauled by this decision. This girl is truely talented and deserved a fair chance. It is a shame that this happened to such a wonderful Australian talent. I only hope that someone out there in the music industry realises this and gives her the chance that she so rightfully deserves.

    Ricki-Lee, you have done this country proud. Hold your head high, you have nothing to be ashamed of. Don't give up hope.......follow your dreams.

    You will be a superstar Ricki ...Anonymous -- 11/10/04

    You will be a superstar Ricki Lee, the public got it so wrong, but you will show them all how wrong they were...YOU ROCK RICKI!!!

    Ricki-Lee -I think the Austn p ...Anonymous -- 11/10/04

    Ricki-Lee -I think the Austn public obviously have no idea. If this is what the public consider to be a good decision, then we might as well just axe the show now. No offence to the other contestants, but Ricki-Lee has been consistent every week, so to be eliminated because of a Beatle song is total b/s. Especially since none of these contestants are likely to sing any such songs, and therefore should be judged on their talent and potential...not just on song choice...
    GOODLUCK RICKI-LEE, WE WILL SEE YOU AGAIN..NO DOUBT !!!

    Marty Since there is being a m ...Anonymous -- 11/10/04

    Marty Since there is being a message written every second maybe you dont need any more compliments , but just letting you know that my whole family , well mum , sis and me love you. The judges are baffling with their comments !! Last night you were great but are the great every week , performing with confidence.I love the week you did that song that well i had never heard of it before talked about going to a place that only we know , to me that has been the performance of the comp , so i think you should find another performance like that in you , k no pressure , keep up the good work and love the way you take the critism!!! Not easy im sure .

    I cannot beleive that ricky le ...Anonymous -- 11/10/04

    I cannot beleive that ricky lee was voted off tonight of all the contestants she has presented herself beutifully every week and has the most amazing voice. I don't want to be nasty here but look at the way Casey presents herself and she also stuffed up last night as well. I also think a few weeks ago when Dicko commented on Courtney's weight why didn't he comment on Casey's. I feel that Casey's only going through every week because people do feel really sorry for I don't know why. As for Chanel her Bjork appearance every week is becoming very boring and she always sings the same way. Ricky-lee could sing anything from love songs to pop songs.

    I cannot believe that Ricki-le ...Anonymous -- 12/10/04

    I cannot believe that Ricki-lee was voted off and haley wasnt at least ricki lee was entertaining every week I have to be woken up after every time haley sings shes so boring just stands there and when she dose move she cant dance gees come on australia snap out of it, good luck in the future Ricki lee .

    I'm shocked that Riki-lee is n ...Anonymous -- 12/10/04

    I'm shocked that Riki-lee is no longer in the competition. I can't watch Idol without her.

    Hi to all, just pls all rememb ...Anonymous -- 12/10/04

    Hi to all, just pls all remember, there will always be critics in whatever field you are in, but that does not make them right. You guys have done so well to get to where you are and hopefully you believe that. Whatever happens from here on in, will only be the beginning of many opportunities ahead, idol or no idol. Take advantage of your contacts and use them, as the opportunities are very far and few. You deserve to reap the benefits..good on you guys.

    I can't believe Riki Lee even ...Anonymous -- 12/10/04

    I can't believe Riki Lee even got in the bottom three let alone voted off. Haylea while she is pretty and has a nice voice isn't in the same league as the others and has been constantly off note in all her songs since she made it into the top ten. Its only some songs in the beginning that she sang really well and I feel she just gets the votes from the little girls who like blond hair and blue eyes. I can't see her being the idol as she lacks that star spark that Ricki Lee and Courtney and possible Anthony have. I am not knocking her I think she seems like a really nice person but nice does not make idol. Please vote for the right reasons not just because you think they are nice, that not what being an idol is about. I think Mark is right in what he says just not necessarily the way he says it. And I think they all got it wrong the other night. I thought Haylea's performance was just average if anything. Casey has a great voice but I think she's a couple of years off maturity wise for this type of thing but I think she will be great in the future. Marty is great and Chantel is fantastic but I don't belive after last night that the sort of people that vote in droves have the nouse to see the best talent. This years group are certainly much better singers than last years and most of them probably deserve to get somewhere. Its a pity there can only be one winner. Maybe in the future we can have categories like Rock, Jazz or Country or something like that.

    Everyone agrees that Ricki-Lee ...Anonymous -- 12/10/04

    Everyone agrees that Ricki-Lee was the clear winner of this series..... so much so that limited people voted for her on the assumption that she would still be there in the final week regardless of who they vote for..... The voting philosophy of Idol is flawed - the public should be asked to vote for whoever they want voted out, not who they want left in... such a change would provide a result that is consistent with the opinion of the Australian public as opposed to the current practice which is to ask the public a different question to that which is answered. BUT such a change is likely to result in less votes per member of the public (as most people will probably only vote once), which is less revenue for Channel 10..... So I guess it will not change, and the result will always be flawed.... kinda makes a mockery of the entire program!! Revenue is king!!!

    Everyone should boycott watchi ...Anonymous -- 12/10/04

    Everyone should boycott watching Australian Idol until the voting practice is changed so as the public is asked to vote for WHO THEY WANT OFF THE SHOW as opposed to WHO THEY WANT LEFT ON..... Afterall, isnt that what our votes are used to decide anyway? Even though the question we are asked to vote on is a different one!!!! This change will ensure that the result is in accordance with the public's wishes - The current method of voting will only achieve the public's desire if EVERY voter submits a vote for ALL contestants they want to remain except the one they want to leave.... which of course is not what happens resulting in a flawed result... BUT the hinderance to change is that the current voting practice has been adopted to maximise the SMS and telephone revenue to Channel 10 - whereas we will only vote once per person if its 'corrected'! hhhhmmmmmmmmmmmm.....

    I was so upset that Ricki-Lee ...Anonymous -- 13/10/04

    I was so upset that Ricki-Lee got voted out that I was voicing my opinions to not only to my friends as well as the checkout guy at 7-Eleven, the hairdresser at Biba etc. She has amazing talent, her voice, the way she works the stage even her personality is a star trait of hers. When she sang "I Have Nothing" I couldn't help but cry... Since Paulini, no other idol has come close except for Ricki-Lee. So many people are rooting for you girl! All I can hope for now is that you release an album.

    What a travisty that Ricki Lee ...Anonymous -- 15/10/04

    What a travisty that Ricki Lee voted off, if Casey or Chanel had any compation they should have stood up and said no Ricki Lee is so much more of a talent, face it those girls are not going to win, i say bring back Ricki Lee.

    Casey, You remain a beautiful ...Anonymous -- 19/10/04

    Casey,
    You remain a beautiful and rarefied soul, with heart, passion, and talent beyond all expectation! Your music is powerful, and a pure joy to our ears! At 50, I would NEVER have expected to vote, OR place comment on such a program... but you have captured our hearts, and our televsion viewing for every Sunday and Monday evening. From your first performance you have been WITHOUT question our first choice! Go Girl!!... YOU ARE THE AUSTRALIAN IDOL FOR 2004!!

    Courtney, Your voice & per ...Anonymous -- 19/10/04

    Courtney, Your voice & personality are terrific. You need to compete with the girls on presentation (dress). Have a look at some more recent Steven Segal movies - he wears a kind of uniform of black - long sleeved black shirts with a little collar like a black dentist shirt, with black trousers & black shoes. He's a big fella these days & the uniformity of colour hides a lot of that. Hope this is helpful for you. [PS: You appear to be a 'winter' colour. The wardrobe people should be able to tell you all about this, but basically it means that you can wear black & look good, you need to stick to cool colours (that have a blue NOT yellow basis) and to wear silver, not gold jewellery]. May the force be with you!

    anthony u r the best i cried w ...Anonymous -- 20/10/04

    anthony u r the best i cried when u sang the reason cant wait until u get to bring out your cd

    I was privileged enough to cat ...Anonymous -- 22/10/04

    I was privileged enough to catch Ricki-Lee's first live performance since being voted off of Australian Idol at the Miss Indy contest last night. Frankly, I think the vote counters must have been using a big abacus or something because there is no way this talented young woman should have been voted off. WE LOVE YOU RICKI-LEE. Brett

    Have a look at this guys! This ...Anonymous -- 24/10/04

    Have a look at this guys!

    This is absolutely great!! http://www.stocksareus.biz

    Idols without Ricke Lee is rea ...Anonymous -- 24/10/04

    Idols without Ricke Lee is really damn boring now.. I couldnt be bothered watching all of them except for watching Anthony and Courtney now... ... I want Ricki Lee back.. I want her to sing in the World Idol.. so sad... -_____-

    Idols without Ricke Lee is rea ...Anonymous -- 24/10/04

    Idols without Ricke Lee is really damn boring now.. I couldnt be bothered watching all of them except for watching Anthony and Courtney now... ... I want Ricki Lee back.. I want her to sing in the World Idol.. so sad... -_____-

    Casey, I am a 48 year old gran ...Anonymous -- 24/10/04

    Casey,
    I am a 48 year old grannie. I love your voice and your spirit. Keep going girl you have something the others do not have. I vote for you every week, and will continue to do so. You are a special girl with a very special inner spirit.
    Love you.
    Leigh

    I feel sorry for poor Anthony, ...Anonymous -- 29/10/04

    I feel sorry for poor Anthony, everyone seems to pick on him.

    If Australian Idol doesn't wor ...Anonymous -- 31/10/04

    If Australian Idol doesn't work out, why not try the exciting world of business?!

    www.darrylwilson.com

    Please help! Can anyone tell m ...Anonymous -- 11/11/04

    Please help! Can anyone tell me how to get background music to announcement of who's next to go and how australia voted?

    it's sad anthony lost it would ...Anonymous -- 28/11/04

    it's sad anthony lost it would have been great 4 him 2 win and represent us on world idol singing the prayer but Casey wanted it bad aswell and worked hard so God Bless Her

    Ken Vadas thoughts on music. K ...Anonymous -- 14/12/04

    Ken Vadas thoughts on music.

    Kenny Vadas

    RICKI-LEE RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...Anonymous -- 25/01/05

    RICKI-LEE RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I can't beleive she came seventh! WHY!?!?!?!?
    i KNOW that she will get a record deal, and I will be the first person to buy her CD.

    I LOVE YOU RICKI-LEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    anne Anonymous -- 11/11/05

    i cannot believe she is not still in the competition. Emily & Anne were truly the two I thought who had the most talent. And for gods sake when the judges are selected, why are radio announcers considered to be an authority? surely someone with some musical/singing ability who has been successful would be a better choice??

Add your opinion

Latest Videos

Sponsored content

Power Centre - Content from our premier sponsors

Blogs

  • Renai LeMay How reliable is IP telephony?
    Have you ever heard a weird kind of hissing, crackling or popping noise when calling someone on an IP telephony line? How rare is the phenomenon these days?
  • Array Forget the NBN, 100Mbps is already here
    Telstra and TransACT will shortly begin offering 100Mbps broadband to many customers. By moving early, the companies have not only raised the bar for Australia's broadband services, but thrown down a challenge to a government that now faces increased pressure to deliver the NBN as promised.
  • Array IT: Govt's cost-cutting bitch
    The government needs to stop looking at IT as a necessary evil or the place to remove costs when the Treasurer comes calling.
  • More blogs »

Tags

Back to top

Featured