RAAS ### Chapter 28: United Boycott (Part 2)
### Chapter 28: United Boycott (Part 2)
Since she had work the next day, Song Xueqi washed up and went to bed right after posting her message.
To her surprise, within just ten minutes of posting "Is There Still a Need for 'Music Star'?" on the forum, there were already over fifty replies from serious users, each response over a hundred words long. All of them expressed deep disappointment with the show's actions, and those who understood the situation were furious about the injustice Li Qing faced.
Within half an hour, the post had garnered five thousand views, making it a candidate for a hot post. An hour later, with two hundred replies and nearly ten thousand views, the forum's super moderator "Purple Snow Fire," who hadn't appeared on the forum in nearly two years, made an appearance. Not only did they mark the post as essential, but they also pinned it across the entire forum, making it visible from any corner of the site.
The forum erupted!
Music Home had nearly 150,000 registered users, with two to three thousand active at any given time. Given that the entire online population was under a million, this was a substantial number. These users were typically scattered across more than twenty different sections, discussing various genres like campus ballads, rock, and rap, as well as traditional operas like Beijing Opera and Cantonese Opera. However, at that moment, everyone saw this prominent post about the popular show "Music Star," capturing everyone's attention.
As a result, within the next two hours, until 1 a.m., Song Xueqi's post saw a sudden surge to nearly a hundred thousand views and over two thousand replies. The responses came from casual observers, confused yet determined commenters, and, most significantly, dedicated fans who not only engaged in the forum but spread the post across other popular forums and websites. Even gaming and emotional support forums had discussions on the topic, amplifying the impact of the scandal.
As the number of replies grew and related posts began appearing across various sections, some dissenters claimed that "Fly Higher" wasn't as good as "Song of Dreams." However, such posts were quickly drowned out by an overwhelming majority who favored "Fly Higher." Most viewers, being part of the working class, preferred the straightforward appeal of "Fly Higher." Even among more discerning fans, "Fly Higher" was considered a commendable song.
Thus, public opinion tilted overwhelmingly in one direction.
One former celebrity tried to attract attention by defending "Music Star," but after being doxxed and boycotted by numerous fans, they quickly went silent, vanishing from public view.
The next day, the issue escalated rapidly.
Countless media professionals, having watched the previous night's "Music Star," were eagerly preparing their reports. When they learned about the post on the renowned music forum, Music Home, which had amassed over ten thousand replies overnight, they were ecstatic.
It was like having a pillow delivered when you're about to nap!
Excitedly, they delved into the web, finding related posts on numerous popular forums. The sharp-minded journalists instantly realized that "Music Star" was in deep trouble!
Such public outrage had happened before, often with disastrous results.
Earlier that year, a second-tier Hong Kong actor faced a massive online backlash for insulting mainland China, gaining temporary fame but ultimately being exposed and blacklisted, ruining his career. This incident was strikingly similar, with the media sensing another significant story that could boost their sales.
The next morning, entertainment newspapers began reporting on the previous night's "Music Star" results. Detailed articles described the heated online discussions and the widespread criticism of the show's unfair practices. The internet had around 700,000 users in 1997, far fewer than the 700 million in later years. Thus, a post with ten thousand views and over a thousand replies was a major event.
In fact, if 1% of internet users replied to a post, it was equivalent to seven million replies in later years—a truly phenomenal event!
Major websites and forums across the nation reported on this, amplifying the issue. While the internet's influence wasn't as vast as it would be in the future, it was already significant. Recognizing the online uproar, print media joined in, further fanning the flames.
As newspapers reported the scandal, many sold out quickly, leading to a shortage at various newsstands. This delighted the newspaper executives, indicating widespread public interest in the issue.
Unlike the promotion of "Angel's Wings," which had backing from influential figures like Director Zhang, this time, the public outcry was organic and widespread. The reaction showed a significant portion of the population's dissatisfaction with the show's unfair practices.
Encouraged by the positive sales feedback, media outlets continued to push the story, adding fuel to the fire. Consequently, more and more viewers, both online and offline, became aware of and enraged by the "Music Star" scandal.
This grassroots movement wasn't orchestrated by a single entity but was a spontaneous response from fans and viewers who felt deeply wronged by the show's manipulation. It was like a spark that ignited a wildfire, a testament to the power of collective action.
By the afternoon, Music Home's forum was flooded with posts calling for a boycott of Beijing Satellite TV and "Music Star." These weren't just isolated posts; the entire forum was filled with such content. Many claimed they were inspired by Song Xueqi's post, though the exact motivations remained unclear.
It was a mix of genuine public sentiment and possible orchestrations by rival factions or interest groups. Regardless, it reflected the deep dissatisfaction among netizens.
The last time such widespread online resistance occurred, a Hong Kong actor's career was destroyed after being blacklisted by the national broadcasting authority. This time, with a major local TV station in the crosshairs, the public eagerly awaited the outcome.
The escalating online boycott, amplified by the media, made "Music Star" the center of a brewing storm.
The media, sensing a major story, doubled down on their coverage. Newspapers and TV channels reported extensively on the scandal, ensuring it stayed in the public eye.
The pressure on Beijing Satellite TV mounted, as advertisers began to withdraw their support. Viewer ratings plummeted, and public trust eroded rapidly.
Facing the backlash, the show's producers were forced to issue a public apology and promise a thorough investigation. However, the damage was done, and the show's reputation was irreparably tarnished.
Ultimately, the combined force of public outcry and media scrutiny proved too powerful, highlighting the influence of the burgeoning internet culture and the people's voice in shaping the entertainment industry.
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