Why are people bagging out some of the things on ER? Even the tiniest details get ridiculed. Why? We have all come here for one reason and that is because we love the show ER. There will always be characters in every show that you wont like but why not get over it. So if we love ER so much why criticise it so much.

-- Nicole (pizza_cats@hotmail.com), July 09, 2000

Answers

Very interesting post, Nicole. Here's one answer: Some people chose not to criticize at all, others are disappointed in seeing a show that they once loved decrease in quality and want to discuss it.

I've often received rather hostile e-mail from people after I write a review telling me to stop being critical, that I can't be a *fan* if I don't love it. Well, when I watch ER, I use my brain and I discern if it's quality or not. If it's not, I'll criticize and comment. I watch with my brain engaged, and my brain loves to pick it apart. Some may not want to do the same thing, and if that's the case, they can seek one of the many fan websites devoted to nothing but praise. I prefer to discuss positives and negatives.

I don't know how old you are, and don't mean to assume you're not an adult because you may well be. If you are, then you know how some adults *(and teens)* like to dissect and discuss things. You'll also understand that some adults don't sit in front of the television and accept everything as "quality" when it's not.

As I said, there are many sites where ER is adored and never criticized, and if critical remarks bother you, learn to ignore it (note I didn't say "get over it") or find a site where praise is universal. This site, for the foreseeable future, will be one where part of what we do is tell it like it is. See "The Emperor's New Clothes" for an example of what happens when people pretend not to see what's really there.

-- Phyl (erfan@flash.net), July 09, 2000.

Well said, Phyl!

-- Annie (GoldenLaur@aol.com), July 09, 2000.

You tell her Phyl! It's called giving our opinions on things. That's what this board is for. Is it not? If I have a disagreement or if I don't like something about the show I give an opinion on it. I've started seeing the 4th season for the first time and I compared it to the 6th season and there's a huge difference. Many people have pointed that out, including me. So if you don't like the criticism then don't read anything on this site. It's as easy as that.

-- Cammie (rmaelhorn@home.com), July 09, 2000.

It's not a big deal, it's just that this is not a fan site. It's for discussions, analyzing and dissecting the show, and critiquing as well as gushing. You'll see plenty of all those things here. Plus, it's moderated by some very cool folks, who don't tolerate the really offensive and pointless stuff. (I have a lot of time on my hands these days, so I do anal things like read FAQs and so forth.)

Speaking for myself, I'd rather have an interesting discussion about a technicality, with someone who (politely) disagrees with me, than participate in a "Who's the Hottest Hunk on ER?" thread. OK, I do participate in those sometimes, but you get my drift. :P

-- Cecelia (evilstoat@hotmail.com), July 09, 2000.

Whats this 'you tell her Phyl'? Am i some sort of enemy now because I asked a question. Don't snap at me! I am not an adult (so to speak), i am 15. How did you know. You don't go off at other people like that so why go off at me?

-- Nicole (pizza_cats@hotmail.com), July 10, 2000.

don't get upset, nicole...you aren't an enemy for asking a question. I do agree with phyl's answer...it is more fun to think critically about this show than to only give it praise and overlook its faults. The people on this board are usually pretty open-minded. don't be afraid to disagree, just be polite about it. And try not to get defensive, even if you see comments that really upset you...intelligent responses to those comments are welcome but attacks are not. Once you get into your first discussion, you'll see how it can be fun. and don't worry about being young. i don't think everyone here is an adult (i'm only 18).

-- Erin (earthgirl24@yahoo.com), July 10, 2000.

Okay sorry. I just really loved the 6th season and I can be a defensive person sometimes. My answers aren't as intelligent because I am younger and more naive. Wow, I've sunk so low I am insulting myself. I need a chocolate bar. May Day hasn't aired in Australia yet (it will be aired this Thursday) and curiousity got the better of me so I found out what happens. From what I have heard the acting was superb so season 6 is shaping up to be my favourite season. I'll be more open minded and hey, I might even criticise the show a few times.

-- Nicole (pizza_cats@hotmail.com), July 10, 2000.

Nicole, I was just about to post this when I read your last response so it might be a little useless what I'm going to say now but I just felt like doing it, so bear with me. I think the reason why we all criticise ER is JUST because we love it. If we didn't I guess none of us would care really if Carter talked the right way to Mrs. Knight, if Lizzie was right giving back the pearls and so on and on... And even the tiniest things are important to us because we always (well I do) think about how ER could be still much better. Because we want it to be and remain the best show on TV...

-- Anne (annebercher@gmx.de), July 10, 2000.