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A numerous amount of social network sites are dedicated to all types of hobbies and topics from cruise tips to baseball card collecting. There are even many sites focusing on the NBC television show “The Office”. Fan blogs about “The Office” are popular and offer many different uses. They give major fans a space to discuss everything about the show. Some people frown upon these sites, arguing that blogs draw people away from the ‘real world’. This is not necessarily true. Fan sites, like blogs about “The Office”, help people to be social in that they provide spot for fans to bond over a common interest.
For some huge fans of “The Office” there may not be anyone with whom they can share their excitement over the show. Fan blogs, including “Jello Stapler” and “The Office Tally”, have forums and permit comments on posts allowing fans to express their thoughts on anything involving “The Office”. With the absence of Michael Scott in this year’s season, there is a lot to say about the show. Michael Scott’s character is undoubtedly missed and online comments veer towards the producer’s pick of Michael’s replacement. There is also debate if the comedy has changed and, if so, if it is for the best. These avid followers have many interesting points and thoughts about the show’s direction. Not a whole lot of conversation takes place between fans besides agreeing or disagreeing with certain thoughts, but fans enjoy putting their opinions out there nevertheless. It is nice for there is an outlet for admirers have an outlet to share their views on the show where they know fellow fans care about the same topics.
Not all fans critique “The Office” on blogs. Fans will write about trivial items as well, such as spotting a Dunder Mifflin printer in a different NBC show. Most blog sites will have certain sections dedicated to the less serious, amusing topics concerning “The Office”. “Jello Stapler” has several fan-made videos made up of different clips depicting both fan-fiction and real romances that occur on the show. Weekly polls are posted on some forums too asking viewers’ opinions on certain characters and plot lines. Fans will also go so far as to visit blog sites that are created to appear as if they were created by characters from “The Office”. The blog “Schrutespace” is modeled after Dwight Schrute. Posts on the site contain “Dwight’s” responses to events that take place on the show, thus making the show seem more realistic. Another character-inspired blog, “HalpertBeesly”, is designed as Jim and Pam’s wedding website and contains video blogs from the characters. These types of blogs cause fans to feel as if the show is real. Creating these blogs based off characters help producers draw fans in even more because fans feel as if they are a part of the show to a certain extent. Social media sites permit major fans of “The Office” to bond with fellow fans of the show in a variety of ways from silly blogs relating to the series to legitimate reviews of the seasons.
Besides giving fans a space to connect with strangers over their love of the show, scholars suggest that people get a boost of confidence by sharing their knowledge online. It is satisfactory knowing the answer to a question. On forums, fans often get the opportunity to clear up any possible confusion with an episode as well as the chance to share any knowledge they might have about the show or actors. Opposed to pulling people away from the ‘real world’, blogs actually admit fans to contribute to a different community and feel good about themselves while doing so. A times fans will compliment each other on their additions to blogs which certainly helps self-esteem as well. On one site, “Life in the Office”, fan Suri thanks the administrator for “pulling double duty this week and [for] getting everything up so quickly” and she continues to compliment him for noticing a “little detail like Meredith’s front license plate” (http://www.lifeintheoffice.com/2011/12/09/scrantonicity-christmas-wishes/). It is great that blog users can find support on the fan sites.
Some of the sites devoted to “The Office” contain information that not every fan of the series will care about. This is why extreme devotees to the series feel the need to turn to social media sites to discuss the show. It is nice finding others with common interests. For these reasons, fan blogs should be held in higher esteem. Though some are silly, they contain good criticisms of the show. Blogs also provide communities for those who are searching to get to know others with the same interests as them.
