Seasons vs. Years

[Dallas]

So, I've been thinking about ODaaT and I may not do "season finale's" anymore etc. I may just do episodes through out the year and call it "2010" for example. Do you think this would work since I've already had "4" previous seasons? Should I change my "seasons" and put them into the years that they were released? Or should I not change now that my series has been around for awhile.

What do you think?

[kellyzollo]

I like seasons opposed to years and I think that has to do more with a Primetime feel that I like to achieve I've always equated one year to one season if that makes sense too. I think there are advantages to both.

I think with a yearly feel you would be able to pace things in real time so to speak and not have to confine yourself to stuff that has to happen for a season finale cliffhanger or ending all the time. I think you would have a bit more of a non constraint so to speak with storylines and it may not be a hassle to just list them by year. Opposed to finding out and breaking them up by season.

For seasons I think season are a bit more constraining depending on your storyline speed and how your show is focused. I also think for planning it gives me a build up or a climax to look forward to at the end of the season. For me it is easier to keep track of and recap something that is laid out in a season opposed to a year.

I think that you wouldn't need to go and redo anything really as far as past episodes go unless you really wanted too. I am very interested to see how you take care of your dilemma.

Kelly

[bexeth]

Oh my gosh, Ty, do something about how close "remove" and "reply" are to each other! I almost deleted Dallas' thread!  

I think that's really an author's choice, Dallas. I've never been one for "seasons." When writing BCD, my material was broken up into years...meaning I would generally do about 365 episodes per year, then move on. In ID, I'm doing arcs, which is a little easier for me to handle.

I think that it would not be hard to categorize the archives by the year they were posted...and if you wanted to abandon the season format for the yearly format, I think that could be a smooth transition too. It's really about what you feel most comfortable with.

[Allan]

Dallas, it's so interesting that you asked this! Abandoning the seasonal format in favour of a traditional, year round soap opera style (complete with shorter, more frequent episodes) is something I've long been considering for H&S! Both styles definitely have their pros and cons.
I think for ODAAT, which has moved in a more 'soapy', traditional direction, a year round format could definitely work! With the large cast and nature of the stories you tell, it would definitely suit that style.

[Dallas]

I just like the idea of having it annually as opposed to seasons. Thus far my "season finales" have worked well because huge things have happened, but I like that people don't need to feel like they *have* to read the episode because it's "season finale".

My only major concern is switching mid-way through my series ... I don't want to confuse anyone. But I'm leaning in the direction of getting rid of the "seasons".

Allan -- I think H&S would work as well, as it is more of a traditional soap feeling series.

[Jay]

I've actually pondered the same question myself, Dallas. I'm glad you brought it up in a public forum so others could voice their opinions on it as well. For me, as a reader and a writer, I prefer seasons with a distinct break in between. As a reader, it gives me a chance to catch up and anticipate something...not that there is anything wrong with the yearly format, but I just like the whole idea of having a cliffhanger and truly anticipating a return. With that said, as a writer I also prefer taking a 3-4 month break because I feel rejuvenated after a break and I feel that my pen (or finger) needs it rest for a short time.

Historically on South Beach I did the yearly format for the first three years. I think it worked out fine- but alas, I seemed to get burnt out and I ended up not writing a single episode for over three years! This is something to certainly consider. In all respect, it's completely up to you and I'm sure it won't confuse your readers or have much to do with changing your fan base. I really wish you the best on this decision of yours.

J.

[Pat]

I love my seasons. I like primetime feel it gives series... although in some cases, when you produce year around without a break, I would call it years. It just makes more sense for me.

[Ty Junior]

Oh my gosh, Ty, do something about how close "remove" and "reply" are to each other! I almost deleted Dallas' thread!  

The "Remove" and "Reply" buttons are now on opposite ends of one another, and some additional spacing has been added between the different post options.  Hopefully this will help.

[Dallas]

So, I've decided to go with the years instead of seasons.
Thing is, I've never kept good track of when I've released episodes. For early seasons, I just know "early years", then my hiatus. Should I still have them seperated by seasons? Or try to piece them together based on my memory of the year of release?

[kellyzollo]

I'm so interested in seeing how this works for you Dallas, I think the years release works very well for Michael over on Footprints. I would do it by memory of release date Dallas. It may confuse readers if you have one section in years and one in seasons so to speak, so I would do it by memory on the release dates.

Kelly

[Ty Junior]

I agree with Kelly.  It's best to to keep it consistent.  Besides, what are the odds of an ODaaT fan Nazi coming out of the wood works and blasting you for including Natasha's New Years 2004 Abduction by Shane in the 2003 recaps?