RocketBoom, the daily videolog, lost their on screen talent when Amanda Congdon left to pursue her career in Los Angeles. This has been discussed a lot across blogs, so I decided to make a bet with Jeremiah about RocketBoom… The bet is that in six months time RocketBoom will be better off than they were with Amanda. And by that we mean they will have and maintain an increase in traffic.
A lot of people think this will be the downfall of RocketBoom, I beg to differ. See… most people say they probably won’t continue to watch with Congdon leaving. Let’s look at why they watched in the first place. The reason, even though many people wish to deny, is because she appeared to be an attractive girl dishing out geeky news. That is it. RocketBoom was successful because an attractive female was doing the talking. It is as simple as that. Would it have been as popular if someone like this were hosting the show? Of course not.
I hate to be the one to say this, even though this is not personal but a skill critique, but Amanda didn’t really exude any remarkable talent, acting or comedic. It would not be difficult for RocketBoom to find another pretty face, with a more natural, less exaggerated on-screen persona. Amanda on the other hand heads to Los Angeles where very attractive women with more talent are a dime a dozen.
This split showcases to other would-be Congdons that they too could be a sensation as well, and now in less time. This gives RocketBoom a larger pool of candidates and the best to come out of that pool will be something worth watching. And that is why RocketBoom will be doing better in six-months.
UPDATE (7-12-06): The new RocketBoom has finally launched. Already the new host displays more talent and a more “real” on-screen persona. Jeremiah should probably just pay up now.
UPDATE (7-13-06): Oh nevermind with this RocketBoom crap, The Show with Zefrank is better (subscribed).
July 6th, 2006 at 9:03 am
[...] Julio Garcia wants to bet me an entire US dollar, that he thinks that Rocketboom will be better off in 6 months with the loss of Amanda. [...]
July 6th, 2006 at 9:37 am
Attractive Girl delivering geek news, Yes.
She does have charm, wit, and above average intelligence –that adds to it.
I didn’t see that picture of her bathing suit till after she left the show, so that’s not why I watched it.
This was the only ‘geek’ show my wife would even watch, she commented it was ‘cute’. You certainly can’t say that about Diggnation, or Scoble’s videos.
Tech = Cute? That’s an award winning combination that Amanda will take with her. (and the Rocketboom Audience)
As someone commented on my blog –the new host will be the turning factor –let’s see what happens Monday!
Oh, and if you save 16 cents a month, you’ll have enough to give me my dollar on Jan 6th ;)