Re: Interesting article about Sexism in Geek Communities
I don't expect this to happen, if the TV industry is any guide. For reasons that escape me, but must make sense to TV executives, discarding even a majority of viewers is common.
I'll give three examples, but here is the common scene. Say there are five competing networks (at the time of my first example). One show is bringing in 40% of the viewers, and the other four networks are splitting 60% (15% each) between them. What to do? Ditch your show, and put a clone of the 40% show in its place. Now you're getting 1/5 of 40%, and 60% of the viewers are discovering treeware.
It has happened at least three times:
1)1992. You have Carson, Arsenio, Nightline, and "Crimetime After Primetime" on CBS. What does CBS do? Why, cancel Crimetime and bring in Letterman of course! Anybody who isn't interested in watching a talking head? Tough!
2)19...96? You say you like Lois & Clark? Too bad if you also like Seaquest.
Today: There are three shows competing for the X Files demographic: Fringe, Grimm, and Supernatural. Guess where on the calendar you can find those three shows?
Same deal here: "Our audience likes First Person Shooters! Lots of gunfire, blow-things-up, 'twich 'n' flex'! People who want 4X games or Sims...can we suggest pen and pencil games?" (IOW, they literally don't want your money).