Hope Is Emo

I don't know if you've been following the lonelygirl15 controversy.

I've been watching it a bit. I saw the vid of her and her BF arguing. Thought she was cute and I liked the camerawork.

But then as the summer wore on, people got more and more interested in who she was. Was it a show? Was it real?

When we created Hope Is Emo, we consciously made an effort to let people who cared know it was a show. We tell you it's made by Crista Flanagan, Douglas Sarine and myself.

We still get lots of emails asking if she's real. Which is cool, but if those folks really cared they could find out in a click or two.

Pranks like Lonelygirl15 seem like good ideas at the time, but I think they ultimately alienate your audience. Instead of creating something with them, you're saying you're smarter than everyone.

People are Blair Witched out right now. Put on a good show, make a great character. But don't think you're all that because you tricked people for a months.