What is a Web Series?

Everyone has a different impression of what a Web Series is. Some might say it refers strictly to a series of videos containing a narrative. Others have a broader definition. What about a series of comedy skits. What about an informational series. What about a series of tech reviews? And then there are podcasts both with and without live video? What about ARG, transmedia and immersive content? What about streamers? Where exactly are the boundaries? Who even gets to define the boundaries, if they do exist? 

As we re-vamp the Web Series Today these are the decisions we face. People post a wide variety of content, and we are faced with the unenviable task of deciding what to approve and what not to approve. 

 Our approach historically has been to be open ended about the question. Once you move beyond the narrative Web Series the boundaries become nebulous. This is the same decision that people who run awards shows have when they decide on categories. The risk is you do not want to disadvantage a media form that is just beginning to take shape. We are not gatekeepers. We are more curators of the content you the Web Series community produce. And what you produce is your decision. Will it find an audience? That is an entirely different question! 

These decisions will never be easy. We want a community that is inclusive. We want a community that is creative imaginative. But that does not give you the right to be abusive. You should always be respectful of the community and their time. If no one is responding to your Web Series content perhaps you should ask yourself why! 

So, we move onto another chapter of Web Series Today. Keep posting your content but make sure you read the new rules very carefully first. That will save us all a lot of time and pain! 

And remember to spread the word. A community grows by word of mouth and when the community grows we all benefit. 

mm