Jeopardy and the Power of Engagement
For those of you that may not be aware, the television game show Jeopardy changed its policy recently. For as long as I can remember, a player could only win 5 times in a row. Once they won five times, they got the money and a trip back for the tournament of champions.This policy changed recently. Now, a player can win, and keep on winning until they lose. This is pertinent today because the current player has won seven shows in a row and racked up a record $231,000.
And, AND, you know what? I’ve never wanted to watch Jeopardy more. I want to root for him and see this person go further. I want to get to know him and marvel at his wit. I feel a connection to this guy and I want to watch again and again. My respect for him grows with each win. (forgive me for sounding like such a Jeopardy nerd)
To me, this is all about engagement. With the new policy, the show is now allowing users to engage in an ongoing event each night instead of cutting off the relationship at five wins.
The more he wins, the more connected I am to the show. The more engaged I get, the more I come back. The more I come back, the better the ratings and advertising dollars. Engagement is good for Jeopardy.
Anonymous on June 16th, 2004 11:03 am
I am tired of Ken Jennings….as I would be of any contestant who goes this long. I would like for them to just have five time winners. I have told my friends who often watch to let me know when he is gone….then I will watch Jeopardy again.
DON EAGEN on June 22nd, 2004 8:45 am
BY CHANGING THE RULES OF THIS GAME
WAS A BIG MISTAKE. KEN JENNINGS HAS
A PHOTOGRAPHIC MIND AND IS NO DOUBT
AN AVID READER. NO ONE IS THAT
SMART AND IT TAKES AWAY FROM THE GAME.
AFTER 14 DAYS OF WINNING AND KNOW ONE COMING EVEN CLOSE, IT IS NO LONGER INJOYABLE TO WATCH, SO I WILL WATCH SOMETHING ELSE INSTEAD. JUST REMEMBER THE OLD GAME SHOW THE $64,000 QUESTION. ANYONE WITH A PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY AND KNOWS IT IS CHEATING AS HE HAS A HUGH ADVANTAGE OVER THE OTHER CONTESTANTS.
Jack W. on June 25th, 2004 10:23 am
I agree with the naysayers: I am sick of Supernerd Ken Jennings, and it’s exacerbated by his hubris when somebody actually challenges him seriously. The other night some guy actually gave him a run for his money, and Pinhead really started sweating, until he bet the farm on a Daily Double (which no one else but him is allowed to get), which as usual put him so far in the lead that he couldn’t be stopped. I agree with Don and the other No person that the show isn’t fun anymore–BUT, GOOD NEWS! I just discovered that this show was taped back in February and that Supernerd’s streak did finally end, when I don’t know–and I would HATE to miss the episode when he was finally knocked out.
Jack
Vince Darrigo on June 28th, 2004 2:46 pm
What a load of bull!! Anyone who is complaining about Ken running for as long as he is, clearly is just as jealous as I am that I can’t do that myself! The guy who claimed that having a photographic memory is cheating……WHAT?!?! How can you fault the guy for being better than the two morons that he is sitting next to? Is he the ONLY person with a photographic memory, as you say? Why can’t they find someone who beats him? What a joke, this has made it SO MUCH more interesting than a usual episode of jeopardy. As far as that taped in February crap, I don’t buy that either. If so then someone should be able to come out with a date for when Ken loses. Ken will inevitably lose so to claim that he will is a rather spineless prediction.
Ken is making Jeopardy even better and it will take something away if someone knocks him off. They just better not sit two girls next to him very often. Just an easy win!
Vince Darrigo on June 28th, 2004 2:46 pm
What a load of bull!! Anyone who is complaining about Ken running for as long as he is, clearly is just as jealous as I am that I can’t do that myself! The guy who claimed that having a photographic memory is cheating……WHAT?!?! How can you fault the guy for being better than the two morons that he is sitting next to? Is he the ONLY person with a photographic memory, as you say? Why can’t they find someone who beats him? What a joke, this has made it SO MUCH more interesting than a usual episode of jeopardy. As far as that taped in February crap, I don’t buy that either. If so then someone should be able to come out with a date for when Ken loses. Ken will inevitably lose so to claim that he will is a rather spineless prediction.
Ken is making Jeopardy even better and it will take something away if someone knocks him off. They just better not sit two girls next to him very often. Just an easy win!
Paula on June 29th, 2004 3:03 pm
Rock on Ken! So he is now on a 20 day roll and over $600,000. He will eventually be bumped off but it has been a total blast watching him. I wish it was me! He is poised. He is prepared. And he is so darn cute!
Adele on June 29th, 2004 4:59 pm
This show has gotten ridiculous. Give Ken his money and get rid of him! When he is gone I will be happy to return as a viewer.
Adele on June 29th, 2004 5:00 pm
This show has gotten ridiculous. Give Ken his money and get rid of him! When he is gone I will be happy to return as a viewer.
Betsy on June 29th, 2004 7:07 pm
I stopped watching too. I don’t think there is any sport in it anymore. No excitement at all.
mike zalucky on June 29th, 2004 7:39 pm
what bugs me about Jennings.
When he runs a category and the audience applauds ( after being directed by the applause sign) he acutally TAKES A BOW…PULLLEEEEZE….
Randy on June 30th, 2004 3:04 pm
It is true that the episodes with Ken were taped in February. It was in the newspaper when he hit the half million mark, therefore I might assume that he didn’t make it to a million, or they would have waited til then to write an article about him. I don’t really care that much who wins, I just like to see if I can question the answers, although I would like a little time to think before he responds. I just feel smarter when I know the answer and he doesn’t.
Patricia Hicks on July 1st, 2004 4:53 pm
Today’s date is July 1, 2004, and we had watched Jeopardy, again, today to see if Ken still is “trucking on”. I think it’s wonderful that a person with that type of knowledge and memory can respond the way he does. He really should go on the “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” with Regis! Certainly, one day, he’ll slow down. Until then, “RAH, RAH, Ken!!!!!!!
Many years ago so very many may have done the same thing if given the chance. It is a shame, though, that the government will “steal” most of the winnings. For all that read this, keep in mind, that the “mind” is a wonderful “machine” to keep exercised.
Patricia Hicks
Bluejacket, Ok
Pete Granzeau on July 2nd, 2004 7:40 am
Ken Jennings very seldom gets an answer wrong, but what he is best at is ringing in first. The questions haven’t gotten any harder than they ever were, he’s just got better reflexes or synapses or something.
That said, he knows something about nearly everything.
I was amazed that he didn’t know the largest US Protestant deonomination, however!
Dan T on July 2nd, 2004 4:47 pm
To say that Ken’s “photographic memory” (if that’s what he has) is cheating, is just rediculous. He just knows a heck of a lot of information, which is what makes a Jeopardy champion. Get over your jealousy and enjoy the show. I never used to watch the show but now I watch it every day just to see how well Ken kicks his competition’s butts. And he seems like a really nice guy. He doesn’t get all cocky with his winnings like I’ve seen others do in the past. It’s also amusing seeing how Alex interacts with him (introductions, trying to persuade him to wager more on daily doubles, etc). I’ll continue to watch it because I find it more entertaining to watch than to see a new champion every day. Speaking of champions, is a one day champion really a CHAMPION? Not in my eyes, they may have just gotten lucky in that episode. But Ken Jennings is a true champion, having beaten close to 50 people so far as of July 2nd. Keep up the good work, Ken!
Carmen on July 12th, 2004 9:47 am
Man, people are really harsh here. Ken Jennings is OBVIOUSLY a person who has done his research, he probably continues to do so while competing. If I knew all of the useless knowledge that he seems to know, I wouldn’t think twice about trying out for Jeopardy. I watch day after day and cheer him on. What’s wrong with a guy clearing the board day after day and making lots of money? I hope he goes well over a million. People who don’t want him to win anymore are obviously jealous and just wish they could do the same. Back off all of you Ken Bashers! Can’t you just be happy for a guy? You know you wouldn’t feel the same if Ken was a member of your family, You’d be happy and secretly hoping to share in his newfound wealth…. so sheesh, stop watching if you must, but, know that you will miss out on an important part of history, as I am sure that this will never happen again!!!!
Go Ken Go!!
terry on July 12th, 2004 7:49 pm
The guy is only human.
One day he will have an off day and will be dethoned…those who are hating on him because he wins so much just get over yourselves, OK?
I’d rather watch Ken win all the time then 5 minutes of family fued!
leslie on July 12th, 2004 8:35 pm
Ken is a pretty darn smart cookie, and wish I could do as well as he, if I were a contestant. On the flip side of this though, I agree, that Jeopardy should go back to the one week winner rule, or even make it two. I’ve become very bored watching little ole’, smug, Ken, win every night. Not to sound paranoid, but maybe Jeopardy is picking really sub-standard competition for Ken, just to boost the shows’ ratings! Hey, publicity IS publicity. Whether you keep watching to see Ken win, or are like me and others, who can hardly wait to see him finally bomb, Jeopardy wins in the ratings game! Something to think about. Hey Ken, be smart with your recent windfall, but, as they say, don’t spend it all in one place!
Earl on July 14th, 2004 10:24 am
Ken has made Jeopardy one of the most exciting shows on television. I hope he wins $ 5,000,000 or more. Since they tape a 3 and 2 — three shows and then a dinner break — followed by two more shows, only the production staff knows just how many times he has won. He “might” still be there!
Anonymous on July 14th, 2004 12:21 pm
I would like to say a couple of things
1. I’m noticing WAY too many spelling mistakes among all these “Jennings haters”.
2. Deal with it. The guy is a genius. Don’t go and whine because your’e jealous.
3. I hope he keeps going(he’s 29 day-champ, going on 30)
4. I had a photographic memory up until 6th grade when I somehow grew out of it. It’s not cheating. Just shut up and deal with it!
Anonymous on July 15th, 2004 3:39 pm
With Jennings’ knowledge of so much, he sould’ve gone on ‘Millionaire” and won 1million easily. Instead, it has taken him over 5000 questions answered correctly.
Jeopardy has a certain prestige that goes along with winning. Yes, I watch every day when I didn’t. Yes, I guess I’m secretly watching to see who will beat him. But everyday, I just shake my head in amazement of his wit, knowledge and humility!
GO KEN!
lisa on July 15th, 2004 10:02 pm
Go Ken, Go. Go Ken, Go. Go Ken, Go. AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!! Hopefully, now that Jeopardy has changed the time limit for winners to remain on the show indefinitely, there won’t be a Tournament of Champions anymore, either. I know of too many people who can’t stomach the thought of looking at Kens weasley face anymore! Stop the madness! Please!!!!!!!!!!
Norm on July 15th, 2004 10:07 pm
I agree with Leslie and Lisa. Go away Ken and don’t cha come back no more, no more, no more, no more. It’s become a chore to see the same person on after all these days, months and years. Oh, that’s right. It hasn’t been years, yet, it only seems like it.
Leslie on July 15th, 2004 10:11 pm
By the way, “said July 14th”, you said you had a “couple” of things to say. Not four. Good thing you can spell, because you obviously cannot count.
me on August 30th, 2004 6:40 pm
kenjen is super hot!!!!!!!
Liz B. - NY on September 6th, 2004 8:23 pm
If you are tired of seeing Ken Jennings win…watch something else. I think it is great and hope he wins a lot more! I wonder if your views would be different if you were in Ken’s shoes?? Jealously is an ugly thing! Be happy for the man!
Fred B Anderson on September 10th, 2004 5:09 pm
Jeopardy used to be my favorite game
show until you started this never-ending thing with this walking dictonary Ken. I don’t bother watching
any more, its boring, the other people
on the show winds up looking like
idiots. I used to tape the show when
I was going to be away when it aired
but no more… Fred
Thad on September 14th, 2004 6:13 pm
something’s fishy about all this…jeopardy changes its policy, and wham, a serial winner. if they go back to their old policy of 5 games, someone will sue. jeopardy may be a victim of its own success. ken is brilliant, or else knows how to crack the jeopardy database.
Patricia Hicks on September 21st, 2004 6:09 pm
I’m proud to be able to watch someone on any game show like Ken Jennings. It has been quite a while since another has won. We have noticed that Ken was no longer on Jeopardy yesterday, Sept. 20, Monday. He must have lost last Friday. I wonder if he finally lost a game or what happened. If anyone knows, please post so I’ll know. Thankyou.
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