Free X Factor Votes discussion

Former_MSE_Natasha

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Free X Factor Votes

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robot1000

I don't see why ITV wouldn't be happy with it. At the end of the day, they getting more revenue as those who wouldn't pay to vote now have a way.

jamespir

im gonna give it ago it really annoys me when every comp/voteing line starts 090 rip off

Snakeeyes21

It should be free anyway. Why would anybody waste money voting for a bunch of mentally challenged halfwits who humiliate themselves to get 2 minutes of fame.
its such a shame this is seen as entertainment.
its like when people used to go and watch circus freak shows

Ypaymore

03 numbers are not local rate calls. They are charged the same as 01/02 numbers when their not inclusive.

Landline/Mobile suppliers dont give you free minutes their inclusive because you have to pay for the bundle/rental to get them

robbies_gal

in america all voting lines for american idol are free-i dont see why we should be charged at all

colin_tomlinson

In America, they don't keep changing the numbers like they do here. Remember our 0898 numbers? Anyone who can is likely to associate them with the likes of "Sexy Suzie" type services. in the US, their equivalent, 1-900 numbers, still have that stigma and people simply don't like to call them.

We're not called "rip-off Britain" for nothing!

I became so disillusioned (or wise) to television that I simply got rid of it. In the days of New Faces etc, there was a finalist each week and then a series final with the winner from each week.

I don't have so much of an issue with the celebrity shows (like Dancing on Ice and Strictly Come Dancing) since it's their industry. But the likes of X-factor have these kids WORKING FOR NOTHING week after week in the hope of achieving their dreams. Meanwhile, of course, anyone else working on the show is paid well, particularly those in front of the camera.

Why anyone would want to sit and listen to those who can't sing is beyond me. Likewise, how is it entertaining to constantly teasing those who can with fame? And regardless, where are the "stars" from earlier series?

Still, rant over, it somehow draws the audiences. If it's your thing, these 03 alternatives are a great idea. [03 numbers are charged the same as any 01 or 02 number, including your local area.] You're already been fed LOADS of advertising whilst watching the show, so a further 15 seconds isn't going to add significantly.

Of course, like many of these shows, often there are more lines available for those the programme makers think should win. So, although the votes are counted fairly these days, there's more chance of getting through for the one they think should win. When Will Young and Gareth Gates were in the final together, Will had 3x as many lines as Gareth, so many of Gareth's voters didn't get through, where Will's did.

In short, it's all one massive rip-off.

bunking_off

I tried to comment on this yesterday evening, but for some reason wasn't allowed access.

Anyway, it seems a reasonable deal, but be a little careful. For 09 voting numbers, the networks apply something known as "call gapping". In brief, at various levels in the network, they only allow 1 call in N through, to protect the network from overloading. So if you hit busy tone, it could be that your call made it through the network and the platform counting votes was busy, or it could be that your call was actually blocked at your local exchange. Either way, you're not charged because the call didn't complete.

Now, with this service you'll be calling an 03 number, listening to a 15 second advert, then it will attempt to onward connect you to the 09 service. The thing is, I'd lay money that there'll be no call gapping applied on the 03 number itself (as not that many people will use it, comparatively). So you'll get through and listen to the advert. The service will then try to onward connect you, and whoever hosts the X-Factor numbers (BT I think) will be call gapping on entry to their network. This means that you could listen to the announcement, then get busy tone for the onward connection. So the Free2Call are happy because they've had their advertising, but you don't get your vote.

Perhaps I'm wrong on this as there's not really enough detail given on how it operates. Time will tell.

flowerygirl

colin_tomlinson wrote: »

Of course, like many of these shows, often there are more lines available for those the programme makers think should win. So, although the votes are counted fairly these days, there's more chance of getting through for the one they think should win. When Will Young and Gareth Gates were in the final together, Will had 3x as many lines as Gareth, so many of Gareth's voters didn't get through, where Will's did.

In short, it's all one massive rip-off.

The lines are shared between ALL contestants. The lines are not divided up between the contestants, there are a total number of lines, and it doesn't matter who you are voting for - the total number of lines is shared over ALL contestants. Take a look at the BT site which will explain televoting.
Also, where are you getting your information from as it's not accurate.

robt_2

colin_tomlinson wrote: »

Of course, like many of these shows, often there are more lines available for those the programme makers think should win. So, although the votes are counted fairly these days, there's more chance of getting through for the one they think should win. When Will Young and Gareth Gates were in the final together, Will had 3x as many lines as Gareth, so many of Gareth's voters didn't get through, where Will's did.

In short, it's all one massive rip-off.

Utter rubbish. That is not how it works. You can read independent investigations which will show you otherwise. The number of lines are shared between ALL contestants.

Fenella

If phone calls to vote are cheap or free will this not tempt contestant's families and friends all doing multiple votes?