Early television experimented with formats. In the beginning, only one camera was used. Later on two, and finally three became the standard. If you look at early episodes of I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners and
Burns and Allen, you’ll see how much could be done with simple camera
setups. Perhaps Web designers, who think that using only the latest
plug-ins is effective, might learn a little from those old techniques.
Lucy, Ralph and George (Lucille Ball, Jackie Gleason, and George
Burns, respectively) also might serve as models for what they said.
They all used comedy. Perhaps more Web sites should include some humor
today. Another aspect of their comedy was that they didn’t use, or
apparently need, profanity. Good clean fun was what they were able to
achieve.
The story lines on each show were also simple. There were usually only
the regulars who appeared…only four per show. They kept the story
short (half-hour segments) and simple. Folks could understand the
plot, and it would be over within the attention span of most viewers.
Another good point for Web creators…simple and short makes sense.
Another aspect of the old time television shows was that they were in
black and white. As photographers like Ansel Adams would prove, black
and white works. Colors often divert attention away from the content
that you are trying to achieve on the Web. Dazzling sites may only be
remembered for the glitz, not the message.
When creating a Web site it may be a good idea to remember these
communications pioneers. Their programs are still being viewed.
Although it may appear that I’m a bit old fashioned in my taste (which
I usually am), it’s also good to remember that some old-fashioned
concepts are equally valid today. Learning from the past can save a
lot of time, effort and even money.
