Rob Owen, reporting for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, recently wrote a very interesting article on the use of spoilers in reviews. He was specifically referring to a television series (Twin Peaks), but his comments are applicable to movies, books, and other forms of entertainment that are routinely reviewed.
We raise the question: Is there a statute of limitations on the use of spoilers in a review?
Consider the classic crime mystery Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie. The book has been reprinted endlessly and has been made into several movies (both theatrical and for television). The plot twists are known to tens, maybe hundreds, of millions of people. But if a new edition comes out, or an existing movie adaption is included in a collection of DVDs, is it permissible to discuss the "whodunit" or "howdunit" aspect of the story? Does a certain amount of time have to pass before it is acceptable to reveal spoilers, or should they never be mentioned?
Read Owen's article here, and let us know what you think about spoilers.
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Friday, May 04, 2007
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