Antiques Roadshow Update

When something works, stay with it. This is the secret to the popular PBS program (and accompanying web site) Antiques Roadshow. With almost 14 million weekly viewers, the Roadshow’s honed formula delivers predictably satisfying entertainment. The 2000 season presents the audience with a steady stream of mini-dramas captured from taped shows from Boston to Sacramento.

As explained in an earlier column (December ‘98), host Chris Jussel and a small cadre (60 to 70) of appraisers covering 20 different item categories deliver knowledgeable analysis of rare collectable heirlooms to sentimental knock-offs and everything in between. The format of the show has changed little since first airing less than five years ago. Similarly, the web site compliments the show by providing concentrated, rich information unencumbered with eye-candy graphics, flash presentations, sound files, and banner ads. Essentially, the Antiques Roadshow web site delivers high quality content with minimum distraction.

New Additions

While keeping popular areas on the site such as “Appraise it Yourself,” the “2000 Tour,” and “About the TV Series,” “Antiques Speak” has been added. Essentially this is a glossary of terms in which explanations offer insight and understanding. For example, technically, an antique (derived from the word antiquity) refers to an object defined by the Customs Office as being 100 years old or more. This means the program should really be called the “Antiques and Collectibles Roadshow.” Nevertheless, using the movable yardstick of 100 years means each year many objects reach antique status. Several other terms that may not be known to amateur antiquers: albumen, cartouche, foxing, inscribed vs signed edition, patina, and original print. Undoubtedly additional terms will be inserted to the growing list.

The search engine has been moved from the mail area to main navigation but the matches remain crude. The search function continues to need refinement and will become more important as the site grows. Currently, this is one of the few shortcomings of the site.

FAQ

One area containing outstanding content is “Frequently Asked Questions.” Much of the information pertains to obtaining tickets to events (free via Ticketmaster) and details on directions, arrival time, accommodations for elderly/handicapped participants, and appraisals. For anyone planning to attend a show, the FAQ area addresses the important issues. A must read. In addition, the mystery of how large pieces of furniture magically appear on the broadcast is unveiled. It turns out photographs must be submitted for prior appraisal approval. If selected, the Antiques Roadshow provides bonded carrier transport to and from the show.

The Antiques Roadshow web site provides a solid example of how the World Wide Web complements a television show. When PBS states, “Visit our web site for additional information,” they back up the promise with high quality content. In the future, we should expect even greater interaction as the media converges. In all likelihood, we should one day see videocam transmission from home collectors obtaining real-time appraisals from Antique Roadshow experts. The growing popularity of antiques, collectibles, and eBay fleamarket-esque activity all point in that direction.

AntiquesandTheArts.com

For 25 years, The Newtown Bee has published Antiques and The Arts Weekly. With the primary focus on the antiques industry, both hardcopy and cyber versions have found a worldwide audience. Recently, the web site launched an initiative bringing hundreds of offline auction houses online at the same time. Of particular interest may be the calendar of events, dynamically generated from the online database, providing detailed information about auctions and antiques shows around the nation. With updated reports on trade news, important people to the antiques industry, and much more, serious antiquers (amateurs and professionals) will find a lot to like about this site. Stop in for a visit.

Antiques And The Web

The Internet has had a profound impact on antiquing and collecting. With the vast amount of information now available online, the casual collector has the opportunity to carefully investigate (and compare to similar offerings) of almost any piece under consideration for purchase. Highly informed buyers make higher quality decisions, thereby reducing the risk of purchasing items at exaggerated prices. The Internet will not eliminate caveat emptor, but it can provide compelling evidence in times of negotiation.

URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) of interest:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/roadshow/

http://antiquesandthearts.com/

(This is the 208th of a series of elementary articles designed for surfing the Internet. Next, “Death of Boo” is the subject on tap. Stay Tuned. Until next week, happy travels through cyberspace. Previous issues of Internet Info for Real People can be found: http://www.thebee.com. Please e-mail comments and suggestions: rbrand@JUNO.com or editor@thebee.com.)