I'm totally against going back to the old 1 semi system except under extreme circumstances. I've said it before, if that system had been in place this year we would have had Macedonia in the final. That shows what a terrible idea it is for me.
I'm totally against going back to the old 1 semi system except under extreme circumstances. I've said it before, if that system had been in place this year we would have had Macedonia in the final. That shows what a terrible idea it is for me.
The final in 2014 would be big 5 plus Denmark, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Norway, Russia, Greece, Malta, Netherlands, Hungary and Moldova (Belgium missing out on tie break) and 10 qualifiers from a 23 song semifinal. Probably Romania, Bosnia, Sweden, Belarus, Armenia, Georgia, Lithuania, Macedonia(in 10th), Albania and probably Montenegro qualifying.
Serbia: I wasn't expecting this at all. They're one of the most enthusiastic ESC nations and it gets huge ratings in Serbia when they qualify for the final. Hopefully it'll just be a one year strop.
Bulgaria: Not too surprised by this. I do think the decision to withdraw is more to do with the ego's of the TV execs at BNT regarding constant failure to qualify rather than the cost.
I do think it's quite annoying how the big/rich broadcasters happily pay quite sizable fees to take part in comparison to the poorer broadcasters, yet these poorer broadcasters still complain about the cost. There's no such thing as a free lunch.
If we have 2 16s in the semis, they should go down to 8 qualifying. 10 out of 16 would look more like DSFE . I quite like thms's idea, but I don't think it could work practically, how could you stop the Friday songs having a huge advantage over the Saturday songs through more time. OTOH, the Saturday songs may benefit by having more people voting than on Friday. If there is a way to make that format fair, it might just work.
Edit: Never realised we'd hit 37! I guess we'd been spoiled by the 40+ days of 08-12 . 37 (maybe 38) is a very good number
If we have 2 16s in the semis, they should go down to 8 qualifying. 10 out of 16 would look more like DSFE . I quite like thms's idea, but I don't think it could work practically, how could you stop the Friday songs having a huge advantage over the Saturday songs through more time. OTOH, the Saturday songs may benefit by having more people voting than on Friday. If there is a way to make that format fair, it might just work.
Edit: Never realised we'd hit 37! I guess we'd been spoiled by the 40+ days of 08-12 . 37 (maybe 38) is a very good number
Going down to 9 would be better if we get to the 35ish range as going to 8 makes it statistically harder which I would be against.
My first choice Fantasy entry was already taken even though I entered within the first 24 hours! What are the chances with the infinite number of songs to choose from!! I also think it was a certain qualifier which has been tough going for me this year. I think I even know who sent it, someone with an ice cream number in their title!
As for the ESC countries, Serbia is a huge loss, alongside France and Italy, my favourite nation in ESC always sending something artistic. If they had sent Dusan Svilar this year they would have had another top ten result. Let's hope Kosovo have joined the contest although we know who their 12 will be going to immediately without even hearing the songs!
My first choice Fantasy entry was already taken even though I entered within the first 24 hours! What are the chances with the infinite number of songs to choose from!! I also think it was a certain qualifier which has been tough going for me this year. I think I even know who sent it, someone with an ice cream number in their title!
As for the ESC countries, Serbia is a huge loss, alongside France and Italy, my favourite nation in ESC always sending something artistic. If they had sent Dusan Svilar this year they would have had another top ten result. Let's hope Kosovo have joined the contest although we know who their 12 will be going to immediately without even hearing the songs!
That's a good point about Kosovio, if the EBU are getting serious about them joining, then Serbia would get a bit angry, we all know how touchy things get down there. If we see Serbia leaving EBU, that would make it pretty clear. When is the final announcement of all countries?
My first choice Fantasy entry was already taken even though I entered within the first 24 hours! What are the chances with the infinite number of songs to choose from!! I also think it was a certain qualifier which has been tough going for me this year. I think I even know who sent it, someone with an ice cream number in their title!
Moi? I submitted later this week so it won't be mine. Intrigued to find out what it is now though! I could do with a sure-fire qualifier myself this week - only one through so far.
Any one know whats going on now, someone on ESC United have said the deadlines been extended till january now, must be in overdrive trying to change minds.
Any one know whats going on now, someone on ESC United have said the deadlines been extended till january now, must be in overdrive trying to change minds.
But surely the only way the EBU will be able to change the minds of the withdrawn countries will be to lower their participation fees and risk everyone else kicking off?
Tell you what, Svante Stockselius didn't half pick a good time to step down as Executive Supervisor and let Sand deal with all this instead.
Moi? I submitted later this week so it won't be mine. Intrigued to find out what it is now though! I could do with a sure-fire qualifier myself this week - only one through so far.
All will become very apparent! Really annoyed to be missing out on what I think is surefire top 5 in Fantasy 8 next week!
Any one know whats going on now, someone on ESC United have said the deadlines been extended till january now, must be in overdrive trying to change minds.
Glad to hear it has been extended, a chance to get all the countries back in the fold again. Serbia reconsider!
Comments
The final in 2014 would be big 5 plus Denmark, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Norway, Russia, Greece, Malta, Netherlands, Hungary and Moldova (Belgium missing out on tie break) and 10 qualifiers from a 23 song semifinal. Probably Romania, Bosnia, Sweden, Belarus, Armenia, Georgia, Lithuania, Macedonia(in 10th), Albania and probably Montenegro qualifying.
Bulgaria: Not too surprised by this. I do think the decision to withdraw is more to do with the ego's of the TV execs at BNT regarding constant failure to qualify rather than the cost.
I do think it's quite annoying how the big/rich broadcasters happily pay quite sizable fees to take part in comparison to the poorer broadcasters, yet these poorer broadcasters still complain about the cost. There's no such thing as a free lunch.
Edit: Never realised we'd hit 37! I guess we'd been spoiled by the 40+ days of 08-12
Going down to 9 would be better if we get to the 35ish range as going to 8 makes it statistically harder which I would be against.
I think there will be a lot of returns for the 60th show anyway
Am super happy that 3 for All got through for Switzerland, the others are a bit meh for me
Bulgaria is no loss (unless Poli Genova got the ticket every year) but Serbia will be greatly missed, I kinda loved all their entries
The comments below the article are priceless.
Sorry at both withdrawals. I just don't like to see anyone do a runner. I'd say we won't see Bulgaria again anytime soon.
Good to see Moldova confirming. Wonder if Pasha will have any part in their entry again?
It's like the same people every time copy and pasting the same old rubbish.
My particular favourite is this one...
That's right! Because that's what the license fee was initially set up for, doh!
Also, is it possible Serbia have withdrawn because Kosovo have been let in? They can't be poorer than Moldova surely.
What?!?! Kosovo are in the Contest? Is that official?
No lol, it's a suspicion
As for the ESC countries, Serbia is a huge loss, alongside France and Italy, my favourite nation in ESC always sending something artistic. If they had sent Dusan Svilar this year they would have had another top ten result. Let's hope Kosovo have joined the contest although we know who their 12 will be going to immediately without even hearing the songs!
Greece?
Albania?
Moi? I submitted later this week so it won't be mine. Intrigued to find out what it is now though! I could do with a sure-fire qualifier myself this week - only one through so far.
But surely the only way the EBU will be able to change the minds of the withdrawn countries will be to lower their participation fees and risk everyone else kicking off?
Tell you what, Svante Stockselius didn't half pick a good time to step down as Executive Supervisor and let Sand deal with all this instead.
All will become very apparent! Really annoyed to be missing out on what I think is surefire top 5 in Fantasy 8 next week!
Glad to hear it has been extended, a chance to get all the countries back in the fold again. Serbia reconsider!