How It's Made: Dragnet Style Blog

Everyone Nods regular KennyP asked me how I make a post.

I don't want to reveal all of my secrets, but it's kind of a lot of trouble!

First, I had to evaluate how big this thing would be. I did a test episode's worth of screen captures and decided it was possible. Essentially, a feasibility study.

Next, I had to actually binge-watch all four seasons of Dragnet and collect a full set of screen captures from every episode. This is when I began the companion "book of the blog" paper journal.

Second phase: decide how to handle roughly 200 or so captures x 100 episodes.

Continuing, the rest of the work is batched out. The work consists of going through each folder of captures episode by episode deleting all of the bad captures. I make notes in my book of the blog as I watch.

I batch out the work of generating posts on the site, maintaining old posts, and trying to look after the twitter feed. Spam also happens. Do we loathe it.

For any one episode entry, I have watched/streamed the episode at least three times by the time I begin to upload 60-120 (or so) photos to blogger. I may stream it a few more times as I build the post, adding quotes, whichever.

Sometimes I make an animated .gif or a composite. Whatever I'm feeling. By this time, I have "sat" with the images for so long that I get a little chatty when I finally make the post on the Friday/Saturday before it's due.  Sometimes I feel like my mood comes out, or my attitude comes out in my writing the blog. I like to think of it as a little present for the internet to have.

Before anyone flames me for having such a gigantic timesuck of a hobby, don't worry, I don't have children. And we are already well on our way through season three. Season four will be done when it gets cold again. The book of the blog was more helpful when they gave us real locations and addresses.

I took all of the original snaps from S1e1 and the Pilot (coming soon) on an iPad 2, but if I redo an episode it will come from an iPad 3. Technology!

Thank you KennyP for your curiosity.

All on board for the big win-win,
Suzy Dragnet

Let's have a conversation about Dragnet.

Hi you guys.

Why is it that Dragnet appeals to you?

What is your relationship with the show like?

How did you find out about it?

Which character do you love best?

Is there one that you feel like you identify with - "good guy/gal" or "bad guy/gal"

Any favorite villains or moments that just make you laugh?

How does the phrase, "The Fuzz Industrial" make you feel?
     (Thanks, CVH!)

Anything, really. Talk about the show with us.

And we still have about a year to go.

Talk soon & thanks,
Suzy Dragnet

A note on my HOLD THE PHONE "joke:"

"For how timely it is, this phrase might as well be, "Get that carrier pigeon BACK HERE" or "Grab that semaphore guy's arms and hold on for dear life." As one of my chatters pointed out, "Don't tweet that!" would be a good equivalent, if only it were a thought that anyone ever had. But it, alas, isn't. "Turn off the Internet" might be a good modern equivalent."

-Alexandra Petri 

Meet Suzy Dragnet: Exclusive interview!

Hello. I'm Suzy Dragnet, your resident Dragnet enthusiast and hostess.

I love the color run of Dragnet entirely without irony. 

HOLD THE PHONE

Jack: Hi, Suzy. I like what you've done with the blog.

Suzy: Thanks, it's been a joy. So nice to be pretend-interviewed by you on the blog today.

JW: What did you study at college? 

SD: I studied architecture, of course.

JW: (Chuckles.) And your favorite architect of all time?

SD: Alvar Aalto, 100%.

JW: Would you know off-hand the color that the human eye can see the most variation in?

SD: Yes, I would. The color green. Human eyes can discern more shades and tints of green than other colors on the spectrum. It's the most maddening color, but it is still my favorite.

JW: You really are a college girl. Now that you are graduated, what is your hobby?

SD: Crochet.

JW: What's next for you? What can we expect?

SD: Anything, really. Who wants coffee?

JW: Any other show you fancy?

SD: Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.

JW: Lastly, what inspires you?

SD: Jenny Holzer, Stefan Sagmeister, Olek, pinball, and bowling.