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Text messages as part of drama plots

(42 Posts)
Cambsnan Thu 09-Jan-25 06:35:35

Does anyone else find them hard to read? My television is a reasonable size but often the plot requires you to read a text message on a characters phone and it is too small and not on screen long enough. Is it just me?

Calendargirl Thu 09-Jan-25 06:46:29

No, I can’t read them either, I watch on quite a small screen though, so not sure if it would be easier on a large one.

Oopsadaisy1 Thu 09-Jan-25 06:58:22

No it isn’t easier on a large screen!
We (I) have to pause it then walk over to the Telly to read the texts! Some times when the subtitles are on they will display the text message, but not always.

Greyduster Thu 09-Jan-25 07:04:45

Ah, Oops, I’m glad it’s not just me that has to do that!

ferry23 Thu 09-Jan-25 07:11:59

and me!

Cambsnan Thu 09-Jan-25 09:51:35

Thank you all. Glad it’s not just me and it is becoming more frequent. Driving me mad in Missing You.

Farzanah Thu 09-Jan-25 09:57:37

It’s a damn nuisance.

Elegran Thu 09-Jan-25 10:04:51

It does get annoying that what may be an important bit of the plot is unreadable. They should have the character read the message out loud to themselves - though most of us probably don't read our messages out loud in real life. Perhaps having the character who sent the text message read it out would be better, as we would then know who it is from as well as what it says.

TerriBull Thu 09-Jan-25 10:05:52

Yes! Annoying it's the age we live in phones have become integral to the plot, it's ridiculous how is the viewer expected to read these texts confused

Charleygirl5 Thu 09-Jan-25 10:11:38

I am partially sighted, so I have no chance. I can cope at present with subtitles. Not everybody has a 20/20 vision.

Kate1949 Thu 09-Jan-25 10:18:08

We have to pause the screen and one of us has to go right up to the TV to read them.

silverlining48 Thu 09-Jan-25 11:55:42

We have a 43 inch tv but I can’t read these text messages either, usually just ignore and hope it will be explained later on in the story.
Always use subtitles…hearing isn’t great.

Homestead62 Thu 09-Jan-25 11:58:33

I pause the telly to read them.

Stillcrazy Thu 09-Jan-25 12:23:02

I can’t read them either hmm

honeyrose Thu 09-Jan-25 12:24:01

I find it difficult too - especially when a string of texts is shown. It’s getting more frequent and is a blooming nuisance.

Liz08 Thu 09-Jan-25 12:45:07

I agree - we also pause then go and squint at the screen.
Lets hope the TV companies employ some Gransnetters who will pass on this post grin

Snowbell Thu 09-Jan-25 12:45:41

Totally agree! Perhaps we should all write to Points of View when it's on.

Juicylucy Thu 09-Jan-25 12:47:35

I rewind for 5 seconds then pause to read it.

Sueki44 Thu 09-Jan-25 12:51:47

It’s impossible to read them! Especially when it’s white writing on a pale blue background.

janestheone Thu 09-Jan-25 12:52:48

but you have subtitles on, no?

GrauntyHelen Thu 09-Jan-25 12:58:26

Does my head in Stopped watching Missing You for this very reason

joyoga Thu 09-Jan-25 13:08:20

Glad we are not alone, it is unfuriating, especiallly when it is important to the plot. Also subtitles on a light background, what is the point? Presume editiors do not check their work before releasing?

essjay Thu 09-Jan-25 13:18:21

dramas used to manage before the world got texting mad, its as bad as actors mumbling or too loud background music

LovesBach Thu 09-Jan-25 13:24:17

Oopsadaisy1

No it isn’t easier on a large screen!
We (I) have to pause it then walk over to the Telly to read the texts! Some times when the subtitles are on they will display the text message, but not always.

That's exactly the situation when we are viewing - it would be better to have the text displayed at the bottom of the screen, as is done with translations when a character is speaking in another language. However, leaping up and down is good for the cardiovascular system it seems - perhaps it is designned to keep the nation's telly watchers healthier.

Shelflife Thu 09-Jan-25 13:42:55

It is infuriating!!!????