Artists, ownership, etc.

First of all, let me say right off the bat, if you saw the title and thought that this would be a post about downloaded music, the RIAA, etc, I'm sorry to tell you that it is not. Basically, this post came about when a well-known vlogger on YouTube named Paperlilies posted on her blog about how she feels that her audience expects her to act a certain way, and she feels obligated to do so. She is what is known as a "YouTube Partner," which means that YouTube pays her money for her videos. I have no idea how one becomes a partner, just that your videos have to be well-known, and have a certain quality that most (including my own) lack. Most of the following is adapted from a response I made to Paperlilies' post.

It's been my experience that when something or someone is "big," the people who are entertained end up feeling a sense of "ownership." Basically, the audience comes to expect certain things from their entertainment, and when the entertainer deviates from those established norms, the audience feels betrayed.

Eventually, the phenomenon outgrows the original entertainer, and becomes "bigger" than him or her. For example, I am a geek. Therefore, as a geek, I am a fan of a little show called Star Trek. If you look at the history of Star Trek, it began as an innocent, campy, but entertaining program that aired for three years in the 1960s. However, Star Trek soon became a huge phenomenon. Now, people whine and complain that it's not like it used to be and that it's not what they expect anymore. In fact, a new movie is slated to be released for Christmas 2008 in which the original characters are being re-cast, the ship is being re-designed, and classic characters such as Kirk and Spock will again be on the big screen, albeit Shatner-less. Everywhere I look are Trekkies screaming that "you can't do this!" or "you're raping my childhood!" Seriously? "Raping" your childhood? To these fans, I must ask: How many James Bonds have there been? Or Batmans... men... whatever? I'm sorry, but there is fandom, and then there is fanaticism. This brings me to my original point: the audience does not "own" the entertainment. People such as this should realize that there are other people in the audience, and the world cannot simply mold itself to their own vision. If one sees something that doesn't follow their vision 100%, whining and complaining about it will not help. If you don't like the product, don't consume it!

Audiences have to learn that they do not "own" the entertainment; they have no special control over what an artist does or says in crafting his or her particular art. As much as I love watching Paperlilies, or Star Trek, I know that it is entertainment. It is up to the entertainer to do as he or she sees fit, and if people don't like it, then they shouldn't watch just to bitch and moan. Again, if the product does not line up with what the consumer wants, they should not watch it.

In any case, I apologize for the rant. Also, sorry if it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. This was basically an off-the-cuff reaction to Bryony's (Paperlilies) post, and the vitriol I've seen on the 'net with regards to J.J. Abrams' new Star Trek movie. Oh, and I'm hoping to include links to Paperlilies' Blog and YouTube Channel over on the left hand side. Also, I'll stick up a link to my YouTube Channel... but don't watch it. Seriously, it sucks.

G'night all!