Charlatan

I may be reading your intention incorrectly but I find that whenever this subject comes up it largely stems from those who take a generally negative view of popular culture. As I said above, I may not like Velvet Elvis but someone does or they wouldn't be available on every suburban street corner. I also think the opposite is true. If I don't get or like James Joyce there's always something else to amuse me.

Too often I hear those who look at pop culture and say, "that's rubbish". The implication being, "it shouldn't be there because it isn't good enough." To that I always say, "who are you to tell me what I should or shouldn't like?"

As far as the commercialization of content that isn't good quality taking work away from those who "have talent". I agree with Filtherton. The increase of distribution and the lower entry level for content creation thanks to the Internet and the digitalization of the means of production are good things that have made it easier for everyone to share their content.

The thing that always pisses off those who "know what's good" is that the masses don't always appreciate what's on offer. They don't like it or they don't get it.

This was true before the Internet and it is just as true today. It's never been easy for artists to get paid for their work. And now it's even harder because anyone with a camera can take a photo for their publications (or whatever you might be getting paid to create).

This isn't going change. Instead, artists will need to find different business models (easier said than done).

For me, it comes down to this. The democratization of content creation and distribution is a good thing. The more people who are involved in the process the better. Getting paid is going to be difficult as is getting noticed.

This not new.

__________________
"My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars."
- Old Man Luedecke