« What is Google Video for Anyway? | Home | The Horrors of Distribution »
(they have the plans, but we have the power)
By Lerone D. Wilson | September 26, 2006
I’ve yammered on about the following scenario many times, in many contexts, in this very blog. In it’s last incarnation I was angry that Google Video first promised new opportunities for independent filmmakers only to ultimately sell out to big entertainment. However it now occurs to me that perhaps this isn’t a phenomenon unique only to Google… or Video even. Perhaps this is the fate of the internet altogether.
Take the iPod for example. In the beginning the iPod, iTunes, and the iTunes Music store were heralded as a way to crush the record label’s grip on the music industry. Offering fair pricing to all, and ridding consumers of the need for homespun file-sharing networks, it seemed like a win-win situation for all involved. But in the end have things really changed? Is there some sort of newly found independent recording revolution underway as a result of Apples intervention into the way music is sold? If so, I haven’t witnessed it. Rather, I simply see the Apple Computer Incorporation as a new middle man.
The barriers to entry in the music business are still the same. To have your music sold on iTunes you still have to go through record labels. Only now two different hands get to dip into the $1 per song pot before the artist sees a share of the profits. Furthermore, you can rest assured that Apple will make no effort to promote your music through the iTunes music store unless you’re signed to a major label and/or your music is pulling in serious money. So in the end independent musicians are left with the same line as independent filmmakers. “We’ll be happy to take your money… but bring your own crowd”.
Of more concern to me is the current big business interest in social networking. One of the few promises of the internet that actually panned out, was the ability to mobilize entire internet communities at a grassroots level. People from all over the world with similar interests could communicate with one another with a level of simplicity never before seen. This was perhaps most evident during the 2004 presidential primary, when Howard Dean was able to raise an amount of money from the internet that was unforeseen by anyone. The entire world took notice…unfortunately.
I say this because whenever certain people take notice (mainly big business) the consumer always seems to end up with the short end of the stick. Big business has seemingly realized for the first time since the .com boom, that large sums of money can be made through the internet. So I warn you now, run! Hide! Batten down the hatches, for the movement that is coming is going to be dirty, and it’s going to hurt.
It will start with promises. Promises that these companies will serve small consumers, and independent groups far better than before. We have seen this already with video. Not only Google Video, which I have spoken of far too often, but with Apple’s new foray into movies which has caused Amazon, Microsoft, and others to respond accordingly. However it doesn’t stop there. They don’t stop there.
Note the recent moves by big business into social networking - the very core of free speech on the internet. With sites such as MySpace and Facebook selling out to the highest bidder there is much trouble ahead, and not even our Federal Government can help us . The airwaves theoretically belong to the people of the United States, yet our government has no problem turning a blind eye as corporations buy all of the stations. Why would they not do the same for the internet? And once these companies own our means of communication what will stop them from beginning to censor it?
So I beg of you; run! Hide! Go now! This is it, this is the end. Find yourself a bunker and seal yourself in!
…unfortunately when you come out, the situation will be all too familiar. Internet media will be owned by the same people who own print and television media. Perhaps there will be new faces, but the agenda the same.
And free speech… will be a thing of the past.
Topics: Internet/Computing, Media/Politics |
Comments are closed.