Open Letter From OK Go:

“With or without this embedding problem, we’ll never get 50 zillion views on a YouTube video again. That moment – the dawn of internet video – is gone. The internet isn’t as anarchic as it was then. Now there are Madison Avenue firms that specialize in “viral marketing” and the success of our videos is now taught in business school. But here’s a secret: zillions of hits was never the point. We’re a rock band, and it’s a great gig. Not just because we get to snort drugs off the Queen of England (we do), but because the only thing we are expected to do is make cool stuff. We chase our craziest ideas for a living, and if sharing those ideas takes 40 websites instead of one, it doesn’t make too big a difference to us.”

(via thewavingcat)

Rafer sez:
The more flexible use, editing, and sharing models allowed by HTML5 video will cause another pop of video hypervirality. It won’t be as big as the first, but it’ll be fun. We’re heading for Peak Flash and Peak YouTube, as sung to the tune of Peak Oil.

(via rafer) (via mikehudack)

“Now that all the tools of production and sharing are available in abundance and people are interacting with media more socially, long-tail-y, and directly from friends, the reach and scope of the success an artist or piece of art can achieve can never be what it once was.”

-Stupid, Stupid, Stupid thing some of the smartest people I know say. It’s like they didn’t learn the lesson from.. a year ago.

Equivalent: “Now that there’s no caste system, segregation, kings to enforce selfish rules, and anyone can be an entrepreneur, we’ll never again see people get as wealthy as they once did.”

Millions of Americans live lives with luxury undreamed by the Pharaohs, and there are thousands who lead lives richer than any before.

Please note this and apply it:

There will be bands bigger than The Beatles, artists bigger than Da Vinci.

Hey, maybe it’s you.