The Banality of the Ubitioquous Pursuit of Self-Expression
Of all the great advances of Media and Society, the internet likely has had the most impact since the advent of the printing press. Self-expression is easier than ever. I for one can create my blog (and have), share my feelings on any subject I choose (I do), I can scour message boards to post comments on any particular item (I do) and I can create avatars that may highlight existent or non-existent aspects of my personality I feel should be better showcased(no comment). The internet contains gazillions of opinions and more than a few people who do what I do.
I think this is a result of one of the two great halves of American culture: Express Yourself. The second half is of course: Conform. So why is there this need for self-expression. In many ways, I (more…)
The Sanctity of the Sitcom
Did the MTA pay?
The New York Times ran a snapshot of where we’re at in the ‘evolution’ of Product Placement. We’ve come a long way from The Price is Right but probably will go a lot further. Writers are being tasked with brainstorming ideas for advertisers – a tremendous boon for the creative resources of advertisers- while advertisers are often elbowing their way into approval over the script. When an advertiser buys placement in an episode at about $100K, its usually bundled with a traditional advertising buy. The debate about how the advertising should be disclosed to the public and the ethics of this time of advertising are going full speed.
Personally, I think its a bit of nonsense. Teach people to think for themselves in the first place and maybe all the ‘advocacy’ groups will find some other cause.
