One of the most extraordinary facts of Vidcon was the fact that press coverage was almost non-existent. The single article in the business section of the Los Angeles Times focused almost entirely on the partner program, and virtually ignored the many ways in which users are finding ways of making YouTube (and social media in general) work to achieve their goals.
Perhaps the fact that Los Angeles is essentially a company town explains the focus on YouTube stars, and the fact that there is a large concentration of them in Los Angeles. It seems as if it is becoming a mecca for the biggest stars. Joe Penna, known on YouTube's MysteryGuitarMan, says in the article that "L.A. is like YouTube. It's a place where I can do whatever I want. Where else can you do that?" He moved to L.A. from Boston.
The article is focused almost entirely on L.A. as the growing center of YouTube activity, and completely misses the bigger story of YT as an entrepreneurial tool. Based upon the article, one would think that the gathering was simply one step above a fan convention.
There might have been other stories about Vidcon, but I'm not aware of any other media coverage. Perhaps that's what makes my involvement and exploration of the YouTube so exciting - it almost seems as if it's still a big secret. Without exception, anyone I speak with outside the YouTube world shares my excitement as I describe the unfolding opportunities.
I'm convinced that this will all change - I'm amazed that is hasn't already.
Depending on the media, there's only a handful of YouTube stories that get any attention... either it's the "eLebrities," or it's the "rampant copyright violations," or it's the rollerskating/piano-playing household pets.
ReplyDeleteI've yet to see a serious mainstream media article about vlogging, not as a means to make millions or become a star, but as new form of journaling, documenting, learning, sharing, and communicating.
It's become trite to say that traditional media fears us, because we no longer need them as filters and mediators, telling us what information is worth listening to, but it seems there may still be some truth to that.
I'd also like to see a mainstream media article that looks into the concrete opportunities and advantages of a (for lack of a better term) vlogging lifestyle. Apart from the journalistic issues, it also has (or will have) a very real impact on social interaction and everyday commerce.
ReplyDeleteThere's so much that the world at large hasn't seen as yet.