Twenty years ago, media was a cathedral. A few studios, labels, and networks dictated what the culture consumed. Today, media is a bazaar. The barrier to entry for creation has dropped to zero.
We now live in the era of the "Pro-sumer"—the professional consumer who creates. A teenager in their bedroom can produce a podcast that rivals NPR’s sound design. A YouTuber can document a restoration of a vintage watch in 4K resolution. This has fragmented the "mass audience" into thousands of "micro-communities." PornMegaLoad.23.05.18.Victoria.Nova.Hardcore.39...
Despite the crypto winter, blockchain technology offers real utility for creators. Smart contracts can automate residual payments. Token-gated content (paying with a specific NFT to access a film or album) gives creators direct fan funding without platform intermediaries. Twenty years ago, media was a cathedral
Ironically, as short-form content peaks, fatigue is setting in. A counter-movement is emerging: slow TV (live streams of train journeys or knitting), long-form investigative podcasts (three-hour episodes), and ad-free "cozy" games. Not all entertainment needs to be frantic. The barrier to entry for creation has dropped to zero
