This postWe’re in the middle of a revolution. You may have noticed it going on, but do you realize how important it is? I’m talking about the democratization of the media.
Traditionally, the media have been authoritative, top-down beasts — newspapers, radio stations, television networks, movie studios, book publishers, and so on. They’re still there, but no longer do they have a monopoly. The people now have a voice.
For example, where in the past you had to get published through a publisher or a newspaper, now you can start writing a blog immediately, for free, and you’re in complete control of what you say. Radio? Try podcasts. Television and movies? Try YouTube. Books? Try Lulu and Blurb.
I don’t think that the old media will go away anytime soon. Polish and professionalism are good things. But the new media — us — has a voice that grows louder with each new blog and podcast and home video and photobook. It’s a wonderful new world out there, where people can express themselves creatively through a wide variety of options that were out of reach for most people even just five years ago.
If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, does it make a sound? Let your voice be heard.
