Response to videos- I wish I didn't have to put a link to this as I do not want this "elitist" to gain popularity in Google.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLlGopyXT_g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neTLGwyF5oQ

The Cult of the Amateur" by Andrew Keen.




Let me first start off by saying I did not read this book. Let me then say, I will not read this book. After watching this douchenoggle elitist speak for five minutes, I had enough. I wanted to turn him off after the first minute, but since this was for an assignment, I chose to be strong. Keen's use of the word "monkey" to describe people he does not feel are as smart as "professional" news people and musicians is embarrassing, and in some circles would also be seen as racist. I used to work in radio and I hate to break it to Keen, but the only thing that sets the professionals apart from the amateurs is having a big name company behind you. For example, FOX, Comcast, Clear Channel... AND I hate to break it to Keen but these companies have a slant, which means their news people have a slant. There are numerous times that my radio station did not play a story or underplayed a story because it was about one of our big sponsors. An amateur has nothing to lose sponsorship wise and because of this, can tell people the truth, even if it is just their opinion.

I will give to Keen that there is no editor on the internet so people can say whatever they want, but in all reality hasn't that always existed? Look at the quote Marie Antoinette supposedly said "Let them Eat Cake." She never said that, yet it traveled around France and has gone down in history because of a cartoon made of her. There was no internet at her time, in fact I would even venture to guess many people could not even read- yet ideas like this brought down the monarchy...

In addition, I find it hilarious that when Keen is asked by the news journalist for some data to support his ideas- he doesn't actually say anything of substance. Instead he basically just rambles on about the idea of his book. It almost makes me wonder if he is just writing this book for shock factor, not unlike the reality shows and amateur blogs he is putting down. There is nothing like controversy to help sell books (even those written by a "professional" with a Masters degree from Berkeley.) As an avid reader, I would also like to point out books written by slaves, refugees, and others who have no formal education, but have very interesting and important stories to tell. Blogging technology gives ability to people with interesting stories (like the stripper above!) to share them and obviously people are interested.