Last column I posted more only theory that the social elements of a media, the ability for people to connect with others via that media, were a major factor in its success. This element of success was more important than originality and other factors due to the nature of human socialization – we want to connect with others first and foremost. Building on this theory of "socialization-driven media popularity," I want to explore what I consider a prime example of it: Minecraft.
Professional Geekery
Why Originality – and Unoriginality – May Not Matter To Media Success
(Tamara had a great post last week on the paradox of originality versus people seeking original works. Spinning off from that, I think I've got a bead on why originality is sometimes rewarded in media – and as well why sometimes stunning unoriginality is not).
Are you getting tired of vampires?
I've been tired of vampire fiction, movies, what have you for quite awhile. i've seen it all, heard it all, and by now I have nearly no interest whatsoever in the whole vampire genre and its spawn. I started getting tired of it around Anne Rice's heyday, and most young people reading "Twilight" today probably think Anne Rice is a cajun dish.
I can't be the only one tired of vampires in every media known to man. Yet they're everywhere.
A Geek Icon’s Web Page
Jeff Bridges is one of those understated geek icons – in many geeky films (Tron for the gods' sake), but also calmly going along and doing his thing.
His web page is a fount of awesome, and one of the most unique personal/professional pages I've seen.
Go and experience it.