musings. criticism.
Let it be constructive."I like it" is generally not constructive, and yet I'm noticing a lot of "likes" and not a lot of "comment" about art posted on the web.
What am I talking about? Well, I was on Vimeo the other day watching a video that had one comment on it: "I like it!" and I was perturbed not only because I thought the video trite and annoying but also because I wanted to know more about why the comment-leaver "liked" the video. Or maybe my irritation came more from the observation that there seems to be a dearth of constructive critical commentary for creative work posted on so-called community sites for video and art. This is sad and depressing. Come on people! Have something to say that describes YOU as a thinking audience.
Now, I will admit, I don't leave many comments myself. Am I trying to protect random web-strangers who may just be making a video for fun and not seeking critical opinion? This is in part because I feel I don't have license to say anything critical or contrary - in the event that the web-stranger isn't trying to learn anything through critical opinion - and I don't very often just "like it."
My lack of commentary is also in part because I enjoy anonymity. Expressing opinion on the web gives you a personality through which others create an identity for you. (I am trying really hard to get used to this fact.) I guess I fear that you, dear lovely reader, will create for me an identity that is simple or ignorant or annoying or harsh or pestering or just not interesting --and then i imagine my identity will end up alone... on the web. And then-- well, just what would the point be?
Screw lonely web identities. I want to challenge what I see. Isn't this the place for that?
Well it should be. So remember, dear lovely readers and viewers, I LOVE hearing your strong, rich, contrary, harsh, and constructive opinions.
Keep 'em flowing.
Labels: musings
posted by e m p @ 4:00 PM
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