Maybe I was Wrong

For a long time, I positted that the next level of fine arts would involve audience interactivity - a form of participatory art where the artist became the computer programmer, creating an environment where the audience determines the outcome. Peers laughed at this, asserting that you'd never have enough computing power, enough bandwidth, and enough of a sophisticated audience or artist to produce such an experience. But I'm an optimist...

However, I now admit I might have missed the boat. For two days I've been playing with the new Democracy IPTV player. I've been exploring what people have started to create. I've laughed at Tiki Bar TV; I've grown concerned with Four Eyed Monsters. And now I wonder if I missed the point. Technology may or may not create a participatory art piece, but it certainly is creating a participatory art culture. I am no longer confined to TV being shown by networks, by Cinema being shown in theaters, by music delivered by radio, and by media experiences moderated by large corporate entities. I can make my own TV, film my own movie, and distribute it for a relatively low cost. I can consume freely, moving across the Internet to find those things that interest and fascinate me. No more middle men. Sure, this isn't a new idea. Much just imagine: art without galleries, films without studios, music without record companies. Of course, we all may be broke in this new world order, but we'll be broke and fascinated...