Liberal Talk Radio

Jeff Jarvis makes the great point that scarcity is what drives the revenue for “old media.” Advertising dollars require that the means of distribution are in the hands of a few, something that the internet essentially destroys.

Digital recording has democratized the music industry in the same way. Anyone can record a kick-ass sounding album with tools that would have been unaffordable just 10 years ago.

Film is next. One reason Hollywood films suck so much right now is that they’re all but guaranteed to make their money back, with international audiences and DVD sales. But that’s just because they have a monopoly on the means of production. You still need millions and millions of $$ to make a professional film.

But that, too, is changing.

Anyway, enough internet triumphalism for one day. I’m outta here for the weekend, to enjoy this beautiful Northwest summer, which keeps me here despite the annoying political cultre.

So I’ll catch up with y’all on the flip. Episode 205 should be posted by Tuesday.