Something That Happened.

One thing I've learned over the past year or two: In most cases, it is quite difficult to offer little more than the most watered-down criticism of an Internet artist's work, especially if they are membered within a community of craftspersons of a similar bent. Take the case of videobloggers, for example: No matter how well-intentioned you may think you are being, offering an honest perspective that you would personally prefer over half-considered ego-stroking -- no matter how much you'd like to benefit the state of the art by compelling its craftspersons to consider raising their ambitions -- the moment you state your opinion of a vlogger's work, the vlang* will surely arrive on the scene with a virtual artillery of devices in which they intend to destroy you with.

I haven't offered much honest commentary regarding online video in at least a year -- in fact, I don't believe I have ever actually offered criticism of any particular vlogger's work -- because to do so would be to invite harassment. Instead, I look to collaborate and exchange ideas with those who are desirous of honesty, who wish to better their craft rather than settle for mediocrity. I keep away from the time-wasters -- those who attempt to devalue your opinions through self-indulgent mockery -- looking instead to find strong-willed artists looking for improvement. No matter how big your ego, there is always room for improvement. I mean, if you were already The Absolute Best At Your Art, what fun would there be in continuing to practice the craft? It would seem (to me) much more interesting to begin the journey of mastering another craft, one more challenging.

Within the vlogosphere, I've encountered an abundance of friendly and kind people who I respect and admire. The folks who put on last weekend's Pixelodeon festival are of that group; most of them seem kind and ambitious fellows. Yet within that group -- though the number is few -- there are those who simply seem to be of the gang mentality, not taking kindly to the slightest suggestion of criticism to their work. This troubles me, because I sense an overwhelming lack of dishonesty prevailing -- perhaps due to the perception that we all need to be patting each other's backs and stroking each other's hoo-haws at every possible opportunity. Though it is certainly healthly to recognize greatness, we also need to welcome honesty about our craft, less we become like that other formerly-great artform of moving images: Hollywood filmmaking.

*vlang: "vlog" + "gang"