I think the reality is that content is just not worth anything anymore. There is SO MUCH content out there. The internet has democratized content creation. Now that anyone can publish content, record an album, what have you, the value of content has dropped to nearly nothing.
I don't necessarily think this is a bad thing.
I'm a musician and artist myself, and I think that many artists and musicians feel entitled to success.
Essentially, art and music are worthless - they feed no one, they build no bridges. I see no problem with art and music being fragmented into groups of passionate hobbyists with day jobs that produce art for the love of art.
I'm also a passionate hobbyist when it comes to music, but I can't disagree more.
Worth is not solely measure in terms of material gains like food and bridges. Art and music have massive amounts of cultural and entertainment worth. Sure one probably requires their basic needs to be met along Maslow's hierarchy to have their life enriched by art. But I believe it's well established the impact and relevance art has.
The problem with music being fragmented into groups of passionate hobbyists with day jobs is that you cannot reliably create high-quality art this way. A lot of the luxuries afforded to hobbyists, particularly in music these days, are gained from riding on the shoulders of the professionals who are innovating and driving the industry forward. Not to mention only a certain subset of day-jobber professions can actually afford to produce quality art or music (instruments, equipment, and/or professional services).
I hear what you're saying.
By worth, I didn't mean value - but I wasn't clear.
I think art has much value, but as a commodity in the marketplace, holds very little worth.
I agree that making quality art in one's spare time is challenging. I think this guarantees that the work being completed is a labor of love that the artist truly cares about.
In an ideal world, the best work would receive the greatest reward. Unfortunately, much of the best and most creative works are already coming from outside of the music industry. Before gaining recognition, these artists are essentially passionate hobbyists.
