You are not a Gadget Part 2/3

Jaron Lanier is a very interesting writer. As we progress and proceed reading Lanier's work, my perception of what the Internet is and its components have changed. He has been able to open up my eyes to the impact that the Internet not only has had on my personal life but in the music industry as well. Lanier, sticks out to me as a person who values creativity and individualism. From watching his video with his long dreads and hearing a bit of his music one further witnesses his unique character. In the second and third part of his book I was able to understand Lanier's beliefs on what the Internet has done for artists. He speaks out on the use of the Internet and the effect it has on music. As a music lover and someone who frequently likes to browse through YouTube I was instantly interested in the points he would make on the connection between music and the Internet.

Lanier talks about this idea of  a musical culture created by the Internet. This culture known as a "open culture."  A culture in which new artists are using the Internet in hopes to promote themselves and become a "big shot." Artists are using the Internet promoting music and making sure their talent is not only shared locally but with the world. The Internet makes this goal easy. He believes that the Internet creates an unrealistic idea since their are only few that actually make it. The Internet makes people believe that they have a better shot at making it when they really don't. Their idea that they will actually become artists is socially created by the mindset the Internet has bestowed upon us. People believe the Internet is the best way to promote their music. Music is now just a click away. However, this idea further ties to the idea that he introduced in part 1. This idea of creativity and individualism becoming challenged by technology. Lanier not only targets the rise of new artists on the Internet but also how the Internet is used as a source to advertise. People advertise through the net. I really liked how Lanier articulated his argument. He makes valid points and can be very persuasive. However, I disagreed with his opinions on the use of ads. He describes how much the Internet has changed further. In his description he mentions that at the start of the Internet this was something unheard of. Now ads are everywhere online. However, I disagree because I believe ads help people become informed and help fund many of the websites people view. People promote themselves online. Ads online have made many people successful. I think that some of the negative aspects of this "open culture" he describes are actually positive ones because of the way they have shaped the life of many people for the better.

The point that I agreed with Lanier the most on is his argument on "file sharing." I also believe that file sharing has really affected musicians. "File sharing" is a concept created by the Internet. It was because of the Internet artists music has been shared essentially hurting the artist and record company in someway. Artists need fans in order to become popular. The Internet makes this easier. "File Sharing" is something Lanier seems to have a problem with. However, I think "file sharing" has actually helped some artist spread there music if they aren't able to sign it to a record company.

People are using YouTube in order to create a fan base. Those that don't have a fan base and yet are still very talented are left behind. I agree with this point in a sense. There are many people who have launched great careers thanks to sites like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. However, I do believe that many artists are made famous more because of their popularity on the net other then maybe their actual talents. Leaving some very talented unrecognized. Lanier makes good points. He lets the reader wonder about the type of generation rising. The more I read Lanier's work i think about how dependant we have become towards the Internet and makes me think deeper about the large impact it has created and continues to create.