I'll fade into the background and concentrate on creating illusions and
wonder -- but, don't forget the basics.
Ralph Huntzinger
King County Library System
155 days left but who's counting
On Wed, 11 Oct 2000, Darryl Wiggers wrote:
> At one point Gary Handman says (in part) "The lessons here are: Content has
> nothing to do with anything anymore." Forgive me, but I think this is
> important so I'll repeat it again: "Content has nothing to do with anything
> anymore."
>
> I highlight this not because I'm thrilled to hear it (though I derive a
> sense of "So what? More DVDs for Christmas. Yipee!" from the writer) but
> because, thus far, I think it's the most succinct and accurate statement in
> this thread. I see it everyday. Already I'm meeting 20-something folks who
> refuse to watch anything unless it's on DVD. The lack of picture sharpness
> on VHS now repulses them much like how my generation reacted to black &
> white movies 20 or so years ago. Even if a movie title interests them, they
> would rather wait to see if it comes out on DVD. If not, they'll simply opt
> for what is available. Preferably a newer title because older films weren't
> made with Stereo Dolby Digital 5.1. Ultimately "content has nothing to do
> with anything anymore."
>
> A number of list members have already predicted that many titles will be
> forever lost because they don't make the DVD transition (is there any
> doubt?). But I also think it's obvious few will care because "content has
> nothing to do with anything anymore."
>
> In the last few months I've been checking out some of the latest DVD titles,
> and the "goodies" everyone seems to love. I find it interesting that most of
> these "goodies" (an interesting, positive term) are actually marketing
> elements, such as the Terminator 3-D ride on the T2 DVD, or the LL Cool J CD
> on Any Given Sunday. Even standard features like chapter selection and
> language selection are listed as "extras" or "Special Features" -- I assume
> because most people are incapable of realizing the deception. Again,
> "content has nothing to do with anything anymore."
>
> So I turn my attention back to broadcasting where, even in the days of VHS,
> a far wider selection of films are made available. And now, with digital
> signals, the quality of the picture is even better. But, gradually, more and
> more commercials creep in. And corporate logos are burned onto the bottom
> right-hand corner. And content is cut because it is deemed offensive, or
> they need more room for commercials. And, ultimately, few will care anyway
> because "content has nothing to do with anything anymore."
>
> And someday it'll be reported on the TV news: "Hooray! It's official!
> Culture is Dead -- Marketing Rules!" And most of us will stare blankly at
> our TV screens because "content has nothing to do with anything anymore."
>
> dw
>