Anything Goes : Shane Smith: Production Costs Don't Make Sense in the Digital Era by Beth Fox Heisinger

One major difference for the "new media model" is, nearly everyone is working for free. Many do this because they hope to, one day, have an actual job in TV or Film. This is why it's so cheap. It's easy for emerging companies to exploit these people and then sell out to bigger companies. So, sure, I guess it's better from a business standpoint to let the creative talent pay to develop their own shows - HWood screenwriters and independent filmmakers have been doing that for years and years. Exploiting artists is not a fresh, new idea. It just tends to happen more when new forms of media come along.

That's a great point, Laddie. Cutting out the usual costs linked to TV/film production, distribution, et cetera, online certainly offers more creative and financial freedoms, but perhaps at the expense of artist exploitation. While that may be true in some situations, doesn't the new media model also provide more creative opportunities? Which is good for everyone?

I'd suggest that the new technology is making it easier, not the new business model. Artists have worked on spec since the creation of art. Nothing new there.

Very true! But, I'm thrilled that this new technology and online/mobile platform allows so many more independent creatives with restrictive budgets the opportunity and easy access to get their work out there and seen. ;)

Makes me think about the early days of hollywood. The sets were so cheap to make because the recession had artists workin for nickles.