I’ve been doing business on the internet since 1996. What I’ve seen in that time is that the internet generally cheapens the arts — whether writing, photography, or music — offered on it. There seems to be a strong feeling that bar is set so low that it must be crap if you had to put it on the internet. Yes, things can go “viral” but at an overall depressed price. A lot of people who love you on the internet, only love you for free.

On the other hand, getting a real paper book published, or your work in print magazine or brick-and-mortar gallery, or getting picked up as a writer by a print publication, is a big feather in your cap.

The internet works well for artists who have made their reputation off the internet, but is very tough on those starting out becuase it tends to undermine, not establish credibility. If someone with non-internet credibility doesn’t pick you up, expect to labor in obscurity, no matter how good you are.

I think the gate-keeper are still there and paradoxically have gotten more powerful, not less so.