But if all it was talent, as you say, that with today's tools, only talent is required (aside from the nominal cost of web tools, etc) then there would be a lot more musicians, novelists filmmakers, (talented ones) making more than the grocery money they are making today, if that.

And what is talent, really? I think it's an interesting topic. In my opinion it's passion multiplied. No one can tell me that Frank Capra wasn't passionate about telling stories, John Ford wasn't passionate about the plight of man, that Preston Sturges wasn't passionate about the hilarity of human beings trying to be serious. I think a passion, rolled over in ones mind and soul, forges talent, like a katana blade forges strength. In this way our soul creates talent. Others will say you're born with it.

I know of so many people who are considered by their peers to be extremely talented, able to do what others cannot, who were, to be honest, quite awkward in their field initially. A fact unknown to others. Their relentless dedication and interest in it, their passion, brought out their talent.

We are all talented to some degree. It's a matter of being able to tap into that reservoir by your passionate heart and soul.

Just my two cents.

Because, in my opinion, no one knows about them.

Writers write. The tools are far less an issue than the talent. From there it is a question is whether the publishing structure is amenable to quality works. For a few bucks month anyone can put their work on a website with a PayPal link for contributions. Nobody needs anyone's approval to get published this way. Anybody able to hold down a job that keeps a roof over their head and food on the table can also afford to have their own virtual printing press with ink bought by the mega-gallon. But they do need talent to build a base of readers.

It is similar to the situation faced by would-be musicians. Any group of guys with decent jobs can afford to own recording and editing gear that would make 'Dark Side of the Moon'-era Pink Floyd look like they were working with wax Edison cylinders. Aside from the web for distribution, the cost of getting several thousand CDs printed with decent packaging, suitable for selling at a good profit at any performance, is minor for anyone not already on the verge of penury.

Being an artist is more accessible to more people than ever before. The only requirement is the one item where there is a genuine scarcity. Talent.

Certainly, I like, make that love! Youtube's existence. I use it considerably for my own work and for enjoying other stuff. But for the most part, I watch old clips on Youtube. I stay clear of 'Director' videos usually. (some exceptions). I think the last clever thing I saw on Youtube was that guy who made the literal version of Take on Me and the Tears for Fear music video. That was talented, creative and very funny. Plus, a first (afaik)

Also, I'm a big fan of station IDs, TV movie presentation logos, etc. There are tons of stuff on there, many of them I haven't seen since I was kid. Beautiful. A couple of my faves: (interesting trivia behind both of them)

4:30 ABC Movie: (cameraman ID)
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2es-lfRSDOI” target=”_blank”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2es-lfRSDOI

ABC Movie of the Week
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM-Vkd7On2Q” target=”_blank”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM-Vkd7On2Q

Here's the opening to Chiller from WPIX I mentioned somewhere here in comments:
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asO97gdn2oo” target=”_blank”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asO97gdn2oo

Of course these were all pre CGI, before CG took over. I'm not anti-CG, I do a little of it myself, but it clearly became the tool used by most if not all. And it looks it.

This represents the kind of Station IDs that a channel I describe should have. Not only are they fun, but they give creators a place to show their stuff (and hopefully get recognition and further work).

Youtube is great, but there's just too much on there. So, it's easy to get pulled away to other stuff. Plus, 10 min limit.

I use Blip.tv and used to use Google Video (while they still allowed uploads). Hulu doesn't play in Japan, so I can't use that, though I'd like to.

I KNEW I was in for a good time when that silhouette figure with the flashlight and the haunting whistling set to that 70's country folk music started to play.

I have absolutely no idea how to do this.

But I would be gratified if I could get read…(make that freakin' exuberant!).

It would be great to have some of these outlets; and I would try like the devil to keep the drek out.

So, yes, all of it.

I am very intrigued by this idea….

Could Internet copyright rules give someone enough protection? What gets someone in?

Many questions I have. But this sounds really, really good…