Since You Didn’t Ask - My Thoughts on the Streamy’s
My disclaimer first. I actually had a decent time at the show and a great time at the after-party. So, thanks to all the Tubefilter people, some of which I consider friends, for putting it together. This is not an easy undertaking and the amount of work put into the night was evident.
My breakdown of the night in smallish portions:
Vulgarity? I can handle it, even appreciate it when its smart and not gratuitous, but for a mainstream crowd it went too far. Some of this was spontaneous, but a lot of it was premeditated.
Technical difficulties? It happens. Shouldn’t have happened as much as it did but, this is something that can be fixed. I have no idea what kind of preparation went into the show, but with some triple checking and a B plan things can go a lot smoother.
Streakers and those desperate for attention at the expense of other’s poignant moments? Um, maybe some security is needed sadly enough. A little pepper spray perhaps? Or maybe the “kids” should just get their own show where they can battle it out to win the “most obnoxious in group settings” award and let the rest of us have a good time.
Content? How about ending the self-deprecation and treating online video with the respect we’re expecting everyone else too. If we’re not taking ourselves seriously will anyone else?
Format? People love to say that web video is unique. It’s not TV. It’s not movies. Some of the best shows wouldn’t work in any other format than the one it was created for. So, why is the awards show for this unique form of entertainment trying so hard to resemble every other awards show we’ve ever seen? The Independent Spirit awards sets up a tent in a parking lot for God’s sake. People get to sit at tables, drink, talk and have fun. Or is the fun all CGI? Anyway, I just feel if web video is going to remain a place for unique and innovative expression and not just the minor leagues of TV and movies then the celebration of it should represent it in a way that feels more in line with the people and spirit behind it.
Hollywood and Web Unite? Not really. Feels more like the familiar faces came to do us all a favor rather than trying to lift up the community. There are exceptions, but it’s still them and us. Don’t get me wrong. I like Hollywood. I moved to LA from NY to be a part of that world and still strive to, but there was a feeling of condescension last night and that bothers me when I have so many close friends in the mix and consider myself more a part of the Web than Hollywood at the moment.
Am I that old already? I ask this because I find myself wanting to teach the younger generation where this all started. Like a parent explaining to their kids how The Beatles started everything, I feel like the Streamy’s needs to pay some homage to a handful of influencers and innovators. Especially, when I’m watching more than one vlog that completely rips its format off the great Ze Frank. Do they realize this? Do they care? They need to.
And lastly, and more personal, I was really fucking ticked off with the line to get in situation. Took forever. I was told by two different people the paper ticket I had in my hand was all I needed only to find out at the entrance I had to wait on another line for a real ticket to get in. All of this equaled my night starting off with incredible agitation. Maybe I’m not deserving of a red carpet, VIP experience just yet, but none of us should feel like such cattle being herded around.
Oh and I almost forgot. Yada, yada, yada and blah, blah, blah…
