Field Notes Inside an Integrated Communications Agency

Leaving Sam Ash music store last week, I was approached by a young man. He wanted me to buy his music. His pitch?

"Hey man. I wanna be famous, check me out on the Web."

The kid's blunt honesty compelled me to go to his site. Unfortunately, just blah. Not good enough to be followed, but bad enough to be viral. Having been a musician for 30-plus years I realize the talent and sweat it takes to make any money in the industry. Much less be famous. So, I realized the Web has blurred the lines between talent and sensationalism. The disturbing part is I don't believe most know the difference. Then on YouTube I saw the American Idol phenom General Larry Platt performing "Pants on the Ground" and it all became clear.

Riveting and disturbingly clear.