Maybe I’m overly sensitive due to a combination of humble roots and a degree in literature, but it seems that those who long for “simpler” times are those who used to be the primary benefactors of having access to those who controlled media and publishing houses.

To me this boils down to one word: privilege.

As technology becomes more and more accessible, publishing comes along with it. Social technology may not be making the masses wealthier, but it certainly is eroding a certain brand of intellectual privilege.

While I understand your point about being capable of many states, I just can’t help thinking that the polemic finger waving contained in the essay you reference is really rooted in a deeper resentment that comes along with being forced to find a bigger soap box, or lamenting that the built-in audience just isn’t what it used to be.