Tonight I created a folder in my email called “TV”. I sent “share this video” emails (using YouTube, which is down right now for maintenance so I can’t link to it ) to myself of cartoons I found that I loved, and that my daughter loved. A way to create an index that I can control, so that nothing, er, odd makes it to my kids’ eyes. But now, when my kids want to watch a cool cartoon (like, say, Bugs’ playing baseball (Google video), perhaps the most important cartoon since, well, Bugs and the dream of Frankenstein), well, they will see me bring it up on my computer, via this folder or a simple keyword search. Nope, I’m not using Comcast video on Demand. NOPE, I’m not popping in a DVD. I’m….wait for it….DOING A SEARCH!!!
Now…tell me this medium isn’t changing how we understand ourselves. This is why I love this industry.
But there’s a problem. The video I am showing my kids is some ripped off crappy fourth hand reproduction, barely worth watching. Sure, the essence is there, but where the vivid color? The nuance? The g’damn original glory? I’ll tell you where – it’s languishing in the vaults of Warner Brothers, who refuses – so far – to let Bugs free.
But man, Warner, if you want to make a mint, let’s talk. Because it won’t be hard to figure out a way to do it, if you just follow the free, and monetize where the pilgrims pitch their tents. Migod, just do it. JUST DO IT!