One of the biggest complaints I read concerning indie writers v traditionally published writers is the degradation of literature and the accompanying loss of culture. People worry that if anyone can publish a book, the entire medium suffers. I can make many parallels to other art forms. Youtube allows anyone to post videos of any length. Have the millions of videos uploaded to the internet affected the quality of films coming out of Hollywood or TV sitcoms airing on the major networks? How about the thousands of bands who upload their music to bandmix or bandcamp? Have they affected the music coming out each year?
Publishers argue that they are necessary to the industry because they weed out the books that are not fit to be published. These would be the books that have no place in our culture and society. They feel it is an important service that should be embraced by readers and writers alike. Without publishers, the market would be so flooded with trashy writing, that our culture would suffer. Readers wouldn't know how to discern good writing from the bad. The worthy stories from the filth.
I completely disagree with this notion. I've read several traditionally published works that were poorly written. Likewise, I've read indie published works that were well written and worth my time as a reader. The idea that there are people in the publishing industry with superior knowledge about culture and value of the written word is flawed. Readers are qualified to decide what they like and what they would be willing to spend money on. The market is strong enough and wise enough to police content without the assistance of an all-knowing gate keeper.
Does this mean that I think publishers should go away? No. Right now, there is room in the industry for publishers. But I also believe there is room for the indie writer. Art is art. Some of it appeals to the masses. Some of it appeals only to a small percentage of people. Some of it doesn't appeal to anyone. All artists struggle to find an audience. All artists struggle to make a living. Dismissing a viable avenue to get work out is a mistake. Dismissing indie writers because they aren't backed by a traditional publishing house only limits the industry, and as a result, stifles creativity and culture. If someone tells you a youtube video is worth your time, you watch it. If someone shows you a good song recorded by a no-name band, you listen to it. If someone reads an indie published book and tells you it's good, then read it.
And if you like dachshund art, don't limit yourself to only artists you've heard of. If the art works, if it looks good, if it enhances a room, then hang it up proudly no matter whose name appears on the bottom. BTW, the second work is a dachshund painting I did myself. And I promise, I'm no Picasso. But my dining room looks pretty damn awesome!
