Letter to a Writer I Don't Really Like

Dear Ms. Pessl,

I tried to read Special Topics in Calamity Physics and by the 80th page, I had to stop. Once I did though, I didn't read a single thing for an entire month. Reading your book made me hate reading. I told everyone I knew that your book was not worth the time. Your book did something that Twilight couldn't even do.

But that was me as an immature jackass. I like to think I moved past all that. I would like to give this book another chance, since your new one Night Film is coming out and it actually sounds really cool. It is unfair to hold such thoughts and then really fuming over the past.

Disliking on an entertainer for their product is a waste of time. I got better things to be mad at. I hope to change my thoughts about your writing by reading them in full. Even if I still don't like your work, then I wasn't your intended audience. Nothing wrong with that. No more hate, only respect.

Hope things go well for your second book. And may I finish Physics in full this time around.

Yours,
Lindsey, an ardent bibliophile

An Open Letter to Warner Music Group and YouTube

To Whom This May Concern,

Music videos have been a necessary evil for some, a marketing tool for all. We cannot deny the art form's original intentions. Yet, when handled correctly, music videos add pizazz to a newly-released single. They also can become a statement for the artist. Sometimes, as seen with artists such as Michael Jackson and Madonna, the videos become cultural icons, inspiring fashion and art. Music videos are also a good way for someone to be introduced to a band. As stated before, the video is usually for a single that the record label considers to be a potential hit. It is a "safe way" for a newcomer to learn about the artist, if you would pardon the lack of better phrasing. For some, the only way to attract possible sales would be bombastic visuals, like the kind seen in early metal videos.

As a child born in the '80's, I grew up watching music videos. They were of the country music persuasion, but the point remains the same. I have many fond memories of watching Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks walking around in fields, singing heartbreak songs. As I got older, I started to watch VH1. I was too late, though. The channel was moving to air more music-based shows more so than videos. I was lucky even to catch something with the Go-Gos or Lionel Richie.

As the world discovers the infinite space we all know as the Internet, there are places where these once-forgotten music videos have a new home. Places like YouTube, where watching videos of animals doing cute things can get boring after a while. People then uploaded music videos. And it was good. Older folks relived their younger days, and the tykes of today were discovering Led Zeppelin and Iron Maiden.

But now, there is a disagreement between Warner Music Group and YouTube. Now, music videos posted with artists signed under the WMG banner are removed. Odd enough, other record labels haven't gotten into a disagreement with YouTube and their videos are happily streaming, racking up plays, and comments between fans and non-fans alike are being shared. The musicians get their publicity (and eventual sales), the record labels get their sales and advertising. It's win-win.

While the solution of music videos being posted on the bands' official websites is not a bad idea, it does defeat the purpose of what YouTube was all about and what the other record labels are doing. It's all about sharing, being open to whatever venue there is. It's about catching up with the times. Whether it is a fear of change or financial hang-ups, this whole debacle between WMG and YouTube is an unfortunate one.

Please, WMG and YouTube. Work something out. You're hurting not only the musicians, but all the viewers (and even potential fans!). TV is no longer reliable for kids these days to find classic music. The Internet was their main source. Don't deprive them of that.

Sincerely,
Lindsey
-a concerned audiophile and YouTube user