While going through my posts to make sure that things were working properly, I noticed that one of the linked videos had gone blank. Since this is an unusual occurrence, I clicked on it and was greeted with “This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by the NFL Properties LLC”. Considering that this was a highlight video of Clay Matthews, I had assumed that the fan that I spoke about had spliced together the footage. Typically, I know to verify such things, but it had really looked like a fan lovingly put together this video and I was excited to watch Clay Matthews in action. It had never once crossed my mind that the NFL would even take time to do such a thing (still not convinced that they did), since they are concentrating on the best ways to make a killing in profits (NFL lockout, anyone). So, the removal sent a shock wave through my system, and dread in my heart.
This brought me to a troubling question, “Do you create in order to share with others, or is it solely for profit?”, which is prompting this post. I love to write, as you’ve already gathered from this blog. What I create, just like what I learn, is meant to be shared with others. Why else would I do this, because hoarding it benefits no one, especially myself? In the past, I was hesitant to put my writing out there unless it was technical literature. The technical communications’ pieces that I create are made to instruct, inform, and generally help others, and that is my intent through the entire creation process. It’s pretty straightforward for me. But creative writing is something completely different. I’m only now learning to share, because I realized that others liked to read what I write. I guess you can say I was shocked to learn this, as I always write because it just naturally flows from me, and didn’t think that others would appreciate it. Of course, my audience is my main beneficiary, but I also write to create space in me so that more creating can occur and because it’s what I am: a writer.
I’m sure that artists and musicians, or any other creative talent, run into this same dilemma. We all have to survive, and use our talents to ensure our continued existence. This requirement necessitates the creation of products with the purpose of commerce, and there is nothing wrong with such an honest need. But when does honesty lose its hold on your intentions, and you become driven by wrong motives? This is where my problem begins.
I’m going to pick on the NFL because they are one of the biggest violators of this dilemma in my book. Football fans put out a lot of money, love, and effort to keep their sport alive and well. We Americans (or should I say humans, since it’s universal) love our sports, and support them with an unerring passion rarely seen in other endeavors. We even raise the players to the status of deities because of their almost inhuman talent. So, when a business entity deems that profit is the only reason to provide for any sport, then they’ve completely missed the purpose of existence. And I have a feeling that many of the players simply perform because they love football. Of course, money is good and necessary, but there’s much more to life.
Capitalism has gotten way out of hand. Everything that we encounter is about how to become the next billionaire (because millions is no longer enough), and to get the world ready for your brand takeover. No matter the endeavor, whether it’s sports, art, or whatever, isn’t the purpose of participation simply because it’s what you love to do? I guess I’m sad and disillusioned that profit has become the driving force of society, because I miss the days when more people stood for something more than personal gain.
Now, comes the hypocrisy, because even I’m not immune from this trend. I will always write because it’s one of my biggest reasons for being who and what I am. But I am dreading the day when I have to move my writing into the commercial world. I don’t ever want to lose the innocence of writing because it’s what I love. But, I also have to survive. I really would like to kick our ancestor who created money!
How do others manage to successfully keep the love separated from the money? Is it even possible? I guess that I’m going to have to find out for myself with something that I hold precious.
