[kieran]

Saw an post on DF talking about Elton John.

Here's the article.

I'll take out the best quote though:

Originally Posted by Elton John the Dumbass "I do think it would be an incredible experiment to shut down the whole internet for five years and see what sort of art is produced over that span," he said.

Terrible idea. I really don't even know what to think of this suggestion.

Having the internet has allowed people all over the world instant collaboration and has tied everyone a little closer together. I don't know what people would do without that kind of instant communication that we're used to now.

[Kickaha]

He's just got his pissy-queen panties on because he confused by this new fangled thing with tubes.

Elton should just get together with Metallica so they can all whine about the good ol' days.

[tomoe]

Originally Posted by kieran23kk I don't know what people would do without that kind of instant communication that we're used to now.

Uhhh...we got along fine without the internet a little around a decade ago, and, we would easily make do without said instant communication, given the ubiquity of cell phones...so I don't know what all the crying is for. Though, admittedly, I love the internet.

[scratt]

I loathe Elton John, almost as much as I hate Posh Spice, Ben Asslick, Steve Dickenberg and of course George W.

However, the statement you quote is actually the most intelligent thing I have ever heard him say. And as a purely academic exercise I think the results would be interesting. Think about where you get the bulk of your info now, and the possibility that we are all getting our info from one source mostly these days. It's as bad as all going to the same Malls to shop.. IN the last few years I have found more and more countries are getting more and more similar in terms of products, food, entertainment, etc. etc. Cultural diversity is dieing because of big business and the TV. The internet is another even more decisive nail blow in the social diversity coffin.

[kieran]

I know we managed more than fine without the internet a little over a decade ago, but imagine it being shut down for five years? That's crazy.

[tomoe]

Life would go on as normal...there are more substantive pursuits.

[kieran]

How could life go on as normal if "normal" life today consists of a whole lot of things on which the internet plays a major part of?

[psmith2.0]

Elton John is an idiot.

No shit...he's been one for a good 10-15 years now. Welcome to earth.



He's such an unlikable, off-putting little diva.

The bitch is back, indeed.

As for his opinion, he's wrong. He can whine about it all day (and I'm sure he will). But he just sounds like the buggy manufacturer watching all the new shiny cars drive past his factory.

There's plenty wrong with music, and the "music biz". No debate there.

But it's not the fault of the Internet. He should consider directing his pissy opinions toward the record labels, how the game is played, how the industry is one big trend orgy and that "music" is about the last thing that factors in to some of these acts, how acts are signed and if they don't produce six hit singles they're dropped, how meaningless acts are signed, hyped to death and foisted on a public that isn't asking for them, etc.

[rasmits]

Why are people putting so much thought into this statement?

[drewprops]

Cause they wish they could sing so purty....

I'm personally always prepared for the end of the internets. I've factored in a solid six weeks of reaching for the computer as communications device. After that, I'll be solidly back into other endeavors.... like sending in letters to magazines about articles I've seen "Dear editor, where might I find out more about this interesting thing of which you have written?".

I'll write more letters in general and finish these (imaginary) book deals much faster.

What will YOU do with all your new found time??


.

[Robo]

We have the largest collection of information in human history. Let's not use it, and see if that makes our art bettar!!!1

Such a statement reeks of old-fashioned-ness. The internets can't possibly be beneficial to art, now could they?

Personally, I don't think I could write without Wikipedia. And I've tried.

[Mugge]

Originally Posted by rasmits Why are people putting so much thought into this statement?

My thoughts too.

...

Ahrgh! I've put thoughts into it! How do I get them back?

[Bryson]

Yes, Elton John is an idiot.

For a number of reasons.

NEXT!

[dfiler]

Seems like a bit of the telephone game here.

Nowhere did I actually see him quoted as actually saying we should shut down the internet. It seems more like he is merely addressing negative aspects of internet usage, not trying to assert that the internet has a net negative effect. Then some techno weenies get their panties in a wad because they think he actually wants to shut it down. Meanwhile, he was probably just ponder something more along the lines of "wouldn't it be interesting?"

Then again, he's likely still an idiot. By our standards, isn't everyone. And anyway, his clothing is annoying.