How would Jefferson feel about today's national media? When we read the newspaper, turn on talk radio, or flip over to cable news, do we get something that conveys this "force of public opinion" that Jefferson talks about? Maybe on a really good day. But most often, mainstream news depicts the world according to spin doctors, journalists, commentators, editors, their corporate bosses, their corporate advertisers, people who write press releases... and so on and so forth. Not exactly a cross-section of America, now is it? But as our media routinely fails to reflect the full spectrum of public opinion, they also fail to meet Jefferson's very definition of a free press. And, without a free press, he would regard the waters of our political system to be impure. He'd tell us, in short, that if we don't do something about our flawed, unrepresentative media, America will, in effect, be choosing to give up being a free society. If Jefferson were here today, he would surely see internet media as our last best shot at preserving the Republic. He'd recognize the democratic, collaborative nature of internet culture as a sound basis for fulfilling the promise of a truly free press, and thus, of an agreeable version of the 21st century. He would likely urge us to develop viable business models for producing and delivering diverse web-based media -- business models upon which we can build a new kind of media system. A diversity-friendly system, strong and compelling enough to replace what we now call mainstream media. Such a world-changing new media paradigm is being devised right here in Humboldt County, and is ready to be set in motion. A set of new business models that interlock together into a whole new kind of media system has been mapped out by the Folk Media Society, a proposed new local "social enterprise." Our viable, detailed strategy truly can shift media away from divisiveness and domination by the powerful, and toward diversity, inclusiveness, and, yes, freely-expressed public opinion. The strategy provides for a radical re-ordering of the ways in which media producers, audiences, and advertisers interact with each other, spreading the power out widely, rather than concentrating it in the hands of big media corporations. Our plan enables small-time media-makers, if they're any good, to succeed independently, get paid for their work, and become part of a vibrant new independent media industry, apart from 'Big Media.' It can be done. The place is here, and and the time is now! The Folk Media Society can catalyze a transcendent shift in human communication for the better, make very tidy profits, and create the backbone of a newly-vitalized local economy. As Humboldt County becomes a major hub of the emerging independent media industry, countless new local jobs would result -- creative, high-skilled, eco-friendly, (& legal!) jobs. In fact, a positive transformation of Humboldt's economy is part of the Society's mission. To carry out the plan, the Society will need supporters, allies, partners, and co-conspirators. It's hoped that enough of you local movers, shakers, and media-makers will be inspired to throw in with this potentially lucrative and world-changing effort.
Thanks! P.S. -- To avoid common misunderstandings, please know that:
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