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0 pointsdatashovel10y ago0 comments

For the most part I would say I agree with you. I'd say if devices can enhance an experience it's more than likely a constructive use of technology. When devices remove you from the experience altogether I'd say it's a destructive use of technology. So what is lost in the above example? Simply the fact that audio is not echoing off of the walls in the venue. I can see why some people would find that to be a problem, but how sound is delivered to the audience's ears is not a huge difference IMO. Especially when that audience is just sitting at the show and is not expected to participate anyways.

But keep in mind that's not really the point. The thread has to do with ways to protect a comedian's content (especially live shows) from piracy. The point of the article was to show an example of how technology can be used to help protect a comedian's (or perhaps other performers') live shows.

Performers can spend their entire lives building up the skills they use to put on 5 minute, 15 minute, 30 minute, etc. shows. How else can a performer recoup that time invested if they can't expect to perform the routine many times and be paid each time? The issue with piracy of live shows is many (perhaps most) people will no longer be interested in paying to see a show they've already seen for free online. Or at the very least they'll be disappointed because they've seen exactly the same act before online for free.

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EvanPlaice10y ago

It's not like the content is exclusive to live shows. Most famous comedians share plenty of their content via specials, talk shows, interviews, podcasts, etc.

In this case, 'protecting content' is a red herring.

The value of going to see a show live is transient experience of being there in person. Seeing the performer, immersing yourself in the energy of the crowd.

Spending the entire event trying to record it on a mobile phone is not only a completely selfish and self-absorbed act, it actively takes away from the experience of others. Not only by blocking/distracting others from the show but by failing to participate in the experience.

The energy of an entire room navel-gazing on their phones during a show doesn't come close to a room of people laughing, cheering, and having a great time.

I spend plenty of time watching YouTube videos of my favorite comedians. The smart ones like Bill Burr share a lot of their own content off-stage (ex "Bull Burr's tour of LA"). It's -- by no means -- a replacement for the real deal but it's good to 'whet the appetite'.

I can completely understand the extroverted nature of performers. Comedians especially, feed off the energy of the crowd. The very best have a lot of sensitivity to the moods/nature of their audience and will actively adjust their content/delivery to provide the best experience possible. Watch how they take on hecklers and make them part of the joke. Watch the look of terror in their faces when they recall times when they've bombed a show in the past.

A audience that doesn't actively participate is a terrible audience undeserving of a good show.

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