Firstly, I think a lot of good points have been made so far in this thread as to prove its title wrong. I think both Freak Animal and Tisbor shed lights on what's going on, and I have to agree with most of the people posting here that our interests are not heading towards the grave, but enveloping new territory.
In Norway I see the situation described as generator of new approaches for artists to develop and present own material, as well as an aspiration to distribute records and promote live aktions in new ways and formats. As much as this is related to the contemporary working conditions, I see it also connected to headstrong ideas and wills emerging- fed up works that are spat out and flood our doors- as well as the usual boring ways of organizing stuff in general. In addition I think also the average listener are more demanding and experienced now, and know what they want. One can maybe boil it down and say it is a change brought on by consumer trends and economics combined with a artistic and political wish for proper self-presentation. Regarding self-presentation I feel Freak Animal states a vital point in his mapping of the now. To influence and propel further one has to take initiative and responsibility (if one has the stamina) of own choices and wishes- and take part in ones surroundings and life- and not be a bystander. In general this is something I miss at the present. Initiating purposeful forum threads can be a vital part in mapping new ground and discussions of concepts and experiences that one feel important. Preferably these should be intertwined with own praxis or thoughts/experiences from the daily (as this in my eyes) is the source of artistic work. I for one appreciate a good film, music, fun links, etc here -but at times I feel the forum posts here are lacking content and rehashing old cliches from the overall noise culture- other times self-promotion is overly weighed. To be honest I cannot say I've contributed much in the direction I am suggesting in this forum, but I will try to excel in the future. I think there is an interesting configuration of peeps doing good stuff floating around here.
A forum is a good way to found a platform- for oneself or within a group. I can understand the experience of sadness or frustration about the possible demise of an online social site. Everyone participating in the forum discussed has invested a lot of time there. But I can't help to think that a fraction of the source to this thread is just as much connected to the age we live in, where online life have become an extension of our social deployment, and thus and extension of ourselves. This observation I think people can recognize themselves in.
Anyway ... Perspectives shift, for some interest fades, new platforms emerge... This is natural progression. I sympathize with the inclination towards the mentioned forum, but feel no sadness seeing it possibly go. I am positive this will generate new sparks and momentum elsewhere.
