Creating Art Absolutely Involves Privilege
It’s been interesting to follow the Stacey Jay Kickstarter controversy around the internet this week, ’cause it’s one of those moments where we’re reminded that the public perception of how the arts should be valued is a) batshit crazy and b) still based on theories of creative genius that requires no work. If you haven’t followed the internet storm and don’t intend to follow the links, the short version goes like this: 1) a YA author turns to kickstarter to fund the production of the second book in her series, as self-publishing requires far fewer readers to be successful than going through a big publishing house; 2) said kickstarter is poorly executed in all sorts of ways, but it’s biggest sin is suggesting that a sizable percentage of the funds would be spent on the author’s living expenses while writing; 3) internet explodes, as only the internet can. Said author apologizes, closes down her kickstarter, and withdraws from the internet for
