Quote Originally Posted by rounser
Well, from a certain point-of-view, the problem is that you're potentially perpetuating stupidity and mediocrity. I think this is a different issue though - there's nothing wrong with making money from music - i just think that it can and often does lead to shit when it is a NECESSITY to make music, rather than something you do when you are feeling it.
I dunno man - aren't there plenty of people out there doing a good job of work they hate? Even creative work?

What about someone who likes techno, but hates the process of producing it, and does so anyway? What about someone who's a good producer, but hates the result, but knows that others like it?

It seems to me that people are very fast to couple the act of creation and the reasons for it with the result. Sure it's a huge advantage if you're into what you're making, but I don't think stupidity and mediocrity are necessarily the result if you're not, either...nor if you're just doing it for the money. Doing a good job regardless of those factors has a name; "professionalism".
I understand what you're saying and i agree to some extent - but i'm very much a perfectionist when it comes to any form of art and i think i can tell the difference between something that someone has put 110% passion, feeling and skill into, and something that is lacking in those areas. It's often the difference between a masterpiece and something which doesn't quite make it, and i'm not interested in stuff that doesn't quite make it... i know that that's a bit of an elitist point-of-view and not every track has to be the greatest thing ever done etc... i just think if you're gonna do it, ****ing do it right! :)

machina