rant · moment 8 of 19
Trolling the Biker Facebook Group and Money vs. Art
from Stewed Reunion (with Mike Recine) · #111
Audio-only archive episode — no video to seek.
3 minTim tells the story of trolls overrunning a Harley Davidson Facebook group with gay memes and burning flags, which leads into a debate about whether profit motive ruins art and whether niche TV audiences versus mainstream shows like Last Man Standing matter.
- 17:39A Facebook group for Harley Davidson bikers gets overrun by trolls posting pictures of gay men on motorcycles and burning American flags.
- 18:08Tim posts a shout-out to Muslim bikers, infuriating members who don't know how to use computers.
- 18:25The question of whether it's more profitable to make TV for aging bikers or for the younger trolls who've taken over the group.
- 18:47Tim argues that making money can get in the way of making good content, citing shows like Last Man Standing and Pawn Stars.
- 19:05He doesn't believe his sensibility is the only one that matters and doesn't need everything to be a blockbuster.
- 19:40To the extent that profit motive interferes with good content, there are now alternative funding avenues like crowdfunding available.
- 20:07Tim questions whether a world without profit motive would make all art better, and points to uncommercial Brooklyn artists who aren't funny.
- 20:35Come Town and similar things prove that viable commercial comedy and genuine art aren't mutually exclusive.
- 20:49The best creative work can succeed both artistically and commercially given time and the right platform.
televisionPawn StarsLast Man StandingHarley DavidsonBrooklynWill and GraceRoseanne