The Audience as Creators and Collaborators

Wesch views the audience as the centre of today's mediascape, and says that online media changes and mediates modern human relationships.

Vlogging is an interesting concept, which seems to support these views. The most prolific vloggers have turned little videos of their daily lives into online fame and huge careers. Joe Sugg, for example, has over 6 million subscribers, and recently released a graphic novel, 'Username: Evie', as well as starring in the 2015 film 'Joe and Casper Hit the Road'.

Jonny Benjamin vlogs to keep on top of suicidal thoughts, producing videos which touch and affect people the world over. The audience gives back to him, offering support, and he lets others know that they are not alone in their struggles.

Rhett and Link, a pair of comedy vloggers from America, entertain over 9 million subscribers with Good Mythical morning, a 15-minute show every weekday which covers a vast array of topics. Two extra channels extend this entertainment show, and give a look behind-the-scenes. Their business has grown to the point where they have a production crew, merchandise, prize contests, and a segment introduced by audience members.

Vloggers are ordinary people who film themselves. Everything that else that is attributed to them, all their fame and influence, is due solely to the force of their audience, the people who they connect with through vlogging. They can inspire others to pick up a camera as well. The audience becomes the creators, building upon each other and building a vast community focussed around numerous individuals.