I think the context that usually exists around the term "gatekeeper" will always make me a little antsy, but I will forever embrace the opinionated friend shouting about a game or book or show they like.
Do I always agree with their opinion? No. But I usually enjoy the thing they've recommended (even if not with the same fervor), and it has given me opportunities to watch/play/read/etc. Some really neat/fun things that I never would have crossed paths with otherwise.
You have the right to be antsy with those terms. There are too many that takes it to the extremes that make that term the toxic thing we recognize it to be today. But yes, the opinionated friend is that passionate friend that'll show you what algorithms won't!
Now that’s the kind of gatekeeping I can get behind!
The only problem is that nuanced concepts like this often get distorted, with people tending to take them to extremes. Until critical thinking becomes trendy again, we’re kind of doomed to be at the mercy of algorithms, afraid to step outside our bubbles.
I never knew there was a good kind of gatekeeping. I didn’t really hear it as a term until after the whole gamer gate thing, which led to lots of talk about toxic gatekeeping and all that. So it’s nice to know gatekeeping isn’t all bad and have positive uses for everyone.
But yeah, I like learning new things from everyday folks who happen to be an expert in a certain genre of whatever. Those are the people who can help me find a good entry point into a type of music or game series that I’d otherwise be too overwhelmed to know where to start.
I think because of how society is today where just about everyone can fit into any niche subculture because of how available everything is online, it's the reason why I think some gatekeeping for the purpose of checking for good intentions is good. Many brands, individuals attempt to be part of a community in such dishonest ways just for clout, monetization etc.
You're absolutely right, believe the experts over paid for algorithms. You're trusting a connoisseur over an ad.
I also miss the gatekeeping you describe and that sense of adventurous exploration that's just missing now because everything is available all the time, and what is even "good" anymore?
Exactly, the kind where they'll actually tell you "No, I don't recommend this for you, instead I can see you enjoying this". By consuming everything we're indifferent about it all, and you can only enjoy it to certain degree of surface level!
I completely agree with this take and I actually find the "gatekeepy" trait that you describe in this article to be an attractive (not in a romantic or sexual way, but something that really makes me want to get to know a person and engage in conversation with them) quality. I admire the passion of these types of people and they're the best to learn about new music (or other forms of media) from. In some ways I can be that sort of pretentious, opinionated person in terms of musical preference but I try to be as welcoming as possible, because I mean that's the best way to get others to give what you love a try too. I feel like I don't learn or discover anything from those Spotify-created algorithms that show you "new" music.
I'm glad you get it! I also like when I see people talk about what they like in almost overwhelmingly passionate ways. Obvi, some ppl need to learn to slow down and realize what you like isn't for everyone, but I admire their drive to share their interests with you.
Sometimes our musical preferences do have to be strict tho, if we like everything, then what do we actually love? How do we know which areas we're willing invest our time, energy and money in?
The best part about not having spotify anymore is going out of your way to ask for recommendations, and this builds conversation. Also getting excited to read music magazines again and such.
I think the context that usually exists around the term "gatekeeper" will always make me a little antsy, but I will forever embrace the opinionated friend shouting about a game or book or show they like.
Do I always agree with their opinion? No. But I usually enjoy the thing they've recommended (even if not with the same fervor), and it has given me opportunities to watch/play/read/etc. Some really neat/fun things that I never would have crossed paths with otherwise.
You have the right to be antsy with those terms. There are too many that takes it to the extremes that make that term the toxic thing we recognize it to be today. But yes, the opinionated friend is that passionate friend that'll show you what algorithms won't!
Now that’s the kind of gatekeeping I can get behind!
The only problem is that nuanced concepts like this often get distorted, with people tending to take them to extremes. Until critical thinking becomes trendy again, we’re kind of doomed to be at the mercy of algorithms, afraid to step outside our bubbles.
Critical thinking needs to come back, and purposeful analization, that's what'll keep like these in check!
I never knew there was a good kind of gatekeeping. I didn’t really hear it as a term until after the whole gamer gate thing, which led to lots of talk about toxic gatekeeping and all that. So it’s nice to know gatekeeping isn’t all bad and have positive uses for everyone.
But yeah, I like learning new things from everyday folks who happen to be an expert in a certain genre of whatever. Those are the people who can help me find a good entry point into a type of music or game series that I’d otherwise be too overwhelmed to know where to start.
I think because of how society is today where just about everyone can fit into any niche subculture because of how available everything is online, it's the reason why I think some gatekeeping for the purpose of checking for good intentions is good. Many brands, individuals attempt to be part of a community in such dishonest ways just for clout, monetization etc.
You're absolutely right, believe the experts over paid for algorithms. You're trusting a connoisseur over an ad.
Amen!
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼
I also miss the gatekeeping you describe and that sense of adventurous exploration that's just missing now because everything is available all the time, and what is even "good" anymore?
Exactly, the kind where they'll actually tell you "No, I don't recommend this for you, instead I can see you enjoying this". By consuming everything we're indifferent about it all, and you can only enjoy it to certain degree of surface level!
I completely agree with this take and I actually find the "gatekeepy" trait that you describe in this article to be an attractive (not in a romantic or sexual way, but something that really makes me want to get to know a person and engage in conversation with them) quality. I admire the passion of these types of people and they're the best to learn about new music (or other forms of media) from. In some ways I can be that sort of pretentious, opinionated person in terms of musical preference but I try to be as welcoming as possible, because I mean that's the best way to get others to give what you love a try too. I feel like I don't learn or discover anything from those Spotify-created algorithms that show you "new" music.
I'm glad you get it! I also like when I see people talk about what they like in almost overwhelmingly passionate ways. Obvi, some ppl need to learn to slow down and realize what you like isn't for everyone, but I admire their drive to share their interests with you.
Sometimes our musical preferences do have to be strict tho, if we like everything, then what do we actually love? How do we know which areas we're willing invest our time, energy and money in?
The best part about not having spotify anymore is going out of your way to ask for recommendations, and this builds conversation. Also getting excited to read music magazines again and such.