My mind won't shut off

So, I went to bed at 9:30pm because I was just so tired. Then I found that my brain refused to shut off. I got to thinking about Ingrid Michaelson. I read her blog today and one of her entries was about selling out. basically she wanted to hear from her fans to see if they thought she was a sell out or not. Most of the responses I read were very positive. Like myself most of them had never heard of her prior to her song in the "Old Navy" commercial and they were happy she had done it because, now they know of her and they like her music. Obviously not everyone shares this opinion though or she would never have asked the question. The thing is Neil Diamond is one of the most prolific song writers around. Weather or not you like his music there is no denying that he is a huge success. Yet, he has written some of the most popular jingles. Never have I heard him referred to as a sell out. Some people said that perhaps those who know of an artist before they have reached that level of success have this idea that they have something special and are selfish and want to keep it that way. I remember years ago when looking for fairy pictures on the Internet stumbling across an artist named Amy Brown. I loved her work so, a few years later when I found stickers and postcards in "Hot Topic" with her fairies on them I was thrilled. I was proud of her for finally making it. Now if you can put a picture on it you can find one with her art on it. T-shirts, cups, journals, you name it, she's got it. So is she a sell out or a successful artist. Does a successful artist only sell thousand dollar pieces in elite galleries or do they make their art available to everyone who enjoys it. Does an independent music artist remain in obscurity or do they reach new audiences through commercials and TV shows. I think if what they have created is worth something to the people who discover it then where they discover it is irrelevant. An artist or musician knows their own work better than any fan and they know who they want to reach with their creations. So, when an opportunity arises they should take it without regret. Ignore the nay sayers and rejoice in the fact that something you have created brings joy to others.

So, this is the kind of thing that keeps me awake at night. There is always some subject being analyzed and debated in my head when I am just wanting to sleep. Tonight I thought I would share it with you. Perhaps getting it out in this form will allow me to sleep now.