However little the world needs the next lolcat, the message “You can play this game too” is a change from what we’re used to in the media landscape. The stupidest possible creative act is still a creative act.

Once you accept the idea that we actually like making and sharing things, however dopey in content or poor in execution, and that making one another laugh is a different kind of activity from being made to laugh by people paid to make us laugh, then in some ways the Cartoon Network is a low-grade substitute for lolcats.

Cognitive Surplus: Creativity and Generosity in a Connected Age by Clay Shirky (via Findings.com)

This whole book is quotable.