first reading response

What really struck me while reading 'The Ten Myths of Internet Art' by Jon Ippolito was Myth number 7: Internet Art is a form of technological innovation.

Ippolito says:
"What sets art apart from other technological endeavors is not the innovative use of technology, but a creative misuse of it."
and also..
"Today's techonological innovation may be tomorrow's cliche, but the creative misuse of technology still feels fresh even if the medium might be stale."

Not only do I 100% agree with what Ippolito is asserting, but I think that, for this very reason, NetArt is that much more appealing to the masses.
While sitting in my Art History class today, 19th century impressionism and symbolism, we discussed how it was a major thing in the 1800's to go against the normal style for painting. You would not only fail as an artist to get into the Salon's, but would earn less respect from the public, thus selling and distributing less artwork. Until the people could accept your 'new' form of artwork (at the time, impressionism) you weren't percieved succesful in the eyes of very many people.

Today I think we, and Net Artists in general, take it for granted that we have this awesome tool at our disposal. Artists at almost any ability level have the opportunity to showcase their artwork.. And we also THRIVE when we do something that is against the grain. NetArt in general is succesful when we take advantage of what Ippolito calls 'creative misuse.'

Overall I think this article was definitely beneficial for me to read, and I think it's something that would be equally useful to any aspiring Net Artist, or to anyone who needs to gain some respect for the individuals in our field. There is so much more to Internet Art than people think (and I'll admit, I know only a ridiculously small fraction of what the concept is..).
Even though any person can take advantage of being a 'net artist' (as this article discussed), not just anyone can be successful at it. And I think, in that way, it has earned it's status as it's own legitimate form of an art medium.