When someone criticizes content on the web, they depend on their audience to pay attention to what they write and give them approval or recognition for it. This reliance highlights how criticism online requires a certain level of engagement from readers to be effective.
Beyond its surface meaning, this quote also delves into the dynamics between critics and their audiences in an age where information is abundant but not everyone’s opinions are equally noticed. It suggests that web critics face a unique challenge: they need to capture people's attention amidst a sea of content while also earning respect for their insights. This interplay underscores the importance of building a reputation within a community, as well-deserved criticism might go unnoticed without an attentive and receptive audience.
Lee Siegel is a prominent American essayist and critic known for his provocative views on contemporary culture and literature. His observations often reflect on the changing nature of public discourse in the digital age, making him a noteworthy figure when discussing issues related to media influence and public engagement.