Peter Hartlaub:

Much can be learned from "Snakes on a Plane," a stupid piece of cinema that turned into a really good thing on the Internet but was discovered by the mainstream and became totally overexposed — all before the movie was even released. And in retrospect, the fact that it ended up making less than $35 million in the United States makes perfect sense. Imagine if your parents started listening to "Master of Puppets" back in 1986. Would you have ever attended another Metallica concert?

I fear Borat will suffer the same fate, and undeservedly so (from what I hear).

When Snakes opened below expectations, the media's bewildered response amused me.

"How could this happen?"

…How could this happen?

1. The Internet threatens the established media's livelihood.

2. In order to keep up with the Internet, the media turns to the Internet for story ideas.

3. By covering what the Internet has already exposed to the world, the media force-feeds the public excess exposure, thus spoiling items of enjoyment for many.

Snakes' disappointing box office performance was (partly) collateral damage generated by the media's campaign to stay relevant.

I pray its war chest runs dry soon.

Is YouTube Dead? When the Man comes knocking, you can bet the party stops rocking [San Francisco Chronicle]