Why are great players ignored by public?

[CrownCityCorey]

Still, it's a case of misdirection, for our preconceived notion of the train station instrumentalist is that they are financially stricken and scraping for money. "If they were really good, they wouldn't be playing here," will be a thought crossing the minds of many listeners. The expert trapped in a seedy environment is less likely to have their skills properly appreciated.

This statement is a total parallel for top level poolplayers!

 

[chefjeff]

Had this experiment been done with Paul McCartney or Paul Simon playing guitar the results may have been quite different. Had this experiment been performed in Toronto where buskers must audition before getting a license to play in the subway the results may have been a little different. Had the guy been playing a Yamaha violin the results would not be any different, so the value of the instrument is a red herring. To extrapolate this experiment to all appreciation of greatness is a bit of a stretch, but in general the appreciation of greatness is not universal, nor should it be expected (which is the sense I get from this article and thread).

Dave

It would have been different, but only because the faces are known, not that the music would be so great. I mean Paul is good at guitar, but not a virtuouso. His popularity would draw people whether or not he was playing.

I stiill can't get the little kids reaction out of my mind on this one. What is it that takes their attention from the hustle and bustle of the train station to the music? What primitive force is at work here?

Also, one of the business blogs I frequent posted this same link yesterday. The main comments from them was that most people are not interested in classical music. So, the lesson learned from that is to not target those who have no interest in my products, but look for those few who do react to the music, so to speak. Those marketing pool might find these thoughts helpful?

Jeff Livingston

 

[DaveK]

It would have been different, but only because the faces are known, not that the music would be so great. I mean Paul is good at guitar, but not a virtuouso. His popularity would draw people whether or not he was playing.

Both Pauls are, imo, great composers. Sorry to sneak that one by you.

Also, one of the business blogs I frequent posted this same link yesterday. The main comments from them was that most people are not interested in classical music. So, the lesson learned from that is to not target those who have no interest in my products, but look for those few who do react to the music, so to speak.

This is the point I was trying to make by substituting a more popular musician into the experiment. It's not really fair to say that this experiment proves that people ignore 'greatness', it only proves that at this location people ignored great classical music (although without knowing the composer and composition it's hard to say that this music was great, hopefully they did not get too whacked out with the selections).

Dave

 

[Bob Jewett]

... I think pool is like curling--the market is so small because only those who have actually played the game would appreciate watching it.
...

I think that how it is presented is far more important. Lots of people watch snooker in the UK. The BBC is about to present 130 hours of live TV from the Crucible. Here is how the players are presented on TV there:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niPJ0k6SO5M

The players also appear frequently in the tabloids.

 

[pwd72s]

I think the premise of the thread is true. In most areas of achievement, a complete appreciation for the skills of an expert is limited to those who have, through either experience of study, made themselves capable of such appreciation. Still, I think that other factors affect whether the skills of an expert will be appreciated.

An underqualified judge of a performance or achievement will be very greatly influenced by things that are peripheral to a performance. The violinist experiment is fascinating, and shows that the setting and mood of a moment can greatly affect how we react to things. Still, it's a case of misdirection, for our preconceived notion of the train station instrumentalist is that they are financially stricken and scraping for money. "If they were really good, they wouldn't be playing here," will be a thought crossing the minds of many listeners. The expert trapped in a seedy environment is less likely to have their skills properly appreciated.

You nailed it!

 

[bruin70]

"greatness" is only understood by the artist. the public may APPRECIATE IT OR RECOGNIZE IT, but only peers understand it.

 

[3kushn]

This article was very insightful and just what I needed right now.

Thanks!

My Great Friend Harry Sims went to his grave wondering why nobody notices, or, realizes the sacrifices required.

Moral is: Don't EXPECT recognition for your greatness. If you do, you'll be disappointed.

Greatness is rarely recognized. Accept that fact.
KNOW your Greatness. You know You. If you'll be honest.
Accept yourself. Even if it feels like bragging. Fact aint braggin.
You Know who your are. Live it. Be it.
Forget the rest.