Stardom

MONEY

We’re impressed when you make it, and continue to make it. The more zeros the better.

CONTINUITY

Momentary blips are not stars, they’re comets. If you don’t last, especially in today’s overloaded, evanescent world, you’re irrelevant.

DO IT YOURSELF

Screw the millennial teamwork/group construct. We want to see individuals triumph, it’s the American Way.

CHARISMA

Necessary in art. You must have that something extra that intrigues us.

ORIGINALITY

If you’re not pushing the envelope, you’re not interesting.

SMART

Is attractive. It’s the essence of the digital world. Dumb is unappealing.

CONFIDENCE

If you don’t believe in yourself, how can we believe in you?

ELUSIVENESS

There must be something we don’t know, that keeps us thinking, coming back, wondering who you really are.

BEAUTY

Is not only external. It’s about being attractive, emanating an essence that is irresistible, that one cannot get anywhere else.

SKIN DEEP

Those who are only external are not stars. They call those people models. They might be famous, but don’t equate fame with stardom, sometimes the two go together, sometimes they don’t. The guy who shoots up the workplace is famous, but he’s not a star. Sorry for the metaphor, but you must realize it’s not about doing anything to make it, but the right thing.

HOT AIR

We live in a substance culture. If there’s no bedrock to what you’re saying, don’t talk.

MULTIPLE BALLS IN THE AIR

We’re not interested in how you’re working the system, we’re interested in the results. It’s not news when you make a deal with a new outlet, it does not burnish your image, it’s not about getting multiple people to pay you, it’s about what you release/create. You think you’re winning by being in the news, but you’re losing, you’re the annoying character who won’t go away.

MULTIPLE TIMES

Once is not enough. Stars do it again and again and again. And they do it different. What came before does not necessarily predict what will be next.

COMPETITION

There is none. Stars are sui generis. There’s no one like them. Which is why we’re drawn to them.

BACKBONE

Stars say no, only amateurs always say yes. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. And don’t be afraid to let people know you won’t do it.

RULE BOOK

There is none. If you’re not creating your own rules, you’re not a star, you’re just a figment in someone else’s constellation, your light can be dimmed by them.

PLATFORM

Platforms come and go, stars remain.

TALENT

You’ve got to have some, but what it is is up for grabs in today’s world. Then again, don’t equate momentary, no-talent performers with a modicum of fame to stars. Just because the media writes about some YouTube or Vine performer who kids are attracted to, don’t believe that person is a star. Chances are they’re on a lark and it won’t last. Stars walk off into the wilderness and keep going and we wake up at some point and start chasing/following them, astounded that they refuse to do it like everybody else and are dropping fascinating crumbs along the way.

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