Introduction
The Internet promised to lower barriers to expression. Anyone with access to a computer and an Internet connection could share their creativity with the world. And it worked spurring, among other things, the emergence of a new type and generation of art and criticism: the online creator independent from major labels, movie studios, or TV networks.
However, that promise is fading once again, because while these independent creators need not rely on Hollywood, they are bound to another oligopoly the few Internet platforms that can help them reach a broad audience. And in the case of those who make videos, they are largely dependent on just one platform: YouTube.