If you read the left-leaning press of late, you’d have noticed a lot about American billionaire Elon Musk. He’s willing to engage with press to sell his products and explain his newest ideas. He’s also subject to negative engagement, particularly in the UK.
There’s a tendency in the press here to dislike someone, principally because they’re rich. Musk isn’t as well-off as some presume. He holds shares, but the paper value of his activity is probably fairly low. In the global stakes, he’s more average than above it.
It doesn’t stop low paid writers – or hacks – from picking him out from a crowded room. It may be his irreverent way of speech, or his bombastic expressive nature. It may also be his appeal to nerdy ideas or concepts. It’s an easy target, at least.
The reality of business
The businesses of today thrive on exposure. It’s obvious from the long-held product launches of Microsoft, Apple, and Disney for instance that it matters to make the industry excited. These are widely viewed events that garner a lot of press.
Musk fits exactly into such a community, and provides an entertainment factor as well. He’s willing to take on controversies, and back people that are controversial. His stance on Trump is one example. His liking for memes may be another.
It also draws detractors. It could be the hours of footage that show him having fun at launch events. It may be an enthused response from audience members. It could be his growing wealth, or increasing relevance to modern technology.
The public disinterest
There’s a danger in journalism not to make too much of a meal out of someone. It’s not their fault they’re seen, as it were, or heard as often or widely as they are. It’s a part of their job, also their character, and it’s expected by others.
The push to say more – because more is done – is a craven falling into temptation. It also produces similar journalism. It’s not great for the industry, and it may congeal if it isn’t careful. It’s also a recipe for disaster for anyone involved.
There’s a point at which people lose interest, and yet writers may think we still are. It has a sort of trend to it that’s not welcome. It also raises questions without answers, and poses endless dilemmas. It suffers by loose ends left hanging.