User generated content - the rules have changed

I've been involved in video production on and off for the last ten years. I have seen the advent of the broadcast quality mini dv cams and computer editing, but I think the biggest change is happening now....user - generated content.

For years I have been waiting for what I knew would one day be a reality, the internet as a medium for films, and a way in which filmmakers can make money independently.

It has happened, as the rich young chappies at Youtube can atest, and unfortunately, as is often the case, much of the content produced caters for the lowest common denominator.

But with this user generated content, I believe the rules of filmmaking have changed...people now expect honesty.....and genuine opinions

Advertisers are scrambling to find a way in, to sell goods to a media savvy market.....but people now smell bullshit a mile away.

As someone who is trying a new venture, online travel videos (http://www.overlander.tv) I am trying to find the happy medium, getting advertisers onboard, but also making films that are not sterile and call a spade a spade and PLEASE THE VIEWER.

Unfortunately though, it seems the poor old independent filmmaker still looses out...oh to be lonely planet...to approach one of your advertisers and hit them up for a free trip so you can set up a competition where people make free travel video content for you, for the sniff of a prize! http://www.lonelyplanet.com/lessthanthree/

I like the advertising model they are using here, making high quality vids for local businesses, http://www.turnhereinc.com/videoproductions/

Or does one make videos like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIzycq8252Q
honest and not pandering to advertisers, camera taken everywhere, image quality not important.

do I downsize to a smaller intimate camera that i can use discreetly in third world countries without being robbed, do i do family friendly, advertiser friendly pap....or do i cut loose, exploring all strange little crevices in the world and my mind??

The rules have changed, and as filmmakers, if we want out films to be viewed...we must also evolve