We live in an age of oppressive mega-scale in all things. Businesses that don't enjoy instant global name recognition wither and die in the shadow of an ever-shrinking set of brand-name behemoths. At the same time, our social order crusts over into a kind of neo-feudal celebritocracy, where people well-known enough to be brands claim the exalted position once reserved for hereditary aristocrats, while everyone else is relegated to the inconsequential status of serfs.

In this environment, far too many talented musicians are cut off from any hope of making a career of what they love most and do best. They may have had the bad luck to be born in a place that record labels' A&R people rarely visit, or their songs may not embody the absolute latest trends in musical fashion, or the labels may just not consider them likely enough to fill stadiums with teenage girls screaming deliriously at their mere presence.

The way they're currently shut out embodies everything that's wrong with our contemporary culture of gigantism.

In a fair world, they would have a chance to be heard and appreciated on some reasonable scale. People shouldn't have to be superstars in order to make a living—or at least an income supplement—from their talents and skills.

Whether in the role of content recommenders or consumers, by giving them this chance, we can take a much-needed stand for the dignity and worth of non-celebrities of all types.

Ourselves included.