Fans, Selfies And The Future Of TV

There may be no better way to get a look at the future of media that to spend a few days enveloped and overwhelmed by the new immersive world of YouTubers and their fans. The truth is - for the uninitiated it's sometimes hard to tell the difference. Here's an example. I was in an elevator at the Hilton, where many of the YouTube Stars are staying, just next to the Anaheim Convention Center. A two young girls got in the elevator. One, with a "community" name tag, the other without a badge. The "community" member recognized the other girl and called her by name with a squeal... "Miranda!!! Iove you." Hugs and selfies commenced during the short ride, and moment's later - Miranda stepped off the elevator with her handler (who I strongly suspect was her dad).