Critics, Crowds, and the Complexity of Fame

This chapter explores the distinction between professional critics and everyday readers, advocating for the value of informal critiques in understanding art and literature. It delves into the complexities of crowdsourced opinions, detailing how public sentiment can skew perceptions and highlighting personal anecdotes about fame and the surreal experiences with fans. Additionally, it addresses the challenges of managing intrusive collaborations and the overwhelming nature of maintaining personal connections in a digitally connected world.