Dec 24, 2025–Power belongs not to those who create, but to those who control.
These are the people I refer to as gatekeepers.
Gatekeepers stand in every industry and field, public and private. They are the people manning the spigots, opening the doors, signing the permission slips.
Examples in the arts:
If you compose a song, it has to go through a publisher.
If you write a book, it has to go through a distributor.
If you paint a picture, it has to go through a gallery.
To get your creation out into the market, you need to convince those gatekeepers that what you created is worthy of presenting to the masses.
You can argue whether this structure has been successful in bringing only the best to the world, but it has always been the water we swam in. It lubricated commerce. As some commentator commentated, all innovation requires two people: one to create it; and one to recognize it.
With the advent of the internet, even the least connected individual now has unfettered access to the world. If you compose a song, you upload it. If you scribble a screed, you share it. But this complete access does not mean your precious creation will land in the laps of readers and listeners. Rather, it reveals the important function that gatekeepers provide–they give us access to a ready-made audience. Subscribers, listeners, and followers are the currency of commerce. We still respect that. That’s why we still write letters to the editor, and still clamor to be on a radio talk show, and still want a publisher to buy our first novel.
Another place that gatekeepers have held on to their power is right around the corner in any private or public office. You encounter that immutable force anytime you try to schedule a doctor appointment, pick up a package at the post office, or seek permission to paint a sign.
We still respect the gatekeeper’s power, as evidenced by our attempts at sneaking past that gate with our own guile. Admit it–we all do these things:
Inspectors
Any business owner or landlord who has endured a visit from the health inspector or code enforcer recognizes how even the most assertive individual turns into a groveling sycophant trying to charm, persuade, cajole the inspector-type person to sign off on their project. Because we recognize the only thing standing between you and hefty fine might be their signature on a form full of numbers, hyphens, and backslashes.
Returns Desk
We all know the feeling of taking back that $200 electric grommet remover to the big box store, hoping the counter clerk won’t question you about the plastic seal being broken. Suddenly you pretend they are the most fascinating conversationalist in town, nodding vigorously at every comment and laughing at every attempt at humor, bowing and nodding as you back away clutching the return receipt.
Teachers
Any teacher or professor that denies they are gatekeepers is disillusioned. Do you really believe those students think your jokes are funny, your insight is brilliant, or your outfit is stunning? Sure, as long as you hold the red pen. Once they walk away with their final grades, you turn back into a pumpkin.
I am not sure how the power will flow as we enter a brave new world of unlimited information and limited attention. Gatekeeping still is handy in limiting the amount of garbage coming over the transom.
Who is the ultimate arbiter of what is good?
As always, whoever will pay for it.