> an you imagine how more interesting the web will get when the next Lucille Ball can go direct to the fans?

agreed. and already happening. I've discovered several hilarious talented women on YouTube, total amateurs, yet more entertaining than most generic Hollywood mass produced actresses. And these women can all now control their message and work and charge fans directly for premium content, get advertising revenue, etc. The next Lucy's and Oprah's may already exist now and they've started their little empires on YouTube.