It's cool to be a hater

Popularity and authenticity have two different definitions. Therefore, they should not be used as synonyms. Music is the most obviously and prevalent culture where this comes into play. There's a general agreement that once something becomes popular it's not "cool" anymore. Funny thing is, most of the people who would say that, wouldn't refer to their music taste as cool. Cool and popular are, in fact, the real synonyms. People feel like they always have to defend themselves when a band they like becomes popular. "They sold out, their old stuff was soooo much better" and, "I listened to them before anyone knew them." Shut up. If you appreciate music then own up to it. There is no reason to be embarrassed of liking a band that becomes successful. If you're a fan of their music, wouldn't you want that for them? Obviously more "factors" come into play. People like to bitch about how much a band's music has changed and blah blah blah. DUH. Not one band has ever and will never produce an album exactly like previous ones. People change every single day, so how could their music not reflect that? Sometimes bands give into the pressure of our society and the pop culture and that reflects on their music. And often the "underground" bands put out a shitty album, even without the glorious fame. But it's not enough to say you don't like a band because they do well. With that logic, it should be the exact opposite. I can talk about other people and how lame they are for all this, but I'm guilty as well. BUT, I think I've made a 360 on that issue. I think these ideas come from your culture. The Indie music/elitist culture used to be my world. It's ridiculous how much criticism is on bands that are successful, apparently we think they should all be starving artists.
If something has value or meaning, its popularity is not a factor. The more popular it becomes, it will mean that to a greater amount of people. Not the opposite. You're not any better than a band that is successful.