Perfect timing on this subject for me...

I am now doing video, and have never been completely comfortable doing it but wanted to capture those special moments of the young artists in local intimate venues in L.A. I felt something special was lost, and could have been captured. Seeing the Youtube videos, I thought why not try it. The artists themselves have their own channels. I did my homework, and went out and got a Kodak Zi8 and a good external mic, and away I went. I taped over the red light, and was discrete about doing it. I have now done videos of a dozen or so locals, and contacted every one for their permission to "post it up" on Youtube after I have the video. Every single one was happy about it, and I used their input on some to tag/title them.
Last night renewed my apprehensions, when one of the songwriters that I am on a first name basis with, publicly asked us that were taking pics/video to please not "tag" her in the pics/videos, as she was not "feeling herself" lately. 
Fact is, in todays world everywhere you go (except maybe in the privacy of your bedroom), you may be on video. Certainly when you are out, presenting yourself to the public, you can almost plan on it.
I stopped doing video last night from that moment on. I felt like an intruder. It was a very small, intimate venue, and a B-Day performance for one of the ladies. Another person next to me, who, as it turns out has 430 uploads kept recording. I felt better stopping, feeling "Sally Jaye" (she is visibly pregnant, and announced it is a boy) deserved this. This is not, MSG, or even the venue size GPN plays. 
I do believe that in todays world though, that anyond performing in public needs to get used to it...

Eric in L.A. (but, hey... I am a New England native)