"Mainstream"...what does that mean to you?

[NoNameMcgee]

Mainstream is just whatever is accessible to the most amount of people at a given time. It's not good or bad, but it has the potential to be both.

This guy gets it, the popularity of something doesn't determine its quality.

Personally I would take it the opposite way, if something is popular its often (but not always) popular because its actually pretty good, so a lot of people like it. Simple.

*holds up flame shield*

But to me all mainstream means is something is widely liked. Whether I will like it or not will not be decided by how many other people like it, it only means I can make some assumptions before I see/watch/play/do it

 

[TheAbominableDan]

Mainstream is just a term for something with mass appeal. It doesn't mean a thing is good or bad. Mainstream is not a term meaning "The things I hate" A lot of people like to bash on mainstream but it's kind of without reason.

Here are some things that are generally well liked on this forum that would be classified as mainstream. The Star Wars movies, The Lord of the Rings movies, video games as a whole (You may disagree with this one but the market doesn't lie, they sell.) Daft Punk (Maybe not quite mainstream in terms of recognition but their sound definitely has universal appeal, how many people do you know who actually dislike them? Because I don't know many) I could do more, but I kinda don't wanna. I feel my point is made.

 

[Hosker]

Something which appeals to a majority of people.

 

[Sepphyre]

Mainstream is a term smug elitists use to bash on popular things that are liked by the majority of people so that they can feel superior to the average person to for no adequate reason.

Not always true. I am sure that there are many who act as you suggest, however there are those who have seen what is on offer and want something better, and often find it in the environment where they least expect. There is nothing wrong with a pursuit of quality.