To be honest I didn't read all of the other posts, only because I'm almost a year behind... which sucks. But, here is my opinion.
We live in a time when a person can make a HD film with great effects for under $2,000. Counting the camera. We are living in a time where information is spread faster than a speeding bullet. Faster than light. But most important, we live in a time where we can make a movie for under $2,000!!!! THAT'S the best part. We are all so lucky and fortunate to live in this day and age. No, I do not believe our culture, or film industry for that matter, is going down the ****ter. If anything, it is up to our generation to prevent that. We are the first group of kids who were given these cameras at a young age and could make a high quality film with no budget at all. We are the first generation to spread information via websites like studentfilms.com and can discover one another and grow from our own ideas. NOW is a time to be as optimistic as ever and I hope that I see more great movies come out of the minds of you guys, myself included. That's why I'm here. There is some serious talent on this site, and others, and I believe our world is headed in the right direction. It is just up to us to keep it that way.
Sorry I'm posting so much... I guess I'm catcing up?