It&#x27;s not like the content is exclusive to live shows. Most famous comedians share plenty of their content via specials, talk shows, interviews, podcasts, etc.<p>In this case, &#x27;protecting content&#x27; is a red herring.<p>The value of going to see a show live is transient experience of being there in person. Seeing the performer, immersing yourself in the energy of the crowd.<p>Spending the entire event trying to record it on a mobile phone is not only a completely selfish and self-absorbed act, it actively takes away from the experience of others. Not only by blocking&#x2F;distracting others from the show but by failing to participate in the experience.<p>The energy of an entire room navel-gazing on their phones during a show doesn&#x27;t come close to a room of people laughing, cheering, and having a great time.<p>I spend plenty of time watching YouTube videos of my favorite comedians. The smart ones like Bill Burr share a lot of their own content off-stage (ex &quot;Bull Burr&#x27;s tour of LA&quot;). It&#x27;s -- by no means -- a replacement for the real deal but it&#x27;s good to &#x27;whet the appetite&#x27;.<p>I can completely understand the extroverted nature of performers. Comedians especially, feed off the energy of the crowd. The very best have a lot of sensitivity to the moods&#x2F;nature of their audience and will actively adjust their content&#x2F;delivery to provide the best experience possible. Watch how they take on hecklers and make them part of the joke. Watch the look of terror in their faces when they recall times when they&#x27;ve bombed a show in the past.<p>A audience that doesn&#x27;t actively participate is a terrible audience undeserving of a good show.