There’s growing evidence that the Web 2.0 ‘Long Tail’ theory is a bust for the online creative sector. Back in 2004, then Wired editor Chris Anderson theorized that blockbusters would matter less in the internet age and that everyone would sell “less of more.” But in today’s cultural world, where Marvel movies dominate and tech…
Read More The Long Tail has failed the cultural industriesWelcome back, Cybercultural subscribers! This week’s theme is how the virtual world is increasingly crossing over into the physical world. From James Dean being digitally reincarnated for a new film role, to the “Touch Video” technology of game developer Flavourworks, to the rise of immersive news, to a newly announced Pokemon GO developer platform,…
Read More When digital is blended with realityThe theme of this week’s newsletter is 20th century cultural institutions trying to find their way in the digital-first 21st century. I’ll look at cultural heavyweights like Condé Nast (magazines), The Guardian (news media), HBO (TV) and The British Library (literature). After the fall of the glossy magazine, what’s left of Condé Nast? 🎩 In…
Read More Re-inventing 20th century culture