Curation and Algorithms

More and more companies are announcing new products based on human curation, even as the most important content players — Google and Facebook — rely on algorithms. When does curation make sense, and when are algorithms better? And ultimately, who is responsible for both?

Twitter Lightning, Twitter’s Communication Problem, Buzzfeed’s New News App

Word is out about Lightning, a new Twitter feature that lets people dip in and out of current events. It’s a great move. The question, though, is why talk about it now? The timing highlights a big communication problem. Also, BuzzFeed News’ new app, and the importance of notifications to its future monetization.

The Funnel Framework

The Internet has removed scarcity, meaning business models based on controlling distribution are no longer viable. Instead, the key to success is controlling access to the best customers — and that means being the best.

Daily Update: Moore’s Law at 50, BuzzFeed and Advertiser Pressure

Good morning, The French Senate approved a measure (it won’t be law, at least not yet) that would force Google to disclose its algorithm to a French regulator. If you have strong views on this (particularly if you are in favor), I’d love to hear from you as to why — with the condition youSubscribe […]

Daily Update: BuzzFeed Busted, LinkedIn Buys Lynda.com

Good morning, Late last night was Apple Watch ordering mania. A few observations: Within minutes the Apple Watch Edition quickly moved from May to June and some models to August. In China, meanwhile, they completely sold out It seemed to take about six minutes for ship dates to start slipping from 4/24-5/8 to something laterSubscribe […]

Daily Update: Facebook to Host Media Content, Vox’s Facebook Strategy and Keywee, Bill Simmons’s Next Move

Good morning, I apologize that this Daily Update is a bit tardy: first, it’s late temporally (sorry east coasters!), second, it’s a Media Monday on Tuesday! On to the update: Facebook to Host Media Content From the New York Times: With 1.4 billion users, the social media site has become a vital source of trafficSubscribe […]

Daily Update: BuzzFeed, Trust, and Regret; Backdoor Hypocrisy; Uber Acquires deCarta

Good morning! In case you missed it, I mentioned yesterday that I’m going to Happy Hour Friday in Seattle and Monday in San Francisco, both from 5:00-6:30, and would love if you joined me. I’ll send out details about location to those who have expressed interest later today. On to the update: BuzzFeed, Trust, andSubscribe […]

Daily Update: It’s Great to be Small, Niche Business Models, YouTube Seeking to Retain Stars

Good morning, I received multiple reports that Friday’s Daily Update was marked as containing phishing links. I can absolutely confirm this is not the case, so if you missed it, please take a look in your spam folder. For the third Monday in a row I’m writing about media – Media Mondays if you will.Subscribe […]

Daily Update: On The New Republic, Journalism, and BuzzFeed; Uber and Portland; Uber and India

Good morning, Today’s report is a little long and little late due to some late-breaking developments. My apologies. On to the update: On the New Republic, Journalism, and BuzzFeed Anyone who follows journalism even tangentially was certainly inundated with the news about the upheaval at The New Republic. In case you missed it, a summarySubscribe […]