Apple’s E-book case finally came to it’s likely end a few week’s ago; it’s worth reviewing what was at stake in light of recent news that Apple Music could face a similar investigation. Then, if Apple Music will do for musicians what the App Store did for developers, is that a good thing? Plus, why sites are bad and no one is at fault.
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.
Battle of the Box, Updated; Apple Enables Ad-Blockers
A year ago I compared and contrasted Box and Dropbox; both have taken very different paths over the last year, and in light of Box’s earnings and recent Dropbox news I check back in on their progress. Also, Apple and ad-blockers.
The News App, Open Source Swift, Additional Notes from the WWDC Keynote
This update touches on why Apple Music may be a much bigger deal than I suggested, and the moves on to all the other important announcements from Apple WWDC keynote. This includes the News app, open-source Swift, and more.
Vox Acquires Recode; Stars, Money, and Reach; The Apple Car and Jony Ive
Recode has sold to Vox, and while everyone involved is putting a happy face on the matter, it seems highly likely that Recode failed as a business. Understanding how content businesses work show where they went wrong, but what does that mean for someone like Bill Simmons?
Also, Jeff Williams spoke at Recode, and he just might have changed my mind about Jony Ive.
Medium the Network, Automattic Buys WooCommerce, Google and the Value of Identity
This Daily Update examines Medium’s seeming pivot towards being a network instead of a publisher, which is a contrast to WordPress.com’s latest move towards e-commerce. Finally, a brief examination of why identity matters.
Carriers to Implement Ad-Blocking?, Mad Men and Optimism, Spotify and Starbucks
Today’s update is a Media Monday on a Tuesday. First, a reported ad-blocking initiative from European carriers and a discussion on its moral, legal, and business aspects. Then, reasons to be both pessimistic and optimistic about the future of publishing. Finally, a discussion of Spotify’s deal with Starbucks, it’s symbolism, and the similarities and differences between the music and content industries.
Verizon-AOL, Facebook Instant Articles, and the Future of Digital Advertising
Two seemingly unrelated stores — Verizon buying AOL. and Facebook offering publishers the option of Instant Articles — are actually very much connected: advertising online is undergoing a fundamental shift, and while there will be a few big winners, there will be a lot more losers.
Media Monday: Bill Simmons vs ESPN, Spotify and the Content Hierarchy, Periscope and Piracy
Today’s Daily Update is all about the media:
– ESPN will not renew Bill Simmons’ contract, which leads into a discussion of the value of individual brands, particular writers, and how that value can best be captured
– Not all content is created equally, which helps explain Spotify’s surprising decision to diversify
– Periscope presents a unique challenge to sports in particular