The Changing Landscape of Journalism and Technology: A Look at Substack and The Inevitable

Hatched by Kazuki
Jun 28, 2023
4 min read
4 views
Copy Link
The Changing Landscape of Journalism and Technology: A Look at Substack and The Inevitable
In the ever-evolving world of media and technology, two key players have emerged as game-changers: Substack and "The Inevitable" by Kevin Kelly. Both are shaping the future of journalism, content creation, and our overall understanding of the technological forces that govern our lives. In this article, we will explore the common points between these two phenomena and delve into the unique insights they offer.
Substack, a platform that enables individual brands and niche publications to thrive, is revolutionizing journalism and content creation. It provides a direct channel for writers to convert their Twitter or social media followers into regular subscribers and readers, bypassing the limitations imposed by gatekeepers. This targeted niche writing allows journalists to potentially make more money on Substack than at their traditional jobs. This platform not only incentivizes content providers directly but also creates an entirely new media business model that goes beyond traditional ad-based models.
The rise of Substack also marks a shift from public to private content and from mainstream to fragmented niches. This transition is driven, in part, by a fear of cancel culture. Journalists who have shifted to Substack seek a space where they can freely express their ideas without the fear of censorship. With Twitter's increasing content moderation practices, the trade-off between censorship and distribution reach becomes a crucial consideration.
However, Substack's impact goes beyond the realm of journalism. It is transforming a generation of journalists into small business owners, providing them with direct financial incentives tied to their usage and readership. This shift from being employees to business owners will likely shape the writing and thinking of this generation, making it one of the most significant societal impacts of Substack.
"The Inevitable" by Kevin Kelly offers a complementary perspective on the future of technology and its impact on our lives. Kelly identifies 12 technological forces that will shape our future, including Becoming, Cognifying, Flowing, Screening, and Accessing, among others. He argues that the moment something becomes free and ubiquitous, its position in the economic equation inverts, highlighting the counterproductivity of banning the inevitable.
Kelly emphasizes the importance of embracing these technological forces rather than resisting them. He suggests that the scientific process, our greatest invention in the past 200 years, has enabled us to create countless amazing things that we could have never discovered otherwise. With the accelerating cycle of obsolescence, mastery of specific tools or gadgets becomes increasingly challenging. Instead, the focus shifts towards a state of becoming, where incremental improvements become the norm.
One of the key insights from "The Inevitable" is the concept of generative qualities. As copies become superabundant and free, their value diminishes. The value now lies in things that cannot be copied, such as trust. Kelly argues that selling generative qualities, such as personalization, authentication, and engagement, becomes the key to monetization in a world of free copies.
Furthermore, Kelly envisions a future where books and knowledge become deeply interconnected through computational algorithms. Readers will be able to generate social graphs, timelines, and networked maps of influence for any notion in the library. Sharing becomes an integral part of reading, where readers can subscribe to the marginalia feed of someone they respect, gaining access to their highlights, notes, and musings. This social aspect of reading transforms the act into a collaborative and interactive experience.
Both Substack and "The Inevitable" highlight the importance of access, sharing, and the power of networks in our increasingly digital world. Substack enables writers to build a direct channel outside of social media gatekeepers, while "The Inevitable" emphasizes the interconnectedness of knowledge and the value of sharing and collaboration. These insights offer actionable advice for both content creators and consumers:
- 1. Embrace the power of networks and build direct channels: Whether you're a journalist, writer, or content creator, focus on building your own audience and subscriber base. Establishing a direct channel outside of traditional platforms gives you more control over your content and allows you to cultivate a dedicated community.
- 2. Explore new ways of sharing and collaborating: In the age of information abundance, the value lies in the ways copies can be linked, manipulated, annotated, and enlivened by other media. Look for opportunities to share your insights, collaborate with others, and create a networked community around your work.
- 3. Adapt and embrace technological changes: Rather than resisting or fearing technological advancements, embrace them and look for ways to leverage their potential. Stay informed about the latest trends and forces shaping our future, such as those identified in "The Inevitable," and find ways to incorporate them into your work or daily life.
In conclusion, Substack and "The Inevitable" provide valuable insights into the changing landscape of journalism, content creation, and technology. Substack empowers individual brands and journalists by turning them into business owners, while "The Inevitable" highlights the 12 technological forces that will shape our future. By embracing the power of networks, sharing, and adapting to technological changes, we can navigate this evolving landscape and thrive in an ever-connected world.
Resource:
Copy Link