People vs Algorithms

Omnicom digital chief Jonathan Nelson joins the show to discuss why ad agencies, forever under threat, will adapt to AI. We go into Omnicom's purchase of Flywheel Digital, a software company for digital commerce -- a further sign that the next phase of what we used to call the internet will be defined by commerce rather than advertising.Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on TwitterTopics:00:00 Opening Banter and Warm-Up00:31 Introduction to 'People vs. Algorithms' Podcast01:33 The Future of Magazines and Ad Agencies in the AI Era03:57 Navigating the Digital and Media Landscape: Insights and Anecdotes22:04 Navigating Media, Identity, and the Outlaw Mentality36:54 The Dawn of Digital Agencies and Banner Ads39:21 Evolution of Advertising: From Novelty to Foundation43:52 The Future of Advertising: AI, Ethics, and Consumer Impact50:52 Navigating the Media Landscape: Relationships and Technology55:15 The Role of Websites and Consumer Behavior Online57:36 Reflections on Advertising, Technology, and Career Advice01:09:04 Concluding Thoughts on AI, Ethics, and the Future of Advertising

In this episode Alex, Brian and Troy dive into topics like how AI is changing advertising, the ways tech meets human needs, and the big shifts society might see because of tech. They chat about everything from AI taking over creative jobs to why we still need a human touch in things like art.Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on TwitterTopics:00:00 Exploring Polycules and Regional Acceptance00:59 Welcome to People vs. Algorithms: Unpacking Media and Tech01:09 Insights from the Possible Conference: Marketing and AI's Future04:44 The Impact of AI on Advertising and Creativity06:59 AI's Role in Advertising: A Deep Dive14:20 The Future of Advertising Agencies in the AI Era17:27 The Quirks of Product Marketing and Consumerism19:22 The Humane Product Launch: A Case Study in Failure25:28 Exploring the Limits of AI in Personal and Professional Services30:46 The Debate Over AI in Our Lives: Convenience vs. Human Connection33:20 The Dystopian and Utopian Views of AI's Future41:22 The Socio-Economic Implications of AI and Technology47:46 Navigating the Digital Age: Truth, Trust, and Technology54:57 Yahoo's Evolution and the Future of Digital Platforms01:00:12 Closing Thoughts and Listener Feedback

In this episode Brian, Troy, and Alex dive into AI mishaps in Teslas, muse over BuzzFeed's AI pivot, and ponder the future of creativity in tech. They chat about navigating power in the digital age, laugh at media's latest shenanigans, and champion the underdog entrepreneurs shaking things up. Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on TwitterTopics:00:00 Tesla's Autopilot Update01:02 Introducing People Vs. Algorithms05:32 BuzzFeed's AI Pivot and the Future of Media22:19 AI's Impact on Creativity and the Music Industry26:30 The New York Times Embraces AI for Audio Articles33:09 Diving into the Concept of Power36:11 The Journey to Gaining Power: Personal Stories and Advice43:10 Understanding Power in the Context of Career and Entrepreneurship49:31 AI's Influence on Power Dynamics and Organizational Structures54:24 Reflecting on Media, AI, and the Future of Content Creation59:47 Good Product Recommendations

With Alex still on vacation, Axios senior media reporter Sara Fischer joins Troy and Brian to break down the current state of the media business, including why TikTok is winning, the death of aggregation as a competitive advantage, why social media is a major reason women’s sports is one of the hottest segments, The New York Times as an extensible model and the future of print magazines as marketing pieces.Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on TwitterTopics:00:00 Brooklyn, Miami or Washington?01:10 Introducing 'People vs. Algorithms': A Deep Dive into Media Trends02:37 The Power of Distinctive Journalism in Today's Media05:39 The Evolution of News Consumption and the Rise of TikTok07:41 The Future of Media: Between Eras and the AI Influence10:00 The Art of Distinctive Reporting in the Digital Age12:51 Exploring the Success of The New York Times and Other Media Giants21:22 The Rise of Women's Sports and the Impact of Social Media25:52 The Ongoing Battles in the Media Industry34:04 The Shift in Media Brand Strategies36:20 The Evolution of Legacy Media and New Upstarts39:25 Navigating the Complexities of Media Business Models52:35 Exploring the Future of Reddit and Other Platforms56:17 Beyonce's New Album: A Cultural Phenomenon

Emily, Brian and Troy delve into the complex world of influencers and celebrities as they navigate public scrutiny and fame in the digital age. They explore the societal impact of extensive phone use and the rise of influencers creating their own brands. Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on TwitterTopics:00:00 An Unforgettable Trip to the Grenadines: The Start of an Influencer's Journey01:12 Introducing 'People vs. Algorithms': A Deep Dive into Media, Tech, and Culture01:17 Emily Sundberg's Unique Blend of Business and Culture in 'Feed Me'02:31 Exploring the Complex World of Influence and Celebrity08:11 The Intricacies of Being an Influencer and the Impact on Personal Identity16:01 The Huberman Controversy: A Case Study in Celebrity and Accountability30:52 The Future of Celebrity: Microdramas and the New Age of Public Scrutiny38:19 The Unpreparedness of Rising Influencers41:57 The Personal Touch in Building a Brand47:06 Exploring the Future of Work and Influence53:27 Navigating the Complexities of a Digital Career01:03:13 The Impact of Technology on Society and Personal Life01:06:48 The Good Product Corner

In this episode of 'People vs. Algorithms,' hosts Brian Morrissey, Troy Young, and Alex Schleifer engage in a wide-ranging discussion on how algorithms shape our cultural landscape, the future of AI in content creation, and the consequences of a digitally dominated world. They share insights from the Game Developer Conference about the optimism among independent studios and discuss the ramifications of algorithmic sameness across media. The episode features a detailed conversation with Kyle Chayka, a writer at the New Yorker and author of 'Filterworld,' centering on how algorithms are flattening culture and what it means for creators and consumers alike.Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on TwitterTopics:00:00 Kicking Off at the Game Developer Conference06:42 The Future of AI in Gaming: Opportunities and Challenges08:40 Navigating the Complexities of AI Ethics and Open Source Debates19:49 The Middle Management Dilemma: Efficiency vs. Human Touch27:33 Listener Questions: The Future of Learning and AI's Role34:01 The Digital Dilemma: Navigating Education and Work in a Tech-Driven World34:48 Rethinking Education: A Vision for the Future35:08 Introducing Kyle: A Deep Dive into Algorithms and Culture35:48 The Impact of Algorithms on Culture and Individuality38:41 Exploring the Future: The Role of Algorithms in Shaping Our World43:02 The Algorithmic Influence: From Consumption to Creation47:29 Navigating the Algorithmic Landscape: Personal Experiences and Strategies51:36 The Future of Culture in the Age of Algorithms55:59 The Personal and Professional Impact of Living Online59:01 Envisioning a Future Beyond Algorithmic Feeds01:06:28 Exploring Good Products

As Alex says, the ground is shifting more and faster than it has in some time in the tech world, which usually means gaping craters are opened to swallow up media companies. We discuss the Reddit IPO, X apparently pivoting to video – we recorded this prior to Don Lemmon announcing he wouldn’t be launching his show on X after an apparently disastrous interview with Elon Musk pissed off Musk, go figure – and the effort to ban TikTok.We also have a guest this week. Tony Stubblebine joined us to discuss where Medium fits in the information space. We talked to Tony about how Medium aims to be the place for expert content, why journalism is apparently expensive to produce because journalists have to learn about the stuff they cover, and the frequent misalignment of incentives in the media business, particularly ones reliant on advertising.Submit a question or comment for the show here: https://memo.fm/pva/Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on TwitterTopics: 00:00 Introducing the Voicemail Feature: A New Way to Engage01:44 Welcome to People vs. Algorithms: Unpacking Media and Tech Shifts02:06 Deep Dive into Reddit's IPO and the Future of Social Platforms02:44 Exploring Medium's Journey and Its Place in the Digital World04:29 Listener Engagement and the Future of Podcasting05:18 Analyzing Reddit's Strategy and Its Impact on the Digital Landscape16:17 X Pivoting to Video19:46 The Controversial Debate: The Potential TikTok Ban25:20 Apple's Strategy and the Shifting Tech Landscape32:21 Medium's New Direction Under CEO Tony Stubblebine40:44 Evaluating Medium's Pivot to Subscription and Target Author Strategy41:26 The Power of Expert Content in the Digital Age43:03 The Debate Over Text vs. Video Content44:05 The Importance of Writing in an Evolving Internet44:55 Addressing Changing Consumer Habits and Content Consumption48:56 The Future of Twitter and Social Media Platforms50:36 Exploring Federation and Content Distribution Strategies51:37 Navigating Negotiations with AI Companies55:17 The Potential and Challenges of Reddit's IPO58:13 The Role of Medium in Independent Expert Content Creation59:39 Reflecting on the State of Professional Media01:08:33 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions01:11:12 The Impact of Advertising on Business and Culture

This week, we discuss how to turn the ship at two very different companies facing different challenges: CNN and Google. At CNN, former New York Times CEO Mark Thompson is looking to reinvent the still very profitable broadcaster into a more nimble, digitally focused operation as its viewership and cultural importance fade. Google is facing its biggest threat yet in the form of AI and signs with Gemini AI image search that there might just be something to those complaints about a “woke culture.” Plus: nostalgia for websites, invisible paywalls and Substack’s next chapter.Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on TwitterTopics:00:00 Opening Banter and Homework Check00:05 Diving Into Mark Thompson's Memo and Corporate Speak01:20 Introducing People vs. Algorithms01:49 The Challenges at CNN and Google02:29 CNN's Transformation and Strategy Discussion07:13 Exploring the Impact of AI and Invisible Paywalls11:38 The Future of Publishing and Websites17:08 Debating the Role of Websites in Media Today27:52 Substack's Strategy and the Future of Content Creation33:32 Reimagining CNN's Strategy in the AI Era45:27 Exploring Perplexity's Innovations and Potential46:57 The Future of News: AI and Media Evolution47:14 Navigating the Challenges of Legacy Media in the Digital Age49:01 The Blurred Lines of Modern Media Brands57:17 The Dilemma of Independence in the Media Landscape58:57 Google's Leadership and Innovation Challenges01:00:14 The Cultural and Structural Issues at Google01:14:53 Redefining Product Management in Tech01:17:04 The Essence of Good Content: Vice and Beyond01:22:18 Closing Thoughts and Future Engagements

This week, we're joined by Puck fashion correspondent Lauren Sherman, who gives her view on how to build a career in journalism during what's billed as an "extinction event." Hint: persistence plays a big part. Plus: Troy gets nostalgic about Vice. Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on TwitterTopics: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes01:06 Welcome to People vs. Algorithms01:36 Guest Introduction: Lauren Sherman01:49 Discussion on Media Industry Changes03:41 Reflections on Podcasting16:30 Guest Arrival: Lauren Sherman18:01 Discussion on Fashion Industry30:48 Surviving in the Journalism Industry33:35 The Drive and Luck Behind Success34:16 The Journey to Becoming a Staff Writer34:37 The Role of Persistence in Journalism35:00 The Intersection of Business and Fashion35:33 Navigating High-Risk Career Paths35:52 The Decision Against Starting a Business36:35 The Importance of Being Part of Something Bigger37:01 The Value of Having an Editor37:27 The Challenges of Managing Your Own Business37:46 The Dilemma of Moving into Management38:18 The Pitfalls of Pushing Passionate People into Management38:34 The Appeal of Working at Puck39:41 The Struggles of Being a Manager40:23 The Importance of Staying Close to the Product41:25 The Reality of Working in the Media Industry53:02 The Impact of Puck on Access and Influence54:50 Advice for Aspiring Journalists

Dotdash Meredith CEO Neil Vogel joins the show to discuss how a publisher reliant on search traffic is back in growth mode, the future of the affiliate business, the impact of generative AI on traffic-dependent publishing businesses, why performance comes before premium in advertising strategies and that time Prince played the Webby Awards.Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on TwitterTopics:00:00 Introduction and Subscription Banter01:24 Introduction to the Show and Hosts01:38 Discussion on Media Industry and Technology02:10 Introduction to Dotdash Meredith and its CEO02:59 Discussion on Media Business and Advertising04:22 Feedback and Contact Information04:47 Discussion on Upcoming Guest and Industry Challenges05:31 Discussion on AI and Technology News09:07 Introduction of Guest Neil Vogel09:31 Discussion on Media Business and Future Predictions11:33 Discussion on AI and Content Generation13:22 Discussion on Brand Advertising and Content Budget Allocation39:42 Content Strategy Across Different Verticals40:32 The Importance of Local Decision Making41:11 The Role of Innovation in Media Industry41:32 Exploring the Potential of Technology in Media44:21 The Power of AI in Content Creation44:35 The Future of Recipe Content45:14 The Impact of Personalities in Branding45:45 Reflections on the Print Business48:56 The Challenges and Opportunities in Media Industry49:34 The Role of Brands in the Digital Age52:19 The Importance of Innovation and Taking Risks54:06 The Future of Media in the Age of AI54:48 The Power of Optimism in Leadership57:46 The Impact of Celebrity Appearances in Events01:04:29 The Influence of Google on Publishers01:09:05 The Future of Content Creation with AI01:11:31 Closing Remarks and Future Predictions

The arrival of AI means the paradigm of searching for information and entertainment will give way to instant delivery. This week, we discuss the implications for the media ecosystem.Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on TwitterSkip to topic:00:00 Introduction and Casual Conversation00:08 The Power of Virtual Reality in Work00:26 The Exhaustion of Video Calls01:12 Introduction to the Show01:57 Discussion on the Evolution of the Internet02:50 The Rise of Tech Empires03:07 Surviving in the Age of Tech Empires03:57 Super Bowl Discussion06:38 The Impact of the NFL09:35 The Power of Super Bowl Commercials10:56 The Rise of Temu14:53 "Spulu": A New Sports Streaming Service22:59 The Struggles of Microsoft's Gaming Division27:48 The Art of Negotiation and Independent Game Development28:18 The Struggles and Successes of Entrepreneurship28:57 Venture Capital and the Challenges of Scaling a Business30:09 The Impact of Social Media Platforms on Engagement33:00 The Future of the Internet and Content Creation38:19 The Role of AI in Shaping the Internet Economy42:22 The Importance of Unique Content and Branding in the AI Era44:58 The Challenges and Opportunities of Content Creation in the AI World47:51 The Future of Media and the Internet Economy50:06 Final Thoughts on the Future of the Internet

In this episode Alex, Brian, and Troy, with guest Rafat Ali, discuss the future of technology, focusing on the Apple Vision Pro's impact on work, personal life, and media consumption. They explore its potential to revolutionize how we interact with digital content and the broader implications for traditional media and AI in content creation.Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on TwitterSkip to topics:00:00 Introduction to the Virtual World00:16 Exploring the Avatar's Appearance00:33 Discussing the Potential of Virtual Reality00:54 Debating the Implications of Body Mapping01:04 The Impact of Technology on Human Behavior01:49 Embracing the New Virtual Reality02:12 The Practicality of the Virtual World03:19 The Future of Virtual Reality03:46 Overcoming Buyer's Remorse04:00 The Virtual Workspace07:39 Addressing the Dork Factor20:55 The Future of Mainstream Media23:11 The Role of Media in Today's World34:08 The Future of B2B Media39:16 The Impact of AI on Web Traffic and Journalism40:24 The Limitations of AI in Complex Analysis41:07 Exploring the Role of AI Chatbots in Business43:22 The Future of Web Browsing and Information Retrieval47:32 The Role of Tech Giants in Shaping the Internet's Future48:40 The Challenges and Opportunities in Modern Journalism51:11 The Evolution of Media Consumption53:45 The Future of Media: Predictions and Speculations55:53 The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception58:08 The Impact of Technology on Media Consumption01:00:32 The Future of Journalism in the Digital Age01:02:27 The Role of Media in Shaping the Future01:05:31 The Challenges and Opportunities in the Media Industry01:07:18 The Future of Media: A Look Ahead01:08:46 Conclusion: The State of Media Today

With an era of digital media ending in chaos, we look ahead to the challenges media companies face in fixing a product that in most instances is far behind the times.Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter

Layoffs at The Los Angeles Times, the end of the road for Pitchfork, and an uncertain future for Sports Illustrated illustrate how digital media is architected to collapse the middle of the media business, leaving a precious few scaled players and many scrappy outfits.Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter

This week we talk CES, the ongoing silliness of the Bill Ackman-Business Insider feud, and why news aggregation apps are the obvious solution in search of a (monetizable) problem.Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter

This week, we dig into the latest front into the so-called hit piece. Last week, Business Insider published a pair of stories that dug into the academic record of Neri Oxman, a former MIT professor. Oxman happens to be the wife of Bill Ackman, a powerful activist investor who has been on a campaign against the leaders of top universities, including Harvard's Claudine Gay, who resigned a week ago after plagiarism accusations. The Wall Street Journal meanwhile continued its scrutiny of Elon Musk with a piece that looked into his drug use and whether it has negatively impacted his stewardship of his companies and the requirements of federal law since Starlink is a government contractor. The pieces raise the question of what a fair target for accountability journalism, and whether drug use is the issue or behavior exhibited during drug use (or without drugs of any kind, outside the intoxicant of ego). Finally, we consider the Apple Vision Pro and the prospect of people on planes with it strapped to their faces.Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter

The New Year is maybe the perfect holiday. It’s celebrated by just about every culture and creed. And in a time of great division, we sorta come together around the idea of a new year meaning a new start. And we probably need that. This week, we look at reasons for hope, what lies ahead for AI, the coming legal and regulatory battles with Big Tech, and why it's probably safer to be an electrician.Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter

Troy and Brian go over some of the lessons of 2023 and look ahead to 2024, starting with the end of the long era of dominance of the search engine results page and the dawn of a new SERP and promise of a new syndication paradigm that's reminiscent of the portal era.Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter

Troy and Alex kept the conversation going after the recording of last episode. After sharing a "transcendental" experience with Chat GPT, Alex explained why he doesn't want a Cybertruck and Troy is compelled to play GTA 6.Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter

In news, we discuss Google's antitrust loss, the miracle of Cheddar selling for $200 million, 5-Hour Energy Guy cleaning house at SI and zombie cable TV. Next, it's onto 2024 storylines, including AI's coming specialization, and platforms and publishers breaking up.Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter