Commonplace Reading - Issue #6
Back on time this week, but short and sweet. Just less good stuff floating around, I suppose. Or maybe I was distracted by the huge pile of marking…
Go long…
The Secret Lives of Tumblr Teens
Grab your favourite warm beverage and prepare to dive deep into the teen culture of Tumblr. Much like YouTube celebs, this is a whole culture that many people fail to grasp.
YouTube Personalities Use 'Minecraft' to Prey on Underage Fans
And talking of YouTube, here's the sobering tale of a Minecraft YouTuber with over 600,000 subscribers who has inappropriate relationships with underage fans. A great, in-depth piece of reporting - by one of my students. And I didn't make the connection until this piece turned up as part of his submission…
Publishing Problems
Inside The Independent's plans for digital expansion
A first look at what the online-only Indy will be like. Not nearly as radical as I'd like - but a start.
The viral publishing game is over and we all lost
Not sure I entirely buy the headline, but the underlying point - that the social networks have got better at dealing with manipulative headlining - is worth pondering.
Planetary problems
Bill Gates: the energy breakthrough that will “save our planet” is less than 15 years away
Fascinating interview with Gates. It feels more and more like Microsoft will be a footnote in his story, with his post-PC work becoming far more significant.
Apple, the FBI, and Security - Stratechery by Ben Thompson
The US law enforcement establishment's battle with Apple over phone security manifestly impacts the rest of the world. If you haven't been paying attention, this is an excellent primer on the issues involved.
Pretty
Costa Concordia Today - Sunken Ship Pictures
A photographer's new images of the doomed cruise ship are haunting.
Cédric Villani on the 7 Ingredients of Creativity on Vimeo
A three minute insight into the reality of ideas and innovation. Challenging - and beautifully animated.
And that's it. I hope you enjoyed it - and if you did, please pass it on to a friend, family member or colleague whom you think will enjoy it.
Until next week…
