Is twitter the town square anymore?
W/C 13 June 2022
Hello and welcome to 11#. I’ve got a super early set of starts this week so we are for the first time a Wednesday newsletter, I hope you’ll find it in your hearts to forgive me. It’s quite energising to have some breakfast meetings and workshops, face to actual face. The pandemic has taught me many, many things, but one interesting and surprising piece is that I enjoy having space between home and work and going somewhere, with people. Who knew?
Now, on to the #content.
1. Apple win MLS rights
This is not a digital story but an entertainment story. but it is a digital story really. It’s Apple’s first step into sport and it’s with the MLS, I am sure this will mean something, be that a test and learn and scale but it is a commitment. It is a long deal, 10 years and global (I think). Sport is the only water cooler moment left (maybe reality TV, maybe) but it’s a big deal.
He’s right. Good thread, interesting view re: PL👇
2. Gallup workplace survey is stark.
Thread here. Burnout, disengagement and boss issues.
3. TikTok is the Town Square now
I’ve worked in social for as long as it has existed in a professional form. I remember the Town Square analogy from Twitter, it’s still used, I think Elon might have even mentioned it. I’ve always pushed back on it a little as I do think it is a bubble to an extent and scales badly. TikTok has scale and it’s still growing. This is a good piece. But, if we have learnt anything it is that what goes up, must eventually plateau…
4. The "Shrek"/"Bee Movie" Dichotomy
As ever Garbage Day delivers. This piece is great as it unpicks Shrek vs Bee movie and why it’s still relevant today (Morbius!). Garbage Day explains how the internet works, it’s a must, must read.
One big game thing 👇
Microsoft x Bethesda showcase is what most people are talking about.
I don’t have a web3 section because it’s mostly all on fire this week, but… WEB 5 (FIVE) 👇🏼
Odds and ends, basic links. Pure linkage, in wine terms, low intervention links.
Nice piece on popular social not always being good brand work. There is a discussion to be had here, but I need to consider it more. My first thought is about the measurement of success at what is good.
The IPL sold it’s broadcast rights for more than the Premier League.
Reddit is the fan partner of Love Island, which is interesting. I saw the ad, yes I love Love Island, sue me.
Adieu.
I’ve got a super busy week this week but am feeling super energic. Writing this has been such a great reference point for me and thank you again for reading. Like, reply or email me what is good or what isn’t.
Bonus.
Finished Flight Attendant S2. Was okay. It’s Love Island season now, so we’ve got to wait until Atlanta S3 (I think) before anything genuinely great is back on TV. Ms Marvel, however, is great fun, if you are into Marvel it’s going to be a fun ride I think.
All the spelling and grammatical mistakes in this Substack are on purpose to test you, actually. Well done. You got them all. No, I don’t need to know about then, you have that kudos.