The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Biden Wins New Hampshire Primary—Twice

Today's Edition Newsletter • 8628 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Campaigning Government Media Justice
  1. Joe Biden won the New Hampshire primary through a grassroots write-in campaign, showcasing the power of volunteers.
  2. Biden also secured a victory due to strong anti-Trump sentiment in New Hampshire, highlighting potential success in the general election.
  3. Nikki Haley's concession speech criticizing Trump's behavior and cognitive challenges raised growing concerns about Trump's mental fitness, impacting his public image.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 676 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Food Media Music Fashion
  1. A recent article discusses how Spotify is using fake stock music to fill popular playlists and save on royalty costs for musicians. It's a surprising practice that reflects larger issues in the music industry.
  2. A sugar cookie recipe from the New York Times was shared, and the cookies turned out really well. This shows that sometimes simple recipes can lead to delicious results.
  3. The post marks the last installment of the year for sharing consumed media, highlighting the importance of reflecting on what we've experienced throughout the year.

On Today’s Absurd New York Times Hit Piece

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 14141 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics First Amendment Censorship Media Supreme Court Government
  1. The New York Times published a controversial piece about the Twitter Files and its connection to a Trump ally, which the author argues is a misrepresentation of reality.
  2. The Supreme Court case _Murthy v. Missouri_ is significant, as it involves challenges to government monitoring of online content and potential infringement on First Amendment rights.
  3. The article discusses the implications of exposing censorship programs and suggests a potential motive behind the Times' piece as a distraction tactic during the historic case.

Fold, crease, tear

Austin Kleon • 7094 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media Craft
  1. Making things with your hands, like creating zines, can boost your mood and happiness. It's good to stay connected to your creative side.
  2. Writing in a paper journal helps keep thoughts organized and can enhance creativity. Using paper is a simple yet powerful tool for self-expression.
  3. Exploring new forms of art and literature, like zines and unique book recommendations, opens up new ways to think and feel. There's always something new to discover.

Letters mingle souls

Austin Kleon • 4975 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Media Poetry
  1. Letters can connect us deeply, allowing friends to communicate and share thoughts even when they're apart.
  2. Many scientists still prefer using chalk on blackboards because it offers a tactile and visual way to think and communicate ideas.
  3. Reading magazines from cover to cover can provide enriching conversations and unexpected insights, especially about creative relationships.
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in the belly of the MrBeast

Never Met a Science • 394 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Social media Entertainment Influencers Content creation
  1. MrBeast focuses on making videos that work specifically for YouTube. He believes that success comes from understanding the platform and its audience, rather than traditional video-making skills.
  2. His success relies on a deep study of metrics like viewer engagement. The more people watch a video, the better it does, which is crucial for growing his channel.
  3. MrBeast aims to stay true to himself while being highly responsive to audience feedback. His content is shaped by what viewers want, blurring the lines between creator and audience.

Thinking points, February 9, 2024

uTobian • 7311 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Government Society Media Policy
  1. Logic and reason are important and should not be banned, even if powerful entities try to suppress them.
  2. The biggest global risks in 2024 involve various organizations and entities that hold significant power and influence.
  3. Vaccines and the pharmaceutical industry are controversial topics, with strong opinions about their safety and impact.

The Sweet Spot Between Doomscrolling and Hopium Smoking

OK Doomer • 178 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Society Media Philosophy Psychology Environment
  1. People feel alone when they realize how serious our problems are. They want to talk and connect with others who share their worries.
  2. Many distractions in our culture, like politics, pull attention away from the real issues at hand. They can feel like a way to ignore the reality of difficult times ahead.
  3. It's important to acknowledge that doom and uncertainty won't disappear. Finding a balance between awareness and hope can help navigate these feelings better.

The Great Subduction

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 967 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Internet Technology Philosophy Media Society
  1. The internet is changing how we live and work, making people feel more like resources than active participants. This change means we might end up being used for our data rather than our creativity.
  2. Our understanding of truth and reality is shifting. Many people are struggling to agree on basic facts, which leads to confusion and conflict. This shows how adaptable human culture can be.
  3. With new technology, the way we create and experience art is evolving. Instead of traditional movies and books, there are now many different forms of media, like podcasts and videos, shaping culture in new ways.

Inside the CEO shooter standom

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4418 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Pop culture Social Trends Youth culture Online Communities
  1. People have started to view a shooter, who targeted a CEO, as a kind of hero because of frustrations with the healthcare system. Many are expressing support for him online, turning him into a symbol of rebellion against insurance executives.
  2. There's a growing disconnect between mainstream media and the general public. Some believe that media figures, who live in comfort, fail to understand the struggles ordinary people face, leading to misguided narratives about events like this shooting.
  3. Elon Musk’s idea that his platform is a replacement for traditional media may actually create echo chambers. It’s important for people to seek out diverse viewpoints and critically analyze information instead of relying on just one source.

Automation in Movie Theaters Gives Me the Creeps

Textual Variations • 198 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Art Automation Cinema Media
  1. Automation in movie theaters is increasing, leading to fewer staff and a less engaging experience for viewers. People feel uneasy seeing machines replace human jobs and the emptiness of the theaters.
  2. The closing of a popular David Lynch Facebook page highlights issues with automated customer service. It shows how difficult it can be to get assistance from large companies like Meta when they rely heavily on machines.
  3. The alternate Pizza Hut version of 'Demolition Man' demonstrates how movie marketing has evolved over time. It's a fun twist that changes the film's context for different audiences, reflecting how product placement has shaped cinema.

The West Only Has Pretend Heroes Like Spider-Man And SpongeBob

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1923 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Critique Heroes Pop culture Media Society
  1. The idea of real heroes is missing in Western culture, as only popular fictional characters are recognized. People often point to characters like Spider-Man and SpongeBob instead of real-life heroes.
  2. Many individuals who truly stand up against injustice or the powers that be are ignored or punished. The media doesn't promote these real heroes but instead focuses on those who entertain or distract the public.
  3. The prevalent culture tends to celebrate superficial achievements rather than meaningful contributions. Most celebrated figures support the status quo instead of challenging it.

Dispatch from a Clusterfuck

Situation Normal • 167 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Social media Disaster Communication Community
  1. Social media can create confusion during disasters by spreading misinformation instead of clear communication. It's hard to find the truth when everyone is shouting different stories online.
  2. We have lost some human connection with news in the age of social media. Instead of personal calls, we often just get notifications and likes on platforms, making tough moments feel even more isolating.
  3. While social media has its downsides, there are still valuable resources like Watch Duty that provide real-time, accurate information during emergencies. Supporting such services can help communities stay safe.

Now More Than Ever

Animation Obsessive • 1973 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Animation Media Art Literature Writing
  1. The newsletter started four years ago and marked its journey with a special post. It's been a significant milestone for the creators.
  2. Initially, there was uncertainty about the audience for longer stories on animation, but they were excited to take the chance.
  3. The newsletter has grown along with its followers, showing that there's a demand for deep discussions about animation.

US Gun Stupidity

Diane Francis • 1059 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political violence Media Public Opinion
  1. An attempted assassination on a political figure can change the course of an election campaign. It can lead to dramatic reactions and rhetoric from involved parties.
  2. Political leaders may use such events to appeal to their supporters and create narratives that serve their agendas. This includes ascribing blame to political opponents in a bid to rally their base.
  3. The complexities of political violence highlight how individuals involved may have their own motivations, which can sometimes contradict the broader political stories being told.

Falling Asleep with the TV On

Kneeling Bus • 264 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Television Media Entertainment Streaming Comedy
  1. TV often has small moments that stick with us but might never be found again. These moments can shape our memories even if they seem unimportant.
  2. Norm Macdonald showed how viewers might not actually be watching shows, making their success numbers look inflated. This makes it hard to trust viewer ratings.
  3. Platforms like Netflix gain more from having lots of content rather than focusing on individual shows or movies. This means many films just get lost in the shuffle and are easy to forget.

Reflections on Y2K and a Crappy Year on Substack

Textual Variations • 265 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Film History Personal Reflection Humor
  1. Y2K was a big deal back in 1999, with many people fearing that computers would fail and cause chaos. Thankfully, it turned out to be mostly nothing, and it was a weird moment in history.
  2. 2024 was a tough year for many, especially for writers trying to grow their audience on platforms like Substack. It can be hard when things don't go as planned.
  3. Albert Pyun, a low-budget filmmaker, has a director's cut of his 1990 'Captain America' movie that many fans are excited to see. It's a chance to understand his vision better.

Is It A Wake Up?

Points And Figures • 1012 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Government Democrats Republicans Media
  1. Many believe that the recent political changes in the US show a major disconnect between mainstream media and the public's opinions. People are looking for a voice, and this new landscape allows them to speak up.
  2. There is a sentiment that the government has become too intrusive and wasteful. Citizens feel frustrated about how their tax dollars are spent, particularly regarding foreign aid and pandemic response.
  3. Leaders like Trump and Musk challenge traditional bureaucratic management styles, and some hope this will lead to reduced government control and more effective management in the future.

And Now, the Narrative Changes

Bulwark+ • 7075 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Partisanship Polling General election
  1. The Republican Party is facing challenges due to a significant portion of voters who do not align with Trump's base.
  2. There's a shifting focus from primary battles to the upcoming general election, where Trump may struggle with moderates and independents.
  3. Biden's reelection campaign could benefit from improving economic optimism among voters, resembling Obama's successful 2012 campaign.

There’s more room for niche “Morning Brew for X” newsletters

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 523 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
💼 Business Media Newsletters Subscriptions Content Strategy
  1. Niche newsletters are on the rise, like the 'Morning Brew for X' concept, targeting specific industries and interests. This means there are more opportunities for unique content in less-covered areas.
  2. Substack's features can help writers grow their audiences, despite some criticisms. Many have seen real engagement and subscriber growth through the platform's tools.
  3. There's a growing market for ghostwriters, as more CEOs and creators seek to produce content. This demand indicates a strong interest in professional storytelling and brand-building.

The newsletter platform wars heat up

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 548 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Media Entrepreneurship Streaming Content creation Subscription Models
  1. The newsletter market is competitive as platforms like Substack and Beehiiv fight for creators. Beehiiv aims to help creators monetize with ads better than Substack, which focuses on subscriptions.
  2. Big media companies see theatrical releases as a way to boost streaming views. They think that cinema buzz can lead to more interest in streaming the same content later.
  3. Forbes is moving away from freelance writers due to changes in Google's policies. They're focusing more on their internal content to adapt to new search engine challenges.

A review of Brick, a little box that shuts down your phone

Startup Strategies • 71 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Gadgets Apps Media Product Reviews
  1. The Brick is a device that helps you stop using apps on your phone by locking them down until you tap it again. This makes it harder to scroll through social media mindlessly.
  2. Although it works well to keep you off distracting apps, it's not the cheapest option available. There are free apps like Screen Time that can do something similar.
  3. Some people might prefer making their own version of the Brick with cheap parts instead of buying one. It’s a fun project, but the Brick does its job of reducing screen time effectively.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 641 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Food Art Media Literature Lifestyle
  1. Tilda Swinton's interview is really engaging and could go on forever. It's a great mix of interesting thoughts and conversation.
  2. Enjoying simple pleasures like whisky sours and fries can really make for a cozy experience. It’s nice to treat yourself to little things in a comforting setting.
  3. It's great to move past feeling unwell and find joy in sharing experiences again. Returning to favorite activities can be refreshing.

Might I Suggest a Few Totally Normal Ways to React to Barbie’s Oscar Nominations

Hung Up • 6505 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film Celebrities Entertainment Media Magazines
  1. Barbie received eight Oscar nominations, but some notable figures were snubbed in certain categories.
  2. The Oscars may not always reflect the full diversity and quality of films, so it's important to keep perspective.
  3. Reactions to awards nominations, while sometimes intense, should be taken with a dose of normalcy and humor.

The Herd of Independent Minds Stampedes Off the Cliff

Bulwark+ • 6603 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Authoritarianism Media Political Analysis
  1. The Republican Party is now Trump's party, with members rushing to show loyalty despite the consequences.
  2. Ben Shapiro, once a Never Trumper, endorsed Donald Trump, showcasing a shift in allegiance.
  3. Many individuals, including politicians, media figures, and billionaires, are downplaying the threats posed by Trump, showing a trend of denialism and minimizing concerns.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1620 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Government Public Policy Media
  1. There is a livestream event called 'America This Week' happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a great chance to tune in and catch some interesting discussions.
  2. The hosts, Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn, are planning to talk about the upcoming election and how it relates to current events. It sounds like a timely topic with Election Day just around the corner.
  3. They might even include some Halloween themes in their discussions, like what Janet Yellen said about the U.S. dollar. It should be a fun and informative episode!

Expedited Vote for the January 2025 + Post Topic

Computer Ads from the Past • 128 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Computing Marketing Advertising History Media
  1. The poll for January 2025 is only open for three days, so make sure to participate quickly. It's important for your voice to be heard in the decision-making.
  2. The author is facing some personal challenges that have delayed their updates. It's a reminder that everyone can go through tough times and it’s okay to share that.
  3. If you're interested in reading more about computer ads from the past, consider signing up for a paid subscription. It's a way to support the content and explore more history.

On Don Lemon

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 10768 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Free speech Elon Musk
  1. Don Lemon sought a significant financial package, including an upfront payment, salary, equity stake, and extravagant perks like a Tesla Cybertruck and a private jet to Las Vegas.
  2. Despite past critiques, mainstream media are now portraying Lemon as a free speech hero due to his interactions involving Elon Musk.
  3. To access the full post and archives on Don Lemon, readers are encouraged to subscribe to Racket News for a 7-day free trial.