The real story in this mess is not the threat that algorithms pose to Amazon shoppers, but the threat that algorithms pose to journalism. By forcing reporters to optimize every story for clicks, not giving them time to check or contextualize their reporting, and requiring them to race to publish follow-on articles on every topic, the clickbait economics of online media encourage carelessness and drama. This is particularly true for technical topics outside the reporter’s area of expertise.
And reporters have no choice but to chase clicks. Because Google and Facebook have a duopoly on online advertising, the only measure of success in publishing is whether a story goes viral on social media. Authors are evaluated by how individual stories perform online, and face constant pressure to make them more arresting. Highly technical pieces are farmed out to junior freelancers working under strict time limits. Corrections, if they happen at all, are inserted quietly through ‘ninja edits’ after the fact.
There is no real penalty for making mistakes, but there is enormous pressure to frame stories in whatever way maximizes page views.
Jay Z Pays Tribute to Chester Bennington
Jay Z performed his Linkin Park mashup “Numb/Encore” for BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge.
Depeche Mode Cover David Bowie
Depeche Mode have released a performance video for their cover of “Heroes” by David Bowie.
Staircase Spirits – “California Winter”
You can stream Staircase Spirits’ new song “California Winter” below, via Substream Magazine.
The Killers Perform on Colbert
The Killers performed “The Man” last night on Colbert.
The Maine – “How Do You Feel?” Video
The Maine’s new video for “How Do You Feel?” has been released.
A Day to Remember – “We Got This” Video
A Day to Remember have released a video for “We Got This.”
Demi Lovato – “Sexy Dirty Love”
Demi Lovato’s new song “Sexy Dirty Love” is up on Spotify and Apple Music.
Morrissey Announces New Tour Dates
Morrissey has announced some new tour dates.
Gwen Stefani – “You Make It Feel Like Christmas”
Gwen Stefani has released her new song “You Make It Feel Like Christmas.” I don’t know how I feel about Christmas music already.
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Accidental Music Podcast (Encore Episode 154)
On this week’s episode of Encore I am joined by special guest Deanna Chapman. Deanna returns to the show to discuss music and technology. We talk about Brand New’s High & Low set (which Deanna saw in person), new albums from Mutemath, Foo Fighters, The National, PVRIS, and more, and then go deep on the latest Apple event. We talk about the new products, Apple Music, iOS 11, and what we think we want to upgrade and not upgrade.
Albums in Stores – Sep. 22nd, 2017
Quite a few new albums worth checking out today. We’ve got new album from Noah Gundersen, The Killers, The Movielife, Circa Survive, and many more. If you hit read more you can see all the releases we have in our calendar for the week. Hit the quote bubble to access our forums and talk about what came out today, what albums you picked up, and to make mention of anything we may have missed.
‘Rick and Morty’ Co-Creator Slams Online Trolls
James Hibberd, writing for Entertainment Weekly:
Continues Harmon: “These knobs, that want to protect the content they think they own — and somehow combine that with their need to be proud of something they have, which is often only their race or gender. It’s offensive to me as someone who was born male and white, and still works way harder than them, that there’s some white male [fan out there] trying to further some creepy agenda by ‘protecting’ my work. I’ve made no bones about the fact that I loathe these people. It f—ing sucks.”
The Movielife on Billboard Podcast
The Movielife are on the latest episode of the #AlternativeFacts podcast.