[SIC] Talks #64: Daisy Alioto

[Notes are AI-generated] In this episode, Ben and Daisy Alioto discuss the challenges of memory and archiving in the digital age, the impact of the pandemic on media, and the importance of institutional memory, the fluidity of memory and personal narratives, the erosion of permanence and objectivi...

[Notes are AI-generated] In this episode, Ben and Daisy Alioto discuss the challenges of memory and archiving in the digital age, the impact of the pandemic on media, and the importance of institutional memory, the fluidity of memory and personal narratives, the erosion of permanence and objectivity online, and the fear of losing job security in the media industry. Daisy introduces the concept of the taste economy and its potential as a solution for the challenges faced by creators and journalists. They also discuss the role of venture capital in shaping cultural consumption and the need for sustained investment in criticism and media. She shares the coda to a story about a man's father who investigates a murder after the war, highlighting the theme of grief and resilience. Daisy also talks about being driven by spite and anger in her career, the broken promise of success, and the class resentment between creatives and technologists. She emphasizes the importance of solidarity between the creative and technology classes. Additionally, she discusses her background in audience development and the value it brings to publishing. The conversation concludes with a discussion on moving platforms and the future of physical publishing. Takeaways The digital age presents challenges for memory and archiving, with individuals relying on platforms and publications to preserve their personal and professional histories. The pandemic has disrupted the media industry, leading to layoffs and a loss of institutional memory, as well as a shift in the perception of job security. The taste economy, which values individual taste and curation, may offer a solution for creators and journalists seeking stability and independence. Investment in criticism and media is essential for preserving the role of critics and journalists in society, but there is a disconnect between the perceived importance of criticism and the willingness to invest in it. Grief and resilience are intertwined, and it is possible to find strength and triumph in the face of adversity. Being driven by spite and anger can be a powerful motivator, but it's important to channel those emotions into productive actions. The promise of success in the media industry is often broken, leading to feelings of arbitrariness and resentment. There is a class resentment between creatives and technologists, but it is important to find solidarity and work together in times of difficulty. Audience development plays a crucial role in the publishing industry, shaping distribution models and building relationships with readers. Moving platforms can be a strategic decision to maintain trajectory and reach a wider audience, but it requires careful consideration and planning. Physical publishing and literary representation offer new opportunities for growth and expansion in the media industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:21 Connection between Sick and Dirt 02:02 The Impact of the Pandemic on Media 03:15 The Challenge of Memory and Archiving 04:15 The Importance of Institutional Memory 05:07 The Power Dynamics of Media Industry Layoffs 05:44 Personal Archiving and Memory 06:23 The Challenges of Remembering and Reconstructing the Past 07:34 The Fluidity of Memory and Personal Narratives 08:53 The Curse and the Nature of Truth 09:56 The Influence of Physics and Carla Rovelli 10:35 The Erosion of Permanence and Objectivity Online 11:24 The Importance of Archiving Online Content 12:19 Living with Another Person's Truth 13:19 The Fear of Losing Job Security 17:51 The Transition to the Taste Economy 19:53 The Limitations of the Creator Economy 21:43 The Rise of the Taste Economy 23:26 Dirt as a Model for Brand Diversification 24:42 The Need for Fuller Relationships with Audiences 25:39 The Perception of Selling Out 26:35 The Challenges of Transitioning Skill Sets 27:56 The Fear of Losing Job Security 29:20 The Role of Venture Capital in Cultural Consumption 30:16 The Disconnect Between Investment and Criticism 31:06 The Importance of Criticism and the Media 32:25 The Challenges of Sustaining Criticism 34:02 The Impact of History on the Present 36:06 The Need for Objectivity and Compromise 38:23 The Story of Artur Elek and the Sacrifice of Objectivity 41:06 Lessons from History and Moving Forward 43:06 The Coda to the Story 44:09 The Triumphant 'You'll Never Take Me Alive' 45:02 Driven by Spite and Anger 46:05 The Broken Promise of Success 47:02 Class Resentment: Creative vs Technologists 47:41 Solidarity Between Creative and Technology Class 48:37 Sitting at the Intersection of Technology and Media 49:18 The Audience Development Background 50:12 The Value of Audience Development in Publishing 51:27 Exercising Both Sides of the Brain 53:27 The Survival of the Company 55:01 Moving Platforms: Keeping the Trajectory Going 59:19 Beehiiv vs Substack 01:00:37 The Emotional Stakes of the Media Business 01:02:56 Physical Publishing and Literary Representation