Richard Lawler, a contributor to The Verge, dives into Netflix's struggle with live sports streaming, particularly during the Tyson vs. Paul fight. He questions if major tech players can successfully adapt to the demands of live sports. Following that, Roland Allen, author of "The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper," discusses the enduring significance of notebooks and handwriting in a digital age. His insights reveal how these simple tools have shaped our thoughts and communication throughout history.
Netflix's struggle with the Tyson vs. Paul fight highlights broader concerns about streaming platforms' ability to handle live sports events effectively.
Roland Allen's exploration of notebooks reveals their evolving role in society, demonstrating their enduring significance in both personal expression and business practices.
The rise of TikTok Shop illustrates a shift in consumer behavior, where live shopping and influencer engagement drive interest in niche candy products, reshaping purchasing experiences.
Deep dives
The Rise of TikTok Candy Culture
A surge in candy popularity on TikTok highlights a unique phenomenon where users engage with various candy products, particularly freeze-dried variations and niche brands like Bon Bon. As influencers and content creators rave about items such as sour-coated Gushers and Swedish candy called 'bubs,' companies have responded by rapidly producing and marketing these trendy treats. This newfound interest in candy has even led to live shopping events, where hosts interact with buyers in real-time while showcasing their products. The connection between social media and consumer behavior is exemplified by the speaker's personal experience of purchasing candy during a TikTok live stream, indicating a shift in how people discover and purchase treats.
Netflix's Challenges with Live Sports
The underwhelming performance of the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight on Netflix raises questions about the streaming platform's readiness for live sports events. Despite heavy promotion and an expected audience, technical issues hampered the viewing experience and led to viewer frustration. The conversation underscores a broader concern in the streaming industry regarding the capability to handle large audiences for live programming, with Netflix's struggles fueling speculation about whether any streaming service can successfully dominate this space. The looming NFL games on Christmas Day present an opportunity for Netflix to prove itself, but doubts persist around whether the infrastructure is equipped for high-stakes live events.
The Evolution of Note-taking
The history of notebooks, as explored by Roland Allen, reveals their crucial role in both personal and business contexts throughout history. Allen argues that notebooks evolved alongside significant developments in society, with their origins tracing back to business practices in Renaissance Italy where they were essential for record-keeping and capitalism. He highlights that items like zibaldoni facilitated personal expression, eventually intertwining with business use as people documented various aspects of their lives. The ubiquity of notebooks demonstrates their fundamental importance to human civilization, expanding across time as tools for creativity and organization.
The Resilience of Traditional Writing
Despite the rise of digital technology, traditional writing methods, particularly using notebooks, remain deeply valued. The act of writing by hand engages the brain differently than typing, with personal notebooks fostering a unique connection to thoughts and ideas. Moreover, the physicality of notebooks provides users with a sense of permanence and organization that digital formats often lack. This affinity for tangible writing tools is exemplified by the success of products like Moleskine, which has successfully married tradition with modern aesthetics, appealing to individuals seeking both functionality and expression in their writing materials.
A Mixed Bag of Streaming Experiences
The landscape of streaming services reflects an ongoing struggle to deliver consistent, high-quality viewing for live sports and events. While platforms like Amazon have found some success, inconsistencies remain apparent, leaving audiences to question the viability of streaming as a reliable alternative to traditional broadcasts. Emerging technologies and innovative formats are currently being explored, yet none have fully bridged the gap to offer an experience comparable to linear television's reliability. The excitement from live events persists, but until streaming services resolve their technical issues, audience satisfaction will remain elusive.
Richard Lawler joins the show to chat about the Tyson / Paul fight, and more importantly the fact that Netflix didn't seem to be able to keep up. As live sports — and TV in general — move toward streaming, are even the biggest names in tech ready for what's coming? After that, Roland Allen, the author of The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper, tells us about the history of the notebook, and why we've been writing things down about our lives for centuries. Even in a digital world, Allen argues, you just can't beat the notebook. Finally, a question from the Vergecast Hotline sends producer Will Poor down a TikTok Shop rabbit hole.
