Mixed Signals from Semafor Media 'Substack isn’t cool,' gatekeepers are, and other strong opinions from tastemaker Chris Black
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May 16, 2025 Chris Black, co-host of the How Long Gone podcast and style consultant for brands like J. Crew, shares his journey from managing a pop-punk band to a fashion tastemaker. He discusses the surprising resurrection of media gatekeepers in 2025 and expresses his belief in traditional institutions despite the rise of influencers. Black also critiques Substack fatigue and how the podcasting landscape has evolved, emphasizing the importance of authentic connections over mere analytics in content creation.
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Institutions Remain Cool
- Chris Black respects institutions deeply and doesn't find Substack newsletters cool.
- He believes institutional quality and editing maintain craftsmanship often lacking in fragmented online writing.
Trust the Young on TikTok
- Entrust TikTok expertise to younger team members rather than trying to oversee it yourself.
- Recognize generational divides and let younger people guide digital culture understanding.
Gatekeeping Gains Value Again
- As content saturation increases, gatekeeping is valuable to filter quality.
- Chris advocates gatekeepers who inform and guide taste rather than seeing them as negatives.