Derek Thompson, Senior Editor at The Atlantic and NPR analyst, delves into the secrets behind what makes something a hit. He explains that there's no formula for success, asserting that 'distribution beats content.' Discussing the viral rise of Simon Sinek’s TED Talk and Bumble, he highlights how familiarity paired with surprise captivates audiences. Thompson draws parallels between speechwriting and music, emphasizing the power of repetition. His insights reveal that we cherish familiarity, making us more receptive to emotional connections in art.
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insights INSIGHT
Familiarity and Distribution Rule Hits
Hits are extraordinarily successful cultural products with no fixed formula.
Familiarity and distribution are more crucial than pure originality or quality alone.
insights INSIGHT
Virality Depends on Broadcast Moments
Viral hits often spread through broadcast moments, not solely organic sharing.
Influencers with large followings accelerate content reach more than typical viral cascades.
insights INSIGHT
Nostalgia Drives Movie Rewatching
Nostalgia has a powerful role in why we rewatch beloved movies repeatedly.
These movies also act as time capsules helping us measure our personal growth.
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The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction
Derek Thompson
In 'Hit Makers,' Derek Thompson delves into the mysteries of popularity, tracing the history of hits from the 13th-century tunic craze to modern-day blockbusters like Star Wars. Thompson shatters myths about hit-making, revealing that quality alone is not enough for success and that many popular products were close to failure. He introduces concepts like MAYA (Most Advanced Yet Acceptable) and the balance between novelty and familiarity, highlighting how influential people and networks play a crucial role in making things viral. The book is a comprehensive look at how culture happens and why certain things capture people's attention.
Lend Me Your Ears
Great Speeches in History
William Safire
This book is a definitive compendium of classic and modern oratory, expanded with a new preface on what makes a speech 'great.' It includes speeches from Demosthenes to George W. Bush, as well as undelivered speeches such as Kennedy's scheduled speech in Dallas and Safire's draft for Nixon in case of a moon landing disaster. The collection covers a wide range of historical and contemporary figures, including Cromwell, Orson Welles, General George Patton, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Episode 195: Derek Thompson - What Makes Something A Hit? (Hit Makers)
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