Internet History Podcast 207. John Borthwick Of Betaworks
Nov 3, 2025
John Borthwick, the Founder and CEO of Betaworks and a seasoned figure in New York tech, shares his fascinating journey through the digital landscape. He reminisces about the vibrant 90s tech scene, the thrill of experiencing the World Wide Web, and his role in launching Total New York. Borthwick reveals insights on AOL's strategic acquisitions and the lessons learned during the dot-com bubble. He reflects on the rise of early social media like Photolog and discusses how constraints fuel creativity in AI, emphasizing the need for balance in innovation.
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Building Total New York
- Borthwick launched Total New York in 1994–95 as a local information hub inspired by Time Out London.
- The site blended content experiments, stunts and events to teach users why to use the internet and attract an audience.
Distribution Beats Content Initially
- Distribution mattered more than content in the early web because audiences needed ways to discover sites.
- AOL acquired Total New York largely to provide distribution and local capabilities to its users.
Inside AOL's Media Culture
- Borthwick stayed at AOL after the acquisition and helped build its New York office while witnessing AOL's media-first culture.
- AOL focused on channels, email stickiness, and packaging content like TV to keep users inside its network.