Nerdette Popular vs. Cool With Derek Thompson
Feb 24, 2017
Derek Thompson, a senior editor at The Atlantic and the author of Hit Makers, dives into the fascinating world of popularity and culture. He explores what turns songs like Adele's 'Hello' into hits while discussing why some art gains instant fame due to chance. Derek reveals how algorithms predict musical success and the impact of familiarity on listening habits. He also unpacks the dichotomy between being popular and being cool, offering insights into social signaling and how mainstream acceptance can diminish coolness.
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How A Bequest Made The Impressionist Canon
- Derek recounts Gustave Caillebotte's bequest that unintentionally consecrated the seven canonical Impressionists.
- This accident shows fame can stem from exposure and contingency rather than pure merit.
Distribution Trumps Quality In Hits
- Testing services like Hit Predictor find many songs score as catchy but never become hits without distribution.
- Distribution, not inherent quality, often determines which cultural products succeed.
Familiar Surprises Drive Engagement
- People prefer 'familiar surprises'—new things that still remind them of what they already like.
- Successful platforms (Pandora, Spotify) exploit this balance to increase engagement.
