Title
Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the BillionDollar Race to Go Viral
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Engrossing and suspenseful. The New York TimesExpertly pulls readers in. The GuardianSmith sharply chronicles the revolutionary moment. Financial TimesThe origin story of the Age of Disinformation: the candid inside tale of two online media rivals, Jonah Peretti of HuffPost and BuzzFeed and Nick Denton of Gawker Media, whose delirious pursuit of attention at scale helped release the dark forces that would overtake the internet and American society.If attention is the new oil, Ben Smiths Traffic is the story of the time between the first gusher and the impact of climate change. The curtain opens in Soho in the early 2000s, after the first dotcom crash but before Google, Apple, and Facebook exploded, when it seemed that New York City rather than Silicon Valley might become techs center of gravity. There, within a few square blocks, Nick Dentons merry band of nihilists at his growing Gawker empire and Jonah Perettis sunnier crew at HuffPost and BuzzFeed were building the foundations of viral internet media. It was techs age of innocence: the old establishment might have been discredited by the Iraq War, but digital news would facilitate the spread of truth. After all, didnt progressive activists online get Barack Obama elected?Ben Smith, who would go on to earn a controversial reputation as BuzzFeeds editorinchief, was there to see it, and he chronicles it all with marvelous lucidity scored with dark wit, sparing no oneand certainly not himself. Smith tells a nuanced story: yes, Dentons ideology of radical transparency was problematic, but at least he had an ideology. Jonah Peretti survived long after Dentons Gawker perished because his focus on clicks was relentlessly contentagnostic. But unintended consequences began to snowball.Traffic explores one of the great ironies of our time: the internet, which was going to help the left remake the world in its image, has become the motive force of right populism. People like Steve Bannon and Andrew Breitbart and Gavin McInnes and Chris Poole, the creator of 4chan, all seemed like minor characters in the narrative in which Nick and Jonah and crew were the stars. By 2020, any reasonable observer might wonder if the opposite wasnt the case. To understand how we got here, Traffic is essential and enthralling reading.
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- Q: What is the size of the book? A: The book measures six point twelve inches in length, one point fifteen inches in width, and nine point fifty-three inches in height.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book contains three hundred fifty-two pages, providing an in-depth exploration of its subject matter.
- Q: What type of binding does the book have? A: The book is bound in hardcover, ensuring durability and a premium feel.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The author of the book is Ben Smith, a notable figure in media and journalism.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book falls under the Media & Communications genre, focusing on the dynamics of online media.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: The book is not specifically targeted at young readers; it explores complex themes better suited for adults.
- Q: How should I read this book for best understanding? A: For best understanding, read the book in a quiet environment, taking notes on key themes and concepts.
- Q: Can I read this book in one sitting? A: While possible, reading this three hundred fifty-two page book in one sitting may be challenging due to its depth.
- Q: How do I care for this book? A: To care for the book, keep it in a dry place away from direct sunlight and handle it gently to avoid wear.
- Q: Is this book safe for children? A: No, the book contains themes and discussions more appropriate for adult readers.
- Q: What is the recommended storage for this book? A: Store the book upright on a shelf, away from moisture, to maintain its condition.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact customer service for a return or exchange.
- Q: Can I return the book if I don’t like it? A: Yes, you can return the book within the specified return policy period if it is in original condition.
- Q: Is this book a good choice for media studies students? A: Yes, this book is an excellent choice for media studies students due to its critical insights into viral media.
- Q: What are the main themes of the book? A: The main themes include the dynamics of internet media, attention economics, and the rise of digital populism.
- Q: Does this book contain images or illustrations? A: No, this book does not contain images or illustrations; it is primarily text-based.