EP 460: In Defense of Gimmicks

The proliferation of derivative nonsense on various social media platforms begs the question: Is it possible to make a TikTok video, Instagram post, or LinkedIn update that's remarkable? Is it possible for repetition to be an asset? For repetition to even be remarkable?

In this episode, I take a deep dive into gimmicks—the formulaic and repetitive media that can help us think in new ways. Specifically, I'm looking at Frankie's Cultural Observations. If you don't know the series, I'm delighted to share it with you today!

This is the 3rd in my series, What Makes This Remarkable, where I break down remarkable content I come across to give you new perspectives on your own work (creative or otherwise). Premium subscribers also get "Remarkable Homework"—prompts for thinking differently about your projects—and the chance to ask questions or discuss that week's lessons. Upgrade your subscription to join in!

Footnotes:

• What Makes This Remarkable (60 Songs That Explain the '90s, Savior Complex)
• Frankie's Cultural Observations on YouTube
• "Observing Frankie McNamara's Observations" by Brandon Tauczik in Paper Magazine
• Sandwiches of History on YouTube
• Girl with the Dogs on YouTube
• Working definition for the gimmick as a medium: A gimmick is a nonsequential series of works that utilize a novel scheme, angle, or device to explore a network of ideas.
• "Why Write In Form?" by Rebecca Hazelton via The Poetry Foundation
• Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman
• Hyperculture by Byung-Chul Han
• Ted Nelson & "intertwingularity"
• The Cluetrain Manifesto

All new episodes are available in written essay form at whatworks.fyi

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