Winning Slowly

In which we continue our conversation from 3.01, turning our attention from the system issues which led to the modern state of the web to what we ought to do about it—as consumers of content, as producers of content, and even as advertisers. Links Quartz: “Over one-fifth of people use ad-blocking software—and it’s beginning to hurt” Ad blocking: AdBlock Plus—associated with some not-so-savory practices, including letting advertisers buy their way onto a white list. μBlock: aiming to be super light-weight, and no shenanigans about letting advertisers buy exceptions. Two variants: μBlock μBlock Origin—the blocker Chris uses. The reasons for the split are political, personal, and quirky. Welcome to open-source software! Ars Technica: Why Ad Blocking is devastating to the sites you love The Art of Manliness: “How Advertising Works on the Art of Manliness” (via listener @mikehoss on App.net) The history of the internet: MILNET ARPANET The World Wide Web @oluseyi on App.net: It is absolutely staggeri

In which Stephen and Chris are back at it, with a discussion of the role advertising plays in the modern web—the good, the bad, the ugly, and the wonderfully hilarious. What makes advertising good or bad? How do companies get “native ads” right—and wrong? Links Denny’s Tumblr That Huge Pork Heist John Gruber/Daring Fireball Ben Thompson/Stratechery Why Web Pages Suck, on the same topic as today’s show… but posted two days after we recorded it. Andrew Sullivan/The Dish Before You Go Europe’s demands on Greece The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant Music “Marina and I”, by The Gorgeous Chans. Used by permission. “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho. Used by… uh… yeah, we kind of have permission to do whatever we want. Of course, it’s Creative Commons Attribution licensed, meaning so do you. How neat is that? Sponsors Many thanks to the people who help us make this show possible by their financial support! This month’s sponsors: Jeremy W. Sherman Jeremy Cherfas If you’d like to support the sho

Show NotesChris and Stephen reflect on Season 2: what did we talk about, what have we learned, why do we take breaks, and what changes can you expect for Season 3? For that matter, when is Season 3 coming? And what in the world is the difference between a “series” and a “season” anyway? Before You Go Patreon—it’s a thing; we’ll be doing it. Keep an eye out. Music “Enanthropoisis” by Chris Krycho. Permission granted to remix! Seriously. It’s Creative Commons Attribution licensed, just like all of our content on this show. “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho. Written years after the other piece. Links Exponent Episode 044: Up in the Clouds with Twitter—Ben Thompson and James Allworth “Exclusive: Amazon makes even temporary warehouse workers sign 18-month non-competes: Contract says it can limit jobs across the globe” Previously on the showFor this episode, we mostly just direct you to the rest of Season 2. However, see also 0.13: Ten Thousandth Lightbulb on App.net’s business model. Follow/Subscribe

Show NotesChris and Stephen take three recent articles about the super-structure of how our society pays for college and scrutinize the issue. How does American society value what college delivers? (What does it deliver?) How do we fund it? Should we fund it? We take the time not just to ponder, but to celebrate an unlikely organization that’s doing some incredibly innovative moves in the space. Also Stephen inadvertently insults a whole group of people. Sorry about that. Before You Go “The Brutality of Police Culture in Baltimore” by Conor Friedersdorf “Orioles VP Angelos Makes Profound Statement Following Baltimore Protests” by Conor Friedersdorf Music “St. Julian” by The Midnight Sons. Used by permission. “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho. Fact: Chris studied music composition in college. Links “The Upwardly Mobile Barista” by Amanda Ripley “Amid Funding Cuts, Will LSU have to declare ‘Bankruptcy’?” by Martha C. White “Corinthian Colleges Shuts Down, Ending Classes for 16,000 overnight” Jubala C

Show NotesChris and Stephen do something different this week and read Alan Jacobs’ 79 Theses on Technology (For Disputation) as an oral presentation. We throw in some thoughts at the end, thereby jumping into the conversation ourselves. But mostly we give Alan Jacobs the credit he is due and give his thoughts the space they deserve. Before You Go The Middle East Music “Mind Your Manors” by The Bandicoots. Used by permission. “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho. “I am moved by this music” -Aeschylus, probably, if he had heard it Links 79 Theses on Technology. For Disputation. by Alan Jacobs An archive of blog post responses to the 79 Theses Alan Jacobs’ website The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr. Previously on the show 0.03: Echo Chamber—we talked about losing parts of the Internet. Follow/Subscribe Twitter: @winningslowly @chriskrycho @scarradini App.net @winningslowly @chriskrycho Subscribe RSS iTunes

Show NotesChris and Stephen give three cheers for Dan Price, who voluntarily cut his own pay and raised the pay of his employees to a minimum of $70K a year. We discuss the nature of money, income inequality, how we can fix problems in non-governmental ways (sometimes, and in some ways), and about the limits of praise. We also inaugurate Mr. Price into the newly-founded Winning Slowly Hall of Fame amidst celebratory explosions. (No, really.) Before You Go SpaceX Rocket’s First Stage Crashes During Landing Attempt | Video by Thomas Friedman Music “Phoenix” by Laura Joy. Used by permission. “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho. We considered adding an explosion just because of the Before You Go, but alas, time constraints. Links One Company’s New Minimum Wage: $70,000 a year by Patricia Cohen High income improves evaluation of life but not emotional well-being by Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton. The article that Dan Price read. Scripture about Gleaning: Leviticus 19:10 Costco CEO Craig Jelinek Leads th

Show NotesChris and Stephen note the launch of Tidal with some skepticism, then contrast the service with what could be considered Tidal’s polar opposite: YouTube. We look at the international aspects of music distribution, and think about how youth factor in to the ever-changing equation. And, good news, there’s a happy ending. I love happy endings. Before You Go Iran and the Obama Doctrine by Thomas Friedman Music “Number One” by The Sideshow Tragedy. Used by permission. “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho. Now with more techno! Just kidding. Links Tidal Spotify Pono Bandcamp Beatport The Piano Guys’ YouTube Page Pentatonix’s Youtube Page By the Numbers: 80+ Amazing YouTube Statistics 33 Amazing YouTube Facts & Stats to Tweet & Share 13–24 Year Olds Watching More YouTube Than TV - To The Surprise of No-one by Andy Smith Lily Allen: “Tidal Will Make Fans Swarm Back to Piracy…” Neil Young’s PonoPlayer: The Emperor Has No Clothes Why

Show NotesChris and Stephen use the news of communications tool Slack’s recent hacking incident to discuss the nature of digital security. Along the way we make a plea for candy, claim that almost all companies are digital companies now, offer some security tips to our listeners, and deliver a long bloopers reel. We hope we induce just enough paranoia to get things moving in your security life, but not too much. Before You Go These maps show why internet is way more expensive in the US than Europe by Allan Holmes and Chris Zubak-Skees Note: The digital divide primarily has to do with socio-economic issues of development in rich and poor areas. Our BYG discussion points out the structural corporate collusion that enables the digital divide, which may not have been entirely clear. Music “Older” by Brother Moses. Used by permission. “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho. Watch out, Hans Zimmer. Links Slack March 2015 security incident and the launch of two factor authentication Slack’s blog response to t

Show NotesChris and Stephen use Chris’s first two ridesharing experiences as a jumping-off point to discuss services like Uber and Lyft from a host of angles: ethical, financial, technological, social, legal, and personal. Put on your seatbelts, folks: this one’s a long one. Note: Chris told the drivers of his Lyft and Uber rides that he was going to talk about his experience on this podcast, and they agreed to talk with him. Before You Go NC State: PKP brothers must vacate house by the weekend by Ken Smith, Mark Simpson, Stan Chambers Jr., and Angie Basiouny NC State to conduct thorough review of its Greek system by Michelle Hankerson Music “It’s Quiet Now” by Mon Draggor. Used by permission. “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho. Alas, you’ll never hear this on the radio in an Uber car. Links Uber Lyft Circa news app Philadelphia Woman Accuses UberX Driver of Rape Stephen mentioned that safety issues haven’t been in the news as much, and that was challenged very shortly after this was recorded. Indi

Show NotesChris and Stephen discuss the ethics of individual health, a complex and idiosyncratic problem if there ever was one. How do we be responsible stewards of our bodies? How do we think about activities and intakes in moral, ethical, deeply personal ways? We suggest thinking about personal health in community, as well as from a spiritual perspective. Before You Go As Two Oklahoma Students Are Expelled for Racist Chant, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Vows Wider Inquiry Music “Red” by Mt. Wolf. Used by permission. “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho. Boomshakalaka. Links “One Twin Exercises, the Other Doesn’t” by Gretchen Reynolds Earthen Vessels by Matthew Lee Anderson Bowling Alone by Robert D. Putnam 1 Timothy 4:8 by Paul 1 Corinthians 6:19 by Paul Previously on the show: 1.12: Political Appinations—The first time we talked about neighbors Follow/Subscribe Twitter: @winningslowly @chriskrycho @scarradini App.net @winningslowly @chriskrycho Subscribe RSS iTunes

Show NotesChris and Stephen “review” Rich Mullins’ 1993 album A Liturgy, a Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band because it’s beautiful, thoughtful, and still relevant today. The music is still passionate, raw, and wild; the lyrics are still pensive, powerful, and awe-struck. We look at how Mullins wrote the album as a letter to Christians about how to be alive in the hope of Christ and reality of America. Also, there’s hammered dulcimer. Thanks to our listener Austin Taylor for encouraging us to review more albums. Before You Go “What ISIS Really Wants” by Graeme Wood. “The Phony Islam of ISIS” by Caner K. Dagli. A response to “What Isis Really Wants.” “‘What ISIS Really Wants’: The Response” by Graeme Wood. A collection of responses to responses to the original article. What If Wes Anderson Directed X-Men?—Prepare to laugh. Music “78 Eatonwood Green” from A Liturgy, a Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band by Rich Mullins. Fair use. “The Color Green” from A Liturgy, a Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band by Rich Mullins.

Show Notes In which we talk about how companies have to deal with the inherent leak-ability of digital media, especially things like movie trailers. How should Marvel respond to whoever leaked the first Age of Ultron trailer? Stephen and Chris have a friendly disagreement about the best way to respond to this kind of thing. Today’s blooper section is… amazing. Alternate title we ultimately decided not to foist upon you: MPAAwful. You can thank Stephen for that one (as well as the much better actual title!) Before You Go Pebble Time Kickstarter How much money has the Pebble Time Kickstarter raised?—graphing the craziness for fun and… fun. (Unfortunately, the graph is less interesting than it was the first day the project was live, when it earned most of the over $10M it has pledged.) Music “There’s a Light On (Kitchen Song)” from There’s a Light On by Brooklyn Duran. Used by permission. “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho. We’re running out of clever things to say here. Links When the RIAA sued a 12-y

Show Notes In which we ask: What exactly is art? Specifically, is photography art? But more generally, can anyone actually define art? How does the difficulty in defining art affect the makers of art, and why do people spend so much time trying to draw lines around it? How have democratizing forces changed the nature of art in the last few decades, and what does that bode for our future? Before You Go N.B. In addition to the clarifications Stephen offered, we should note that Chris’ initial description overstated the case a bit. The law did not technically forbid classes from teaching AP US History. It just, you know… promised to defund the teaching thereof. “Changes in AP history trigger a culture clash in Colorado” “Why Oklahoma Lawmakers Voted to Ban AP U.S. History” Music “Just What I Needed” by Wonderful Humans. Used by permission. “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho. Still delightful? We think yes. Links “The $6.5m canyon: it’s the most expensive photograph ever – but it’s like a hackneyed p

Show NotesIn which we ask: Is Elon Musk really Iron Man? (We have no evidence that he has a suit, but really, it seems like he should.) We reflect on how longer-term approaches are helping Tesla and SpaceX do things that few other companies are doing, how we hope other companies learn from their example, and how it would be nice if “capitalism” meant what it used to mean—long-term investment, not short-term greed. Before You Go “In Chapel Hill Shooting of 3 Muslims, a Question of Motive” “NC State Hosts Funeral, Vigil, Continues Counseling” Music “Just Like Moonlight” by Inner Outlaws. Sounds like James Bond, perfect for Elon Musk-as-Iron Man. Used by permission. “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho, who has been practicing piano so that he’ll eventually be able to sit down at some glorious Bösendorfer or Steinway and dazzle you with a real version of this. Links Elon Musk Tesla Motors Model S Model X “Four Reasons Why Tesla Won’t Sink (Even If the Signs Say It Should)” “Tesla’s Q4 Results Show L

Show Notes In which we look at Zoë Keating’s ongoing kerfuffle with YouTube. Is YouTube strong-arming indie artists? Should megacorporations force all their clients—customer and producer—to fit in a one-size-fits-all setup, or should they take the long view and do what is best not only for the bottom line but also for the relationship between artist and audience. Oh, and what about those monopolies and monopsonies? They might have some extra ethical responsibility, too! Before You Go LEGO Announces Doctor Who Set for Later this year FCC announces intent to regulate broadband under Title II: “This Is How We Will Ensure Net Neutrality” (FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler) The Verge summarizes and editorializes Music “Let It Burn” by Magic Giant. Used by permission. “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho, who has been practicing piano so that he’ll eventually be able to sit down at some glorious Bösendorfer or Steinway and dazzle you with a real version of this. Links “What should I do about Youtube?”—Zoë Ke

Show Notes In which we talk about Marco Arment, Kirby Delauter, and the general phenomenon of things you say on the internet going viral (often when you least expect them to). How do you deal with the reality that your audience is never limited but may universalize at any moment? What is the audience’s responsibility, and what are creators’ responsibilities? How do we deal charitably with authors writing “in-house” on controversial topics? P.S. You’re going to want to listen to the bloopers on this one, all the way through to the end. Trust us. Before You Go Google News: “Israel Hezbollah” Son of ex-slave who fought in Union Army dies at age 97 Music "Wasted Hours from The Best of Times by Cable Street Collective “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho. Used even though it’s still just a digital recording. Some day maybe he can play it on a real piano! Links Marco Arment’s original post (“Apple has lost the functional high ground”) His follow-up: "What it’s like to be way too popular for

Show Notes In which we discuss news app Circa, the value it provides in the rapidly evolving world of new journalism, and why we’re super sad about it. (Hint: it’s a Silicon Valley startup and you know what that means about its business model. Namely: as near as we can tell, they don’t have one.) Before You Go Churches Torched In Anti-Charlie Hebdo Protests Drop in Ebola cases ‘signals turning point’ Music “Everglow” by Jared Foldy. Used by permission. “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho. Used without a dance beat, because it’s been a busy few months. Links Circa Previous episodes mentioned on the show 0.12: You’ll Never Guess What the Hosts Say in This Podcast! 0.01: We Need Some Context Follow/Subscribe Twitter: @winningslowly @chriskrycho @scarradini App.net @winningslowly @chriskrycho Subscribe RSS iTunes

Show NotesIn which we talk about iPhone cameras, long-term thinking in general—including the kind that lets you keep going even when no one in your lifetime gets what you’re doing—and finally some thoughts on the first (non-beta) season of Winning Slowly. Chapters Intro (0:53) People Taking Pictures With iPhones (0:53–10:12) Whether or Not It Pays Off (10:12–19:38) What Do You Think? (19:38–25:05) Conclusion (25:05–26:29) A Mistake (26:29–26:40) Music “Absent Within Skies” from Value to Survival by Speak, Memory—used by permission. “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho—used even though it still doesn’t have a dance groove under it. Someday, kids. Someday. Links iPhone camera evolution: How does the iPhone 6 camera compare to previous iPhone cameras? – Lisa Bettany of Camera+. The iPhone 6 camera reviewed by shooting crazy good pictures in Iceland: The Ultimate Photoshoot: On Location With the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus – Austin Mann at The Verge. iPhone 6 Plus Camera Review: Iceland – Mann at his own websi

Show NotesIn which we talk about science journalism—the ways in which it is sometimes broken, the reasons why it ends up broken in those cases, and the responsibilities of scientists, scientific journalists, and the science-reading public in publishing and interpreting scientific findings. Science is hard. Reporting on it is hard. Making policy on it is hard. And we need all of them. Chapters Intro (1:27) SCIENCE Drives Policy! (1:27–8:02) Elitist, Protectionist, Obstructionist, Obscurantist? (8:02–17:14) Pressures and Responsibilities All Around (17:14–24:10) Conclusion (24:10–25:12) Funny Things We Cut (25:12–25:22) Music “Where I Go”, by Pistol Shrimp. Used by permission. “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho. Who still gets it stuck in his head every time he edits the show. Links Things we referenced on the show. ’Climate Science is Not Settled, by Steven E. Koonin, in the Wall Street Journal—not a global warming denier, it sh

Show NotesIn which we take a megachurch pastor’s resignation as a jumping off point for talking about individualism and community in the church, self-aggrandizement in the name of evangelism and church growth, and the danger of cults of personality, not only but especially in Christian communities. Chapters Intro (0:46) Ups and Downs and Foibles (0:46–7:19) Individualism and Community (7:19–14:42) Self-Aggrandizement in the Name of Other Good Things (14:42–24:41) Cults of Personality (24:41–31:32) Conclusion (31:32–32:24) Hilarities (32:24–32:36) Music “Lighthouse” from Love Alchemy, Life Algorithm EP by The Burgeoning. Used by permission. “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho. Still winning. Still slow. Still perfect for the show, am I right? Links Things we referenced on the show. Mark Driscoll’s resignation letter Mars Hill Church’s announcement Follow/Subscribe iTunes App.net Ello Twitter Facebook