Though in all seriousness, the Kpop fandom is absolutely fascinating. After I watched the first video, YouTube started recommending to me way too many fan reactions (many of whom were American) and it reminded me exactly of the deeper connection between musicians and their fans that you so often focus on.
The Kpop boy band / girl group machine is quite a dark one (read: *highly* exploitative) but people can build up these deep relationships with the singers. They become invested in their growth, in their personal journey, and what felt like quite a wholesome joy in seeing her succeed. So when APT was dropped, it was a stealth drop. No marketing beyond a mysterious post on Rose's IG. Infectious beats notwithstanding, the fandom really fanned the flames of the song's success.
Hey Scott, thanks again about the APT heads up, I think I have viewed those videos a few thousand times in the last few days. I think your point about fans becoming invested in artists as their see their careers develop is interesting. It’s before either of our times, but I know The Jackson Five was pretty big in the early 70s. If I remember, Micheal would have been around 10 or so when they performed? So fans knew him as a child, then when he came out as a solo artist around 1980 or so, he already had a fanbase that was invested in him from his Jackson Five days. I’m sure that was a big help to his visibility and success in the 80s.
I recently saw a Threads conversation where people were debating discontinued snacks, and it reminded me how these products become emotional bookmarks in our life stories. That 32% is paying to reconnect with a younger version of oneself. Brands that endure seem to understand they're selling identity as much as inventory.
A small business owner once told me, "Discount customers leave for discounts, but experience customers come back for you." The Salesforce data shows most programs are still playing the short game. I'd love to see more brands develop loyalty initiatives that feel less like transactions and more like membership in something meaningful - think REI's co-op model.
Okay, now Elon.
I think X is struggling with identity, though I could be wrong. To be fair Medium and LI are also in the same fuck it bucket but I digress.
The projected ad growth is encouraging, but I'd like to know if the deeper story is about how platforms lose cultural cachet. When users and advertisers leave, even partial recovery requires more than just financial considerations. It demands rebuilding trust and purpose. The xAI merger attempt feels symbolic of our era's blurred lines between innovation and overreach. When does ambitious vision become overextension? Personally, I think the judicial response is less about activism and more about still figuring out the guardrails for this new class of tech conglomerates. Trust me when I say this - nobody has a frigging clue.
That small business owner is very wise, I agree with that completely. Once the punch card is full and the customer has their free slice of pizza, they will start working on filling a different punch card. Price is very tough to compete on, seems someone can always go lower.
Okay, I had to watch this, and I’ll admit, the video is beyond fun. Just for kicks and giggles, I also watched the original with Bruno Mars. I think I prefer the version with the two females, but Bruno's was good too. I had no clue what she was singing about, but it looked so fun that I had to look it up for an explanation! lol
Happy Thursday, Bette! The video with Bruno is really good as well. Bruno apparently has the top two songs in the world right now, APT with ROSE’ and a duet with Lady Gaga.
Thanks for sharing those updates, Mack. Frankly, I'm so old that my favorite brands only show up at Cracker Barrel! Oh, and I see nothing wrong with dating a girl because she's gorgeous. Just sayin'.
ALL HAIL ROSE! 😂
Though in all seriousness, the Kpop fandom is absolutely fascinating. After I watched the first video, YouTube started recommending to me way too many fan reactions (many of whom were American) and it reminded me exactly of the deeper connection between musicians and their fans that you so often focus on.
The Kpop boy band / girl group machine is quite a dark one (read: *highly* exploitative) but people can build up these deep relationships with the singers. They become invested in their growth, in their personal journey, and what felt like quite a wholesome joy in seeing her succeed. So when APT was dropped, it was a stealth drop. No marketing beyond a mysterious post on Rose's IG. Infectious beats notwithstanding, the fandom really fanned the flames of the song's success.
Hey Scott, thanks again about the APT heads up, I think I have viewed those videos a few thousand times in the last few days. I think your point about fans becoming invested in artists as their see their careers develop is interesting. It’s before either of our times, but I know The Jackson Five was pretty big in the early 70s. If I remember, Micheal would have been around 10 or so when they performed? So fans knew him as a child, then when he came out as a solo artist around 1980 or so, he already had a fanbase that was invested in him from his Jackson Five days. I’m sure that was a big help to his visibility and success in the 80s.
Hmmmmm
Where do I even begin?
Not with Elon lol
I recently saw a Threads conversation where people were debating discontinued snacks, and it reminded me how these products become emotional bookmarks in our life stories. That 32% is paying to reconnect with a younger version of oneself. Brands that endure seem to understand they're selling identity as much as inventory.
A small business owner once told me, "Discount customers leave for discounts, but experience customers come back for you." The Salesforce data shows most programs are still playing the short game. I'd love to see more brands develop loyalty initiatives that feel less like transactions and more like membership in something meaningful - think REI's co-op model.
Okay, now Elon.
I think X is struggling with identity, though I could be wrong. To be fair Medium and LI are also in the same fuck it bucket but I digress.
The projected ad growth is encouraging, but I'd like to know if the deeper story is about how platforms lose cultural cachet. When users and advertisers leave, even partial recovery requires more than just financial considerations. It demands rebuilding trust and purpose. The xAI merger attempt feels symbolic of our era's blurred lines between innovation and overreach. When does ambitious vision become overextension? Personally, I think the judicial response is less about activism and more about still figuring out the guardrails for this new class of tech conglomerates. Trust me when I say this - nobody has a frigging clue.
Thank you bro........
"Fuck it bucket" 🤣 I'll remember that one!
That's all, I agree with everything else you said haha.
BTW, you and Mack gave me an idea for a note which you were both tagged in. I should have asked first, but I can easily remove it if needed lol
Nah I love it!
Hey Scott
I had a friend who would do a monthly 'fuck it bucket' post on LinkedIn.
She would encourage us to toss whatever was nagging at us into that bucket.
It was therapeutic :)
Maybe I should start one here?
That small business owner is very wise, I agree with that completely. Once the punch card is full and the customer has their free slice of pizza, they will start working on filling a different punch card. Price is very tough to compete on, seems someone can always go lower.
Thank you for your thoughts, sis!
Are we talking pineapple-free pizza here or...............
Okay, I had to watch this, and I’ll admit, the video is beyond fun. Just for kicks and giggles, I also watched the original with Bruno Mars. I think I prefer the version with the two females, but Bruno's was good too. I had no clue what she was singing about, but it looked so fun that I had to look it up for an explanation! lol
Happy Thursday Mack!
Happy Thursday, Bette! The video with Bruno is really good as well. Bruno apparently has the top two songs in the world right now, APT with ROSE’ and a duet with Lady Gaga.
Well, go Bruno!!! I’m so far removed from the current music scene that it’s kind of sad! That's why I have people like you to keep me informed :)
Thanks for sharing those updates, Mack. Frankly, I'm so old that my favorite brands only show up at Cracker Barrel! Oh, and I see nothing wrong with dating a girl because she's gorgeous. Just sayin'.
Does Cracker Barrel still have those Invisible Ink pen books? I loved those as a kid!
I think they do. I'm into the old candy and drink brands.