The outlets doing free PR for AI
This media gossip newsletter covers Nick's personal experiences at events, an interview with writer Ross Barkan following plagiarism allegations, and criticism of journalists providing free publicity for an AI chatbot startup.
Summary
The transcript from 'media_gossip' newsletter includes several segments. Nick opens with reflections on menswear media and personal style, noting that fashion often prioritizes conformity over individuality. He then thanks hosts for his appearance on 'Hip Replacement LIVE,' where he discussed topics ranging from The Sims to AI apocalypse narratives. The main feature is a three-question interview with political writer and novelist Ross Barkan, who faced plagiarism accusations in August when New York magazine retracted dozens of his stories for improper attribution. His book deal with Random House was suspended. Despite this, Barkan has resumed publishing on his Substack newsletter 'Political Currents' and states it's going very well. He expresses his plan to expand The Metropolitan Review magazine and publish a new novel called 'Empire.' When asked about a potentially threatening note he posted, Barkan clarifies he wishes everyone well. Finally, Nick critiques the media's enthusiastic coverage of Tilly Norwood, an AI chatbot with a human likeness, questioning the genuine demand for such technology. He notes that journalists seem to be providing free promotional coverage for what appears to be an AI startup offering paid video calls with the chatbot.
About this episode
Plus: Ross Barkan speaks, a profile post-mortem, and who is Emily Gould’s “professional rival”?
Key Insights
- Ross Barkan argues that Substack has been beneficial for his career and that independent newsletters are essential for writers seeking to distribute their work
- The author observes that menswear media's quest for personal style often becomes a competition to adopt trends rather than an exercise in genuine self-expression
- Nick claims that journalists are providing unpaid publicity for AI startups like Tilly Norwood without questioning whether there is actual consumer demand for these products
- Barkan contends that having personal magazines and literary outlets remains important even after facing professional setbacks, with his goal being to make The Metropolitan Review 'the great literary organ of America'
- The author suggests skepticism about AI chatbot products by questioning the fundamental value proposition: 'Who wants this?'
Topics
Transcript
Welcome to media_gossip, Embedded’s special weekly edition of … media gossip, sent every Friday. You’re getting this because you subscribe to Embedded, but you can opt out here . Nick’s Riff This Week What the menswear media won’t tell you : “Our quests for personal style mean, more often than not, racing to be first to trends. It’s a rush to conformity more than it is a breaking free.” Plus: Noah Johnson, Chris Black, Jake Woolf and more offer style tips. A woman outside apparently said to my friend, "I got my hip replaced two months ago, and now they're doing it live?" Thank you so much to Kyle Raymond Fitzpatrick and Ben Dietz (and the Ace Hotel !!) for…
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