Hit Makers : The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction

Thompson, Derek

ISBN 10: 0241216028 / ISBN 13: 9780241216026

Published by Penguin Books, Limited, 2017

About this Item

Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.

Seller Inventory # 14358538-6

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Hit Makers : The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction
• Publisher: Penguin Books, Limited
• Publication Date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 0241216028
• ISBN 13: 9780241216026
• Edition: 1st.
• Condition: Good
• Weight: 1.292 pounds

About this title

Synopsis

Nothing "goes viral." If you think a popular movie, song, or app came out of nowhere to become a word-of-mouth success in today's crowded media environment, you're missing the real story. Each blockbuster has a secret history--of power, influence, dark broadcasters, and passionate cults that turn some new products into cultural phenomena. Even the most brilliant ideas wither in obscurity if they fail to connect with the right network, and the consumers that matter most aren't the early adopters, but rather their friends, followers, and imitators--the audience of your audience.

In his groundbreaking investigation, The Atlantic senior editor Derek Thompson uncovers the hidden psychology of why we like what we like and reveals the economics of cultural markets that invisibly shape our lives. Shattering the sentimental myths of hit-making that dominate pop culture and business, Thompson shows that quality is insufficient for success; nobody has "good taste"; and some of the most popular products in history were one bad break away from utter failure. It may be a new world, but there are some enduring truths to what audiences and consumers want. People love a familiar surprise: a product that is bold yet sneakily recognizable.

Every business, every artist, every person looking to promote themselves and their work wants to know what makes some works so successful while others disappear. Hit Makers is a magical mystery tour through the last century of pop culture blockbusters and the most valuable currency of the twenty-first century--people's attention. From the dawn of impressionist art to the future of Facebook, from small Etsy designers to the origin of Star Wars, Thompson leaves no Pet Rock unturned to tell the fascinating story of how culture happens and why things become popular.

About the Author

Atlantic Senior Editor Derek Thompson is one of the most-read authors at the magazine. He is also a weekly business correspondent on NPR's Here and Now, which reaches an audience of nearly 4 million listeners. He has been named one of Reuter's 'Blogs to Follow', Time's top 140 Twitter feeds, and Huffington Post's 100 best economic reporters, and Forbes' '30 under 30'.