Ep. 201: Making a Living Online

In this episode of Deep Questions, the focus is on Cal Newport's recent article in the New Yorker, titled "The Rise of the Internet's Creative Middle Class." The discussion revisits Kevin Kelly's concept of "1000 True Fans," exploring its initial setbacks and eventual revival. The podcast notes that social media's emphasis on advertising revenue initially undermined the direct connections between creators and their audiences. Newport points to Breaking Points, a news show that thrives on a smaller, engaged subscriber base, as a contemporary example of the "1000 True Fans" model in action. The episode wraps up with a conversation about the potential of AI to boost productivity and mitigate the downsides of constant digital communication. Breaking Points serves as a solid illustration of how a dedicated audience can financially support creators, allowing them to flourish beyond conventional media frameworks.