What does the future of the creator economy actually look like? The economics of content creation are changing, what happens to copyright in a world of abundant generated content, and why human taste, curation, and connection may matter even more going forward.

In this episode, host Robert Hackett talks with Justin (CEO, Bond) and Michael Blau(Head of Product, Bond) about the changing relationship between creators, audiences, platforms, and technology.

They unpack how today’s platforms shape creator behavior, why audience relationships are often trapped inside algorithms, and what a more direct creator-fan connection could look like. They also explore broader questions around crypto infrastructure, stablecoins, and whether blockchain can enable new kinds of internet-native products without needing to be the focus of the user experience.

Along the way, Justin reflects on his path from music into crypto, Michael talks about how magic shaped the way he thinks about originality and performance, and both share thoughts on NFTs, digital ownership, productivity tools, books, and creative inspiration.

Highlights

0:00 Intro 0:47 The biggest misconceptions about creator monetization
1:04 Why creators still don’t know their audience
1:34 Trading, speculation, and the limits of past creator crypto models
2:31 Why creator-fan relationships could move onchain
4:41 Stablecoins and global internet products
6:55 Justin Michael’s journey from DJ to crypto builder
8:12 What artists still don’t get from platforms
10:09 Subscription models, fan support, and alternative mechanics
17:57 AI, content abundance, and the future of creativity
18:57 Why human curation still matters
19:36 Copyright, IP, and a world shaped by AI
25:00 The difference between AI and crypto products
25:38 What magic teaches about creativity and originality
28:23 Inspirations: John Mayer, Zedd, Brian Chesky, David Blaine
35:06 Why NFTs still matter

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AI Is Changing the Internet. What Does It Mean for Creators? (with Justin and Michael Blau)

a16z crypto show

AI Is Changing the Internet. What Does It Mean for Creators? (with Justin and Michael Blau)