Robin Sloan of Snarkmarket believes in generative events, or events that generate media.
The great virtue of events today, in the dawning 2010s, is that their value seems durable in a way that the value of super-abundant copies of digital media does not. They provide “embodiment,” to use Kevin Kelly’s taxonomy–and that’s something you can still charge for.
I like the idea of the event as a fundamental unit of media, specifically because at its best, it can be generative. And the media it generates–that growing data shadow–is what builds the audience over time. But its urgency–its liveness, human vitality, and, frankly, its risk and unpredictability–is what makes it more than just another link in the stream.
I’ll add that it’s also a way for a media property–like this one–to establish itself in a physical setting. Since, moving to Portland 15 months ago, I’ve been working to get my own feet on the ground (career wise), but also to ground AdPulp to this fertile place (so it can bloom). Hence, the ongoing series “Spotlight on NW Creative” and my ongoing outreach into the advertising and media communities that did not happen in Chicago or Hilton Head.
Presently, I’m sitting on two AdPulp event ideas and it’s clear to me that sitting isn’t the posture I want. So what’s stopping me from putting them on? Simply stated, lack of money and human resources. I recognize these aren’t permanent blocks, but rather temporary obstacles. But I also recognize that to grow AdPulp to its full potential as a media brand, we’re going to need the help of partners who have time, talent and/or money to invest.
