Gillmor Gang: Party Line

The Evolution of Social Interaction and Media Consumption

Initially, social media platforms held immense promise. Twitter, for instance, emerged as a reimagining of blogging, integrating a social component with the structure of RSS feeds. This combination provided a novel method for gauging influence, not merely by tracking readership, but by analyzing shares and the networks of those sharing.

The potential for ranking posts based on shared endorsements and follower recommendations was largely overlooked at the time. However, for those invested in nurturing emerging talent, this data offered a value exceeding simple reach.

Clubhouse, Newsletters, and the Value of Time

A similar dynamic could potentially unfold with platforms like Clubhouse and the resurgence of newsletters. The most recent episode of the Gillmor Gang, recorded shortly before this writing, explored Clubhouse, Facebook’s advisory board, and the handling of the Trump deplatforming issue. The discussion also touched upon topics that are often difficult to recall precisely due to the show’s length.

Acknowledging this tendency towards rambling is important, but an apology would likely be too lengthy to achieve genuine sincerity. Newsletters, in fact, address this very issue – they aim to conserve time by providing curated information, avoiding the unproductive investment of time spent sifting through web content and cable news.

The Return to Theaters and the Paradox of Time

The concept of temporal displacement in entertainment experienced a setback with HBO Max’s 2021 strategy of releasing blockbuster films directly on its streaming service. However, a recent announcement from the CDC indicated that vaccinations are facilitating a safe return to movie theaters. Soon, audiences will once again have the opportunity to experience the complexities of films like Tenet on the big screen.

Tenet centers around the concept of navigating time, both forward and backward, a premise that invariably encounters logical challenges when its mechanics are explained. Similarly, crafting a satisfying conclusion to a Saturday Night Live sketch can prove equally difficult; often, the only justification for its ending is simply that it is over, akin to a weak joke that fails to elicit even a polite groan.

Experimentation on Clubhouse: A Digital Party Line

Regarding Clubhouse, a trial run was conducted with Keith Teare and a brief appearance by Brent Leary. The session took place in “Hallway” mode, which effectively captured the platform’s spontaneous and conversational atmosphere.

In an experimental move, all speakers who joined the conversation were included, regardless of their initial intention. This resulted in an experience reminiscent of a party line from the past, where conversations could be unexpectedly interrupted by others needing to make calls. While awkward, this created a sense of shared potential, mirroring the early days of Twitter where users discovered the power of @mentions and retweets.

On Clubhouse, silence was respected; if participants had nothing to contribute, they remained quiet, fostering a surprisingly peaceful environment.

Unexpected Connections and the Value of Conversation

A particularly welcome surprise was the participation of a listener from Manchester, England, who identified as a long-time follower of the Gillmor Gang. He and Keith Teare, also from Manchester, engaged in a discussion about Manchester United, a football team unfamiliar to this author. An old acquaintance from the conference circuit also joined, and a conversation about the author’s writing style was initiated by producer Tina Chase Gillmor.

While discussing one’s own work is often uncomfortable, having others offer their perspectives is a welcome alternative. This dynamic closely mirrored the spontaneous hallway conversations that characterized tech conferences before the pandemic. The “Hallway” mode on Clubhouse aptly captures this essence, serving as a catalyst for networking and business opportunities.

Join the Gillmor Gang club on Clubhouse to receive notifications about future experiments.

from the Gillmor Gang Newsletter

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The Gillmor Gang — Frank Radice, Michael Markman, Keith Teare, Denis Pombriant, Brent Leary and Steve Gillmor. Recorded live Friday, May 7, 2021.

Produced and directed by Tina Chase Gillmor @tinagillmor

@fradice, @mickeleh, @denispombriant, @kteare, @brentleary, @stevegillmor, @gillmorgang

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