I lost my keys. Got new copies of them. Then found the old set. Awesome. Here are some links for you to check out if you feel like it.
I very recently booked accommodations using Airbnb for the first time. I was kind of nervous about it, but the private bedroom in a historic house looks good enough for two nights in Rhode Island and it’s cheaper than staying in a hotel. But anyway, CouchSurfing, Airbnb’s predecessor, is no longer non-profit and has since raised $22 million in venture capital. But unlike Airbnb, which is a rental service, CouchSurfing is about creating a sense of community and helping people connect with locals. That is why the service is still essentially free – and why you shouldn’t expect super-swanky quarters. (Wired)
Who doesn’t love a bright and shiny infographic? Here is one on the presidential candidates’ social media usage. Obama has way, way more Twitter followers than Romney. Just saying. (Ad Age)
Is it possible to make “non-creepy” personalized technology? It seems unlikely that developers will ever be able to completely get around the natural human paranoia about technological advancement. You know, science going too far, machines taking over, etc., etc. (Slate)
Fortune writer Jessi Hempel says we don’t need more tools to help us digest more information and be more connected; instead, we need tools to help us unplug and avoid information overload. (Fortune)
And because it’s Friday in August — why aren’t you on vacation? — watch this video of a bulldog puppy making cute and weird sounds. (Buzzfeed)
More in Media
How creators are using generative AI in podcasts, videos and newsletters — and what advertisers think about it
Here’s a look at how some creators are leveraging generative AI to create video, audio and written content — and whether or not that’s a turn-off for advertisers.
Buzzfeed, News Corp and New York Times push back on tariff fears in earnings calls
Publishing execs pushed back on tariff and macroeconomic climate fears in Q1 2025 earnings calls, expressing confidence that their businesses would grow this year.
Digiday+ Research: Publishers’ subscription revenue is up this year, and they’ll focus on growing it even further
Subscriptions is one area where publishers are seeing more revenue, and, in turn, ramping up their plans to strengthen that part of their business in the coming months.