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
In Graphic Detail: The real impact of creators at the World Cup
The 2026 World Cup buzz was all about creators; we look at the numbers breaking down their impact at the global tournament.
Media Briefing: Brand authority and trust are becoming publishers’ newest AI assets
Some publishers are betting that trusted brands and editorial authority are becoming their biggest competitive advantage with LLMs.
Albertsons’ new ‘micro sitcom’ is a big deal for retail media
Albertsons Media Collective has launched its first episodic, scripted branded-entertainment campaign in partnership with Procter & Gamble.