15 Ways publishing lost self-respect in 2013

We recently wrote the optimist’s take on the state of publishing based on what happened in the past year. In the interest of fairness, the following are signs that publishing is going to hell in a hand basket. Hold on tight.

1. This webpage has 90 ad units.
cafemomoutbrain

2.This became a ubiquitous ad tactic.
forbeswelcome

3. This piece got 1.3 million pageviews.
tbi

4. This slideshow got almost 400,000 views.
bislideshow

5. This sponsored content.
atlanticscientology

6. This presentation was viewed 400,000 times.

Screen Shot 2013-12-19 at 8.37.25 AM

7. This was an actual headline in a publication that gets 47 million monthly unique visitors.
elitedaily

8. This story actually ran and was “recommended” 25,000 times.
huffpogay

9. This explained the Egyptian revolution.
egyptbuzzfeed

10. This chart.
tbinewsroom

11. And this one.
viralfb

12. This ad placement.
nissan

13. This service exists.
maxvisits

14. This is an SEO tactic.
VelveetaFOD

15. This article was untrue but got 1.5 million pageviews.
epicnote

 

16. (Bonus) This 125-word listicle.

Screen Shot 2013-12-19 at 10.39.18 AM

https://digiday.com/?p=59177

More in Media

From sidelines to spotlight: Esports events are putting creators center stage

Esports events’ embrace of content creators reflects advertisers’ changing priorities across both gaming and the wider culture. In the past, marketers viewed esports as one of the best ways to reach gamers. In 2025, brands are instead prioritizing creators in their outreach to audiences across demographics and interest areas, including gaming.

Condé Nast and Hearst strike Amazon AI licensing deals for Rufus

Condé Nast and Hearst have joined the New York Times in signing a licensing deal with Amazon for its AI-powered shopping assistant Rufus.

Media Briefing: AI payouts may be entering a new era 

AI compensation is evolving — and new models, not just publisher demands, are driving the shift beyond flat-fee licensing.