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.
2.This became a ubiquitous ad tactic.
3. This piece got 1.3 million pageviews.
4. This slideshow got almost 400,000 views.
5. This sponsored content.
6. This presentation was viewed 400,000 times.
7. This was an actual headline in a publication that gets 47 million monthly unique visitors.
8. This story actually ran and was “recommended” 25,000 times.
9. This explained the Egyptian revolution.
10. This chart.
11. And this one.
12. This ad placement.
13. This service exists.
14. This is an SEO tactic.
15. This article was untrue but got 1.5 million pageviews.
16. (Bonus) This 125-word listicle.
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.