digital woman

What does “digital transformation” mean to you?

Summary: The article discusses “digital transformation” and its relevance to media and publishing. The author disagrees with the idea that growth is solely about a single funnel and suggests using branching funnels with different goals. The article being reviewed introduces the “5 R’s of digital transformation” – Relevance, Reputation, Reach, Revenue, and Resilience — and…

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Blonde at newsstand

Is there a “perfect” subscription model?

Summary: The article discusses the concept of a “perfect” subscription model in publishing and marketing. It emphasizes the need for continual improvement rather than striving for perfection. Factors like audience segmentation (homogeneous vs. unique individuals), value, distribution channels, and competition are explored. Additionally, it touches on pricing strategy, marketing, subscriber engagement, customer support, technology infrastructure,…

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complicated spreadsheet

When configuring a CDP, think about your reporting requirements

Summary: The article emphasizes the importance of considering your reporting goals when setting up a customer data platform or collecting customer data. It suggests identifying key questions that stakeholders may ask and determining the necessary data elements to answer those questions effectively. This proactive approach is crucial for success in managing data and achieving desired…

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Crystal ball

The future of publishing

Summary: To understand the future of publishing, follow a reader-centric approach, envisioning AI agents helping individuals organize their content and recommending content and connections. Publishers may find themselves interacting with AI agents rather than readers. This will change marketing and pricing dynamics. “Audience” and “community” will be mediated by the AI agents, not the brand….

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Mark Zuckerberg according to Midjourney

Get out from under the thumb of platforms

Summary: The article discusses concerns about censorship on social media platforms like Twitter, with recent reports suggesting Elon Musk’s company may be limiting users who share New York Times articles. It highlights the problem of tech giants controlling access to information and urges content creators to reduce dependence on these platforms, recommending strategies like building…

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Afraid of AI

Can publishers effectively fight Skynet?

Summary: This article discusses the ongoing battle between publishers and AI, caricatured as “Skynet.” The author suggests four strategies for publishers to combat AI: altering the robots.txt file, enforcing server-side measures, updating terms and conditions for potential lawsuits, and developing their own large language models. However, the article acknowledges the challenges, such as AI’s ability…

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cash register

I’d like to believe in micropayments, but I’m starting to sour on the idea

Summary: This article explores the challenges surrounding micropayments as a revenue model for news media. The author considers various reasons for skepticism, including a lack of a universal standard, perceived complexity, and the convenience of ad-supported or subscription-based models. The article also discusses the emotional debate around micropayments and questions their impact on traditional journalism….

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dissatisfied worker

How not to manage Gen Z

Summary: The author criticizes articles that make generalizations about generations like Gen Z. While there are averages, individuals within a group can vary widely. Instead, focus on managing people based on their specific characteristics and needs rather than labeling them based on demographics. However, such articles can be valuable in pointing out issues that may…

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Woman looking at phone

8 tips to get more digital subs

Summary: The article discusses the shift from ad-funded models to subscription-based revenue in media, playing off 8 keys points from Carolyn Morgan. Audience segmentation is crucial for effective online marketing and content personalization. Focus on content valued by potential subscribers rather than casual visitors. Determine which content goes behind a paywall based on uniqueness and…

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The limitations of ‘real-time’ CDP use cases — my latest on Martech.org

Summary: Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) offer the potential for real-time data consolidation and customer engagement. However, achieving true real-time execution depends on various factors. These limitations encompass challenges in personalization, e-commerce, fraud detection, and third-party data integration. Key factors include data update frequency, processing requirements, and the need for immediate data access, making it essential…

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