Mitch Joel's Blog: Six Pixels of Separation, page 31

Meta-morphosis – Can Australia Avoid A News Blackout?

Is the news on social media a thing of the past?

When it comes to managing news on digital platforms, Australia might want to take a closer look at Canada’s experience (which I write about here: SPOS #895 – Michael Geist On Google And Meta Blocking News Links And The Future Of Media).
Last year, Meta (aka Facebook) blocked news content in Canada, a move that has had significant consequences for Canadian news outlets (even though Canadian were told how great this would be).
As Australia considers renewing its own deals with Meta under the News Media Bargaining Code, there are crucial lessons to be learned.
The News Media Bargaining Code, introduced by Australia, was designed to force digital platforms to share their advertising revenue with news publishers.
Canada, inspired by this move, implemented a similar law with high hopes.

But the reality has been starkly different.

Since Meta’s news ban in August 2023, Canadian news outlets have faced a severe drop in user traffic from Meta’s platforms.
The promised revenue flows never materialized, and the impact on the news industry has been profoundly negative.

Consider this…

Without the ability to share direct links to news articles, user visits to news sites collapsed.
This hit regional and local news sites hard, as Facebook was a key source of audience traffic for them.
In a world where regional and rural areas are turning into “news deserts,” this loss should be deeply concerning.

The workarounds?

Consumers are using screenshots, copy-pasting text, and sharing URLs with modifications.
These don’t replace the lost audience or generate revenue through ads for the news outlets.
Instead, they’ve led to an uptick in political discussions on Facebook and Instagram, often disconnected from the original news sources.
This opens the door to well-meaning misinformation or deliberate disinformation and, at worst, conspiracy theories.
For those deeply invested in news (like me), people find their way to the news elsewhere (I have!).
But what about casual readers who stumble upon news through their social media feeds?
They’re missing out, and they might not even realize it.
Social media platforms are used for various purposes beyond news consumption, and for many, the absence of news links goes unnoticed.

Interestingly, a significant portion of the population isn’t very keen on news to begin with.

According to the Digital News Report Australia, “68% of Australians actively avoid the news, and 41% suffer from news fatigue.”
Ouch! But after years of relentless reporting on crises, it’s not surprising.

Meta understands this dynamic well.

The company claims that reducing news visibility doesn’t substantially impact user experience.
Many users might not even notice the absence of news from their feeds.

Here’s the kicker:

If Australia formally designates Meta to pay news publishers, it might backfire.
Meta’s argument is straightforward — if their platforms carry limited Australian news content, why should they share revenue with news publishers?
This argument could prove persuasive in both public opinion and legal proceedings.

So, what’s the takeaway for Australia?

Before pushing for renewed deals with Meta, it’s crucial to consider the unintended consequences seen in Canada.
A balance needs to be struck to support news publishers without pushing digital platforms to withdraw their support entirely.
How can Australia ensure that the News Media Bargaining Code achieves its goals without creating a news desert of its own?
Australia must learn from Canada’s experience (which was following Australia’s original deal!) to create a sustainable model that supports both the news industry and the digital platforms on which they depend.

I’m not confident that there’s a match here… and so far the results are not encouraging.

This is what Trudie Mason and I discussed on CJAD 800 AM. Listen in right here.

Mitch Joel · Meta-morphosis – Can Australia Avoid A News Blackout?

Before you go… ThinkersOne is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Alex Edmans On How Our Biases Cause Us To Fall For Misinformation (And How To Combat It) – This Week’s Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Episode #941 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast is now live and ready for you to listen to

He is a finance professor at London Business School, and Alex Edmans knows his stuff. With a background that spans Morgan Stanley and a PhD from MIT, Alex’s insights on corporate finance, responsible business, and behavioral finance are top-notch. He’s a TED talk star, with millions of views, and his research has been featured everywhere from the World Economic Forum to the UK Parliament. In our conversation, Alex dives into his latest book, May Contain Lies – How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases – And What We Can Do About It (he is also the author of Grow The Pie and Principles of Corporate Finance). We explore the tricky terrain of our post-truth world and the fine line between fact and fiction and conspiracy theories. Alex breaks down the role of statistical significance and why simple messages can be so appealing — and misleading. It’s not just about the facts… it’s about how they get twisted. We also tackle the financial incentives that drive misinformation. Alex is big on critical thinking and urges us all to look beyond the surface. He explains the ladder of mis-inference, making it clear why we need to understand the differences between statements, facts, data, and evidence. We get into the weeds about peer review in academic research and the biases that can creep in. Alex talks about the internet’s role in spreading misinformation and how social media can create echo chambers. He’s all about teaching critical thinking early and often. I loved reading May Contain Lies… and it really is more than just a book – it’s a guide to navigating the murky waters of modern information. Alex uses real-world examples to show how biases distort our views and decision-making. He offers practical tips to cut through the noise and think smarter. So, if you’re tired of being misled and want to make better decisions (and, who isn’t always fooled by “facts”?), take a listen. Enjoy the conversation…

You can grab the latest episode of Six Pixels of Separation here (or feel free to subscribe via Apple Podcast or whatever platform you may choose):  #941 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

SPOS #941 – Alex Edmans On How Our Biases Cause Us To Fall For Misinformation (And How To Combat It)

Welcome to episode #941 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #941. He is a finance professor at London Business School, and Alex Edmans knows his stuff. With a background that spans Morgan Stanley and a PhD from MIT, Alex’s insights on corporate finance, responsible business, and behavioral finance are top-notch. He’s a TED talk star, with millions of views, and his research has been featured everywhere from the World Economic Forum to the UK Parliament. In our conversation, Alex dives into his latest book, May Contain Lies – How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases – And What We Can Do About It (he is also the author of Grow The Pie and Principles of Corporate Finance). We explore the tricky terrain of our post-truth world and the fine line between fact and fiction and conspiracy theories. Alex breaks down the role of statistical significance and why simple messages can be so appealing — and misleading. It’s not just about the facts… it’s about how they get twisted. We also tackle the financial incentives that drive misinformation. Alex is big on critical thinking and urges us all to look beyond the surface. He explains the ladder of mis-inference, making it clear why we need to understand the differences between statements, facts, data, and evidence. We get into the weeds about peer review in academic research and the biases that can creep in. Alex talks about the internet’s role in spreading misinformation and how social media can create echo chambers. He’s all about teaching critical thinking early and often. I loved reading May Contain Lies… and it really is more than just a book – it’s a guide to navigating the murky waters of modern information. Alex uses real-world examples to show how biases distort our views and decision-making. He offers practical tips to cut through the noise and think smarter. So, if you’re tired of being misled and want to make better decisions (and, who isn’t always fooled by “facts”?), take a listen. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 1:00:43.Hello from beautiful Montreal.Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.Please visit and leave comments on the blog – Six Pixels of Separation.Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.Check out ThinkersOne.or you can connect on LinkedIn.…or on Twitter.Here is my conversation with Alex Edmans.May Contain Lies – How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases – And What We Can Do About It.Grow The Pie.Principles of Corporate Finance.Follow Alex on LinkedIn.Follow Alex on X.This week’s music: David Usher ‘St. Lawrence River’.

Takeaways

The concept of a post-truth world goes beyond the question of whether something is factually true or not. It also includes the potential for misleading inferences drawn from accurate information.Statistical significance can help evaluate the reliability of claims, but it is important to consider the broader context and potential biases in interpreting the results.Simplistic messages that align with people’s pre-existing views are more likely to be accepted and shared, even if they lack scientific rigor or evidence.The prevalence of misinformation is driven by financial incentives and the desire for quick fixes and easy solutions.While misinformation poses challenges, there are also opportunities for more nuanced and informed discussions, particularly among open-minded individuals who value scientific consensus.AI can be both a solution and a problem in addressing misinformation, as it can help identify scientific consensus but also be used to spread false information.Peer review is a useful but imperfect process for evaluating the accuracy and quality of academic research.Being discerning consumers of information requires recognizing our own biases and questioning the validity of statements, facts, data, and evidence.Teaching critical thinking from a young age is essential to combat misinformation and make informed decisions.Being discerning does not mean being overly suspicious, but rather applying critical thinking to important decisions and recognizing the limitations of evidence.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Alex Edmans.07:17 – The Desire for Black and White Rules.15:31 – The Incentives for Producing and Consuming Misinformation.28:57 – The Limitations of Peer Review.35:49 – The Ladder of Mis-Inference.50:22 – The Impact of the Internet.

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #941.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Six Links That Make You Think #734

Is there one link, story, picture or thought that you saw online this week that you think somebody you know must see?

My friends: Alistair Croll (Solve for Interesting, Tilt the Windmill, Interesting Bits, HBS, chair of Strata, Startupfest, FWD50, and Scaletechconf; author of Lean Analytics and some other books), Hugh McGuire (Rebus Foundation, PressBooks, LibriVox) and I decided that every week the three of us are going to share one link for one another (for a total of six links) that each individual feels the other person “must see.”

Check out these six links that we’re recommending to one another: 

Read The Furious Texts The Heritage Foundation Sent Furry Hacking Collective Siegedsec After Breach – Daily Dot. “In this year of endless headline firsts, I did not have ‘furry hackers take down conservative foundation.’ In one corner, The Heritage Foundation: One of the most effective conservative organizations in history, and they play the long game: Helping aligned judges rise through the ranks of the judiciary, and outlining the Project 2025 agenda that has gone mainstream in the last few months. In the other: SiegedSec, hacktivists who defame websites with ‘juvenile and crude language and graphics’ and lines like ‘uwu gay furries pwn you’. Of course, in the post-truth era, this could all be a cover. A hack is one thing – but chat logs between the hackers and executive director, Mike Howell, are another level entirely. This is truly the weirdest timeline.” (Alistair for Hugh). Winamp Skin Museum . “Kids today don’t know how good we had it. Winamp, that ubiquitous front-end to the death of paid music, MP3 player extraordinaire, and endlessly customizable UX, conjures up the digital equivalent of rave fliers. Turns out there’s a museum of the endless skins we made, and they’re playable.” (Alistair for Mitch). This Is What Happens To Your Brain When You’re In Back-To-Back Meetings – Huffington Post . “Meetings.” (Hugh for Alistair). Why Do Your Eyeglasses Cost $1000? – Freakonomics . “Glasses cost about $20 to make no matter how fancy they are. A massive monopoly keeps the prices high.” (Hugh for Mitch). 31 Genius Sci-Fi Quotes That Offer Real-World Wisdom – Big Think . “I always do my best to dissect the articles that I choose. Well, this is one where the headline does all of the heavy lifting. So, whether we’re living in a simulation or not (and, after last week, I am really starting to believe that we are), here are 31 gems of genius from science fiction that could well be some of the best and most real pieces of wisdom that you will ever encounter. Dig in and marvel at how those who write fiction often share the greatest truisms through their art.” (Mitch for Alistair). How Choose Your Own Adventure Books Became Beloved Among Generations Of Readers – Open Culture . “Ooffahh, this one hits hard at the nostalgia in me. I wasn’t that big of a book reader when I was a kid, but I devoured the Choose Your Own Adventure books, and had a profound awakening when I realized that I could get them for free at my local library. So, yes, what we have here is an interesting article, but the links inside this article to other articles and some incredible YouTube videos about the famed book series is the real gold here. I spent a lot of time here not just re-discovering a book series that I loved, but the business and writing behind it. Fascinating… trust me…” (Mitch for Hugh).

Feel free to share these links and add your picks on X, Facebook, in the comments below or wherever you play.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Is X Breaking News Or Breaking The News?

Is X still the place for breaking news?

Elon Musk endorsed Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election right after an assassination attempt on Trump at a Pennsylvania rally last week.

Let’s not forget that Elon can be a troll.

What does it mean when the owner of one of the most influential social media platforms backs a political candidate?
It’s uncharted territory, especially since big tech leaders have usually kept their political cards close to the chest.
Elon likes to shatter the norm where leaders like Mark Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai keep their political preferences under wraps.
By publicly supporting Trump, Elon has essentially waved goodbye to any semblance of neutrality for X (formerly Twitter).

Is that true? What’s the real impact here?

X has always been the go-to platform for breaking news and real-time updates.
And – at the same time – it’s also notorious for the rapid spread of misinformation.
Following the assassination attempt on Trump, X was awash with false claims, wild speculations and conspiracy theories (anyone surprised?).

Do you think Elon’s endorsement is going to skew the platform’s environment even further?

Let’s take a step back.
Social media platforms hold immense power, especially among younger voters who rely on them for news (we know this).
With Elon openly backing Trump, how will this affect the way opposing voices are treated on X?
Will it tilt the balance unfairly?
Here’s something to chew on: If platforms like X are simply echo chambers for their owners’ views (and those who follow those owners), what happens to balanced discourse?

Can we still trust these platforms to provide reliable information?

Could we ever trust traditional media with this role?
The solution isn’t simple.
Stricter content moderation and transparent decision-making are crucial.
But can they keep up with the rapid pace of information spread?
Technological innovations like AI for real-time fact-checking sound promising but come with their own challenges.
Are we ready for that?
Public education and media literacy are also key.
Empowering users to critically evaluate the information they encounter online can make a huge difference (how has the Notes feature been working out for you on X?).

Are we doing enough to educate the public on discerning fact from conspiracy?

Elon’s endorsement of Trump marks a significant moment in the intersection of tech and politics.
It’s a powerful reminder of the influence — and responsibility— tech leaders have in a world where the conversation has shifted from one-way to two-way to now omni-directional.
As we navigate this new reality, how do we balance free expression with responsible content management to safeguard our democratic processes?

It’s a question worth pondering.

This is what Trudie Mason and I discussed on CJAD 800 AM. Listen in right here.

Mitch Joel · Is X Breaking News Or Breaking The News?

Before you go… ThinkersOne is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Bob Tapscott On The Tech Trivergence – This Week’s Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Episode #940 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast is now live and ready for you to listen to

I’ve had his brother (Don Tapscott) and nephew (Alex Tapscott) on the show countless times. We might as well extend the invitation to Bob Tapscott. Bob has a knack for diving into the deep end of tech and coming up with pearls of wisdom. With a background as a CIO, speaker, and consultant, Bob’s journey spans nuclear power maintenance, Wall Street derivatives, and flying commercial aircrafts by computer. He’s the go-to guy for developing and implementing disruptive strategies that actually work, focusing on corporate performance and customer satisfaction (meaning: He’s the person that is building the tech we all talk about). Bob delves into what he calls the second era of computing – where computers don’t just follow orders, they learn, ask questions and show us what we need. It’s a “game-changer” (and I hate that word!), driven by the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Bob breaks it down: We’re seeing an growth in computing power that’s reshaping our world. AI isn’t just about making things faster – it’s about making things smarter. The company with the most data will have the smartest systems, and that’s a big deal. But with great power comes great responsibility (thanks, Uncle Ben!). We talk about the potential for job displacement and the societal challenges that come with these advancements. It’s not just about the tech… it’s about the frameworks we need to guide its implementation responsibly. Our conversation touches on the exciting and somewhat daunting possibilities of AI, like the development of generative AI tools and the role of startups in this evolving landscape. Bob is particularly keen on the ethical implications – how do we ensure these technologies benefit society as a whole? And let’s not forget the international angle. Tech doesn’t respect borders, so collaboration is key. Bob’s new book, Trivergence – How Ai, Blockchain, And The Internet Of Things Are Ushering In A New Digital Age, is all about navigating this brave new world. He explores the synergies between AI, blockchain, and IoT, showing how these technologies can work together to transform business and society. It’s not a tech manual… it’s a guide for making smart decisions in a world full of uncertainties. Bob talks about the power of Infinite Data – where AI, powered by vast datasets, can generate insights and value without human intervention. It’s fascinating and a must-read for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve. Bob unpacks these concepts with a mix of technical insight and practical wisdom. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a business leader, there’s something here for you. Enjoy the conversation…

You can grab the latest episode of Six Pixels of Separation here (or feel free to subscribe via Apple Podcast or whatever platform you may choose):  #940 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

SPOS #940 – Bob Tapscott On The Tech Trivergence

Welcome to episode #940 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #940. I’ve had his brother (Don Tapscott) and nephew (Alex Tapscott) on the show countless times. We might as well extend the invitation to Bob Tapscott. Bob has a knack for diving into the deep end of tech and coming up with pearls of wisdom. With a background as a CIO, speaker, and consultant, Bob’s journey spans nuclear power maintenance, Wall Street derivatives, and flying commercial aircrafts by computer. He’s the go-to guy for developing and implementing disruptive strategies that actually work, focusing on corporate performance and customer satisfaction (meaning: He’s the person that is building the tech we all talk about). Bob delves into what he calls the second era of computing – where computers don’t just follow orders, they learn, ask questions and show us what we need. It’s a “game-changer” (and I hate that word!), driven by the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Bob breaks it down: We’re seeing an growth in computing power that’s reshaping our world. AI isn’t just about making things faster – it’s about making things smarter. The company with the most data will have the smartest systems, and that’s a big deal. But with great power comes great responsibility (thanks, Uncle Ben!). We talk about the potential for job displacement and the societal challenges that come with these advancements. It’s not just about the tech… it’s about the frameworks we need to guide its implementation responsibly. Our conversation touches on the exciting and somewhat daunting possibilities of AI, like the development of generative AI tools and the role of startups in this evolving landscape. Bob is particularly keen on the ethical implications – how do we ensure these technologies benefit society as a whole? And let’s not forget the international angle. Tech doesn’t respect borders, so collaboration is key. Bob’s new book, Trivergence – How Ai, Blockchain, And The Internet Of Things Are Ushering In A New Digital Age, is all about navigating this brave new world. He explores the synergies between AI, blockchain, and IoT, showing how these technologies can work together to transform business and society. It’s not a tech manual… it’s a guide for making smart decisions in a world full of uncertainties. Bob talks about the power of Infinite Data – where AI, powered by vast datasets, can generate insights and value without human intervention. It’s fascinating and a must-read for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve. Bob unpacks these concepts with a mix of technical insight and practical wisdom. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a business leader, there’s something here for you. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 1:04:20.Hello from beautiful Montreal.Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.Please visit and leave comments on the blog – Six Pixels of Separation.Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.Check out ThinkersOne.or you can connect on LinkedIn.…or on Twitter.Here is my conversation with Bob Tapscott.Trivergence – How Ai, Blockchain, And The Internet Of Things Are Ushering In A New Digital Age.Follow Bob on LinkedIn.Follow Bob on X.This week’s music: David Usher ‘St. Lawrence River’.

Takeaways

The second era of computing is characterized by computers being able to ask and learn, rather than just being programmed.The exponential growth in computing power, driven by blockchain and AI, is transforming society.Data is crucial for AI development, and the company with the most data will likely have the most intelligent system.The implementation of AI and other technologies could lead to job displacement and societal challenges.Thoughtful frameworks and discussions are needed to guide the responsible and beneficial use of these technologies.The development of AI tools like chat GPT is impressive and has the potential to outperform human capabilities in certain tasks.The growth of data is exponential, and it presents both opportunities and challenges in the field of AI.The consolidation of AI power among big tech companies is likely, but startups can still find success by focusing on specific domains.The ethical implications of AI, including autonomous killing machines, raise concerns and the need for careful regulation and oversight.The impact of AI is not limited by geographic borders, and international collaboration is crucial for addressing its challenges and maximizing its benefits.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction and Background.09:49 – Exponential Growth in Computing Power.25:38 – Guiding the Responsible Use of Technology.35:20 – Exploring the Potential of AI: Open AI and Generative AI Tools.45:47 – The Exponential Growth of Data and its Implications for AI.53:12 – Startups in the AI Landscape: Focusing on Specific Domains.01:00:06 – The Role of Geography and the Need for International Collaboration in AI.

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #940.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Six Links That Make You Think #733

Is there one link, story, picture or thought that you saw online this week that you think somebody you know must see?

My friends: Alistair Croll (Solve for Interesting, Tilt the Windmill, Interesting Bits, HBS, chair of Strata, Startupfest, FWD50, and Scaletechconf; author of Lean Analytics and some other books), Hugh McGuire (Rebus Foundation, PressBooks, LibriVox) and I decided that every week the three of us are going to share one link for one another (for a total of six links) that each individual feels the other person “must see.”

Check out these six links that we’re recommending to one another: 

Config 2024 – In Defense Of An Old Pixel – Figma – YouTube. “I couldn’t decide who this was for: Mitch, who will respect the sheer volume of work that went into this talk or Hugh, who loves typography. It’s a fantastic homage to pixel-based fonts, with a crowdsourced font editor built in. Marcin Wichary is a wonder, and I love that Figma let him work on this talk. To be fair, that’s absolutely on brand for Figma CEO, Dylan Field. An absolute nostalgic pleasure.” (Alistair for Hugh). Coldplay – Fix You (Glastonbury 2024) – BBC Music – YouTube . “Glastonbury is the only festival that’s really on my bucket list. Over the years, Orbital played One Perfect Sunrise in their swansong set, and dozens of other greats took the stage. In the UK, the BBC have always made sure that EDM and techno have a seat at the table. This year was no exception: Fatboy Slim reprising his role as bassist for The Housemartins, Banksy‘s dinghy of inflatable immigrants crowdsurfing, and more. But the moment that broke me was when Coldplay brought out Michael J. Fox to play guitar during ‘Fix You’. The grace and character Fox has shown since publicly announcing his Parkinsons disease at 29 is incredible. It reminds me of The Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie‘s use of a cancer diagnosis to bring a country together and shine a light on the mistreatment of First Nations, and Terry Fox‘s legendary cross-country run against cancer. It’s wonderful to see someone who’s touched so many, and by all accounts is just an excellent human, be celebrated by so many people. Sorry, there’s something in my eye.” (Alistair for Mitch). The Growing Evidence That Americans Are Less Divided Than You May Think – Time . “I recently spent time in the US (Denver and San Diego). I met lots of different people – not just at the conferences I attended, but in taxis, sitting at a burger bar at the airport, hotels, and shops and restaurants. I would bet a decent amount of money that some of those people were Trump voters, with whom I have some serious political disagreements. But everyone I met was kind, every interaction was positive, no matter where I would have pegged my interlocutor on the political spectrum. Most people, it turns out, are generally pretty good when you talk to them. There’s far more in common than not. There’s growing evidence that, in fact, the US is not nearly the divided society that politicians and media would have you believe.” (Hugh for Alistair). What Does A World Without Airbnb Look Like? – BBC . “Many cities, including Montreal, New York, Santa Monica, have restricted Airbnb and other short term rentals. Barcelona will ban them completely in 2028. It might even make things better for travelers?” (Hugh for Mitch).  20 Breathtaking Astronomy Photos Capture The Best Of Space – Mashable . “What kind of crazy messed up world do we live in where I can look through these images and not be impressed? Why? Because I have become so co-opted by special effects, AI and computer photo manipulation that even the astounding beauty of nature now seems mundane (been there done that). With that, take a look at these photos… step away… remind yourself that this is nature and not special effects… this is real… this is ‘out there’ and then take another look. It is, simply, breathtaking… we are just the third rock from the sun and all of the heaviness of our world (from politics and war to climate and AI) is just that – human created (and human solvable). Our own ability to even capture this kind of reality should speak volumes to what we’re both capable of and to what we should aspire to. The universe is amazing… and we’re a speck of dust in the timeline… solve for that.” (Mitch for Alistair). Philosophy In The Matrix – Emory Scholar Blogs – Kunyun Ni . “I’m not one to watch a film or TV series multiple times (there are only a few books that I have re-read). My reasoning is fairly simple: Why consume anything twice in a world where I’m never going to get to everything once? With that, I’ve found myself thinking more and more about the movie, The Matrix (and the subsequent films). Last week, we had Montreal ComicCon (it was such an amazing event!) and – for some reason – I had it in my head that I would pick up some of The Matrix action figures that McFarlane Toys released several year back. I didn’t come across any, but managed to get this Movie Maniacs mini-statue collectible that they released. It came with two stickers – hands (one holding the infamous red pill and the other holding the blue pill). As we delve deeper in to AI (and as it commercializes) I find myself returning to The Matrix franchise and thinking about a world where we’re ok with robots creating more robots – and what their needs might become (if we’re not smart)… that coupled with the idea that we’re living in a simulation… and the I came across this post. I also stuck those stickers on my laptop as a reminder.” (Mitch for Hugh).

Feel free to share these links and add your picks on X, Facebook, in the comments below or wherever you play.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Startup Festival And Taylor Swift Hackers

Startupfest is back, and it’s shaping up to be an event you won’t want to miss.

Running this week (from July 10th to 12th) at the picturesque Grand Quay in the Port of Montreal, this annual gathering has become a staple for entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts.
Founded by Phil Telio, Startupfest has grown over the past 14 years into a premier event that attracts global attention.
What makes Startupfest special is its unique blend of high-energy networking, insightful talks, and a summer camp vibe that keeps things both professional and fun.

This year’s lineup is particularly exciting.

Harley Finkelstein from Shopify and his podcasting partner, David Segel (founder of David’s Tea and Firebelly Tea), will be doing a live interview with Heather Reisman (CEO of Indigo Chapters) for their awesome show, Big Shot.
Also, my weekly 6 Links That Make You Think collaborator, Alistair Croll has a new book coming out with his co-author Emily Ross (Director of Brand Strategy and Creative at X – Twitter for Europe Middle East and Africa) called, Just Evil Enough, and they are previewing the content with a workshiop called, Subversive Marketing (that I will be attending).
This event promises a range of activities from mentor sessions (I’ll be a mentor) to pitch contests that give startups a chance to shine (and win some real money and connections).

It’s three days packed with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.

Lastly, my startup (ThinkersOne) is providing a handful of 15-minute virtual keynote presentations courtesy of Mark Bowden, Dorie Clark, Amy Landino, and Ron Tite.
So, get your tickets and prepare to be inspired.

Also this week… Hacking is no longer just a shadowy, underground activity – it’s big business.

The latest headline-grabber?
Hackers are holding the data of 440,000 Taylor Swift ticket holders for ransom, demanding a cool $8 million.
This incident, involving Ticketmaster is a glaring example of how hacks have become alarmingly common and sophisticated.

This isn’t just a tech issue… it’s a societal one.

The normalization of paying ransoms to get on with business is a very real relaity.
Hackers know the value of their loot and price it just right – enough to hurt, but not enough to make fighting back seem worth it.
Companies not only face the ransom but also deal with recovery costs, legal fees, and potential fines (even legal action from their consumers).

So, what’s the solution?

Paying ransoms may seem like a quick fix but could encourage more attacks in the long run.
On the flip side, in many situations, paying might be the only way to quickly regain control, especially if the data includes highly sensitive information.
This ethical and strategic dilemma is where businesses find themselves entangled.

This isn’t just about the tech world.

It’s about every one of us who depends on these digital services.
The Ticketmaster hack is another reminder of our digital vulnerabilities.
It forces us to rethink our approach to cybersecurity – balancing immediate responses with long-term resilience, legal compliance, and transparent communication.
We all need to unite and push for a safer digital environment.

The era of ransom as a legitimate business is upon us, and it’s up to us to figure out how we navigate this going forward…

This is what David Heurtel and I discussed on CJAD 800 AM. Listen in right here.

Mitch Joel · Startup Festival And Taylor Swift Hackers

Before you go… ThinkersOne is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Renée Warren On Building Authority And Content Creation – This Week’s Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Episode #939 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast is now live and ready for you to listen to

Renée Warren is an award-winning entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, author, and founder of We Wild Women, which helps entrepreneurs get the media coverage of their dreams. She’s also the host of the celebrated podcast, Into The Wild, a show that features curated interviews with women entrepreneurs designed to inspire and give actionable advice to women launching or growing their dream business. In 2012, Renée founded her content marketing and PR agency, taking it from the ground up to a 7-figure, globally-recognized company with clients from South Africa to San Diego. Today, she is sought after for her ability to create world-class PR strategies, marketing operations systems, content strategies, and classy media training. She is the co-author of Get Covered! – How To Craft, Pitch And Tell Your Startup’s Story To Get More Customers, and is always challenging conventional ways to garner media and customer attention. When she’s not crafting the ultimate PR pitch or podcasting, Renée spends time with her family, working out, enjoying really great business books, or refining her drumming skills. In our conversation, Renée dives into the challenges and opportunities for women in entrepreneurship, the evolving landscape of public relations, and the impact of AI on the industry. She emphasizes the need for more women in positions of power and highlights the importance of leveraging AI tools to streamline PR efforts. Renée discusses the changing dynamics of content creation and the potential implications of AI on various industries. We explore the importance of building authority and rising above the noise in today’s crowded digital landscape by being unique and controversial while providing value and staying true to one’s values. Renée and I touch on the impact of cancel culture and the need to navigate the fine line between expressing opinions and avoiding potential backlash. We also discuss the role of social media platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram in building authority and reaching target audiences. Renée emphasizes the power of personal branding and the shift towards individuals rather than organizations as trusted sources of information and influence. Whether you’re a startup looking to stand out or an entrepreneur aiming to build your brand, Renee offers essential strategies to attract media attention and grow your customer base. Enjoy the conversation…

You can grab the latest episode of Six Pixels of Separation here (or feel free to subscribe via Apple Podcast or whatever platform you may choose):  #939 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.