views from the crossroads of digital culture + commerce by Briaan L. Barron
The ‘Community’ Industrial Complex: What’s Lost When Brands Commodify Connection
When scale is the goal, genuine connection may be the cost. Growth-minded memberships, festivals, and events all promise “community,” but can they actually deliver?
Fame, Meet Function: The Case for Celeb Product Brands That Actually Serve Us
“Celebrities are past simply endorsing products; they’re being appointed as creative directors at heritage luxury houses…But while their star power drives headlines and sales spikes, there’s an elephant in the showroom: sustainability, accessibility, and longevity often get left behind in favor of clout and cachet.”