views from the crossroads of digital culture + commerce by Briaan L. Barron
I flew across the country for a 2-day conference and skipped Day 2. Here’s why.
“At its best, CultureCon is a beacon. It reminds us that Black creativity is the culture and deserves to be celebrated on the grandest stages.
But celebration without depth becomes spectacle. And spectacle without access becomes exclusion.”
From Coworking Hubs (Back) to Country Clubs: The Price of Belonging
“What we’re witnessing now is a pivot away from inclusivity, the dominant ethos of the 2010s, back toward exclusivity as cultural currency. Membership isn’t about belonging; it’s about stratification. Who can enter, who can afford, who can align themselves with the ‘haves.’”
Scott Evans is the Life of the House Party
A Quintessential Host is Waking Up the Talk Show Format, and Right on Time
Energetic Signature Is the New ‘Personal Brand’
Why KWN, KevOnStage, and Law Roach are proof that the ‘brand’ isn’t what makes the mark.
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.”
Public Art + Media is Losing Funding, and You Want to Start Another Relationship Podcast?
“We’re watching legacy institutions crumble while new media empires are being built on vibes and virality. That’s a problem and an opportunity.”