Weekly River Finds #1
Some interesting finds ranging from articles, podcasts or videos for your reading pleasure
(1) Peak TV Is Over. A Different Hollywood Is Coming
The end of the five-month strike has better aligned the monetary incentives for writers and actors with the success of their shows. However, this would mean increased costs for streaming companies, likely leading to fewer new shows and increased cost of subscription for streaming services
The structural issue in Hollywood is too many streaming services that creates confusion for consumers and unattractive economics for streaming companies. This could pave the way for consolidation in the form of mergers, joint ventures or bundles
While AI will not replace writers anytime soon, AI will be an important tool to increase efficiency in the production of shows through providing building blocks for show concepts, brainstorming ideas, and sifting through script submissions
(2) Video Game Competitions Should Be in the Olympics
Esports global audience was more than 500 million people in 2022, where more than half was watching competitive gaming online or on TV at least twice a month
In emerging markets, esports are relatively more accessible and inexpensive compared to traditional sporting facilities
Although the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has considered esports as a sporting activity, it has stood firm in arguing that the popular video games are violent and thus incompatible with Olympic values such as peace and understanding. This contrasts with the IOC hosting the violent sport of boxing, rifle and pistol events
The deep reason for wanting luxurious things is wanting respect and admiration from other people. However, buying luxurious things almost never really achieves that – especially from the people you want to respect and admire you
Strive to be admired for talents that money can’t buy. People’s desire to show off their luxurious things could be due to their only and desperate way to gain respect and admiration as they don’t have any wisdom, intelligence, humor, empathy or capacity for love to gain people’s respect
Material desire can be a loose proxy for the inverse of what else you have to offer the world e.g., the higher my desire for fancy stuff, the less real value I have to offer
Disclaimer: Please note that none of the information provided constitutes financial, investment, or other professional advice. It is only intended for educational purposes.