It’s the dog days of summer, which we just learned is a reference to astrology, not the idea that it’s so hot that even dogs need to just lay around. Huh. The more you know. And that’s just a small taste of the kind of intellectual gravitas you’re going to bet in the July edition of …now you know.
$89 billion ain’t nothin’
Those of us who have been in and out of the music business for a while remember a time not too long ago when chicken littles were winning; Napster had killed the music business forever and it was too late to do anything about it. Fast forward to 2021 and the industry is having banner years; this MIDiA report has some interesting breakdowns on where all that growth is coming from.
MIDiA music forecasts: the new era of growth
a second look at second life
The metaverse may feel brand new, but not to the millions who have participated in Second Life for years now, and certainly not for Second Life creator Philip Rosedale, who offers some real gems in this interview. (Case in point, at its best, the metaverse should focus on bringing people together.)
What Second Life and Roblox can teach us about the metaverse
£100,000 will get you zero
All of the talk about the value and authenticity of NFTs often overlooked one thing – authenticity is a huge problem in the traditional fine art world as well, as some collectors are finding out the hard way. Ouch.
Her “Chagall” is headed for the trash. How’s that for caveat emptor?
up next, comic sans
As art and technology become ever-more entwined, designers are finding new possibilities for typography. All out typography nerds are going to love this one.
Helvetica, the world’s most popular font, serves as a creative muse in a new NFT collection
quarterly inspiration
Let’s end on a non-digital note. For years now McSweeney’s has been putting out quarterly releases that both include some groundbreaking writing and design. How about poems printed on balloons that you can only read when they’re blown up? They did that. How about a tri-fold book container that includes an experimental deck of playing cards and a comb for no discernible reason? They also did that. Purchase if you’d like, but even if not, the creative inspiration is free.
TIMOTHY McSWEENEY’S QUARTERLY CONCERN
