Hit Makers

The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction

De: Derek Thompson

Narrado por: Derek Thompson

Nothing "goes viral". If you think a popular movie, song, or app came out of nowhere to become a word-of-mouth success in today's crowded media environment, you're missing the real story. Each blockbuster has a secret history - of power, influence, dark broadcasters, and passionate cults that turn some new products into cultural phenomena. Even the most brilliant ideas wither in obscurity if they fail to connect with the right network, and the consumers that matter most aren't the early adopters but rather their friends, followers, and imitators - the audience of your audience.

In his groundbreaking investigation, Atlantic senior editor Derek Thompson uncovers the hidden psychology of why we like what we like and reveals the economics of cultural markets that invisibly shape our lives. Shattering the sentimental myths of hit making that dominate pop culture and business, Thompson shows quality is insufficient for success, nobody has "good taste", and some of the most popular products in history were one bad break away from utter failure. It may be a new world, but there are some enduring truths to what audiences and consumers want. People love a familiar surprise: a product that is bold yet sneakily recognizable.

All businesses, artists, and people looking to promote themselves and their work want to know what makes some works so successful while others disappear. Hit Makers is a magical mystery tour through the last century of pop culture blockbusters and the most valuable currency of the 21st century - people's attention.

From the dawn of impressionist art to the future of Facebook, from Etsy designers to the origin of Star Wars, Derek Thompson leaves no pet rock unturned to tell the fascinating story of how culture happens and why things become popular.

In Hit Makers, Derek Thompson investigates:

• The secret link between ESPN's sticky programming and the The Weeknd's catchy choruses
• Why Facebook is the world's most important modern newspaper
• How advertising critics predicted Donald Trump
• The fifth grader who accidentally launched "Rock Around the Clock", the biggest hit in rock and roll history
• How Barack Obama and his speechwriters think of themselves as songwriters
• How Disney conquered the world - but the future of hits belongs to savvy amateurs and individuals
• The French collector who accidentally created the Impressionist canon
• Quantitative evidence that the biggest music hits aren't always the best
• Why almost all Hollywood blockbusters are sequels, reboots, and adaptations
• Why one year - 1991 - is responsible for the way pop music sounds today
• Why another year - 1932 - created the business model of film

©2017 Derek Thompson (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Enthralling - full of 'aha' moments about why some ideas soar and others never get off the ground. This book picks up where The Tipping Point left off." (Adam Grant, Wharton professor and New York Times best-selling author of Originals and Give and Take)

“While giving Lady Luck her due, Thompson studiously examines the myriad factors that make the things we buy, like and follow so irresistible: whether Facebook, TV shows such as Seinfeld, Bumble (the app, not the insect), even favorite lullabies. In Hit Makers, his first book, Thompson tackles this mystery with solid research, ready wit and catchy aphorisms...a wonderful book.” (USA Today)

“Hit Makers is thoughtful and thorough, a compelling book...a terrific look at what makes a hit, from the Mona Lisa to Donald Trump.” (Vox)

Beyond your wildest imaginations

Derek is editor to my favourite news media company, The Atlantic, they’re my favorite because they ‘over-source’ their articles with enough detail that you feel smarter than before your read them. Derek outdoes himself here by providing millennia stretching examples with in depth first hand resources that will convince you without even trying to. Read this book and you won’t just be better at business, but you’ll be a better human being.

Why not kill all the birds with one stone?

pleasantly surprised

I bought this book expecting the content to be different but I was pleasantly surprised, though the content wasn't about what I expected it was everything I needed and so much more. It was very helpful and insightful. I learned so much. The narration was great.

Very informative but too long at times

I learned a lot from this book as it was very informative however I found myself at times thinking to myself man is this chapter still going. overall this was a very solid read or listen I plan on buying this book just so I can reference back to it I strongly recommend this book.

First half is a bit too theoretical but the second half makes it worth the read

I almost dropped this book during the first half. The author lays out the theory really well but goes into too much detail. I'm so glad I stuck it out and read the second half. He also provides a helpful summary at the end paired with a few short stories.

One hit after another!

I totally loved this book. It was engaging from start to finish with great stories. Recommended highly to artists of all types!

Trying to Learn From the Atypical

The question this book tries to answer is "what makes something popular?" There are many sub-questions and topics that one can cover when analyzing popularity and Mr. Thompson is exhaustive and entertaining from networks to medium and messaging. French Impressionism, Facebook, 'Rock Around the Clock' and Walt Disney are juxtaposed against some other less conspicuous "hits" to offer an informative and thought-provoking deep-dive on a topic whose secrets, on any other examination, might be infuriatingly elusive. And as with any good book, upon completion it begs a conversation.

Now - to find someone to talk about this ...

The one I'm recommending.

Many try on this subject, but don't cover as many trends or effects. Anyone that can get Cialdini and Deutsch within the same cover has done their homework.

Much more interesting than I thought it would be

Don’t get me wrong, I thought this book would be really interesting, but it surpassed my expectations. The author delivers the material professionally and clearly. The stories that highlight the topics are fascinating. Anyone interested in the subject of this book should definitely snap it up.

how to study pop culture

how to study pop culture. a great read for anyone in who doesn't understand what makes things "blow up"

A must-listen for the 21st century creator.

Thompson's multi-genre study of what makes for a hit is an essential tool for content creators in the Internet age.