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  • Hit Makers

  • The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction
  • Written by: Derek Thompson
  • Narrated by: Derek Thompson
  • Length: 11 hrs and 34 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (42 ratings)

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Hit Makers

Written by: Derek Thompson
Narrated by: Derek Thompson
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Publisher's Summary

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

What the critics say

"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)

What listeners say about Hit Makers

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Interesting anecdotes but a bit dry.

The book contains a number of interesting anecdotes but I grew tired of them over time. Making it difficult to finish

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GOOSEBUMPS

knowing that a human being had the ability to not only conceive the idea for this book but to then actually be able to articulate it this well is mind blowing. much like a hotel is an asset for the investor. this is an intilectual asset for the mind.

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Don’t Read At Your Own Risk

Must read for anyone who has a vision of creating something larger than life, no matter the industry this book gives you a deep understanding of what to look for and create while cultivating the next step forward in culture

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A thrilling seminal work of practical art.

Derek Thompson’s powerful, intelligent insights on a topic so broad are only surpassed by his thoughtful, elegant conclusions and commentary. His research, creative choices, narration and storytelling elevates this book to a work of art. If there is a more influential business book, I don’t know what it is. Your life will be diminished if you don’t read it. The world needs more Derek Thompson. Cheers.

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