Clive ThompsonSep 30, 2023

"Let's Stop Calling It 'Content''

I first starting noticing the word "content" in the late 90s

Companies looking to put writing, animation, video or art on their web sites would call it "content"

It flattened innumerable forms of culture into a sort of *goo*, extruded from a tube

25 years on, the term "content" has metastasized, eating whole the way many people talk about -- *think* about -- culture.

Let's stop now

My essay: https://clivethompson.medium.com/lets-stop-calling-it-content-8410bf5f94a9

A free link: https://clivethompson.medium.com/lets-stop-calling-it-content-8410bf5f94a9?sk=7a2668c44c31a4359876cfcd25a5f2d0

Show threadTim CarmodySep 30, 2023
@clive I totally disagree! I think we need to change the contexts where we use the word “content” and yes, specificity when possible is better. But it’s a one hundred percent useful word in the proper context (usually when contrasting with the equally capacious “form” or “design”) and often the only word that will do!
Show threadClive ThompsonSep 30, 2023

@tim

I think if we need one word, call it “culture” — that’s what it is!

Like I said at the end of the piece, though, the best thing is to be specific about the specific forms of culture we’re talking about

Show threadClive ThompsonSep 30, 2023

@tim

Now you’ve got me pondering an essay about whether “design” is used too loosely as well 😂

Show threadNick Appleyard

@clive @tim

Oh “design” is a huge, flabby, inchoate word which has the extraordinary property of having quite precisely defined sub-categories (called “design” and “design”) which are entirely separate from each other.
It’s a brilliant word for constructive ambiguity!

See also “sustainability”.

Sep 30, 2023 at 7:54amWeb
Show threadI am Jack's Lost 404Sep 30, 2023

@nick_appleyard @clive @tim

Lol I once met a pompous person with a ridiculous definitely fake name at a gathering fancier than I'm normally used to. He asked what I do, I asked what he did, he said "I sell design".

I was like oh cool art and stuff?

Then he motioned at the furniture and said, "No... Design..." and all but rolled his eyes at me.

Like literally wouldn't even use the word 'furniture' himself to explain to a peasant like me, lest any potential clients hear and question his markups...

Show threadClive ThompsonSep 30, 2023

@float13 @nick_appleyard @tim

lololol

Show threadClive ThompsonSep 30, 2023

@nick_appleyard @tim

Yep yep

Those are both terms that in danger of being drained of any serious meaning