(2010-01-18) Sloan Stock And Flow

Robin Sloan on (social media) "stock and flow". But I actually think stock and flow is the master metaphor for media today. Here’s what I mean: Flow is the feed. It’s the posts and the tweets. It’s the stream of daily and sub-daily updates that reminds people you exist. Stock is the durable stuff. It’s the content you produce that’s as interesting in two months (or two years) as it is today. It’s what people discover via search. It’s what spreads slowly but surely, building fans over time.... I feel like flow is ascendant these days, for obvious reasons—but we neglect stock at our own peril... But I’m not saying you should ignore flow! No: this is no time to hole up and work in isolation, emerging after long months or years with your perfectly-polished opus. Everybody will go: huh? Who are you?

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