I hope someone creates the series referencing how The Huffington Post, The Onion (NYC), Gawker, Nerve, Mediabistro and Buzzfeed were all initially based within the same two block space in NYC's SoHo neighborhood. If only for the Gawker people that were literally working in Nick Denton's weird, gigantic loft apartment.
I was able to visit The Onion's office back in the day, and it was *very* tightly packed yet nice, which I guess is probably expected of such a space in NYC. Fun fact: Joe Garden, a longtime comedy writer and wonderful human, operated a makeshift convenience store out of his office. I guess the area didn't have many actual convenience stores, so he filled the vacuum.
It's probably changed but it was pretty deserted. There was a "see and be seen" restaurant for people willing to blow $12 on toast. A fun fact: the original HuffPo office space went on to house multiple startup sites, which confused a younger me as I'd go interview and realize I'd been there because the office layout never changed. Only the stickers and signs around the open office layout promoting whatever the site was at the time. Every time I interviewed I'd bring up I'd been there and be told "no, [our site] is the first one here!" Because turnover was so high no one knew the history.
Perfect. The base stupidity of WeWorks idea really demands a show that explains the persuasive appeal Neumann apparently had. Sad (but not surprised) Leto didn't bring that.
When you see footage of the *actual* Neumann, it makes a lot more sense. My friend, the Vox critic Alissa Wilkinson, likened his bearing and cadence to a megachurch pastor. I think that's spot on.
The New Yorker had a great breakdown of Neumann and WeWork. One of their most interesting insights was that the early VC investors in WeWork *did* make money off of it, because they were able to hype it and pass it along to the next group. It creates a grotesque marketplace where it's not about finding the most viable long term company but finding something (or someone) that can generate the most buzz.
I've been in the workplace for about 15 years and never known anything but the stupid open plan. Sounds like you olds had it pretty good back in the day!
I couldn't agree with Scott more. Watching all three and the only one that's captivating is The Dropout, for just the reasons he lays out here. Super Pumped was the most disappointing as it's just so standard, follow the numbers kind of drama. Instead, I'm finding Seyfried fascinating as Elizabeth Holmes, whether you approve of her performance or not.
Love pieces like this-- and you've convinced my wife to start "The Dropout"!
Thanks, Alan! And I feel good about recommending "The Dropout." Excellent series from the jump.
I hope someone creates the series referencing how The Huffington Post, The Onion (NYC), Gawker, Nerve, Mediabistro and Buzzfeed were all initially based within the same two block space in NYC's SoHo neighborhood. If only for the Gawker people that were literally working in Nick Denton's weird, gigantic loft apartment.
I was able to visit The Onion's office back in the day, and it was *very* tightly packed yet nice, which I guess is probably expected of such a space in NYC. Fun fact: Joe Garden, a longtime comedy writer and wonderful human, operated a makeshift convenience store out of his office. I guess the area didn't have many actual convenience stores, so he filled the vacuum.
It's probably changed but it was pretty deserted. There was a "see and be seen" restaurant for people willing to blow $12 on toast. A fun fact: the original HuffPo office space went on to house multiple startup sites, which confused a younger me as I'd go interview and realize I'd been there because the office layout never changed. Only the stickers and signs around the open office layout promoting whatever the site was at the time. Every time I interviewed I'd bring up I'd been there and be told "no, [our site] is the first one here!" Because turnover was so high no one knew the history.
oh, man. I had forgotten about Nerve. so sad
I never got a chance to write for Nerve b/c I had the staff job at AVC. But from my understanding, they paid fabulously.
I once got the go-ahead to write a personal essay for Nerve, but they spiked it. Oh well. The next place I sent that piece took it. But I was bummed.
Ah, that is a bummer. Interesting site.
Idea: Renting desks
Perfect. The base stupidity of WeWorks idea really demands a show that explains the persuasive appeal Neumann apparently had. Sad (but not surprised) Leto didn't bring that.
When you see footage of the *actual* Neumann, it makes a lot more sense. My friend, the Vox critic Alissa Wilkinson, likened his bearing and cadence to a megachurch pastor. I think that's spot on.
be careful of Rebekah-level name-dropping, Scott!
The New Yorker had a great breakdown of Neumann and WeWork. One of their most interesting insights was that the early VC investors in WeWork *did* make money off of it, because they were able to hype it and pass it along to the next group. It creates a grotesque marketplace where it's not about finding the most viable long term company but finding something (or someone) that can generate the most buzz.
I've been in the workplace for about 15 years and never known anything but the stupid open plan. Sounds like you olds had it pretty good back in the day!
I couldn't agree with Scott more. Watching all three and the only one that's captivating is The Dropout, for just the reasons he lays out here. Super Pumped was the most disappointing as it's just so standard, follow the numbers kind of drama. Instead, I'm finding Seyfried fascinating as Elizabeth Holmes, whether you approve of her performance or not.