Digital Renaissance: What Data and Economics Tell Us about the Future of Popular Culture

The digital revolution is a threat to the major creative industries, but Joel Waldfogel argues that it is enabling a new golden age of popular culture, with the new digital model being just as powerful at generating high-quality, successful work as the old industry model.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 320 pages
\n Publication date: 08 December 2020
\n Publisher: Princeton University Press
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The digital revolution is shaking up the traditional creative industries, including music, publishing, television, and movies, with profound implications. The rise of cheap and easy self-production has eroded the power of gatekeepers and cultural guardians, leading some to fear the collapse of culture. However, in Digital Renaissance, Joel Waldfogel argues that digital technology is actually ushering in a new golden age of popular culture. By analyzing decades of production and sales data, as well as bestseller and best-of lists, Waldfogel demonstrates that the new digital model is just as effective, if not more so, in generating high-quality and successful work than the traditional industry model.

The digital revolution has democratized the production and distribution of creative content, allowing individuals and small teams to reach a global audience with ease. This has led to a proliferation of new voices and perspectives in the creative industry, breaking down traditional barriers and fostering innovation. For example, social media platforms have given artists a platform to showcase their work and connect with fans directly, while streaming services have made it easier for consumers to access and discover new music and films.

Moreover, the digital revolution has enabled new forms of collaboration and creativity. For example, virtual reality technology has opened up new possibilities for storytelling and immersive experiences, while artificial intelligence has been used to create innovative music and art. This has led to the emergence of new genres and styles of creative expression that were previously impossible.

While there are certainly challenges associated with the digital revolution, such as concerns about job displacement and the loss of cultural heritage, it is important to recognize the positive impact that it has had on the creative industry. The digital renaissance is enabling a new era of creativity and innovation, and it is up to us to embrace this change and work towards a future that is more diverse, inclusive, and dynamic.

\n Weight: 292g\n
Dimension: 135 x 203 x 27 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780691208640\n \n