Reviewing Culture Online: Post-Institutional Cultural Critique across Platforms

This book explores how ordinary users review cultural products online, examining the communities and platforms that intersect with review genres, including social web platforms. It examines user-generated content in lifestyle communities beyond the professional-amateur divide, drawing on cultural intermediation, platformized cultural production, and post-professionalism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 245 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the fascinating realm of how ordinary users engage in online reviews of a diverse range of cultural products, encompassing everything from books and films to art objects and consumer products. It offers a comprehensive mapping of various communities, both within institutional and non-institutional settings, that intersect with the art of review, particularly in the dynamic realm of the social web, where reviewing takes place on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Vimeo. By drawing upon key concepts such as cultural intermediation, platformized cultural production, and post-professionalism, the book explores the rich tapestry of user-generated content within lifestyle communities, transcending the traditional binary of professional and amateur production.

The book begins by examining the motivations and practices of ordinary users who engage in online reviews. It explores the ways in which these individuals use digital platforms to express their opinions, share experiences, and connect with others who share their interests. Through in-depth interviews and case studies, the book sheds light on the diverse ways in which users navigate the complex landscape of online reviews, including the challenges they face, the strategies they employ, and the impact they have on the cultural landscape.

In the subsequent chapters, the book delves into the specific communities that intersect with the genre of review. It explores the role of institutions, such as libraries, museums, and art galleries, in promoting and facilitating online reviews. It also examines the emergence of non-institutional communities, such as online forums, social media groups, and review websites, as spaces where users can engage in meaningful discussions and share their insights.

One of the key themes of the book is the impact of platformization on the cultural production and consumption landscape. It explores how digital platforms have transformed the way that cultural products are created, distributed, and consumed, and how they have created new opportunities for both professional and amateur creators. The book also examines the challenges that platformization poses for reviewers, including the need to navigate a vast array of content, the potential for bias and discrimination, and the pressure to conform to certain standards of professionalism.

Another important aspect of the book is its exploration of user-generated content in lifestyle communities. It recognizes that the line between professional and amateur production has become increasingly blurred, with many individuals using digital platforms to share their creative endeavors and connect with others who share their interests. The book examines the ways in which user-generated content contributes to the cultural landscape, including the ways in which it challenges traditional notions of authority.

Throughout the book, the authors draw upon a wide range of theoretical frameworks and empirical research to support their arguments. They incorporate insights from fields such as cultural studies, media studies, and information science to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics that shape online reviews and the broader cultural landscape.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of cultural studies and media studies. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the ways in which ordinary users review cultural products online, the communities that intersect with the genre of review, and the impact of platformization on cultural production and consumption. By exploring the rich tapestry of user-generated content within lifestyle communities, the book challenges traditional notions of professionalism and amateurism and offers a fresh perspective on the ways in which culture is shaped and shared in the digital age.

Weight: 344g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030848507
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022