About the book
A concise introduction to content and the content industry, from the early internet to the Instagram egg.
From the time we roll out of bed to check overnight updates to our last posts, likes, and views of the previous day, we're consuming and producing content. But what does the term “content” even mean? When did it become ubiquitous? And at what cost? In this volume in the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, Kate Eichhorn offers a concise introduction to content and the content industry, examining the far-reaching effects content has on culture, politics, and labor in a digital age.
Eichhorn traces the evolution of our current understanding of content from the early internet to the current social mediaverse. The quintessential example of content, she says, is the Instagram egg—an image that imparted no information or knowledge and circulated simply for the sake of circulation. Eichhorn explores what differentiates user-generated content from content produced by compensated (although often undercompensated) workers; examines how fields from art and literature to journalism and politics have weathered the rise of the content industry; and investigates the increasing importance of artists’ “content capital”—the ability of artists, writers, and performers to produce content not about their work but about their status as artists.
Editions of Content
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780262543286
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262368209
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262368216
Read an Excerpt
A concise introduction to content and the content industry, from the early internet to the Instagram egg.
From the time we roll out of bed to check overnight updates to our last posts, likes, and views of the previous day, we're consuming and producing content. But what does the term “content” even mean? When did it become ubiquitous? And at what cost? In this volume in the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, Kate Eichhorn offers a concise introduction to content and the content industry, examining the far-reaching effects content has on culture, politics, and labor in a digital age.
Eichhorn traces the evolution of our current understanding of content from the early internet to the current social mediaverse. The quintessential example of content, she says, is the Instagram egg—an image that imparted no information or knowledge and circulated simply for the sake of circulation. Eichhorn explores what differentiates user-generated content from content produced by compensated (although often undercompensated) workers; examines how fields from art and literature to journalism and politics have weathered the rise of the content industry; and investigates the increasing importance of artists’ “content capital”—the ability of artists, writers, and performers to produce content not about their work but about their status as artists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Content about?
A concise introduction to content and the content industry, from the early internet to the Instagram egg.
From the time we roll out of bed to check overnight updates to our last posts, likes, and views of the previous day, we're consuming and producing content. But what does the term “content” even mean? When did it become ubiquitous? And at what cost? In this volume in the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, Kate Eichhorn offers a concise introduction to content and the content industry, examining the far-reaching effects content has on culture, politics, and labor in a digital age.
Eichhorn traces the evolution of our current understanding of content from the early internet to the current social mediaverse. The quintessential example of content, she says, is the Instagram egg—an image that imparted no information or knowledge and circulated simply for the sake of circulation. Eichhorn explores what differentiates user-generated content from content produced by compensated (although often undercompensated) workers; examines how fields from art and literature to journalism and politics have weathered the rise of the content industry; and investigates the increasing importance of artists’ “content capital”—the ability of artists, writers, and performers to produce content not about their work but about their status as artists.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Content?
Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Cultural and media studies > Media studies
Where can I read a sample of Content?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780262543286
Is Content part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series The MIT Press Essential Knowledge series
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Content?
Kate Eichhorn
Who is the Publisher of the book Content?
MIT Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Content is available as paperback(ISBN 9780262543286) and ebook(ISBN 9780262368209) and ebook(ISBN 9780262368216)
Where can I buy Content online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Content from below