Social media / social networking Books

Book SynopsisAre you considering a career in social media? Are you an entrepreneur or freelancer looking to boost your online content marketing? Maybe you're looking for your next career pivot, or you're simply seeking skills to give your CV that competitive edge? Wherever you are in your career, Confident Digital Content can help. Covering the essentials of online content, this book takes you through everything you need to know - from how to write effectively for online platforms, through to video, audio, graphic design and photography. Featuring inspiring case studies from individuals at companies including CNN International, Mumsnet, Bunster's Hot Sauce and HuffPost UK, this practical beginner's guide includes guidance on content marketing strategy, metrics and community management. This updated second edition features advice on the latest trends, including fake news, the importance of stories and social listening analysis. Though trends, fads and hashtags change, the principles of great online content remain the same - let Confident Digital Content give you the grounding you need to ace your social channels and supercharge your career. About the Confident series... From coding and web design to data, digital content and cyber security, the Confident books are the perfect beginner's resource for enhancing your professional life, whatever your career path.Trade Review"I taught him everything he knows. Now you can read it all in this book! It's a great SQL. " -- Matt Clarke, Head of Digital, UK Ministry of Defence"Whether you're dipping your toe into Adam's digital ocean of ideas for the first time, or fishing for new insights and clever content to help enhance your latest campaign, then dive in, the water's lovely." * Dan Mitchell, Creative Director at Bigkid Agency *"This book is a MUST read for anyone wanting to break into the creative industries." -- Rob Nicholls, Director at Grapevine DigitalTable of Contents Chapter - 00: Introduction; Chapter - 01: Why digital content skills are essential for your career; Chapter - 02: How to write for digital; Chapter - 03: Making great video; Chapter - 04: Graphic design, photography and audio; Chapter - 05: Digital community building; Chapter - 06: Evaluation; Chapter - 07: Social media; Chapter - 08: People; Chapter - 09: Campaign planning; Chapter - 10: Conclusion

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Book SynopsisSocial Media: Enduring Principles offers a comprehensive overview of topics in social media, from interpersonal communication to the role of social media in culture and society. It covers not only cultural issues like online identity and community, but also tackles more analytical topics like social media measurement, network analysis, and social media economics at an introductory level. Each chapter is based on a set of core social science theories and concepts rather than platform-specific frameworks and findings. Rather than providing the final word or predictions, it aims to open a well-structured, well-grounded conversation about media transition and its effects. Filling the need for a standard academic text in the field, Social Media: Enduring Principles summarizes both foundational and state-of-the-art research and also presents a coherent framework for future research. It draws from longstanding theories in communication, journalism, sociology, and marketing, but also includes a number of contemporary case examples, making it a foundational text in the area.Trade ReviewIf a professor is seeking a social media text that is both readable and understandable, yet able to be scholarly and thorough, this book will absolutely meet those needs. * Donna L. Halper, Lesley University *This book presents an up-to-date account of social media, what they are, and how society uses them on a micro- and macro-level. It connects social theories well with relevant research and it gives real life examples to make these theories and concepts more accessible." - Bianca C. Reisdorf, University of CincinnatiSocial media courses for undergraduates have their first great textbook. All subsequent publications will have to consult Humphreys' model." - Scott Weiss, St. Francis CollegeThis is a clear and compelling textbook, grounded firmly in the best traditions of communication and media studies. It will serve undergraduate students very well as they learn to think more critically about social media. * Mark Glantz, St. Norbert College *This text features excellent discussions of social media in theoretical context. * Steven M. Schneider, SUNY Polytechnic Institute *Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: Introduction Perspective of this Book Organization of the Book Uses of this Book Part I: Messages Chapter 2: The Communication Model What is Social Media? Models of Communication Interpersonal Approaches Mass Communication Connecting Interpersonal with Mass Communication Historical Discourses of Digital Technology Do We Structure Technology or Does Technology Structure Us? Media Ecology New Concepts in Social Media Web 2.0 Convergence Platforms Summary and Conclusion Topics Discussion Questions Exercise Note Further Readings References Chapter 3: Message Types Affordances Attributes of Social Media Social Presence and Media Richness Temporal Structure Symmetry Permanence Mobility and Replicability A Brief History of Computer-Mediated Communication Internet Mobile Communication Forms and Genres of Social Media Technology, Form, and Genre Remediation Social Network Sites Blogs Message Boards or Forums Chatrooms Feeds Content Sharing and Hybrid Forms Summary and Conclusion Topics Discussion Questions Exercises Further Readings References Chapter 4: Measuring Social Media Attention Economy Measuring Attention Reach and Frequency Platform Structures Narrowcasting Attention, Engagement, Conversion Methods for Studying Social Media Digital Anthropology and Netnographic Analysis Textual Analysis Network Analysis Machine Learning and Big Data Privacy Summary and Conclusion Topics Discussion Questions Exercise Notes Further Readings References Part II: People Chapter 5: User Interaction and Co-Creation Co-creation as a Concept History of Co-creation The Value Chain Co-creation of Media Content Collaborative Production Motivations for Co-creation Ethical Issues in Co-creation Summary and Conclusion Topics Discussion Questions Exercise Notes Further Readings References Chapter 6: Uses and Benefits of Social Media Uses and Gratifications Theory Self Social Comparison Theory Performance Online Context Collapse Extended Self Interpersonal Relationships Self-Disclosure and Anonymity Trust Boundaries of Self and Privacy Communitas Information and cultivation Therapeutic Uses Gossip, Bullying, and Drama Play Addiction Summary and Conclusion Topics Discussion Questions Exercise Notes Further Readings References Chapter 7: Digital Inequality, Age, and Social Class Literacy and Capital Literacy Economic, Social, and Cultural Capital Social Class Social Class & Literacy Taste and Social Reproduction Age Digital Natives or Digital Naives? Region Rural versus Urban Summary and Conclusion Topics Discussion Questions Exercise Notes Further Readings References Chapter 8: Race and Gender Identity and Performance Race Discussion, Debate, and Hate Speech Collective Action and Anti-Racism Online Gender Gender and Performance Representation Online Gender and Uses of Social Media Gender, Harassment, and Misogyny Online Sexuality Summary and Conclusion Discussion Questions Exercises Notes Further Readings References Part III: Networks Chapter 9: Social Networks Network Analysis It's a Small World, After All! Properties of Ties Properties of Networks Properties of Nodes Emergence: How Networks Form Network Theory in Social Media Social Capital Types of Social Capital Online versus Offline Social Networks Social Networks in Practice Diffusion of Innovations Social Influence Summary and Conclusion Topics Discussion Questions Exercise Notes Further Readings References Chapter 10: Virtual Communities Traits of Community Theoretical Approaches to Community and Types of Online Community Imagined community Subcultures Audience Communities Communities of Practice Status and Roles in Online Communities Roles in Online Communities Group Boundaries Summary and Conclusion Topics Discussion Questions Exercise Notes Further Readings References Chapter 11: Social Media Marketing Information or Persuasion? Paid, Earned, and Owned Media The Purchase Funnel and the Decision Journey Decision Journey Advertising Messages and Channels Search Advertising Word of Mouth Crisis Management and Firestorms Social Media Campaigns and Offline Promotions Social Media Marketing and the Value Chain Summary and Conclusion Topics Discussion Questions Exercises Notes Further Readings References Part IV: Culture and Society Chapter 12: Cultural Representations and Practices Theories of Culture Cultural Styles and Practices Participatory Culture Fan Fiction Repetition, Mashups, Remixes, and Parody Language Cultural Transmission Circulation Cultural Content Narrative Transmedia Storytelling Celebrity Summary and Conclusion Topics Discussion Questions Exercises Notes Further Readings References Chapter 13: Political Life Power Public Sphere Citizenship and Civic Participation Social Movement Theory Social Issue Formation Social Movement Tactics Mobilization Coordination Slacktivism Hacktivism and Alternative Means of Communication Social Media Use and Amount of Participation Framing News Consumption and Civic Engagement Social versus Mainstream News Media Citizen Journalism Summary and Conclusion Topics Discussion Questions Exercises Notes Further Readings References Chapter 14: Economic and Legal Structures Shifts in Economic Structure Decreasing Costs of Production, Storage, and Dissemination Blurred Rights of Ownership Copyright Networked Consumers Platforms and the Chicken and Egg Problem Monopolies, Switching Costs, and Multi-homing Shifts in Economic Practice and Production User Innovation Sharing Business Models for Social Media Summary and Conclusion Topics Discussion Questions Exercise Notes Further Readings References

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive guide to the nitty-gritty of prop styling from a top professional!Table of ContentsCONTENTS Preface: Why I Wrote This Book Introduction About Me & How I Became a Prop Stylist SECTION 1: GETTING THERE What Is Prop Styling? • Prop Styling Is… • Media Outlets • Why is Prop Styling so Appealing? How does one become a Prop Stylist? What Type of Person Becomes a Prop Stylist? • Developing your Personal Style • What are you good at? • Assess your Creative Skills • Lifestyle Considerations Professional Prop Styling Niches • Food stylist Spotlight: [name to come] Prop Styling for Events and Experiences Professional Stylist, Content Creator, Influencer, Photographer + examples • Stylists on Social media • Infographic • Maker, Seller, Shop Owner SECTION 2: THE JOB EXPLAINED A Day in the Life of a Prop Stylist Possible Prop Styling Roles What is a Creative Brief? Creative Direction • Client Questionnaire • Mood Boards How to Plan a Kick Ass Photo Shoot – A Timeline Photo Shoot Logistics and Worksheet Intro • Photoshoot planning/brainstorming worksheet • Merchandise Shopping list • Pickups and Deliveries • Photo shoot Call Sheet • Credits for Items Photographed • Job Estimating Worksheet Renting vs. Buying vs. Borrowing Props • Prop House spotlight: [name to come] Essential Prop, Surface and Backdrop Collection • Props to Own • Surfaces • Backdrops • Aquiring, Procuring and Collecting Props Packing and Transporting Props Styling Assistants • Styling Assistant Duties • Styling Assistant Etiquette • Stylist Assistant Spotlight: [name to come] Being on Set • Working with Clients: It’s All About Them. SECTION 3: THE BUSINESS What are Your Goals? Presenting Your Work Define Your Brand But Avoid Being Too Nichey Should you Fake it till you Make It? What Do I Charge? • Sample Budget or Estimate • Making/Preparing Your Invoice Styled Shoots, Test Shoots or “Credit Only” Shoots Agency Representation Where the Work is or Finding Work • Styling on Staff • Styling for Freelance or Part Time Gigs • How do Clients Find You? SECTION 5: WRAP UP Styling Myths Opportunities for Stylists In Closing • The Prop Styling Experience • Where to Go Next SECTION 6: APPENDIX Styling Resource Guide: What you need to know to find things in your area The Styling Kit • Styling Kit Items Planning Worksheets Intro • Photoshoot planning/brainstorming worksheet • Merchandise Shopping list • Pickups and Deliveries • Photo shoot Call Sheet • Credits for Items Photographed • Job Estimating Worksheet Glossary CREATIVE RESOURCES What are you shooting? 4 essential elements Photo Orientation Placement and Arranging Working with Color and texture Storytelling: establishing the theme and style Other assorted tips Sketching and using thumbnails Moodboards how-to Photo frames

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Book Synopsis**NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER**''A page-turning feminist mystery thriller'' Observer''Distinctive and involving'' Daily Mail''Surprising and satisfying'' GuardianRose wants a better life for herself and her mother. Taking a job as a hostess in the Floating City''s elite club feels like her best hope. It means she has a steady pay cheque, that she can stay cool as the temperatures hit new highs and when storms devastate the mainland, she is safe. And when the eccentric creator of the Flick, the universally enjoyed digital implant which allows everyone to remain perpetually online, asks for her to spy on a secretive northern building project in return for her mother''s residency, Rose agrees. But she is unprepared for the brutality of Camp Zero. And when it becomes clear that she is not the only person with an agenda, solidarity becomes as precious as fresh air.Trade ReviewThis is a distinctive, involving slice of cli-fi about the power of solidarity that illustrates how closely utopias and their opposites are related * Daily Mail *A gripping work of speculative climate fiction . . . page-turning feminist mystery-thriller * Observer *Camp Zero is a sui generis novel, boldly imagined, intricately designed, and convincingly detailed. Though set in the near future, it resonates with a palpable sense of reality and with the deep insights into some dimensions of the human condition, such as migrations, the burden of the past, environmental destruction, gender inequality, self-recreation. Page by page, the prose shines with subtle verbal artistry. This is a groundbreaking literary work. -- Ha JinMichelle Sterling has written a big, gutsy, and clear-eyed novel of the near future that neither lurches with dread nor swoons with false hope: it's a cold, hungry adventure story about the power of choice and the strength of solidarity. You won't be able to put it down. -- Sean Michaels, Giller-Prize winning author of Us ConductorsIn an equally tantalizing and terrifying tour de force, Michelle Min Sterling boldly remixes the realities of our present world, the danger we are in, and the fates we have settled for through a mesmerizing story of loyalty, deception, and ultimately love. Camp Zero's dark twists and bright turns left me breathless, hopeful, furious, and emboldened until the very end -- Nancy Jooyoun Kim, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Story of Mina LeeSterling's stunning debut offers a glimpse into a climate change-ravaged future in which resources diminish quickly and new frontiers are hard to find . . . this cleverly constructed climate fiction mystery feels like one many readers could see within their lifetimes. This should earn a place on shelves alongside Station Eleven and Annihilation * Publishers Weekly *CAMP ZERO is the thrilling, urgent feminist climate fiction that the world needs. With extraordinary world-building, captivating characters, and sharp commentary on climate change, technology, colonialism, capitalism, and the patriarchy, Michelle Min Sterling's remarkable debut delivers its big ideas with suspense, endlessly surprising twists, and abundant heart -- JESSAMINE CHAN, NYT bestselling author of THE SCHOOL FOR BAD MOTHERSAction-packed . . . It's about how women can come together to change the world . . . incredible -- Read with Jenna * Today *The different narratives come together in a surprising and satisfying way in this absorbing novel * Guardian *A gripping story about survival, with compelling characters and frightening plot twists that will keep you riveted * Real Simple *

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Book Synopsis This handbook is a comprehensive overview of the burgeoning podcast industry. It covers the history of podcasting from its roots in radio; the variety of genres, topics and styles of today''s podcasts (both individual and corporate); and the steps required to build your own podcast. The handbook covers all the elements needed to create a successful podcast including platform options, programming, advertising and sponsorships. Supplemental essays from professionals in various industries provide information and tips to enhance the podcasting experience. The structure of the book is easily adapted into lesson plans, and the exercises included for readers make it a book well suited for classes on podcasting.Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsForeword by David S. WeinsteinPrefaceIntroductionPart I. Industry Overview: The Golden Age to the DigitalChapter 1. The Golden Age to the Digital AgeChapter 2. Game-changing PodcastsChapter 3. Industry Trends and StatisticsPart II. Podcasting PlatformsChapter 4. What Is Your Podcasting Goal?Chapter 5. Defining Your AudienceChapter 6. Choosing Your Podcasting PlatformChapter 7. Editing Your PodcastPart III. The Host(s), Listener, Producer FactorChapter 8. Be the Host, Get a Host or ­Co-host?Chapter 9. The Host(s): Role and ExpectationsChapter 10. The Producer: Role and ExpectationsPart IV. Let's Create Your Podcast!Chapter 11. The Production ProcessChapter 12. Writing Scripts, Intros, Outros and JournalingChapter 13. Fiction PodcastsChapter 14. Show Topics: Plan Ahead of TimeChapter 15. Interacting with Guests (On–and ­Off-Air)Chapter 16. The Guests: Creators, Experts and InfluencersChapter 17. Overcoming Common IssuesPart V. Marketing Your PodcastChapter 18. Perception Is RealityChapter 19. Advertising and Social MediaChapter 20. Podcasting for BusinessConclusions: The Final PresentationBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisExplores new perspectives on social media entertainmentThere is a new class of cultural producersYouTube vloggers, Twitch gameplayers, Instagram influencers, TikTokers, Chinese wanghong, and otherswho are part of a rapidly emerging and highly disruptive industry of monetized user-generated content. As this new wave of native social media entrepreneurs emerge, so do new formations of culture and the ways they are studied. In this volume, contributors draw on scholarship in media and communication studies, science and technology studies, and social media, Internet, and platform studies, in order to define this new field of study and the emergence of creator culture. Creator Culture introduces readers to new paradigms of social media entertainment from critical perspectives, demonstrating both relations to and differentiations from the well-established media forms and institutions traditionally within the scope of media studies. This volume does not seek to impose a uniform perspectivTrade ReviewThis lively collection puts forth a persuasive case for ‘creator culture’ as a major new force in media industries worldwide. Drawing from intricate analyses and ethnographies of creator practices across the globe, the scholars in this volume show how today’s social media entrepreneurs exist at the uneasy intersection of platforms, legacy media, and advertising. From unboxing videos to fashion influencers, these essays explore the cultural logics of online creators and their larger sociocultural contexts. An essential collection for scholars of branding, celebrity, and social media, and anyone interested in the future of entertainment. * Alice E. Marwick, author of Status Update: Celebrity, Publicity, and Branding in the Social Media Age *What could once be referred to confidently as ‘the media’ has fragmented into a diverse array of creators, platforms, audiences, communities, regulatory responsibilities, and business models. With Creator Culture, Cunningham and Craig have captured the zeitgeist of social media entertainment, bringing together an array of leading international researchers to critically analyze this emergent field. * Terry Flew, University of Sydney *

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Book SynopsisEffective administration of government and governmental organizations is a crucial part of achieving success in those organizations. With the widespread knowledge and use of e-government, the intent and evaluation of its services continue to focus on meeting the needs and satisfaction of its citizens.Strategic Management and Innovative Applications of E-Government is a pivotal reference source that provides organizational and managerial directions, applications, and theoretical and philosophical discussions on current issues relating to the practice of electronic government. While highlighting topics such as citizen trust in government and smart government, this publication explores electronic government technology adoption, as well as the methods of government social media practices. This book is a vital reference source for policy makers, IT specialists, government professionals, academicians, researchers, and graduate-level students seeking current research on e-government applications.

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Book SynopsisAt a time when the news cycle turns on a tweet, journalism gets confused with opinion, and facts are treated as negotiable information, applying critical thinking skills to your social media consumption is more important than ever. Guy P. Harrison, an upbeat advocate of scientific literacy and positive skepticism, demonstrates how critical thinking can enhance the benefits of social media while giving users the skills to guard against its dangers. Social media has more than two billion users and continues to grow. Its widespread appeal as a means of staying in touch with friends and keeping up with daily news masks some serious pitfalls-- misinformation, pseudoscience, fraud, propaganda, and irrational beliefs, for example, presented in an attractive, easy-to-share form. This book will teach you how to resist the psychological and behavioral manipulation of social media and avoid the mistakes that millions have already made and now regret. Harrison presents scientific studies that show why your subconscious mind loves social media and how that can work against your ability to critically evaluate information. Among other things, social media reinforces your biases, clouds your judgment with images that leave a false impression, and fills your brain with anecdotes that become cheap substitutes for objective data. The very nature of the technology keeps you in a bubble; by tracking your preferences it sends only filtered newsfeeds, so that you rarely see anything that might challenge your set notions. Harrison explores the implications of having digital "friends" and the effects on mood, self-esteem, and the cultivation of friendship in the real world. He discusses how social media affects attention spans and the ability to consider issues in depth. And he suggests ways to protect yourself against privacy invasion, cyberstalking, biased misinformation, catfishing, trolls, misuse of photos, and the confusion over fake news versus credible journalism.

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Book SynopsisThe purpose of this book is to examine the influence of sWOM and provide guidance on how to operationalize its growing power.Each day, millions of consumers venture online to search and exchange product information, seek out, and share opinions.Electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) communication has been shown to influence consumer actions across a variety of industries. A significant portion of eWOM occurs on social media platforms. Social word of mouth (sWOM)—a subset of eWOM—has incredible reach with the potential to influence over 4.6 billion active social media consumers.The purpose of this book is to examine the influence of sWOM and provide guidance on how to operationalize its growing power. Our goal in writing this book is to bring together industry best practices and academic research to help you construct social media content that speaks with your brand voice, stimulates engagement, inspires consumers to #share, and complies with industry and federal guidelines.

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Book SynopsisSponsored by the Communication, Information Technologies, and Media Sociology section of the American Sociological Association (CITAMS), this volume focuses on media and social movements. Contributing authors draw on cases as diverse as the Harry Potter Alliance to youth oriented, non-profit educational organizations, in order to assess systematically how media environments, systems, and usage affect collective action in the 21st century. The volume demonstrates that the study of media and social movements has developed into a vibrant sub-field stretched across Communication Studies, Political Science, and Sociology, and illustrates the need for serious interdisciplinary research. Chapters in the volume reinforce the need to examine many kinds of media (such as fiction) for social movements, particularly in terms of recruitment and framing. They show the critical importance of connecting classic and contemporary social movement research when trying to understand topics such as recruitment, identity, and discourse, even when these are playing out in the digital world. Chapters explore the difficulties that organizations face in organizing whether or not they are primarily offline or online; the ways that digital media usage affects various organizational functions and effectiveness; and the importance of examining the role of youth in social movements across all of these topics.Trade ReviewSponsored by the Communication, Information Technologies, and Media Sociology section of the American Sociological Association, this volume contains eight essays on social movements and mass media. Sociology, media studies, education, and other scholars from the US address the influence of mass media on activist recruitment, including the power of story and the relevance of family, friends, and school for youth mobilization; discursive activism and the implications of online participation and identity, including the #YesAllWomen hashtag and its interaction with media and blogs, and the civic identities of youth online; and organizational dynamics in the digital age, with discussion of youth nonprofits, the relevance of leadership in the anti-genetically modified organisms movement, and the use of media tools and participant inclusion in youth-oriented organizations and factors influencing organizational beliefs about effectiveness. -- Annotation ©2018 * (protoview.com) *'The main audience for this volume is social movement scholars or those studying movements and civic engagement. However, readers from a wide swath of disciplinary leanings will find Social Movements and Media useful, as will practitioners and social movement leaders.' -- Alison Dahl Crossley, Stanford University; in “Mobilization: An International Quarterly, 2019"Table of ContentsIntroduction, The Past, Present, and Future of Media and Social Movements Studies: Introduction to the Special Issue on Media and Social Movements; Jennifer Earl and Deana Rohlinger. Part One: Media and Recruitment into Activism 1, Turning Fans into Heroes: How the Harry Potter Alliance Uses the Power of Story to Facilitate Fan Activism and Bloc Recruitment; Jackson Bird and Thomas V. Maher 2, Pathways to Contemporary Youth Protest: The Continuing Relevance of Family, Friends, and School for Youth Micromobilization; Thomas V. Maher and Jennifer Earl Part 2: Media, Participation, and Identity 3, Twitter as a Feminist Resource: #YesAllWomen, Digital Platforms, and Discursive Social Change; Bernadette Barker-Plummer and Dave Barker-Plummer 4, Speaking Up Online: Civic Identity and Expression in the Digital Age; Carrie James and Ashley Lee Part Three: Media and Movement Organizations 5, Breaking Through and Burning Out: The Contradictory Effects of Young Peoples’ Participation in Institutionalized Movements; Hava Rachel Gordon 6, Inclusive and Exclusive Organizational Identity and Leadership Online: The Case of the Anti-GMO Movement; Deana Rohlinger and Shawn Gaulden 7, Media Use and Participant Inclusion: Influences on Efficacy in Paid Staff Youth Non-Profit Civic Organizations; Sarah Gaby

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Book Synopsis"Top man... I thought that I'd lived a colourful life until I read about Karl's adventures" - MICKEY THOMAS, WREXHAM AFC & WALES "Certified Twitter legend" - LADBIBLE Karl Phillips is just one of the lads - roofer by day, pilsner drinker by night. But as Bootlegger, he's scored hundreds of thousands of hits on YouTube with his hilarious matchday vlogs and keeps a huge number of followers on social media hooked with his humorous musings on life, work, the Flamethrower and his beloved Wrexham AFC. He even has a beer named after him - Wrexham Lager's iconic Bootlegger 1974 Pilsner, which has made its way onto the shelves of major supermarkets. From tough beginnings with teenage parents to a string of jobs in local factories, whether smearing butter on his headmaster's office window or getting a round of golf in during his shift as a street-cleaner, duckin' around shooting videos in football grounds and pubs across the UK or slightly overdoing it in holiday spots around the world, or in the throes of any of the other hilariously random antics described here, the Captain doesn't take himself too seriously and is mellowing with age, like a fine pilsner!Trade ReviewTop man... I thought that I'd lived a colourful life until I read about Karl's adventures. - MICKEY THOMAS, WREXHAM AFC AND WALES; Certified Twitter legend... One of the internet's most beloved and renowned Pilsner drinkers. - LADBIBLE; Wrexham fan Bootlegger is a social media giant. - THE DAILY STAR; The official mascot for Wales. - HANSH; Twitter legend... a cult hero on social media. - THE DAILY RECORD; Bootlegger is cult figure on social media with a huge fanbase. - THE YORKSHIRE POST; A social media anti-hero. - NATION.CYMRU; One of Wrexham Football Club's most famous fans. - ROBBIE SAVAGETable of ContentsForeword by Mickey Thomas 1. Early Doors 2. Teenage Kicks 3. Just a Working Man 4. A Few Light Ales 5. Travellers' Tales 6. Life's Little Pleasures 7. Things Get Tasty 8. The Plague Years Epilogue Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisThis authorised book is the perfect gift for fans of the #1 plush propertyBased on the bestselling squishy toy, this adorable collector's guide is the perfect gift for any Squishmallows fan!They''re lovable, they're squishythey''re Squishmallows! This OFFICIAL Collector''s Guide is packed with quirky tidbits, top-ten lists, bios & stats, and a rarity factor for Squishmallows'' collectible characters. Filled with hundreds of colorful photos and unique art styles. Avid fans, new collectors, young or old, Squishmallows: The Collector's Guide is perfect for just about anyone!Squishmallows are plush toys that are here to fill your hearts with love and affection. Since 2017, the versatile Squishmallows have grown into an international phenomenon and offer comfort, support, and warmth as friends, couch companions, bedtime buddies, and travel teammates. With more than 500 Squishmallows characters to collect, young fans can aspire to be like their favorite characters. Each Squishmallow has its

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Book SynopsisIn the attention economy, online influencers are an emerging class of power brokers. How can you harness their potential? Break the Internet takes a deep dive into the influencer industry, tracing its evolution from blogging and legacy social media such as Tumblr to today’s world in which YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok dominate. Digital strategist Olivia Yallop goes undercover amongst content creators to understand how online personas are built, uncovering what it is really like to live a branded life and trade in a ‘social stock market’. The result is an insider account of a trend that is set to dominate our future — experts estimate that the economy of influence will be valued at $24 billion globally by 2025.Trade Review‘This is a book that looks deeply at the commodification of the self, and the increasingly blurred line between leisure and labour … Behind our small screens is an unimaginable vastness, which Break the Internet manages to shape into something understandable, even to the influencer-ignorant such as me … wryly funny.’ -- Eleanor Margolis * The Guardian *‘It is refreshing to read a book that eschews the usual sneering anti-influencer condescension. Break the Internet is devoid of snobbery, placing the emergence of influencers within a wider economic context … persuasive and well-written.’ -- James Bloodworth * The Times *‘Riveting. A dizzying and nuanced deep dive into the evolution of content creation, with extraordinary breadth of research.’ -- Pandora Sykes‘Olivia Yallop has written the definitive insider account of influencer culture. Break the Internet is erudite, smart, entertaining, and essential.’ -- Will Storr, author of Selfie‘In 2021 publishers are reckoning with a problem: how do you publish a book about internet culture that doesn’t immediately become outdated? ... Scribe may be the first to find an answer with Break the Internet … A pacy story that’s of the moment but goes beyond it, too.’ -- Sarah Manavis * New Statesman *‘Yallop is an authoritative guide, balancing her experience at a digital agency … with the necessary critical distance of someone with only a few hundred Instagram followers. Her analysis benefits from being grounded in rigorous, real-world reporting … a comprehensive account of a phenomenon that seems more likely to explode than to go away.’ -- Elle Hunt * New Scientist *‘Rigorous and authoritative.’ * The Week *‘An immersive study of the last decade’s most divisive profession.’ -- Lauren O’Neill * Vice *‘Lucid, readable, and sometimes alarming.’ -- Jane Shilling * Daily Mail *‘There was lots in it that I didn’t know ... The analysis I really enjoyed was about how we can’t hold back technology, and everything from printing presses to moving trains has freaked the hell out of people, but how fragile and open to misuse influencer follower count values really are.’ -- Alexandra Heminsley‘The result of Yallop’s immersive investigation is a comprehensive education on influencer culture, its evolution and future … essential reading material for anyone interested in internet culture and a masterclass in engaging non-fiction.’ -- Alice Crossley * Reaction *‘An engaging analysis of online culture, including insights into the dizzying amounts of money influencers make, the decline of traditional media, the philosophy of fame, and the excess and inequality of late capitalism. Consider us influenced.’ * Norton *‘In Olivia Yallop’s new exploration of this cultural phenomenon, she goes far beyond the typically superficial understandings of what an influencer is — and more importantly — how to become one. A fascinating and whip-smart read, Break the Internet is for anyone who wishes to understand influencer culture and its place within the modern context.’ -- Dan Shaw * HappyMag, starred review *‘[Olivia Yallop is] well placed to deliver on the premise of her fascinating debut book, Break the Internet … [She] takes seriously the often-dismissed “creator economy” while maintaining a journalistic scepticism. Her engaging, authoritative account thus considers the broad swathe of internet culture that falls “under the influencer umbrella”.’ -- Gemma Nisbet * The West Australian *‘Along with the advent of social media has come a divergent cohort of individuals who have harnessed its power to attain influence. In Break the Internet … [Olivia Yallop] has connected the dots for many who wish to understand how individual influencers have collectively made a seismic impact in society and commerce. Through extensive research and interviews, Yallop sheds light on what it’s like to have a monetisable internet presence — and more importantly — what it takes to maintain it. She goes to school with the next generation of aspiring influencers to learn what it takes to make it. All this is couched within a historical and cultural context, showing readers the very real-world repercussions of online influence.’ -- Dan Shaw * HappyMag *‘A digital strategist and tech commentator dives into the world of social media influencers … Yallop, who dabbled in influencing before moving to an agency that works in the online space, has plenty of stories involving fantastic numbers, and she writes with clarity and a certain amount of tongue-in-cheek humour … A capable guide takes us on an entertaining, authoritative, and sometimes scary journey.’ * Kirkus Reviews *‘Break the Internet will find a broad audience from social media marketers and strategists to teens and young adults.’ * Booklist *‘Yallop takes us inside the workings of influencers and the ways in which brands and companies can utilise this ready-and-willing corps to help boost their image, reach, and profits. Well-written, engaging, and accessible. This should appeal to anyone with an interest in modern online culture, life, and business/marketing.’ -- Stefan Fergus

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Book SynopsisA New York Times BestsellerAn audacious, irreverent investigation of human behavior—and a first look at a revolution in the making   Our personal data has been used to spy on us, hire and fire us, and sell us stuff we don’t need. In Dataclysm, Christian Rudder uses it to show us who we truly are.   For centuries, we’ve relied on polling or small-scale lab experiments to study human behavior. Today, a new approach is possible. As we live more of our lives online, researchers can finally observe us directly, in vast numbers, and without filters. Data scientists have become the new demographers.   In this daring and original book, Rudder explains how Facebook likes can predict, with surprising accuracy, a person’s sexual orientation and even intelligence; how attractive women receive exponentially more interview requests; and why you must have haters to be hot. He charts the rise and fall o

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Book SynopsisGives you the information you need to begin, or continue, your understanding of what it means to be a true anti-racist ally' Pippa VosperDo you want to be an anti-racist ally?This punchy, pocket-sized guide shows you how, whether you're using your voice for the first time, or are looking for ways to keep the momentum and make long lasting change.Sophie Williams' no-holds-barred posts about racism and Black Lives Matter on @officialmillennialblack have taken the online world by storm. Sharp, simple and insightful, they get to the heart of anti-racist principles and show us all how to truly be better allies.Now, in her iconic Instagram style, this pocket-sized primer unpacks complex topics into their most important concepts, and provides a crucial starting block for every anti-racist ally.Trade Review‘In a year that has made racial divisions painfully clear, Sophie Williams’ concise and comprehensive book could not be better timed. Those who are newly aware of their place of privilege and looking to take action that goes beyond the black square, would do well to start by reading this.’ Kenya Hunt, Fashion Director, Grazia magazine ‘For the uninitiated, anti-racism allyship can feel fraught with risk. In this clear-eyed, concise guide to being an effective ally, Sophie Williams gives us space to make mistakes and teaches us to be better.’ Kia Abdullah, Take It Back ‘Gives you the information you need to begin, or continue, your understanding of what it means to be a true anti-racist ally’ Pippa Vosper ‘An incredible, insightful book’ Michael Chakraverty Great British Bake Off, Season 10 ‘A punchy, pocket-sized guide which unpacks complex anti-racist topics into their most important concepts and shows us how to be a truly better ally’ GLAMOUR ‘If you feel less-than-informed, this book will get you up to speed with stats and facts.’ COSMOPOLITAN

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Book SynopsisNew ways to design spaces for online interaction—and how they will change society.Computers were first conceived as “thinking machines,” but in the twenty-first century they have become social machines, online places where people meet friends, play games, and collaborate on projects. In this book, Judith Donath argues persuasively that for social media to become truly sociable media, we must design interfaces that reflect how we understand and respond to the social world. People and their actions are still harder to perceive online than face to face: interfaces are clunky, and we have less sense of other people's character and intentions, where they congregate, and what they do.Donath presents new approaches to creating interfaces for social interaction. She addresses such topics as visualizing social landscapes, conversations, and networks; depicting identity with knowledge markers and interaction history; delineating public and private space; and br

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Book SynopsisFirst person accounts by pioneers in the field, classic essays, and new scholarship document the collaborative and creative practices of early social media.Focusing on early social media in the arts and humanities and on the core role of creative computer scientists, artists, and scholars in shaping the pre-Web social media landscape, Social Media Archeology and Poetics documents social media lineage, beginning in the 1970s with collaborative ARPANET research, Community Memory, PLATO, Minitel, and ARTEX and continuing into the 1980s and beyond with the Electronic Café, Art Com Electronic Network, Arts Wire, The THING, and many more.With first person accounts from pioneers in the field, as well as papers by artists, scholars, and curators, Social Media Archeology and Poetics documents how these platforms were vital components of early social networking and important in the development of new media and electronic literature. It describes platforms

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Book SynopsisFrom the hugely popular @OverheardLA Instagram account comes this illustrated collection of the entertaining, absurd, sometimes even poignant snippets of conversation overheard on the streets of Los Angeles. Oh, Los Angeles: where kids with lemonade stands accept Venmo, where your Uber driver moonlights as a spiritual adviser. Whether you love L.A. or love to hate it, you''ll delight in this comical tribute to the one and only La La Land -- a world all its own, yet also a microcosm of 21st century American culture in so many ways. The book features illustrations from Emmet Truxes, creator of the popular @brooklyncartoons Instagram account, and a foreword from L.A. mayor Eric Garcetti. It''s the perfect gift for millennials and everyone who loves to (gently) mock them. Prepare to laugh, to face-palm, to cringe, and to delight in such gems as, Timing is everything, whether it''s sex, drugs, or avocados. Why are the older generations so ju

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Book Synopsis''Jane Austen on steroids. It''s that sharp, that wicked, that laceratingly true'' Michael Cunningham, author of The Hours''Intoxicating . . . A wellness tonic for people who like to make fun of the wellness industry'' Leigh Stein, author of Self Care____________Jane Dorner has two modes:PR Jane is twenty-five, breezy, clever in a non-threatening way and eager to sell you a feminist vibrator.Actual Jane is twenty-nine, drifting through mediocre workdays and lackluster dates while paralysed by her crushing mountain of overdue bills. Enter the impossibly gorgeous Cass, whom Jane discovers scrolling through Instagram - the guru of a ''wellness retreat'' based out of a ramshackle country house that may or may not be giving off cult vibes. Suddenly Jane realises she might have found the one ladder she can climb.But inner peace and glowing skin will always come at a price...Trade ReviewJessie Gaynor's wildly funny, laser-eyed novel is Jane Austen on steroids. It's that sharp, that wicked, that laceratingly true -- Michael Cunningham, Pulitzer Prize?winning author of The HoursFunny and satirical, Gaynor totally nails self-care as a personality type * Grazia *Wryly funny . . . Jessie Gaynor's fabulous debut novel, The Glow, is a deft sendup of wellness culture that delves a few levels deeper * New York Times *Jessie Gaynor's plot is breezy and hilarious, but where she really shines is the character of Jane herself, a self-centered and image-obsessed nightmare whose observations about NYC Millennial culture made me LOL more than once. You'll never look at wellness PR pitches the same way again once you've heard Jane's commentary on the entire endeavour * Glamour, The Best Books of 2023 *A welcome dose of satire for anyone who's been duped by yoni eggs, vagina scented candles or TikTok tarot readers * i-D *The Glow is the first truly dead-on satire of wellness culture, understanding it as not just a consumer trend, but a way of thinking and speaking. With terrifying wit, Jessie Gaynor shreds the overrated virtues of prosperity and healthy moisture barriers, and extols the underrated virtues of irony and sanity -- Tony Tulathimutte, author of Private CitizensDeliciously tart, fizzy, and absolutely intoxicating, The Glow is like a slim can of hard kombucha: a wellness tonic for people who like to make fun of the wellness industry -- Leigh Stein, author of Self CareGaynor's sharpened blades are out for the wellness industry and its cult-like devotion to personal brands, but The Glow is more than just incisive observation and pitch-perfect satire. There's a deep well of human ambition and desire at the root of this story, not to mention a sharp plot that bounds ahead with the assurance of the best thrillers. Gaynor builds layer on layer of mystery out of everyday human yearning, creating a whole that's deeply satisfying and always surprising * CrimeReads *Jessie Gaynor's writing is wickedly funny and sly in its observations, pairing human truths with a setting that can only belong to our present moment. The Glow manages to be both savvy in its sendup of the social-media-influencing world and empathic in its portrayal of the millions who flock to it. I tore through the book in a state of pure delight, pining to return to it whenever trivialities like 'work' or 'sleep' so rudely interrupted -- Julia Pierpont, author of Among the Ten Thousand ThingsSparkling like dewy skin and laugh-out-loud funny, The Glow announces Jessie Gaynor as a compelling new novelist -- Anna Dorn, author of ExaltedRazor-sharp satire * Irish Examiner *Hilariously deadpan * SHEmazing *Hilarious and razor sharp about the aspects of the wellness industry that aren't all that well, this satire could kill "Eat, Pray, Love" on sight * Woo *

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Book SynopsisWould you like to earn millions by talking about your favourite subject? A new generation of vloggers have become millionaires by sharing make-up tutorials, comedy sketches and gaming videos. These people didn't start off with fancy equipment, expert technical knowledge or huge audiences. They are self-made. This book examines how they achieved success and provides a step by step guide to the process of finding fame and fortune online. Featuring advice from vloggers including Jim Chapman, Fleur De Force and KSI alongside business tips from YouTube CBO Robert Kyncl and Gleam Futures founder Dominic Smales, this book contains insider information about the mechanics of making money by vlogging. Subjects covered include brand-building, filming and editing equipment techniques, social media, working with talent managers, dealing with digital marketing agencies, making merchandise and negotiating with brands. Author Zoe Griffin is an established blogger, who set up her blog Live Like a VIP in 2009. She's worked with several vloggers and has noticed that the most popular ones have things in common. This book explains what these things are - so you can adopt similar tactics andget rich vlogging!

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Book Synopsis‘Witty, rigorous, and as urgent as a fire alarm’ Dorian Lynskey ‘Cooly prosecutorial’ Guardian Nobody meant for this to happen. Facebook didn’t mean to facilitate a genocide. Twitter didn’t want to be used to harass women. YouTube never planned to radicalise young men. But with billions of users, these platforms need only tweak their algorithms to generate more ‘engagement’. In so doing, they bring unrest to previously settled communities and erode our relationships. Social warming has happened gradually – as a by-product of our preposterously convenient digital existence. But the gradual deterioration of our attitudes and behaviour on- and offline – this vicious cycle of anger and outrage – is real. And it can be corrected. Here’s how.Trade Review‘Social media was meant to bring us closer together. Instead, it tore us apart. Charles Arthur has written the definitive account of how arrogance and greed got us into this mess, and how we might get out of it. Witty, rigorous, and as urgent as a fire alarm.’ -- Dorian Lynskey‘A guide to how the apps we use every day are hacking our politics, our society, and even who we are. It reads like science fiction, except he’s describing our world – right now.’ -- Ian Dunt‘Coolly prosecutorial’ * Guardian *‘A compelling account of how a handful of social media platforms came to dominate society and how to minimise the damage they cause, because “We can’t uninvent them”.’ * Mirror *‘The rapidity with which social media has come to dominate communications in this country – in less than two decades – has been breathtaking… Arthur helps bring the whole complex issue into greater focus here. He looks at the origins of social media, describing its early promise, and then follows the dangerous paths the phenomenon has been taking in recent years.’ -- Booklist‘Fascinating… As “connected” as we may feel on social media, Social Warming thoroughly shows how detached we’ve all become not just online but in real life too.’ * Porchlight *

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Book Synopsis'Compelling.' Reni Eddo-LodgeA 'must-read book for 2022', as picked by StylistMore than one fifth of children want to become influencers and it's easy to understand why. What if you could escape economic uncertainty by winning the internet's attention? What if you could turn the adoration of your social media followers into a lucrative livelihood?But as Symeon Brown explores in this searing exposé, the reality is much murkier. From IRL streamers in LA to Brazilian butt lifts, from sex workers on OnlyFans to fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes, these are the incredible stories that lurk behind the filtered selfies and gleaming smiles.Exposing the fraud, exploitation, bribery, and dishonesty at the core of the influencer model, Get Rich or Lie Trying asks if our digital rat race is costing us too much. Revealing a broken economy resembling a pyramid scheme, this incredible blend of reportage and analysis will captivate and horrify you in equal measure.Trade ReviewWell-researched, quietly polemic * The Sunday Times *Brown's skill as a reporter - his curiosity about why people do what they do, his conviction that their reasons for doing so are worth exploring, and his ability to faithfully tell their stories - makes his a starkly original inquiry. * Times Literary Supplement *Meticulously researched * New Statesman *A rigorous and riveting deep-dive into the influencer ecosystem - brimming with critical analysis but executed with the lightest touch. * Pandora Sykes *'[A] well-researched polemic... Brown's book is wonderfully expansive... The book's strength is its forensic examination of power and economic structures' * The i *Entertaining * The Economist *Fantastic and one of the first to try and really figure out how a deterioration of material conditions for young people has resulted in a hyper individualistic and cynical influencer economy built on deception * Hussein Kesvani *A welcome balance of curiosity, compassion and intellect * Irish Indepedent *The first serious attempt to expose the hidden darker side of the economy of influencing * Financial Times *A new cutting exposé * Dazed *The modern influencer model starts to feel more like a scam or a pyramid scheme than a system rewarding aspiration and 'hard work'. In his new book, Get Rich or Lie Trying: Ambition and Deceit in the New Influencer Economy, journalist and author Symeon Brown gets to the heart of this murky world * Huck *A compelling read. It had my whole household talking! * Reni Eddo Lodge, bestselling author of Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race *Symeon Brown is one of Britain's foremost thinkers. * Yomi Adegoke, Author of Slay In Your Lane and Vogue Columnist *A monumental and overdue interrogation of the winners and losers of modern influencer and hustle culture. It is rigorously researched and written with both sincerity and a great deal of empathy. * Jason Okundaye, Writer & Columnist *Highly original and thoroughly entertaining. A deliciously well written deep dive into the smoke and mirror filled multi-billion-dollar world of influencer culture and 'business'. * Nels Abbey, author of Think Like A White Man *Symeon is a vital new literary voice. This is essential reading., combining investigative journalism with a deep knowledge of popular culture and astute analysis of late-stage capitalism. * Emma Dabiri, Author of What White People Can Do Next *Doggedly reported and packed with outrageous anecdotes, this is a persuasive argument that 21st-century influencers are nothing more than 19th-century snake oil salesmen reincarnated * Publishers Weekly *Table of Contents1: The Unicorn in Polyester 2: Under the Knife 3: Find Some Fans 4: Smile (or Fight), You're on Camera 5: Work From Home: Ask Me How 6: The Art of the Hack 7: Outsider Trading 8: Black Lives Matter, Here's My Ca$h App 9: We Are All Influencers Now

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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