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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Conspiracy summary
Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker, and the Anatomy of Intrigue
17 mins
Brief summary
'CONSPIRACY' by Ryan Holiday, based on the story of Peter Thiel vs. Gawker Media, explores the dark side of media and the power of revenge, highlighting how one person can bring down a giant.
Table of Contents
Conspiracy
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Key idea 1 of 6
In 2007, Peter Thiel believed Gawker Media had invaded his privacy.
“The beginnings of all things are small,” the Roman politician Cicero once said. So it was with the conspiracy at the heart of this story. That small beginning was a blog post published by a gossip website in 2007, which outed a tech investor named Peter Thiel as gay. Just 400 words long, this post is the genesis of a conspiracy that cost millions of dollars and lasted over nine years.
To understand why this post was so significant, we must first learn a little more about both its subject, Peter Thiel, and its publisher, Gawker Media.
Let’s take a look at Peter Thiel first.
In 2007, Thiel was already a wildly successful entrepreneur. Having made his fortune as a founder of the online payments system PayPal, Thiel had also gained recognition as Facebook’s first major investor. Despite coming out to his friends, family and colleagues, Thiel was still discreet about his sexuality in 2007, preferring to keep it a somewhat open secret in Silicon Valley. Indeed, when it came to any aspect of his personal life, Thiel was intensely private.
Now let’s examine the website that published the blog post. This website was called Valleywag. Though it was billed as a tech-news site, Valleywag took its editorial direction from its parent company, the notorious gossip website, Gawker.
Both the Gawker and Valleywag websites were owned by an Englishman named Nick Denton.
Denton’s background may have been in the tech industry, but his true interests were secrets and gossip. Specifically, exposing other people’s secrets via his websites, in the name of entertainment and transparency.
Whose secrets? Particularly those of the rich, powerful or famous. Using an army of young, hungry writers with a gift for witty yet contemptuous writing, Denton encouraged his bloggers to expose and ridicule public people and institutions they felt were hypocritical or hiding something. And audiences loved it. By 2005, Gawker and Denton’s other websites were making $120,000 in monthly advertising revenues. By 2012, Gawker’s revenues were close to $40 million.
However, for all Nick Denton’s media savvy, he gossiped about the wrong person on that day in 2007.
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What is Conspiracy about?
Conspiracy (2017) reveals the incredible true story behind the downfall of one of America’s most controversial media outlets. The author explores the motivations and machinations of billionaire Peter Thiel, who conspired against Gawker Media, and details the dramatic courtroom trial that saw wrestler Hulk Hogan win millions in damages against the world’s most notorious gossip website.
Conspiracy Review
Conspiracy (2018) by Ryan Holiday is a captivating exploration of the dark side of media manipulation and how reputations are destroyed. Here's why this book is a must-read:
- It uncovers the hidden tactics employed by powerful figures to control public opinion, revealing the startling truth behind media narratives.
- With thought-provoking insights and real-life case studies, it sheds light on the intricate web of deceit and cunning strategies used to manipulate reality.
- The book offers a gripping account of the hidden forces at play in the world of public relations, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth.
Who should read Conspiracy?
- Anyone interested in current affairs
- Media buffs interested in journalism
- Business students wanting strategy tips
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Conspiracy FAQs
What is the main message of Conspiracy?
The main message of Conspiracy is that manipulative power players can create powerful narratives to control public opinion.
How long does it take to read Conspiracy?
The reading time for Conspiracy varies depending on the reader's speed but typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.
Is Conspiracy a good book? Is it worth reading?
Conspiracy is worth reading as it provides valuable insights into how conspiracy theories and propaganda shape our society today.
Who is the author of Conspiracy?
The author of Conspiracy is Ryan Holiday.
What to read after Conspiracy?
If you're wondering what to read next after Conspiracy, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Perennial Seller by Ryan Holiday
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The Contrarian by Max Chafkin
- Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday
- Artificial Intelligence & Generative AI for Beginners by David M. Patel
- The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma
- Zero to One by Peter Thiel with Blake Masters
- The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman
- 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do by Amy Morin
- The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts by Kimberly Snyder