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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Hit Makers summary
Derek Thompson
The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction
19 mins
Brief summary
Hit Makers by Derek Thompson explores how ideas become popular, delving into the science of creation, shows how culture evolves, and the mechanics of hitting the mass market to make things go viral.
Table of Contents
Hit Makers
Summary of 8 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 8
Popularity is about exposure, not quality.
Meandering through an art gallery or museum, you might assume that you’re seeing the cream of the crop when it comes to works of fine art. But the reality is that things become popular for plenty of reasons besides their actual quality.
Just take the paintings of Claude Monet. Many of them, like The Japanese Footbridge, depict ponds filled with colorful water lilies. These water lily paintings are world famous, with museumgoers forming small crowds around them just to catch a glimpse.
Now compare this popularity to that of another impressionist painter, Gustave Caillebotte. The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. held a special exhibition of his paintings, in which the gallery described him as a relatively unknown French impressionist.
This description was accurate, since few people had heard of him. But despite this lack of name recognition, Caillebotte’s work is incredible. His paintings depict nineteenth-century Paris in an exquisitely delicate impressionistic style. In his own time, around 1876, he was seen as one of the most innovative impressionists around.
In other words, Caillebotte’s work was at least on par with Monet’s, but Monet became famous while Caillebotte remains obscure. Why?
Simply put, it’s because of exposure to an audience, which is a fundamental ingredient in popularity.
In addition to being an artist, Caillebotte was himself an art collector who was fond of the work of his impressionist friends. Three years after his death in 1894, some of the paintings in his collection were displayed in the first large exhibit of impressionist work at the Musée du Luxembourg.
Among them were several paintings by Monet, Degas and five other impressionists, but none of Caillebotte’s own works. As a result, the seven impressionists chosen for the exhibit rose to recognition and remain famous to this day, just because they were thrust into the spotlight at the right moment.
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What is Hit Makers about?
Hit Makers (2017) looks into the cultural phenomena of popularity and fashion, as well as the science behind them. These blinks offer an up-close examination of why some products, songs and works of art take off, while others fade into the past.
Hit Makers Review
Hit Makers (2017) explores the science and art of creating popular culture phenomena, from blockbuster movies to viral videos. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- With its meticulous research and analysis, it uncovers the underlying patterns and principles that transform ordinary ideas into global sensations.
- By examining influential hits across various industries, it reveals the common factors that contribute to their success, offering valuable insights for creators and marketers.
- The book challenges common assumptions and highlights the often surprising and unpredictable nature of cultural trends, keeping readers engaged in its exploration of what makes things popular.
Best quote from Hit Makers
Studying the patches of Monet and the brushstrokes of Caillebotte wont tell you why one is famous and the other is not.
—Derek Thompson
Who should read Hit Makers?
- Marketers, advertisers and business people everywhere
- Pop culture nerds
- Artists, producers and agents
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Book summaries like Hit Makers
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Hit Makers FAQs
What is the main message of Hit Makers?
The main message of Hit Makers is that success is not merely about quality, but also about understanding how ideas spread.
How long does it take to read Hit Makers?
The reading time for Hit Makers varies depending on the reader. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Hit Makers a good book? Is it worth reading?
Hit Makers is a fascinating read for anyone curious about what makes certain ideas or products popular. It provides insights into the science behind cultural hits.
Who is the author of Hit Makers?
The author of Hit Makers is Derek Thompson.
What to read after Hit Makers?
If you're wondering what to read next after Hit Makers, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Search Inside Yourself by Chade-Meng Tan
- Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven
- All You Have to Do Is Ask by Wayne Baker
- Don't Overthink It by Anne Bogel
- The 11 Laws of Likability by Michelle Tillis Lederman
- Material World by Ed Conway
- Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari