“Gangnam Style,” the viral hit from Korean pop-star Psy, has replaced Justin Bieber’s “Baby” (really?) as the most watched YouTube video of all time, with some 840 million views and counting. And the lauds and milestones keep coming. Psy also finds himself near the top of the Billboard charts, which according to Jason Diamond at the New Republic, is the real surprising news here.
Up until recently, Billboard didn’t factor YouTube views into its ranking methodology, relying solely on radio plays and paid purchases — but now, in an effort to keep pace with the viral times, Billboard is factoring in “mere listens” too. Some people in the industry aren’t happy about it, but the move makes complete sense. Some would say it’s long overdue. By tracking “listens” on YouTube, Billboard is finally taking heed of the ways people experience music these days.
A COMMON TRAGEDY
Beware the Tiny Daily Decisions That Chip Away at Quality (Advertising Age)
“Can we just change the ad’s headline a bit? Can we just change the copy a tad?” Sound familiar? It’s called justing — and it can be a problem. Even though each change may seem like a minor and insignificant revision, when a once-brilliant idea is covered with the fingerprints of many people seeking to “improve” it, its integrity and impact can suffer, writes Curt Hanke. The piece serves as reminder of how a “tyranny of small decisions” can lead to an unintended negative outcome. Remember: Discipline and rigor are important when making tiny decisions, and they can help us stay true to our ultimate vision.
—Andy O’Connell
BLAME IT ON THE BENJAMINS
Employees Say Scrap The Holiday Party… Sort of (CNN Money)
Work Christmas parties are like ugly sweaters from Mom. Sure, it’s the thought that counts… but why waste the effort? We’d prefer cash instead. In fact, according to a recent Glassdoor survey, 73% of employees would trade the small talk and the bacon-wrapped scallops — free booze, too — for a cash bonus. Just some food for thought. But a note to the powers that be: If cash isn’t a likely option, don’t cancel the party. We’ll make do.
BONUS BITS:
The Superstar Effect
Why the World’s First Billion-Dollar Athlete Is Just a Few Years Away (The Atlantic)
Will the Supreme Court Kill Used Bookstores? (Reason)
Best Business Books of 2012 (Strategy and Business)
This Post was first published in Harvard Business Review
Source:
http://managementnews.ejobhost.com/morning-advantage-how-gangnam-style-changed-billboards-old-school-ways/1815/