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It did not take long after the rise of the commercial…

“It did not take long after the rise of the commercial printing press before someone figured out that erotic novels were a good idea. ... It took people another 150 years to even think of the scientific journal.” quote by Clay Shirky
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“It did not take long after the rise of the commercial printing press before someone figured out that erotic novels were a good idea. ... It took people another 150 years to even think of the scientific journal.”

Clay Shirky

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The printing press enabled cheap erotic novels quickly, but scientific journals lagged centuries later.

In simple terms: Erotic novels appeared before scientific journals.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how market demand shapes early publishing.

Themes

innovation media culture economics

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

observational historical

When to use this quote

  • book publishing
  • academic publishing
  • media studies

Key Concepts

publishing market dynamics information diffusion

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does profit motive affect knowledge dissemination?
  • What drives early adoption of new media?
A Different Perspective

Commercial success may prioritize sensational content over scholarly work.

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