January 29 — Cluetrain Manifesto discussion
Week 2 · Thursday
Key takeaways
- The 1999 “Cluetrain Manifesto” was framed as a “95 Theses” for the digital age, challenging corporate communication norms.
- Getting a sense of humor “requires big values, a little humility, straight talk, and a genuine point of view” — not just jokes on a corporate website.
- The “corporate roast” trend on social media (e.g., Wendy’s) is a superficial attempt at humor that fails to meet the manifesto’s standard of genuine humility.
Topics covered
AI-generated slide decks
NotebookLM can create slide decks from lecture transcripts. QR codes don’t work yet, but content is accurate. A useful study tool.
Content distribution
Recordings posted via Canvas Discussions to trigger email notifications (bypasses 50MB file upload limit).
Cluetrain discussion
Focus on thesis #20-22 — companies needing to lighten up and take themselves less seriously. The key distinction: genuine humor requires vulnerability, not a brand voice consultant.
Keyboard shortcut stickers
Given as rewards for strong discussion answers.
Due today
- Academic engagement verification
- Read the Cluetrain Manifesto (25 pts)