Hurry Slow or What is Slow Media

The epigraph to this short discussion about the new concept of media resources can be the annoying proverb “quieter you go - you will continue further” or less worn out “hurry slowly”. The thing is that a few months ago the so-called “Slow Media Manifesto” was created and published in Germany. This manifesto served as an impetus for the adoption of a new concept of media, which greatly alarmed Western media.

Water circles also begin to appear in our country, so I’m in a hurry to introduce the Habra community to this topic. Perhaps some of you have already read the Manifesto, and in the original, and if so, I invite you to join the discussion.

So what exactly is Slow Media? This concept is a kind of contrast with the information boom, in which we consume a huge amount of information, most of which is absolutely useless. You can compare the concept of "Slow Media" with "slow food", the antipode of "fast food." Here we see the symbiosis of the “eater” and the “product” in which the “product” is carefully balanced and contains exclusively useful elements, and the “eater” chews it all slowly, trying to assimilate all the useful content.

So, “slow media” allows us not to thoughtlessly consume information, but to carefully select and prepare it. “Slow media”, according to the creators of the concept, are hospitable, friendly and very fond of exchanging information, content.

Let's look at the main points of the “Manifesto”, which proclaims a new type of media resource. After reading all the provisions, let's think about what resources you know fit the concept of "slow media". It is also interesting to know whether, in your opinion, Habr himself fits into this concept?

1. “Slow Media” is a contribution to sustainable development . In this case, sustainability is associated with raw materials, processes and working conditions, which serve as the basis for the production of media products. Neither excessive exploitation nor low salaries, coupled with unlimited commercialization, can serve to create sustainable media. At the same time, sustainable consumption is one of the criteria for Slow Media;

2. Slow Media Promotes Mono-Tasks. This type of media requires the full concentration of users, in this case, the superficial consumption of information is impossible. Like the production of good food, which requires the concentration of all the senses of both the cook and consumers, Slow Media should be perceived by attentive readers.

3. The goal of Slow Media is excellence . This is not perfectionism, but a real desire for continuous improvement of your product. Not necessarily Slow Media should offer something new to the market. More important is improving the reliability of the interface, its availability and convenient functionality.

4. “Slow Media” creates tangible quality. In other words, Slow Media strives to match production, design and content to the highest standards. They differ from “fast media” in a premium interface or aesthetic design.

5. “Slow Media” advocates the concept of “prosumers” . "Prosumers", unlike "consumers", know what they choose, know what and how they want to create and consume. It is Slow Media that is the impetus for the development of new ideas and active actions by prosumers. This allows you to push thoughtless, passive consumers from the media field.

6. Slow Media DiscursiveThey go towards dialogue. They collaborate with competitors who can conduct dialogue. It is very important not only to be able to speak, but also to be able to listen. In this context, “slow” means one who comes forward, thoughtful, one who goes forward, knows how to accept someone else's point of view.

7. “Slow media” - social media . Slow Media gathers communities around itself. The authors of such media are discussing with their audience, such media are actively promoting various points of view.

8. “Slow Media” respect their own readers , treat them friendly and understand the irony that in some cases users show. Slow Media will never impose their own opinions.

9.Slow Media is distributed through recommendations , not through advertising. Slow Media will never “crush” all possible channels.

10. “Slow Media” is timeless . In other words, this type of media is always relevant; these are long-lived resources that have existed for decades. The quality of such media is improving over time.

11. “Slow Media” radiate an aura . Users of such resources feel something special when interacting with Slow Media. Such resources, despite standard production methods, are unique.

12. Slow Media is Progressive, Not Reactionary: “Slow Media” depends on technological advances and on the network structure of society. Despite the acceleration of all spheres of life, Slow Media is deliberately in no hurry, this is the key to survival. Slow Media does not withstand the high speed of various resources, such as Twitter and blogs, they take advantage of them.

13. “Slow Media” is trying to focus on quality , both on production issues and on the perception of content. Mastery of cultural issues, such as sources of criticism, classification and evaluation of information resources, are becoming increasingly important in increasing the level of accessibility of information.

14. Slow media require trust. It is clear that a certain amount of time must pass before Slow Media gets such confidence. Behind Slow Media there are real, real people, and we can feel it.

As you can see, the topic is really very important, it is clear that not only the Western media should be interested in such a concept. Let's try to understand and try to accept this in a discussion?

By the way, if anyone is interested in reading the source, the Manifesto itself, here it is .

What do you think, Khabrovites?