The Contraire

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  • A Road Back: In Exile and Out of Exile

    @thecontraire.com on bsky.app

    The Format – Give It Up

    In 2018, I did something drastic. I wiped myself off social media — deactivated my accounts and walked away. For someone who had devoted years to online marketing and social media, constantly engaging, posting, and tracking metrics, it was a weirdly abrupt change at a time when others had just started picking up TikTok and video feed engagement. But, I had hit a breaking point.

    Bayside – Already Gone

    Those years were a mess. My marriage of four years ended unexpectedly, my work situation was shaky, my finances were questionable, and the political climate felt like an unrelenting firestorm. Everything I believed in suddenly felt like a lie. I was exhausted, disillusioned, and completely over the endless noise of online life. So, I logged out.

    Westside Boogie (Feat. Eminem) – Rainy Days

    At first, it was just about surviving. I wasn’t trying to reinvent myself — I just needed everything to be quiet. No scrolling, no reactions, no newsfeed pulling me into debates I didn’t have the energy for. But the quiet became addictive. Without the constant stream of opinions and updates, I had space to think for myself. And that’s when the real journey started.

    The Wonder Years – Passing Through a Screen Door

    I became obsessed with rebuilding my worldview from scratch. If everything I believed before had fallen apart, then I needed to start over with a better foundation — ideas I could actually trust. So, I threw myself into books, philosophy, history, economics — anything that could help me piece things back together in a way that made sense.

    P.O.S. – P.O.S. Is Ruining My Life

    I read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, Tao Te Ching, On Liberty, The Conquest of Happiness, Thus Spoke Zarathustra, East of Eden, and Walden, among others — works about self-reliance, resilience, and questioning everything. But I wasn’t just stuck in the past. I dove into modern thinkers too — books like Tribe (Junger), Bowling Alone, Our Kids, Extreme Ownership, The Tipping Point, Determined (Sapolsky), Red Notice, and Nomadland reshaped how I thought about society, leadership, and human behavior.

    Blondshell – Dangerous

    At the same time, I was absorbing daily podcasts like Philosophize This!, Marketplace, The Gray Area, Hidden Brain, and The Ezra Klein Show. I wasn’t talking to anyone about this stuff — no Reddit, no Discord, no debates. Just me, a bunch of books, and way too much time to think, alone. But in the end, I needed it. I needed to hear everything without feeling the urge to react immediately, without letting an algorithm decide what was worth my attention.

    The Format – I’m Actual

    And yeah, I won’t sugarcoat it… the years were lonely. Isolation is a double-edged sword. It gives you clarity, but it also makes you hyper-aware of how disconnected you are. There were days when I felt completely lost, like I had erased myself from the world without a plan for how to return. Depression hit hard. But eventually, things started to shift, thanks largely to support from family and close friends.

    “He who teaches himself has a fool for a master.” —Seneca

    American Football (Feat. Hayley Williams) – Uncomfortably Numb

    One of my closest friends offered me an unbelievable deal on rent to move back to California, bringing me closer to my personal network. I started running again, playing basketball. Reconnecting with my gamer roots during the COVID years through late-night 5v5 Flex LoL matches provided an unexpected, meaningful escape during isolation. Additionally, countless hours spent strategizing over games like Teamfight Tactics, Civilization VI, and GM Modes in NBA 2K and MLB The Show unexpectedly laid a foundation for strategic thinking and planning, which I now realize have genuine value in business and real-life scenarios.

    The Wonder Years – Junebug

    A lot has changed in the last 7-8 years. I’ve moved from Las Vegas, to Corona, to Montebello, and now — I’m preparing to return to Orange County. After re-entering the dating scene, I fell in love again in 2021 and remarried just last year.

    Maybe it was the right mix of timing, mental clarity, and — let’s be honest, a little bit of pharmaceutical help. But for the first time in a long while, I feel like stepping forward instead of just standing still. I’m ready to talk again, to engage, but in a way that actually means something. Not for engagement metrics or algorithms, but because I have something real to say, and something tangible to offer this year. Just wait for what’s coming.

    “Love is to be valued because it enhances all the best pleasures… A man who has never enjoyed beautiful things in the company of a woman whom he loved has not experienced to the full magic power of which some things are capable.” – Bertrand Russell, The Conquest of Happiness

    P.O.S. – Gravedigger

    So, here I am, back in the online world, but on my own terms. I don’t care about likes or followers. I don’t care about outrage cycles or doomscrolling. What I do care about is discussing real ideas — economics, philosophy, government, business, investing, technology, and my first true love, music — things that actually shape the world and can be changed for the better. I want to connect with people who have been through the same thing, who’ve stepped away, rethought everything, and come back with something new to offer.

    fun. – Take Your Time (Coming Home)

    I’ve probably spent less than 15 total minutes immersed in video feed algorithms over the last seven years. I don’t mean that as a brag — I’m just trying to accurately convey the divergence in how we’ve likely been living our digital lives. While many have embraced the rapid-fire pace of endless short-form content, I chose a quieter, slower path, focusing on rebuilding my foundation through books, podcasts, and thoughtful silence. I’m hopeful this contrasting experience can lead to conversations that are meaningful and different from what you typically find in your feed.

    🎶 I don’t know who you are, where you’ve been, or what you’ve done—as long as you love me. 🎶 Wait… where were we? Nevermind… The point is — I do finally know who I am.

    “To live each day as if it were your last, without speeding up or slowing down or pretending to be other than what you are — this is perfection of character.” —Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

    Paramore – Born for This

    If any of this resonates with you — if you’ve ever felt the need to unplug, rewire, and rebuild — I’d like to hear your story.

    What books, ideas, or experiences reshaped the way you think? Let’s talk.

    It’s nice to meet you. I’m Derek.

    “Back then, I was nobody. Today, I am no one—And I’ve grown enough in the in-between time to understand the difference.” —Derek S, @thecontraire.com

  • From Long-Tail Theory to Community Revival: The Evolution of Culture and Commerce

    From Long-Tail Theory to Community Revival: The Evolution of Culture and Commerce

    The Contraire

    By: @thecontraire.bsky.social / A Road Back: In Exile and Out of Exile

    Sunday, April 6, 2025

    Introduction

    The following is my personal theory as to how and why certain societal, economic, or behavioral changes may have taken place within American culture (with cascading effects downstream).

    This is based solely on my own intuition, interests, and personal experience or expertise in fields related, but not limited to: data analysis, online marketing, retail sales, SMB consulting, and entrepreneurship.

    I’ve done little-to-no research outside of the direct hyperlinks in the article (and what I can remember). I would welcome any further deep dives into the subject matter from more experienced academics than myself.

    The Pre-Internet Era (pre-1995)

    Underlying Theory

    In the pre-internet era, pop culture was simple: everyone listened to The Beatles, watched the same TV shows, and consumed broadly identical information. The options were limited, and the market was dominated by a few giant conglomerates. In general, worldwide media and business decision-making funneled through a small number of editors, businessmen, and kingmakers—the ultimate gatekeepers of culture.

    Gatekeepers

    These were the individuals who controlled the flow of culture—deciding who got on air, which artists received contracts, and what stories reached the public. Many may have built distinguished careers and contributed meaningfully to the industries they shaped.

    But their success belies a deeper truth: for much of the 20th century, the power to define public taste and legitimacy was concentrated in the hands of a select few—exclusively men.

    William S. Paley – Chief Executive of CBS, shaped what America watched and heard

    Fred Silverman – Head of programming for ABC, CBS, & NBC—TV’s invisible kingmaker

    Berry Gordy – Founder of Motown, often curated the sound and image of Black artists

    Clive Davis – Music mogul who helped launch countless stars

    David Geffen – Music & film executive; major behind-the-scenes force

    Hugh Hefner – Curated a full cultural aesthetic and intellectual posture via Playboy

    A GIF of Jason Segel's character from Forgetting Sarah Marshall enacting Gandalf's "You Shall Not Pass!"

    Personalities & Talking Heads

    The recognizable faces and voices who delivered culture, news, or entertainment to the masses—but didn’t always control what got through. These individuals were selected by the gatekeepers as messengers for the news and culture of American society.

    From a capitalist, profit-seeking perspective, it would make the most sense for gatekeepers to select personalities that would be amicable and inviting to the largest swaths of the American population. More viewers = more advertising dollars; and, there isn’t much competition at this time, right?

    Walter Cronkite – CBS news anchor, “most trusted man in America”

    Johnny Carson – The Tonight Show, kingmaker for comedians and cultural figures

    Ed Sullivan – Variety show host who introduced The Beatles, Elvis, etc.

    Dick Clark – American Bandstand host, pop music tastemaker

    Oprah Winfrey – Talk show host and the face of daytime TV in the late pre-internet era.

    Barbara Walters – Iconic interviewer, influential in broadcast journalism

    Decision-Makers

    Other power players and executives who set strategy, financed influence, and dictated the structural flow of media and business.

    David Sarnoff – RCA/NBC founder, built broadcast empire

    Ted Turner – Created CNN, redefined cable news and 24-hour media

    Rupert Murdoch – Media empire builder, shaped direction of outlets across continents

    Jack Welch – CEO of GE (NBC parent), pioneered corporate media consolidation

    Sumner Redstone – Controlled Viacom & CBS, influential in shaping modern cable TV

    Lew Wasserman – Hollywood “super-agent” and studio head, linked business and politics

    Summary & Company Conglomerates

    Behind many of these individuals stood vast corporate empires. Whether in media, music, or consumer goods, a small handful of conglomerates quietly owned the networks, studios, record labels, publishers, and distribution channels that shaped public consciousness. These companies weren’t just gatekeepers—they were the gates.

    Core Era Theory: In the pre-internet world, access to mass culture flowed through centralized pipelines controlled by those with the capital and reach to dominate markets. For decades, the cultural conversation was limited not just by what individuals thought—but by what major corporations allowed to be seen, heard, or sold.

    Then, things started to change.

    “Delve into what motivates and governs them, and you will expose the critics you fear and see what poor critics they are of themselves.”
    —Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

    The Dot-com Era (late 90s-early 00s)

    Underlying Theory

    The Dot-com era was characterized by rapid growth of internet-based companies in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It epitomized expanded choice, widespread cultural exchange, innovation, and new opportunities.

    Suddenly, the average person was capable of breaking through without the approval of a gatekeeper. A plethora of choice began to reshape the cultural landscape of human life forever—the world now had a decentralized environment that couldn’t be controlled by the corporate conglomerates of the past (at least, for a time).

    Then came Napster (I’ll get to it), Amazon, eBay, Paypal, Netflix, Google, and Salesforce—some of today’s most consequential companies, all created within an approximate five-year period (1994-1999).

    It was the result of widespread internet access expanding into American households. Was it predictable? I bet it’s a lot easier to say ‘yes’, in hindsight.

    This phenomenon, known as the long-tail theory, showed how technology allowed niche tastes to flourish, transforming mass culture into an intricate tapestry of diverse, personalized experiences.

    It’s my belief that long-tail theory was among the most prevalent in music tastes (enabled by Napster) during this era—and later retracted during the Social Media Era (covered in the next section).

    Although it ultimately led to a market correction (the dot-com bubble famously burst), its lasting impact was undeniable. The digital revolution permanently altered the trajectory of global culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship; and that’s what often gets overlooked when people simplify the time-period to only the economic “bubble” or “crash”.

    Core Era Theory: It’s my argument that long-tail diversification, across all aspects of American society and economics is what allows Americans, its culture, and ultimately its people the ability to recognize new perspectives, evolve into better Pokémon (am I allowed to say that? probably, right?), and experience growth over time. It makes us stronger.

    That’s just my opinion. Don’t attack me for it, please?

    The Social Media Era (2005-2025)

    Underlying Theory

    Then, something unexpected happened. Social media platforms emerged, bringing with them unprecedented opportunities for human connection—but also for commercial exploitation.

    It wasn’t all bad, at the beginning. In fact, it was pretty fucking good. I genuinely believe that the mission to connect people, in a meaningful way, was likely authentic and well-intentioned.

    It would be difficult to argue that anyone at the earliest platforms like MySpace, Tumblr, Xanga (remember?), or even Facebook would have had profit on their mind. The majority of the most successful start-ups never do, at first.

    “Are you ready for it? “

    Core Era Theory: I believe a retraction of the long-tail theory began to unfold as social media matured—possibly erroneously referred to, by some, as ‘debunked’.

    Ironically, I believe this shift happened soon after parents (and their peers) began joining younger users on popular platforms like Facebook. For many millennial users, the psychological effects of having one’s parents join them on social media may have stifled free expression and forced them into the beginning of private groups, communication silos, and ultimately—echo chambers.

    These hidden enclaves gradually intensified polarization and unknowingly metastasized into societal divisions, amplified further by aggressive commercialization and advertising tactics designed to monetize user attention.

    From there, it only got worse.

    A Conclusion? A Revelation? Call it what you want.

    If you’re familiar with my story, you know that I took a 5+ year break from social media. I noticed a drastic change in the algorithm-based feeds on Facebook, X, and Instagram between the time I had deactivated and 2025—when I briefly returned. Let me explain.

    Have you noticed? Most of your feed is sponsored content, brands, advertising, and commercialized content that has paid for your attention?

    If I want to find posts of my friends, I mostly have to search for them. When did the feed become wholly dominated by advertising, with friends and family posts few and far between?

    I know it didn’t happen overnight, everyone would have seen it—but I think you know what I’m getting at.

    Who’s responsible? They are. Because they knew what they were doing the whole time. They spent millions of dollars on user research, grouping, market segmentations, A/B split testing, and more; all in the pursuit of higher profits and a better bottom-line.

    Who has the power to stop them? Only we do. The platform’s users—by refusing to participate and engage.

    Rolling Stone: Social Media Must Move Beyond a Broken Ad Revenue Business Model

    “How did you go bankrupt?” Bill asked.
    “Two ways,” Mike said. “Gradually and then suddenly.”
    —Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises

    The Post-Social Era

    And yet, we’re waking up.

    I believe that America is a nation full of individuals that have been broken, bruised, and battered—in some way or another—over the last two decades.

    It’s likely that no one you know has been immune, unless you’re one of the billionaires reading this (not likely).

    People are beginning to realize a crucial truth: money, beyond a certain point, isn’t the pathway to genuine fulfillment.

    Sure, everyone needs a baseline level of financial stability, but real happiness and resilience in tough times don’t come from padding bank accounts—they come from strong, vibrant communities.

    Ask yourself: Would you rather have an extra thousand dollars in savings or know you have close friends willing to offer you their couch in any city?

    Today, a shift is underway. People are pulling away from billionaire-driven conglomerates—stepping back from platforms like Facebook and X, and giant marketplaces like Amazon and Home Depot. Consumers are rediscovering the value of local businesses, community connections, and mutual support networks.

    It’s time we consciously redirect our resources. Instead of inadvertently funding practices and perspectives we fundamentally disagree with, let’s invest in our neighbors, our friends, and the communities we cherish. Because ultimately, the future isn’t just digital or financial—it’s deeply human.

    At TheContraire, we say: invest in your community first.

    “Men exist for the sake of one another. Teach them to be better or put up with them.”
    — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

  • The Contraire: March 30

    The Contraire: March 30

    By: @thecontraire.bsky.social / A Road Back: In Exile and Out of Exile

    Sunday, March 30, 2025

    Here’s a snapshot of the weekend’s key developments and a look ahead at the major events shaping the political and economic landscape.

    “It is the nature of a man as he grows older, a small bridge in time, to protest against change, particularly change for the better. But it is true that we have exchanged corpulence for starvation, and either one will kill us. The lines of change are down. We, or at least I, can have no conception of human life and human thought in a hundred years or fifty years. Perhaps my greatest wisdom is the knowledge that I do not know. The sad ones are those who waste their energy in trying to hold it back, for they can only feel bitterness in loss and no joy in gain.” —John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America

    Weekend Recap

    A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar …

    on March 28, 2025, resulting in over 1,600 fatalities and more than 3,400 injuries. The quake caused widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and severely damaging infrastructure. The military government has declared a state of emergency and is seeking international assistance. Neighboring countries have begun dispatching aid and rescue teams to support relief efforts. The situation remains dire.​

    If you can, consider supporting with a donation to one of the following:

    Prayers up for Myanmar quake victims and their loved ones. Desperate search for survivors in Myanmar as death toll surges past 1,600www.cnn.com/world/live-n…

    — Mia Farrow 🇺🇦🇨🇦🇪🇺🏳️‍⚧️ DEI (@miafarrow.bsky.social) 2025-03-29T21:03:31.452Z

    U.S. Auto Tariffs Announced

    President Trump declared the implementation of a 25% tariff on all foreign-made vehicles starting April 3. The President stated he “couldn’t care less” about potential price increases on imported cars, claiming that higher prices would boost American car sales. Analysts predict vehicle prices may rise 11-12% to cover tariff costs. ​

    Global Protests Against Elon Musk

    Demonstrators targeted Tesla showrooms worldwide, including locations in Australia, Switzerland, and the U.S. The protests aimed to financially impact Tesla in response to Elon Musk’s involvement in President Trump’s “department of government efficiency,” which has been associated with significant federal budget cuts and layoffs.

    The Week Ahead: What to Watch

    Wisconsin Supreme Court Election (April 1)

    On Tuesday, Wisconsin voters will head to the polls to elect a new justice to the state’s Supreme Court. This election is particularly significant as it could shift the court’s ideological balance, potentially influencing decisions on key issues such as voting rights, redistricting, and state policies. The outcome may have far-reaching implications for Wisconsin’s legal landscape.

    Not satisfied with purchasing a Presidential Election to become co-President, Sissy SpaceX now wants to buy himself a Supreme Court judge in Wisconsin.You can end his shopping spree, Wisconsinites! 🚫 💰#VoteForJudgeSusanCrawford 🗳️ ✅ 👍This is super important.

    — Mark Hamill (@markhamillofficial.bsky.social) 2025-03-28T21:00:53.703Z

    ‘Liberation Day’ and the Onset of New Tariffs (April 2)

    President Trump has designated April 2 as “Liberation Day,” marking the commencement of new tariffs aimed at addressing trade imbalances. These include a 25% levy on imported vehicles and parts, with the administration suggesting some flexibility for negotiation if other nations offer valuable concessions. The tariffs are expected to impact various sectors and may lead to increased prices for consumers.

    Economic Indicators and Market Responses

    Throughout the week, investors and analysts will closely monitor economic reports, including the U.S. employment report for March, to assess the health of the economy amid the implementation of new tariffs. The tariffs’ impact on markets remains uncertain, with potential volatility as details unfold.

    A Call to Digital Mindfulness

    Reimagining Liberation Day

    In light of the upcoming “Liberation Day,” it’s worth considering a different form of liberation—one that involves taking a step back from the pervasive influence of social media platforms like X and Facebook. The digital landscape has become increasingly dominated by algorithms designed to capture attention, often at the expense of mental well-being and authentic engagement.

    As someone who has experienced the transformative effects of disconnecting from these platforms, I invite you to explore alternatives that prioritize meaningful interaction and community involvement. Platforms like Bluesky (bsky.app) offer a decentralized approach to social networking, aiming to return control to users and foster genuine connections.

    Taking a hiatus from mainstream social media, even temporarily, can provide clarity and an opportunity to reassess the role these platforms play in our lives. Engaging in local community activities, pursuing hobbies, or simply enjoying the offline world can be liberating in its own right.

    Join the Conversation

    If you’ve ever felt the need to unplug, rewire, and rebuild your relationship with technology and social media, I’d love to hear your story.

    What steps have you taken to find balance in the age of social media and doomscrolling—or, are you just beginning your journey?

    Let’s discuss and explore ways to cultivate a healthier, more intentional online presence.

    Talk to you again soon.

    —Derek S., @thecontraire.bsky.social

    For The Music Lovers

    Monday Playlist | 31 March 2025
    Tuesday Playlist | 1 April 2025
    Wednesday Playlist | 2 April 2025