The Very Short List
My friend and Flatiron backed entrepreneur Kurt Andersen is part of a small team of people who have created the Very Short List (aka VSL).
I've been getting the VSL email for a couple months and it's a must read for me every day. Now there is a VSL website too which I actually prefer. They need to get an RSS feed up there for geeks like me who want everything in RSS. But other than that complaint/feedback, I really like VSL.
VSL is a really simple idea executed very well. Five days a week you get a single recommendation for books, movies, music, and other forms of popular culture.
I found out about Jóhann Jóhannsson (Sigur Ros meets Radiohead) from VSL. I found out about Ilf and Petrov’s American Road Trip (Borat 70 years ago) from VSL. I found out about The Interface podcast from VSL. I could go on and on, but I'll spare you.
Just go to VSL and sign up for the daily email. If you like culture (high and low), you'll be glad you did.
i have been getting their emails for the past several weeks.
i fully agree. it is a great service. much better than flavorpill, MUG or others i am subscribed to.
Posted by: avneron | November 21, 2006 at 11:54 AM
I can't believe they don't have an RSS feed!
Posted by: Michael | November 21, 2006 at 12:06 PM
Love it, but I agree, where the RSS feed?
Also, Fred, liked your comments in the December Business 2.0 re: blogs and building business. Good overall view of the value proposition.
Posted by: Paul | November 21, 2006 at 01:30 PM
Thanks Fred! It is refreshing to see a simple, single, recommendation a day, rather than being overwhelmed with numerous underwhelming selections.
(and yes, i'd also like to see rss)
Posted by: Daryn | November 21, 2006 at 02:40 PM
I am not a user if VSL. However, I have the impression that this site works around the lowest common denominator criteria : one size fits all. 1 book will fit everyone's tastes...
it looks definatitely odd to me at a time where personalization and recommandantions are key. And I just can't believe that it is the same Fred Wilson (you know, this unyielding guy who just loves top personalization in the music field) that would be happy to read a book that a "stranger" recommends, based on random criteria, and which is supposed to please to the largest crowd. Enlighten me guys :)
Posted by: flyintiger | November 22, 2006 at 02:47 AM
All you pet lovers will ADORE dailykibble.com
Posted by: VSG | February 06, 2007 at 04:23 PM