Attack of the Night People
Summary
Tim Harford explores the legacy of radio host Gene Shepard, who pranked listeners by inventing a fake book to expose societal conformity. The episode connects Shepard’s “Night People” to modern internet trolls, analyzing how pranks like the Jenkum hoax reveal cultural biases. Harford argues that while such irreverence challenges authority, the pursuit of “lulz” often lacks compassion, mirroring Shepard’s own narcissistic and unhappy life.
Topics discussed
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Intro: The mystery of the non-existent book 'I, Libertine'
Gene Shepard's unconventional late-night radio career
The 'I, Libertine' prank and its revealing results
Modern trolling: 4chan, Jenkum, and Whitney Phillips
Publishing 'I, Libertine' and Shepard's personal life
The ethics of trolling and the decline of 'Lulz'
Credits and Hollywoodland promo
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