“The grown-up Disney superfan has become a much-mocked phenomenon online. But creating these consumers was always part of the corporation’s plan.”
Search results
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
Featuring notable stories by Bridget Read, Oscar Schwartz, Mosab Abu Toha, Sierra Bellows, and Stuart Heritage.
The Tale of the Early-Round KO of Muhammad Ali’s Champburger
“Ali may have continued to get his free burgers, but he never did get those hundreds of locations.”
Death and the Salesmen
“As the city runs out of burial space, a series of boardroom and legal battles in the booming bereavement industry could determine the future of death in Toronto.”
You Love the Outdoors. So Why Are You Pooping All Over It?
“Millions of Americans a year visit national parks and many leave their business anywhere. Contrary to popular belief, that deluge of poop is not going to decompose.”
Meet the Con Artist Who Deceived the Front Range Tech Community
“It’s true that many of Clark’s actions defy logic. In key ways, he never fit the mold of a classic con man.”
Seth Rogen is the Boss Now
“[T]he forty-two-year-old actor and producer is already one of the most powerful people in show business—even if he won’t admit it.”
The A.I. Romance Factory
“Genre fiction publisher Inkitt has influential backers and a vision for infinitely customizable A.I.-driven content. What would be left for the human creators?”
Why Some People Are Paying to Be Left on a Desert Island—Alone
“Since 2010, Docastaway has sent travelers to deserted islands with no training, no company, and few supplies. And business is booming.”
Days of the Jackal
How Andrew Wylie turned serious literature into big business.

