John Borthwick shares his journey from a tech-savvy youth to a prominent figure in the New York tech scene. He discusses his early experiences with computers, the transformative impact of the World Wide Web, and the vibrant tech culture of the 90s. Borthwick reflects on his role in creating Total New York, the lessons learned from the AOL acquisition, and the challenges faced during the dot-com bubble burst. He also highlights the rise of social media platforms like Photolog and the evolution of BetaWorks as a hub for innovation, particularly in the AI space. Throughout the discussion, Borthwick emphasizes the importance of creativity, constraints, and the ever-changing landscape of technology.

Chapters:

00:00 The Early Days of Tech and Personal Journey

02:11 Education and Its Impact on Career

05:15 Experiencing the World Wide Web

08:09 The New York Tech Scene in the 90s

11:08 Creative Projects and the Internet

16:01 Total New York: A Local Information Hub

21:40 Lessons in Distribution and Audience Engagement

24:57 The Evolution of Internet Distribution

27:58 AOL: The Internet's First Giant

35:54 The Dot-Com Bubble and Its Aftermath

37:46 Photolog: A Precursor to Social Media

44:56 Navigating Abundance and Constraints in AI

49:37 BetaWorks: A Hub for Founders and Innovation

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