Editing 2096: Mattresses
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
+ | {{incomplete|Created by a Podcast Host. Please mention here why this explanation isn't complete. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}} | ||
− | + | {{w|Podcast}}s are typically audio-only programs available online, either through an RSS feed or a website, which frequently generate income for the hosting service through advertisements. In 2018, many podcasts (or at least many podcasts that Randall listens to) contained ads by {{w|Casper Sleep|Casper}} (a mattress brand), MeUndies (an underwear brand), and {{w|Stamps.com}} (an internet-based mailing/shipping service). | |
− | + | In addition, to reduce the chances that their listeners will skip or fast-forward through ads, ads are often read out by the podcast hosts. They will often include segues and personal anecdotes to further reduce the "topical whiplash" caused by abruptly switching subjects from that of the podcast to an unrelated brand plug, and back. | |
− | In | + | In this comic, Cueball is talking to Ponytail about his mattress in what appears to be just a casual conversation between two people. However, the conversation appears to transition into a typical podcast dialog when Cueball offers to take any questions from listeners, which confuses Ponytail. The subtitle below the comic frame suggests this is due to the number of times he has heard mattress-related reviews during podcasts he has listened to in the past which have nothing to do with mattresses. |
− | The title text | + | The title text references [https://www.fastcompany.com/3065928/sleepopolis-casper-bloggers-lawsuits-underside-of-the-mattress-wars this article] about a mattress review site that makes money through affiliate sales, and its legal battle with a mattress company. It also references the way that podcast hosts will often note when they intentionally or unintentionally endorse a product sponsor in an attempt to remain transparent about their financial supporters. |
==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
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==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
− | The image was originally posted | + | The image was originally posted without a smooth blur between black and white, leading to graphical artifacts. The original image can be seen [https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/images/archive/8/84/20190109163710%21mattresses.png here]. |
{{comic discussion}} | {{comic discussion}} |