Future of podcasting: Open could become locked in [stratechery.com]
A good take although I hope podcasting can remain open, I fear it's on borrowed time.

There are now more Americans working for online-only outlets than newspapers http://nzzl.us/BEX3pRh

Six alternative options for authentication besides usernames and passwords [www.smashingmagazine.com]
A very good idea list.

They're begging you in a way which is not the way to go. Should respect your wishes.

John Oliver's feature on debt buyers is a must-watch [youtu.be]
Should give him an Emmy already.

Midroll's parent Scripps buying Stitcher is bad news [marco.org]
Marco and Gruber are right that this could set precedent in terms of behavioral tracking, ads, etc.

One of my fav websites Longform is redesigning. Good so far but needs polish, which is called a beta for a reason. Try it out here [beta.longform.org]

Edward Snowden tried to inform the NSA on his surveillance concerns before he leaked documents [news.vice.com]
So the Feds lied then. Typical.

Scripps buys Stitcher [www.wsj.com]
5by5 is already pulling their podcasts off of it already so I feel this is bad.

After acquisition by Google, Nest got “virtually unlimited budget”, quadrupled employees, had no new products, caused constant bad PR, and may be for sale now [arstechnica.com]
A very good writeup on the Nest drama which shows there were lots of missed opportunities.