Old-Dutch there’s so much bollocks in that article it’s difficult to know where to begin, but I also found this part very amusing:
“The shows put out by Brand give his fans the chance to imagine themselves part of his circle. It is a byproduct of social media that sociologists are watching with interest and which can function almost like a traditional cult. A leader draws viewers in with the lure of promised intimacy, or at least of a sense of “community”, which coincidentally is the name of the “wellness” festival that Brand stages in the countryside each year.”.
Meanwhile… at the Guardian you can pay to become a “Patron”, where:
“By becoming a Guardian Patron, you can receive exclusive access to our work. Guardian Patrons are a close community of supporters who are invited to enjoy unique back-stage access to the Guardian’s journalism, history and future. They are invited to Patron-only events, with the opportunity to meet and discuss the issues of the day with our journalists”.
Sounds like the Guardian is also painting itself as functioning “almost like a traditional cult”.
https://amp.theguardian.com/membership/2018/aug/07/support-the-guardian-how-to-make-the-most
