I ran in the Hamptons Marathon this past weekend in the pouring rain and driving wind. The bucolic and maritime scenery on the East End was spectacular despite the weather and I managed to post a fairly respectable time of just over four hours.

Along the 26.2 mile course I set about the task of counting FOR SALE signs in varying areas and neighborhoods to get a better understanding of the current housing market in this rarefied territory. A cursory evaluation told me that the larger seasonal dwellings had signs in evidence while those homes with year round residents did not.

Maybe those contractors, landscapers, painters and pool maintenance people are not so bad off after all?

Trends in real estate, lifestyle, art, and fashion are largely expressed through the media. Print media has the power to communicate who we are as a community and culture. It helps guide our perception and influences our methods of marketing. It has the ability to educate consumers and shape ideas.

Jason Binn is the CEO and Founder of Niche Media. In a short 15 years, has made it one of the most prominent and powerful publishing companies in the United States. As such, he is a pioneer that has helped bring thousands of people together.

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