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Ben Thompson
Exponent Podcast: Fence-building vs. Axe-wielding
On Exponent, the weekly podcast I host with James Allworth, we discuss Where Warren’s Wrong. Listen to it here.
Spotify Files Antitrust Complaint Against Apple, Spotify and Warren, More Amazon Marketplace Changes
Spotify has filed an antitrust complaint against Apple in Europe, and their complaint shows how Senator Warren’s proposal misses the mark. Then, Amazon doesn’t appear to have market power.
Where Warren’s Wrong Follow-up, Amazon’s Price Parity Provision, The Amazon Marketplace Question
More on Senator Warren’s tech antitrust proposal, why regulatory focus should be on contracts, and why 3rd-parties benefit from Amazon Marketplace.
Where Warren’s Wrong
Senator Warren’s proposal about how to regulate tech is wrong about history, the source of tech giant’s power, and the fundamental nature of technology itself. That doesn’t mean there aren’t real problems — and potential solutions — though.
Airbnb Acquires HotelTonight, Supply Versus Demand, The HotelTonight Proposition
Airbnb has acquired Hotel Tonight, three years too late. The question is whether Airbnb wants to own a subset of the travel market, or the whole thing — and abandon its view of itself.
Exponent Podcast: Mark Zuckerberg’s Projected Self
On Exponent, the weekly podcast I host with James Allworth, we discuss Facebook’s Privacy Cake. Listen to it here.
Facebook’s Privacy Cake
Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement of A Privacy-Focused Vision for Social Networking is not some dramatic pivot: it is a growth opportunity for Facebook and a challenge for regulators.
Zillow Changes CEOs, An Interview with Zillow CEO Rich Barton
Zillow has changed CEOs, which makes sense given the change in the company’s business model. Then, an interview with new CEO and Zillow co-founder Rich Barton.
Lyft’s S-1, Demand > Supply, Lyft Concerns
Lyft’s S-1 is out, confirming some suspicions about the ride-sharing market, and raising questions about others. The big question: can Lyft get leverage on its costs, or is Uber better placed?