Stratechery merchandise is now available. Then, the New York Times blockbuster story on Facebook, and how the company has misplayed its hand. Plus, why the real problem is employee morale.
Spotify and the Labels, Labels and Aggregation, Newspapers and Texture
Spotify and the labels are at odds, largely because the latter don’t understand their competitive environment. Then, Apple is trying to build the news bundle.
Morris Chang Retires; Apple, Microsoft, Facebook Follow-Up; Who Gets to Be on the Steam Store?
Morris Change, the founder of TSMC, is one of the most important tech figures in history. Then, follow-up on Microsoft-GitHub, Apple and the App Store, and Facebook and the New York Times. Plus, why Valve is getting platform control right.
Gatekeepers Follow-Up, Hollywood and Venture Capital, The New York Times versus Tech
The removal of Gatekeepers should not drive the demand for new ones; then, why venture capital has a lot in common with Hollywood, which should serve as a warning. Finally, a reminder, courtesy of the New York Times, of why the Fake News campaign is dangerous.
Goodbye Gatekeepers
Harvey Weinstein was a gate-keeper — a position that existed in multiple industries, including the media. That entire structure, though, is untenable on the Internet, and that’s a good thing.
Facebook’s Earnings, Advertisers Won’t Save Local News, Bret Stephens and the NYT Business Model
Facebook’s earnings show that the company’s ads are differentiated. Then, advertisers won’t save local news, and a reminder that publications need to match their journalism with their business model.
The New York Times Versus Uber, Uber Versus Apple, Apple Versus Tencent
The New York Times has a story about Uber and Apple that had a fundamental flaw and lacked context; then, Apple won this round against Tencent, but this is a battle to watch
The Great Unbundling Follow-Up, Netflix’s Earnings, The New York Times 2020 Report
The current TV model is exceptionally strong, but its weaknesses are correlated. Then, Netflix continues to demonstrate the power of Aggregation Theory, and the New York Times impresses with its focus on the business side of journalism.
AT&T-Time Warner Followup, The New York Times Acquires The Wirecutter, Microsoft’s Earnings
Follow up on AT&T’s acquisition of Time Warner, including why AT&T is different than Time Warner Cable and my problems with zero rating. Then, the New York Times bought The Wirecutter, and Microsoft had great earnings (as expected)
In Defense of The New York Times
Amazon and The New York Times had a fascinating exchange this week, on Medium of all places. What that exchange represents — the search for truth, now open to anyone — is far more important than the particular article in question.