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Concepts

Aggregation Theory

Aggregation Theory provides a framework to understand the impact of the Internet on nearly all industries.

  • Chase Pay and the Payments Stack, Apple Pay and Opportunity Cost, Applying Aggregation Theory

    There’s another new payments solution coming — Chase Pay. The punchline is easy: it will fail. Why it will fail, though, is interesting, and it shows the opportunities and challenges for Apple Pay specifically and the usefulness of Aggregation Theory.

  • Twitter’s Moment

    Twitter has had a rough stretch, and most are pessimistic about its chances. I was previously, but I think the upside is looking much brighter than it did before this week.

  • Are Ebooks Declining, or Just the Publishers?, Oyster Goes Out of Business, Media Notes

    A follow-up on e-book publishing, and why there is so much dispute about just how many e-books are sold.

  • Disconfirming Ebooks

    Aggregation Theory would seem to argue that ebooks are destined to dominate the publishing industry. However, that is decidedly not happening; understanding why is a powerful tool to make the theory better.

  • Ballmer’s Bad Bundle Economics, Netflix Loses Epix Movie Deal

    The Daily Update is back with a renewed focus on streaming, bundling, and over-the-top offerings. First up is an analysis of Steve Ballmer’s rumored plans to launch an over-the-top network for Clippers games, and more broadly, a discussion about why bundling works. Then, Netflix loses movies, but it’s the content companies that are losing more from…

  • Aggregation and Antitrust, BuzzFeed Makes News, BuzzFeed’s Valuation in Perspective

    The differing approaches to antitrust in the U.S. and Europe could mean completely different outcomes in the long run for aggregation companies. Meanwhile, BuzzFeed has raised a new round and seems to be doing better than ever, which is great news for journalism. Plus, how to think about startup valuations.

  • Aggregation and the New Regulation

    Because of the Internet realities described by Aggregation Theory a smaller number of companies hold an increasing amount of power. However, an increasing focus on market forces reduces the latitude for bad behavior, and the incentives — and means — to hold those companies to account are greater than ever.

  • Why Disney and ESPN Will Be OK

    An increasing number of questions are being raised about the future of the pay-TV bundle, and of ESPN. The former may indeed be doomed, but that doesn’t mean the latter is in as much trouble as people think: after all, Disney is the master of differentiated content.

  • German Automaker Consortium Buys Here Maps, Don’t Dismiss Apple MVNO Rumors

    As expected a consortium of German automakers has acquired Here Maps. It’s hard to see this as anything other than defense of the status quo, particularly against Uber. What, though, will the latter do now? Then, the usual skepticism surround rumors that Apple will launch an MVNO. However, I think that Apple has more leverage than…

  • Facebook’s Impressive Consistency, Yelp’s Employee Problem

    Facebook consistently delivers good results, which is why they get a lot of leeway from investors. Perhaps the latter aren’t as irrational as everyone thinks. Plus, Yelp’s big problem, and why it might affect Twitter.