The answer to “What Was Facebook Thinking” may be less about strategy and more about not understanding the type of company Facebook was meant to be. Plus, why regulation probably isn’t imminent.
The Dropbox Comp
Dropbox has filed its S-1, but comparisons with Box, Atlassian, and Slack demonstrate how difficult it is to tell just how good its business is.
More on Chrome and AMP, The Case Against Google, Decentralization and Paradigm Shifts
More on Chrome and AMP, and what The Case Against Google gets wrong about Microsoft. Then, why decentralized networks are aggregator kryptonite.
The Pollyannish Assumption
Moderating user-generated content is hard: it is easier, though, with a realistic understanding that the Internet reflects humanity — it is capable of both good and evil.
The Platform Paradox, Voice Assistants Vulnerable?, Facebook and Russian Ads
Aggregators have value not only because they benefit consumers but also because they enable new businesses. Then, voice assistant vulnerability shows how focusing on the user experience can backfire; Facebook is arguably the best example.
The News Revenue Hub and Donations, Patreon’s Update, How Big is Patreon’s Market?
It might be the case that donations are the best match for local news, but other content creators still need to build a business. Patreon’s new update will help them do it, the only question is how many of them there are.
Faceless Publishers
The missing piece when it comes to the future of media are faceless publishers. Vox Media’s deal with The Ringer shows the way.
Boring Google
Google’s I/O was exactly what you would expect from Google, and that’s a great sign for the company.
Microsoft Build, iTunes on the Windows Store
Satya Nadella sketched a new vision at Microsoft Build, but the company has yet to replace the Windows engine. Then, Microsoft (likely) compromises to get iTunes into the Windows Store.
Apple-WeChat Follow-up, Windows 10 S and the Education Market
Apple was never in a position to respond to WeChat, just as Microsoft couldn’t respond to Google. Then, Chromebooks win in education for more reasons than cost.