Substack is at the center of media controversy, most of which misses the point that sovereign writers — not Substack — are in control.
Google Goes to 15%, Taxes and Monopolies, The CAID
Google reduces App Store fees to 15%; its approach makes more sense than Apple’s, because it acts like the tax it is. Plus, Chinese companies skirt Apple’s rules.
Roblox vs. Second Life (and Minecraft), The Creativity Era, Roblox’s Business
More on what makes Roblox unique, and why App Store fees are ever more difficult to justify.
Twitter’s Analyst Day, The Interest Graph, Super Follows
Super Follows made the news, but Twitter’s Analyst Day was interesting for more reasons than that.
Facebook’s Earnings, Zuckerberg vs. Cook, Apple and Facebook Parallels
Zooming in on Facebook’s earnings, and zooming out on the unfolding fight between Apple and Facebook and their chief executives.
Intel Problems
Intel is in much more danger than its profits suggest; the problems are a long time in the making, and the solution is to split up the company.
More on the App Store, Hard Mode Follow-Up, Airbnb’s Complicated Costs
Apple’s App Store changes are genuinely a good deal for small publishers, and make me feel more favorable about the entire business. Then, Airbnb’s costs, particularly marketing, are too hard to understand.
Disney and Integrators Versus Aggregators
Disney’s reorganization reinforces their integrated strategy; there is a lot to learn for anyone competing with Aggregators.
IBM Splits, IBM Skepticism, IBM and Antitrust
IBM is splitting itself up, and while it makes sense, it is an admission of failure. It’s also a lesson for regulators.
More Facebook Leaks, The Problem With Groups, The Substack Moment
More Facebook leaks, which show both the upside and downside of Mark Zuckerberg’s control; then, Substack is gaining famous writers, but its success will rest with whoever is next.